News

SAVE THE DATE! The Polish Constitution Day Parade, will be held this year on Sunday, May 5th, at 2:00 PM, is the first annual parade of the year in Parma. It’s a harbinger of Spring! The parade is held in partnership with the Polish American Congress, the City of Parma, and the non-profit Polish Village Parma. It’s brought to you by donations, and in part by a small grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, (the cigarette tax) and lots of volunteer hours. The parade and party are open to the public. Residents and visitors alike line the side walk and tree lawns on Ridge Rd from the Parma Circle to Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union to watch the parade of Polish dignitaries, politicians, high school bands, and an assortment of various units marching, including residents from the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Businesses, non-profits, clubs and groups are encouraged to march in the parade, at no cost. If you are interested in marching email pacohparade@gmail.com, or contact Ward 2 Councilwoman Debbie Lime.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Parma Arts Council is holding a workshop titled “The Art Of The Journal”. The session will be held at The Parma Art Center, located at 7335 Ridge Rd. in the Parma Parks & Recreation Dept. building. A real bargain at $10 per person. 

*Prama Artspace Gallery, 5411 Pearl Rd, opened the exhibit titled “Back In The Groove”, on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The show runs through April 21st. It features Amelia Casiano, Gary Nass, Laura D’Alessandro, Rez Work and Sean Mabin.

The Parma Area Historical Society’s Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the cabin at Stearns Homestead. Stearns Homestead, Parma’s Historical Farm, is operated by the Parma Area Historical Society (PAHS) in cooperation with the City of Parma. All are welcome to attend. There will be a trustees election, review of the past years accomplishments, and goals set for the 2024 year. If you love history & farms, now’s your chance to get involved. Stearns Homestead is located at 6975 Ridge Rd. 

It’s spring once again, and you know what that means. Outdoor activity will begin to pick up as the temperature continues to rise. The Parks in Parmawill begin filling with more warm bodies of people, their pets, and lots of wildlife. Golfers will begin going to the Ridgewood Golf Course. There will be lots more activity on the towpaths in the Parma Metroparks where ones will be spotted wading in Big Creek, along with cyclists riding the park’s beautiful trails. A few may even attempt to take up other outdoor activities such as archery, canoeing, rock climbing and white water rafting.

When I took my solemn oath of office to serve as your state representative back on January, 3, 2023, I made a commitment to be your voice and to work with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to promote policies that improve the quality of life for you and all Ohioans. Throughout my career as an elected official, I have prided myself on being a public servant, not a politician. I am proud of the body of work that I have accomplished in the short 15 months I have served you at the Statehouse.

Denbrook DeMolay members met at the Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday February 11th, In observance of Patriots Day. DeMolay International defines the Patriots Day Observance as a day convenient to the Chapter during the month of February, where the Chapter arranges a special observance featuring the nation's great patriotic events and the great patriots who participated in them. 

The Vietnam War was one of the most Challenging and controversial chapters in our country’s history. The Vietnam War began on November 1, 1955, and ended April 30, 1975, and claimed the lives of over 58,000 Americans with many still unaccounted for. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition act of 2017 established March 29th as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. March 29th is a fitting choice to honor Vietnam Veterans, as it was the day United State Military Assistance Command Vietnam was disestablished and the day that the last of American troops left Vietnam.

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson announced the return of the popular Citizens Academy program. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office is now accepting applications for the academy, which is set to begin on April 18, 2024.

*The 25th Annual Valley Forge Spring Craft Show hosted by The Valley Forge Cross country Team will be held on March 16th, 2024 at Valley Forge High School, 9999 Independence Blvd, 10am to 3pm. Team led concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch, Vendors include holiday décor, ceramics, jewelry, knits, wreaths, candles, purses, kitchen items, embroidery, soap, beauty products, Easter items and more. 

The last two years the non-profit We Are Parma Proud has brought the fireworks to the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Rib & Rock. Which will be held on June 6th through the 9th this year. The organization has just begun soliciting businesses and individuals to donate the funds necessary to fund the fireworks display. 

Last year The Parma Historical Society was contacted by a very talented Jack Dacek indicating he was interested in building a model replica to scale of the Stearns house. He proceeded to take measurements and photos. Several hundreds of hours of work later, the scale model has been completed. The next step is to build a plexiglass box for it to be displayed in. Kuddos to Jack for sharing his talent with us. Watch the Parma Observer and Stearns Homestead Facebook Page for when you can view this in person

On Saturday, February 24th the Annual International Taste of Polish Village occurred. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, in the St. Charles Parish Hall Lower Level.

Parma Seminoles Youth Football & Cheer, a non-profit organization that provides a place for the youth of Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills and the surrounding cities to strengthen their leadership abilities & personal discipline while learning about life, the game of football & competitive cheer. We are part of the Ohio Gridiron Youth Football Association, with all our coaches being USA Football certified. We offer flag football (K-1st gr.), tackle football (2nd-6th gr.) and cheerleading (K-6th gr.). REGISTRATION IS OPEN. www.parmaseminoles.squarespace.com

I have always considered myself a consumer watchdog. From my nearly twenty years on Parma City Council and, now, as your state representative, I am constantly on the lookout to protect consumers. My focus on consumer costs, no doubt, dates back to the days of my childhood. Our family of four lived a normal middle-class lifestyle until my dad abandoned us. My mom lost the house and we would have been homeless if it weren't for family members that helped out. My mom hesitantly applied for food stamps and other public assistance until she sort of got back on her feet because dad never paid a dime of child support and her take home pay was very low.

Parma Symphony Orchestra will perform a LIVE Classical Music Concert on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights.

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day parents are often looking for something to do with their children.  A new tradition has started in Parma and fills this need called Winterfest.  The second annual Winterfest event was held at the West Creek Reservation’s Watershed Stewardship Center on Friday December 29th. This event was put on by Councilman Rob Euerle, Councilwoman Kelly Zacharias and myself in partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks.  

I am proud to announce that the Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland Metroparks Police Departments are set to receive over $125,000 to help cover the costs associated with body-worn cameras. 

On Saturday February 24, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM Polish Village Parma, Inc., a non-profit, is holding the Taste of Polish Village, A Festival of Flavors. This very popular event is held at St. Charles Parish Hall Basement, located at 5891 Ridge Rd. For $20 per person you receive a sampling of the various foods the Polish Village business district has to offer and a beverage. With numerous food stations you won’t go home hungry. These are local businesses you may have driven by and not yet had the opportunity to try out. Your old favorites will be there and you may find a new favorite from the among the multiple food stations. In addition there will be raffle baskets and side boards for your entertainment. Enjoy an assortment of good food with your neighbors for a worthwhile cause to help the community thrive. 

March 16th marks the 25th Spring Craft Fair at Valley Forge High School. Each spring the Cross Country and Swim teams host this annual event; the primary fundraiser for both teams. All proceeds are then funneled to support the athletes in their conditioning and training endeavors.

One year ago, January 3, I was sworn in to be your state representative. The past year has been the fastest year and professionally the biggest honor of my life. Serving as your representative at the Ohio Statehouse is a very important role and I want you to know that I take it very seriously. I have worked hard to be a good citizen statesman and to work for all of my constituents, regardless of political affiliation, because that is what my sacred oath requires. This is my attempt to reflect and summarize my first year of service to you.

Run don't walk to sign up! Actually walking is OK during the Leprechaun Chase! Race starts and ends at Fairview High School track, 4507 W 213th St, Fairview Park, OH 44126. Two race options available: 1 mile or 5k. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the festivities with proceeds benefiting Empowering Epilepsy. Race starts at 9 am with after party to be held right across the street at Gunselman's Tavern, 21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126. Live Irish Music all day long, plus great food and drinks.

*Prama ArtSpace Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. Exhibit opening celebrations will be moving to Saturdays. Watch for a new exhibit coming soon! 

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:  Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking (visit them on Facebook):
      >>  Shared Hope Intn’l ...  has published the 2023 Trafficking Report Card showing how each state measures up against their recommendations. The 2023 Report Card was just released this October. While Ohio received an F overall, many improvements have been made, i.e.:  >  Overall, Ohio’s score increased from 45 in 2022 to 56 in 2023;   >  In the issue area of criminal provisions, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of access to justice, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of tools for a victim-centered criminal justice response, Ohio moved from F to B, and more.
      >>  Learn about survivor leadership and the role of their Survivor Advisory Council.
      >>  View their interactive Human Trafficking Resource Guide containing information on over 200 service organizations supporting victims of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio.

Irmo, SC – January 22, 2024– LAWYERLISA is pleased to announce that Certified Elder Law Attorney Lisa Hostetler Brown (Steets) has been selected to receive the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award given by the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of law to recognize alumni for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments.  

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be getting underway again this year starting the first full week in February and ending the 12th of April 2024. This IRS-supported FREE tax service is offered on a non-discriminatory basis without consideration of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. We give special attention to those with low or moderate incomes and/or aged 60 and older. Taxpayers do NOT have to be retired or a member of AARP.  

The Board of Trustees of the City of Parma Andrew Boyko Memorial Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2024 award season. In its sixteenth year, the Foundation will once again offer three to five scholarships with a minimum award of $1,500 each. One of these scholarships will be designated for an applicant exhibiting an exceptional commitment to community service. 

University Hospitals (UH) Parma Medical Center has opened a new laboratory to help patients seeking treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. The new lab will help meet the increased demand for patients seeking treatment of atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a leading cause of stroke.

Recently, I proposed a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives that will reimburse communities, like Parma, for police canines that have been rendered nearly unusable due to the passage of Issue 2 in November.

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse: Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking (visit them on Facebook):
      >>  January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Watch for and make a point of learning more about HT & participating/supporting related events/programs.
     >>  Thursday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day & that evening we’ll see Terminal Tower lit up in blue—the color of hope and unity, raising awareness about this issue.
      >>  Jan. 18, 2024:   Triumph Over Trafficking Conference
      >>  Jan. 31, 2024:   Columbus Educators Human Trafficking Summit
      >>  Shared Hope Intn’l ...  has published the 2023 Trafficking Report Card showing how each state measures up against their recommendations. The 2023 Report Card was just released this October. While Ohio received an F overall, many improvements have been made, i.e.:    >  Overall, Ohio’s score increased from 45 in 2022 to 56 in 2023;   >  In the issue area of criminal provisions, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of access to justice, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of tools for a victim-centered criminal justice response, Ohio moved from F to B, and more.
      >>  Learn about Survivors Leadership and the role of their Survivor Advisory Council.
      >>  View their interactive Human Trafficking Resource Guide containing information on over 200 service organizations supporting victims of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio.

*Prama ArtSpace Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. To start the new year, Prama is having a group show and sale of several talented artists. Opening night is Friday, January 12, 2024, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Meet and mingle with the artists, visit the restaurants and bars on Pearl and Ridge Rd. in Polish Village, for a unique and fun date night. 

Ever wonder how the massive Twin Towers were constructed? What were the business deals and the unethical decisions made for the project? The real reason the towers collapsed which was kept from the general public. This documentary will answer all those questions and many more, including:

State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has announced that the Parma City Schools have been awarded a $4,116,570 Career Technical Construction Program grant from the state of Ohio. The Ohio schools selected for the grants were awarded nearly $200 million to help expand career technical educational and training facilities to serve more students. 

As we approach holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our community. I'm continually honored and humbled by the support you have shown me. There has been much success over the last year. I want to highlight a handful in this article.