The Year That Was 2016

(click photo to enlarge)

  • September 11, 2016- Shoppes at Parma. A ceremony was held to permanently install a piece of the World Trade Towers from 9-11-01 in a prominent memorial.

  • On July 15, 2016 Parma Police Chief Robert Miller retired after more than 30 years serving the citizens of Parma. Good luck to him- he will be missed, but it is comforting to know that he has been replaced by an equally competent Chief Joe Bobak. 

  • The Parma Independence Day Parade under sunny skies and not so humid temperatures for once. Great turnout from Parma residents and beyond.

  • John Visnauskas from All Faiths Pantry receiving congratulations from Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter and Ward 8 Councilman Scott Tuma, soon to be Cuyahoga County District 4 Councilman.

  • Parma Treasurer Tom Mastroianni, one of the creators of the Leadership for Tomorrow Program, interacts with the students that take part in this interesting and useful initiative.  

  • Parma Observer Publisher Daniel P. McCarthy accepted the 2016 Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Special Recognition Award at the Annual Gala Ball in February.

  • The Parma Police Department had several promotions in 2016. Top row, left, Parma Safety Director Michael O'Malley (Soon to be Cuyahoga County Prosecutor) Parma Police Chief Joe Bobak, Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter. Middle row, left Lt. David Zarzecny, Deputy Chief Joe Manning. Bottom row, left, Captain Kevin Riley, Sgt. Joe Porec.

  • Parma City Council President Sean Brennan at the Boston Marathon, holding a Parma Observer for all to see. Bless his heart! Sean has run in countless marathons, but this is one of the legendary marathons of all. Stand around Parma long enough and Sean will run by you. He is everywhere.

  • Two Parma / Parma Heights living legends, Parma Heights Councilman Robert Verdile and retired Parma Municipal Court Judge George Spanagel stand together during the Memorial Day ceremonies in Parma Heights. Both of these men have played a huge role in shaping our community over all these years.

  • Parma Heights Mayor Michael Byrne stands with a patriotically dressed citizen on Memorial Day. 

  • Chocolates 4U Grand Opening with owners Eddie and Hannah Harb, Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter, Parma Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Ken Burdzinski, and Parma Area Chamber of Commerce President Dave Nedrich.

  • Dramatic events unfolded in October when the Parma City School District announced severe cuts and downsizing plans, prompting hundreds and hundreds of students, parents and city leaders to converge on school board meetings in extremely forceful demonstrations of dissatisfaction, resulting in the sudden resignation of the School Board President, and then her replacement within two weeks. Right or wrong, these students and parents proved that many loud voices in a meeting of leaders can surely be an effective instrument of sudden change. Three live videos of these events can be viewed on the Parma Observer Facebook Page.

  • Chery McIntosh accepted the Parma Citizen of the Month Award, here along with Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter and Parma Ward 2 Councilwoman Deborah Lime. She was recognized for her lifetime of work in the Parma community, especially with the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce.

  • Pleasant Lake Villa Nursing Community holds a yearly tradition where children trick-or- treat among the residents- this is a great event that spans generations and is a real pleasure to witness. 

  • The Treat & Greet event in Polish Village this year was the most successful yet, and this growing innovation continues to bring children, parents, and the business community closer together every year.  

  • No one can deny that many of our residents take Halloween Spirit quite seriously, as this home in Parma Heights illustrates most effectively. Soon they will run out of space. 

  • The bitterly divided 2016 Election came down to neighbor against neighbor. 

  • One of the nicest additions to the Cleveland Metroparks is this beautiful commuter crossing bridge over Big Creek in Parma Heights behind Greenbriar Commons. Not only a pleasing site, but an extremely useful bridge to get from point A to point B much more directly than before the installation of this asset. 

  • Two young professionals who work very hard and make a huge difference in our community - Christine Vodicka and Stefan P. Stefaniuk.

  • The staircase in the old Parma Police/Fire station on Snow Rd. near Ridge Rd., now beautifully restored as the Italian Club. 

  • Parma Heights hosted a "Mayor's Breakfast" in November at the Venue Restaurant and Event Center. Here Mayor Michel Byrne shares information with the attendees concerning initiatives focused on the business community and how changes planned for the near the future will encourage development. 

  • Colombo Pocket Park on Pearl Rd. in Parma Heights is a real eye catcher along an otherwise busy traffic street. Notice there is no parking, virtually encouraging walk up involvement from the nearby community, making it as hyper-local as can be. A similar offering is being constructed in Parma's Polish Village Neighborood. 

  • The Calder Cup was in Parma City Council chambers as the Cleveland Monsters Hockey Team was honored.

  • Honey the Parma Observer Dog once again offered sincere Holiday Greetings to her many fans in 2016.

  • One lone snowman sentry stands guard over his fallen comrades- tonight they will rise again to spread their message of hope and cheer to one and all.

  • Parma South Presbyterian Church on Pearl Rd. in Parma Heights holds what has been described as the second oldest Memorial Day Observance in the United States. Here the attendees begin to assemble, and the Parma Observer Cycle stands at the ready.

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