The President's Corner

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Summer in Parma is full of many fun activities, but finding out about them can sometimes be elusive. This month’s column is dedicated to some of my favorites. On a side note, my failure to list every event in Parma this summer is by no means a slight to anyone. I am limited by the space of this column. I apologize in advance to any that I have left out. 

First, Parma's annual Fourth of July parade truly captures the Spirit of '76. This year's coordinator, County Councilman Chuck Germana of Four Star Insurance fame, wishes to remind everyone that the parade will, in fact, take place on July 4. Further, the parade steps off on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. on Ridge Road near Snow and runs south to The Shoppes at Parma.

I will admit that I am a little biased on my next two suggestions, due to my affiliation with each. As many of you know, I am an avid runner. What you might not know is that this Irishman loves his pierogies! So, I decided to put these two loves together five years ago and invented the Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies. Thanks to the help of a lot of friends, Parma residents, and many local businesses, the event has grown every year with well over 800 participating last year. Participants can decide to either run or walk the 5k (3.1 mile) course or walk 1 mile of the course.  Proceeds from the event benefit local charities, including the Parma Animal Shelter, Parma Girl Scouts, All Faiths Pantry, the CCC Scholarship Fund, and the Parma Area American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  We will lace up on Sunday, July 5 at 8:30 a.m. at CCC’s western campus, 11000 West Pleasant Valley Road. For more information, call me at 440-884-0489 or visit our website at hermescleveland.com.

Next, is my parish's, St. Charles Borromeo, summer carnival. This year it will kick off once again with a parade, which, under full disclosure, I plan and coordinate. The parade begins at the Parma Circle on Ridge Road and proceeds to the St. Charles campus on Wednesday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m. The theme of this year's parade is "Honoring Our Scouts." Therefore, Boy and Girl Scouts - young and old - are invited to don their uniforms and march in the parade.  Contact me if you are interested. The St. Charles carnival opens each day at 6:30 p.m. and runs through Sunday, July 12. The great food, games, bingo, casino room, and entertainment make for a fun family time.

The Cities of Parma and Parma Heights are teaming up again to offer summer band concerts for residents. The events will take place in Parma on July 5, 12, and 19 and in Parma Heights on July 26, as well as August 2, 9, 16, and 23. The Parma Concerts take place at Anthony Zielinski Park, adjacent to Ridgewood Lake, while the Parma Heights events will be at the Greenbriar Commons. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and be there by 6:30 p.m. to enjoy the music. In case of rain, the events will be moved to the Donna Smallwood Adult Activities Center, formerly the Parma Senior Center, located at 7001 West Ridgewood Drive.

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral offers delicious culinary delights, live music, a beer garden, a kid zone, cathedral tours and more on July 18 and 19, from noon to evening at their 36th annual SerbFest. 6306 State Road is where the festivities will take place.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter invites families to his annual Mayor's Movie Night Out on Saturday, July 18. Residents are welcome to begin settling in on their blankets or lawn chairs at 7:00 pm at Mayor James Day Park, 11828 West Pleasant Valley Road. Paddington will begin playing on the big screen at 9:00 p.m. Games will take place before the film and a concession stand will be open for refreshments. The rain date will be July 25.

St. Vladimir's Ukrainian National Church will hold its Annual Ukrainian Festival Parish Feast Celebration on Saturday, July 25 from 12:00 pm to 11:00 p.m. My wife and I make a point of attending this event every summer. The people, the food, and the cold drinks make for an enjoyable lunch or dinner at 5913 State Road. Be sure to take a tour of the beautiful church while you are there!

St. Mary's Polish National Church at 5375 Broadview Road invites residents to their 6th Annual Dinner and Car Show on Saturday, August 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. Authentic homemade polish cuisine, including stuffed cabbage, pierogi, kielbasa and many other favorites are sure to delight. Call 440-781-7910 for more information.

Holy Family Parish at 7367 York Road will celebrate its Summer Festival from August 5th through the 9th. Great festival foods, nightly entertainment, games for all ages, fireworks on Saturday night and much more always make for a wonderful time.

Of course, everyday this summer you can stroll through the newest gem in the Cleveland Metroparks' Emerald Necklace - the West Creek Reservation - on West Ridgewood Drive between Broadview and State Roads. If you have not been there, you don't know what you are missing. It is sure to remind you of why we should be proud to live in our fine city. The Watershed Stewardship Center is famous throughout the country for its dedication to educating residents about the latest green trends. You will be amazed at the diversity of flora and fauna throughout the park.

In closing, there is plenty to do in Parma this summer. So, go out, support a local organization and, most of all, enjoy yourself!