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A turkey vulture (buzzard) was spotted a little before 10:00am along Big Creek Parkway in Ward 1 between Pinegrove Ave. and West Moreland. Passing motorists slowed to look at the big bird as it pecked at a raccoon presumably killed by traffic on the parkway this morning. It was something to witness when it took flight, having a wingspan between  five and six feet. No need to lock your Chihuahuas up – the turkey vulture feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It is a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. 

Participants enjoying pierogies.

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Lace up your shoes for the Third Annual American Cancer Society Parma Area Relay for Life 5K Run/Walk for the Pierogies. The 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk will take place at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus, 11000 West Pleasant Valley Road on Saturday, July 6 at 8:30 am. This year’s race/walk is sponsored by Parma Community General Hospital, Cuyahoga Community College, Vertical Runner of Brecksville, the Shoppes at Parma, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Parma City Council President Sean Brennan. All participants will be treated with post run/walk pierogies courtesy of Parma’s own Little Polish Diner and Krakow Deli. The top three males and females in several age categories will receive a peirogie necklace award. A golden pierogie necklace will be awarded to the top overall male and female. T-shirts, snacks, drinks, awards and door prizes will also be provided. Pre-registration is $20 ($10 for children 11 and under), while race day registration will be $25. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration can be completed online at www.hermescleveland.com or call (440) 884-0489 or e-mail councilmanbrennan@sbcglobal.net for a registration form and with questions. Sponsorships are still available.

Pleasant Lake Villa has been named one of the country’s “Best Nursing Homes” by U.S. News & World Report, one of only 3,000 facilities nationwide to earn the highest ranking of five stars. Every year, U.S. News compiles extensive data on 16,000 nursing homes across the country to find best performers in the areas of safety, health inspection, staffing and quality measures.

Parma Hts. Mayor Michael Byrne addressing audience at Memorial Day Services on May 27. 

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Can you tell me something about making Parma Hts. a greener city?

Parma City Council President Sean Brennan with U.S. Congressman Jim Renacci

Last month I had the honor of being invited by Congressman Jim Renacci to take part in the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Empowering Local Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. During this two-day seminar I had the opportunity to hear from and/or talk one-on-one with most of Ohio’s Congressional delegation, including Mr. Renacci, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Senator Sherrod Brown, Congressman Tim Ryan, and Speaker of the House John Boehner, among others. The other local elected leaders in attendance and I also had opportunities to get to know one another, as well as business and non-profit leaders from northeast Ohio. This excellent opportunity prompted this month’s column.

In January 2014, the current version of the GED® test will be replaced, so anyone who has passed some but not all parts of the current test will have to start over. Plus the test-taker will pay $120 instead of the current $40.

This new legislation is a combination of two bills: Student Loan Forgiveness Act H.R. 4170 and The Graduate Success Act H.R. 5895. The full text H.R. 1330 can be read at: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1330/text. The full text of H.R. 5895: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr5895/text and H.R. 4170: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr4170/text

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With all the sauciness of Betty Boop & all the sultriness of Betty Page & the smooth, rich texture of Philadelphia's Finest, Gina Sicilia from the City of Brotherly Love & her tight three-piece band, Dave Gross - Guitar/Backing Vocals,Scott Key - Drums & Matt Raymond – Bass cooked up a delicious seven course meal of the "Blues" to a hungry crowd at The Winchester Music Hall last night.

The City of Parma received two pieces of positive financial news lately – welcome news after state budget cuts to local government that are expected to impact the budget next year as well.

Whether you are planning to have a hip or knee replaced, are considering pain treatments or spine surgery to relieve pain, want to know about minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries or are worried about preventing prostate cancer, Parma Hospital will cover these topics and more at its free You and Your Health series in June.

Parma-South Presbyterian Church is sharing a delicious tradition: its annual Strawberry Festival, planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9, on the church lawn.

June’s Asset Category:  BOUNDARIES and EXPECTATIONS: Boundaries are important to young people because they give clear messages about what’s expected, what is approved and celebrated, and what deserves censure. By the same token, caring adults who expect young people to do their best help them to learn good judgment. Every day young people face many options and choices. Boundaries and expectations provide young people with the support they need to choose wisely.

Enjoy the links?  Play a round with Maggie's Place on June 23 at Fowler's Mill Golf Course.

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Maggie’s Place Ohio will offer a new charitable golf scramble on Sunday, June 23 beginning with a 1PM shotgun start at Fowler’s Mill golf course in Chesterland. The scramble will support the continued operation of The Zechariah House, a non-profit hospitality home for pregnant women in Parma, and will include 18 holes of golf with cart, a box lunch, beverages, and steak dinner for each registered player. A silent auction and raffle of unique packages will also be offered to participants.

1962 Regional Planning Commission Ridge-Snow Business District map.

A solution to the Parma Theater situation may possibly be found in a 1962 Regional Planning Commission plan completed by the administration of former Parma Mayor James W. Day. Similar conclusions can also be drawn from the 2008 Parma Sustainable Design Asset Team (SDAT) guidelines completed by the administration of former Mayor Dean Depiero. Most discussions on the Parma Theater primarily focus on activities that could be conducted inside the building; however, redevelopment of this building may be much more financially viable by looking at the two block stretch of Ridge Road from Snow Road to Bertha Avenue as well as one block of Snow Road west of Ridge.

The 2008 Parma Sustainable Design Asset Team (SDAT) completed an extremely detailed development plan for all of Parma. An impressive amount of detail was included in the application written by City of Parma employees. This study has not received the publicity it deserves and is certainly worth reviewing. 

It is hard to think about harvesting your garden at the time of year when there was still snow on the ground, but you are probably already planning what you will plant this spring and summer. When that harvest comes in, what will you do with the abundance? The Parma Area Historical Society at Stearns Homestead would like to help you with this problem by providing a food preservation/canning class  July  27, 2013. An Extension Agent will teach the class demonstrating how to safely "can" your vegetables and fruits. If you are interested in such a class, we need to know by June 15, 2013. There will be a small fee for the class. Please contact Debbie at: 440-882-6234
there is a limit of 15 for this class so register early.

Here is our 2013 Event Schedule for Stearns Homestead:

June 14th – Friday Night at the Farm
June 22nd – Farmer’s Market Opens
July 13th and 14th – Antiques and Collectibles
July 21st – Cow Plop Bingo from 2-4 PM
August 17th and 18th – Rummage Sale
September 14th and 15th – Farm City Days

For More information about Stearns Homestead please visit: www.stearnshomestead.com 

Kubacki (right) is shown with Susan Sheehan, supervisor of Parma City Schools Adult Education, at the OAACE Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Debbie Kubacki, Educational Assistant, received a $1000 scholarship from the Ohio Association of Adult and Continuing Education (OAACE). Each year, the OAACE Member Scholarship is awarded to encourage continuing education.

In addition to her work in the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) program at Parma City Schools, Kubacki also attends Cuyahoga Community College. This summer, she is enrolled in Cultural Anthropology.

She said, “This class will help me to better assist my students at the refugee center who are learning English and integrating into a completely new way of life.”

Kubacki was recognized on Friday, April 26, at the OAACE Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Students encouraged to ask questions before and after mock trial.

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The Anthony C. Zielinski Leadership For Tomorrow program was begun in 2005 by the former Parma Treasurer and Councilman and co-founders Timothy DeGeeter (then, State Rep.) and Thomas Mastroianni (our current City Treasurer). The program has grown since its inception to include all local public school 5th graders, and private school 5th graders when possible. The program’s mission is to educate the middle-school students on the workings of the municipal government and what they can do to get involved. Not only do the students get to meet public officials and ask questions of them (some very personal), but mock trials are enacted with Judge Deanna O’Donnell presiding.

Parma Area Kiwanis Membership Chairman Joe Germana (right) welcome new member John R. Marolt

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Parma Area Kiwanis has inducted their newest member John R. Marolt.  A 43 year resident of Parma Heights and member of Saint Bridget Parish.  John is married to wife Susan of 24 years, has six children and 7 grandchildren.  John is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in engineering.  He is retired from a career that spanned 24 years of hospital administration that included engineering and construction, having served as Director of Facility and Plant operations at Kaiser Permanente, Massillon Community and Huron Road Hospitals.  Besides his community service John enjoys travel, golf and bowling.

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On Saturday May 18th courtesy of friend, Karma Auger, I attended one of the best, most intimate musical shows I've had the pleasure of seeing. Karma, his sister Ali Auger & their legendary father Brian Auger along with guitarist Yarone Levy & bassist Les King played 2 hrs. worth of the best Jazz/Rock fusion in the world! From the opening beat of Straight Ahead to the final note of Oblivion Express (Compared To What) there's no comparison to be made. Fingers snappin',Toes tappin',Hands clappin' & Heads bobbin' were the band's nonstop accompaniment from the nearly 200 fans that packed the house at Nighttown. Brian & the band lovingly embraced Cleveland & we embraced them right back. Ever the consummate showman, grateful, humble artist & man of the "fans" , Brian acknowledged the birthdays & anniversaries among the audience with a song, made the rounds shaking hands,giving hugs,posing for photos & giving autographs as did his band. Truly one of the musical treasures of my g-g-g-eneration his music is as amazing today as it was when I first heard it & his children & bandmates lend a new excitement & perspective to the timeless tunes. For those in attendance Ticket:$25 / Dinner Entree/Drinks: $20+ / Valet parking:$4                                                  Experience of being up close & personal with the Auger's: Pricele$$            Congratulations to Nighttown’s Jim Wadsworth for continuing to bring us some of the world’s best talent in Jazz ! Other than Tri-C’s annual Jazzfest , I don’t believe anyone does it better.

North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM), a faith-based charitable health center located in Lakewood, is now offering its services to low-income, uninsured residents of Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills.

All human life is sacred, including elderly life. In a series of experiences during the past month, I have personally observed instances of ageism that compel me to warn others of a growing trend. To be honest, it’s not new. I remember being fresh out of college on a new job, hearing the younger people “break me in” to the workplace by giving me their opinion of other employees. “Deadwood” was the term many used. “Management should get rid of all of the deadwood, the gray-hairs. They’re not as good as they were when they were younger. They can’t remember things. They’re not as strong, so we always have to help them. What good are they? The deadwood ought to be fired and put out to pasture.”

It has been more than three years since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was signed into law and almost a year since the Supreme court upheld the act. Now as the deadline for the health insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion as called for under the act is approaching; it appears that the act is creating two different versions of the United States based on how the states are implementing the act.

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I Have a lot to report this month. Attended the City Council meeting on May 6th where some interesting rezoning proposals were presented to the chagrin of some  area residents. An Ordinance to rezone portions of Parcels 442-31-071 & 442-31-050 on Greenlawn Rd. from Single-Family to Retail Business in order to expand parking for Zabor Funeral Home/Chuppa's Market met with protests from Greenlawn Rd. residents who claimed that while the Zabor's have been Good Neighbor's, Chuppa's has been anything but! Citing the unsightly view they have of Chuppa's garbage area, noise & traffic problems caused by the constant comings & goings of delivery vehicles & the fact that they weren't informed or consulted about a proposed zoning change that could not only affect the aesthetics of their neighborhood, but also property values, they asked that Council do some further investigation. In what we consider a fair response to citizen's concerns, Council agreed to do just that. Another proposed rezoning that met with concern from residents was an Ordinance to rezone a parcel to facilitate the proposed building of a Dunkin’ Donuts at the northeast corner of Ridge Road and Regency Drive. The plan would involved tearing down a single-family house at the corner & some area residents expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion & hazards that might be caused by allowing this to occur.

7707 Bertha Ave. minutes before demolition

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A blight on Parma’s neighborhood landscape – and a perennial source of law enforcement activity – has been literally wiped out. Where there was formerly a home located at 7707 Bertha Avenue, there is now a vacant lot.

On Sunday, May 19th, one very lucky, very stuck in a trench, doe found herself in the loving care of certain Parma Firefighters, including, Capt. Laskey.

The City of Seven Hills will observe the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, 2013.

My best friend, Donna, is a nurse in Columbus, and she is a great nurse. We first met in nursing school here in Cleveland. She was in her early twenties and I was 42. I was old enough to be her mother. Occasionally, she feels the need to remind me of that fact. Donna is an RN in an Ohio Medical ICU; I am an RN at Holy Family Hospice in Parma. Last month, Donna called me because her father-in-law received the news that his physical condition was more serious than they thought and they needed to decide whether to continue with “aggressive treatment” or to choose hospice care. After reviewing his options, her father-in-law made his wishes very clear. “No more hospitals, no more tests, no more treatments. I want peace. I want to go home.” Of course he asked Donna to help his wife set it up and help them go home.

Are you looking to make a positive contribution in the community you live in? Would you like to make some new friends? Or perhaps you are interested in polishing your resume while developing some new skills? If this sounds like you, then look no further! Volunteering with the Old World Parma non-profit organization may be the rewarding opportunity you’ve been looking for! 

The Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Parmatown and Phillips Edison & Company (New Parmatown Owners), proudly presents our 23rd Annual Rib ‘N Rock Cook Off on Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Parmatown in front of Wal-Mart.

Tune in on Friday, June 7 as the Fifth Annual Band Fest brings the diverse musical talents of Parma Community General Hospital staff to Parma’s Rib ‘N’ Rock.

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Stearns Homestead is partnering with Cleveland Crops to create an urban farm on the 48-acre historic site in the heart of Parma – a move to further enhance the attraction as a destination. Created by the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Board of DD), Cleveland Crops operates eight sites across the county and will grow fruits and vegetables on 17 acres at the homestead. The locally grown produce will be sold to restaurants and to farmers' markets, including Stearns'.

Site at the rear of James E. Hanna School where the Parma Area Family collaborative will locate the community garden.

The Collaborative Community Garden, located at 11212 Snow Rd. is now accepting applications for the 2013 growing season. Applications are available for anyone interested in planting and growing fruits, vegetables and/or herbs, or to sponsor a garden plot. For more information or to request an application, contact Kristi Trunzo at the Parma Area Family Collaborative, 440-842-7040.

One thing is certain, the Parma Theater has a past. Ahhh, so many memories. The important decision of  which candy from the display case was the best expenditure of precious “allowance” funds. Stolen kisses in the last row when I was a young teen not allowed to date yet. Watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid jump off a cliff into the river far below several dozen times during the multi-year marathon single-theater showing through most of my high school years. Getting Father Weist’s permission to see “Airport” to satisfy my mother, since it was rated Morally Objectionable by the Universe Bulletin. Meeting my friends there and feeling so grown up going somewhere without our little brothers and sisters. Feeling good about the bargain prices. Good times with friends and family enjoying affordable entertainment. Good times, good times.

Roy Williams- Senior Vice President, Strategic Investment Funds, for Phillips Edison & Company

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We had the opportunity this past week to get up-close & personal with Roy Williams, Senior Vice President, Strategic Investment Funds at Phillips Edison & Company, who is the man chosen to head up the Shoppes At Parma project.

After a long, cold, gray Cleveland winter, a caregiver is just as likely to have cabin fever and crave sunshine as a cared-for elder. Time to ring in spring, even if these roller-coaster temperatures make spring’s arrival seem rather questionable.   

May’s Asset Category:  COMMITMENT TO LEARNING:

The internships Nick Yambor and Tom Baric did at Parma Community General Hospital led to job placement with Oatey, a plumbing supply manufacturer.  

Two students with disabilities have landed full-time jobs after completing internships at Parma Community General Hospital. Tom Baric and Nick Yambor accepted full-time positions with Oatey, a manufacturer for the plumbing industry, after working in several hospital departments since the beginning of the school year. They were among five students at Parma Hospital with Project SEARCH, a national program hosted by Parma Hospital, the Parma City School District and United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland for transition-age youth with disabilities.