The President's Corner
Back in 2011, I decided it was time to fulfill my dream of creating a local running and walking event. When selecting a theme for the event I settled on combining two of my loves – running and pierogies. Thus was born the Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies. Thanks to the dedication of my co-chair, Gary Uveges, many volunteers, the support of local businesses, civic leaders and non-profits and, of course, hundreds of runners and walkers, the Run-Walk has become one of our community’s premier summer events.
Each year I have been overwhelmed by the growth of our event. For instance, last year we hosted approximately 550 participants. This year I hoped to top 600. To my amazement we attracted 828 runners and walkers. Although we are still working on the final totals, I am confident that we will be able to donate more than ever before to this year’s charity partners - All Faiths Pantry, the American Cancer Society Parma Area Relay for Life, the Parma All Kids Playground Project, and the Parma Police Auxiliary. This writing is my attempt to thank all who contributed to the event’s success.
The assistance of the following individuals is truly appreciated: the Brennan and Denk families, our official photographers Trish Uveges and Anita Orenick, volunteers Kevin Leigh, Kristi and Jane Denton, Russ Fisher, Anna Marie Donley, Rudy Stralka, Bill Burkley, Rick Kraft, Dave Dorn, Ken and Sue Dworznik, Chuck Kiehl, Joyce Merrill, and John Rader, President of Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus Dr. Ron Liss and Community Liason of CCC-West Radiah Douglas, Terry Deis and Mark White of our major sponsor University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, Jim McIntyre of WHK 1420, Bob Fenner of Newschannel 5, Jeff Sako of Grand Slam Graphics, Mark Holan of the Sun News, Vince Rucci of Vertical Runner in Brecksville, Tom Apathy of Eaton Corporation, Ed Majchrycz of Peace Tea, Larry Walk’s Happy Polkaland for their excellent entertainment, Helenrae Bidzilek for designing and producing our pierogi awards, Marc’s for donating all of the delicious fruit, the Parma Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ own Moondog.
Please thank and support our many generous sponsors, including CCC-West, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, the Little Polish Diner, Krakow Deli, Regency Luxury Apartments, Eaton Corporation, Kwik Car Wash, Enterprise Group Planning, the Shoppes at Parma, Kohl’s of Parma, Westgate and Strongsville, The Fedeli Group, Life Share Community Blood Services, Perla’s Homemade Delights, Dunkin Donuts, Gillombardo’s Giant Eagle, Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter, former Parma Mayor Dean DePiero, Clerk of Courts Martin Vittardi, Vertical Runner in Brecksville, Distinctive Eyewear of North Royalton, Broadview Multi-Care Center, Pilat Insurance Agency, Ridge Road Autoworks, Flowerama at Ridge and Snow Roads, S&S Benefits, On the Spot Dry Cleaners, Parma Wal-Mart, Kik’s Office Supplies, Parma’s Team Green Runners Group (Sharon Zeck, Chris and Emily Stauffer and Jen Madercic), Unity Catholic Credit Union, Eat ‘n Park, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Guys Pizza, Office Max, Questcom Graphics, Target, Clean and Shine Maid Service, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AMF Brookgate Lanes, the Fox and Hound, Antonio’s Restaurant, the Cuyahoga County Public Library System, Clif Bar, Bonefish Grill, Parma Area YMCA, Union House, Applebee’s, Hooley House, Buffalo Wild Wings, East Coast Custard, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Stancato’s, Honey Hut, East Coast Custard, Ridgewood Inn, Cuyahoga Concrete Sawing and Drilling, and Be Well Solutions.
Congratulations to all of our finishers, especially those who ran or walked their first 5K (3.1 miles) and the many who set their personal best records. Special congratulations to our first place male and female finishers Samuel Pitcavage (15:51) and Lesley Sherwood (19:21).
We are already gearing up for 2015. If you are interested in getting involved as a participant, sponsor or volunteer, please contact me via e-mail at councilmanbrennan@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 440-884-0489. Please check out our website for more information and to check out pictures at http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/parmapierogies.asp and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parma-RunWalk-for-Pierogies/510203692378698.
Sean Brennan
Parma City Council President Sean Brennan