“Are there going to be trees in the middle of Pearl Road?” “The most beautiful crosswalks in Ohio.” “Love the new signs.” With all the great comments we are hearing at city hall, it’s clear that people are buzzing about Parma Heights! There are a lot of physical changes taking place on Pearl Road but before I get into a summary, let me answer that first question.
In early April, Ward 5 Councilman Allan Divis gave Walter Pasela, an Army World War II veteran, a framed certificate from Parma City Council in recognition of Walter's 100th birthday. The City of Parma Police Department provided an escort for a 100-car parade that honored Walter at Vista Springs Greenbriar Assisted Living on Day Drive, where he celebrated his monumental birthday. His children organized the parade.
Over the last few months, I have shared with you updates on how Seven Hills has prepared to move forward after the COVID dominated year of 2020. Specifics were shared about our finances, streets, sewers, grant activity, the purchase of land for a future nature preserve, and how we are developing a master plan to upgrade all our parks. As promised, this article will focus on economic development, but first I want to share with you the big picture. The chart below illustrates the growth we have secured in the city's vital General Fund (GF) balances over the last few years. [insert graph]
The non-profit, We Are Parma Proud, has been working hard behind the scenes to bring this project to life. The idea for a visitors guide came from Parma City Treasurer Thomas Mastroianni, during the first community meeting of We Are Parma Proud, back in June of 2019. It was one of several ideas put forth when the public was asked, “What would you like to see in our city?”
President Joe Biden with Senator Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) in 2018.
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, lives have become upended as businesses, schools, and state and local governments have lost revenue for vital programs in our community. However, I am pleased to announce that as of March 11th, help is on the way thanks to the American Rescue Plan. I wanted to share the details of this legislation and what it means for Senate District 23.
Did you ever look down the street, and what do you see? Yard after yard of green grasses and yellow dandelions. You might think that this is a pretty sight, but if your a native bird like a chickadee and you're looking to raise a nest of three babies there is nothing here for you to feed your babies. The chickadee used to have lots of food for its nest but these days the cities are planting non-native trees and there is not a true native tree anywhere in sight. So the day is coming that you will just be another extinct native bird. A chickadee needs 6,000 to 9,000+ caterpillars to successfully raise its three babies, and this is a 1/3 of an ounce bird. The oak tree would be a dream come true, but those are in short supply in my city, where no one wants a tree in their yard. You know, they might have to do some work. We all live in this environment. Yes, you and me too. If we continue to not care about the insects of our world, humans will also become extinct. But then we did it to ourselves and only have ourselves to blame!
This month's script Parma picture of the month was submitted by Robert Gademer on behalf of St. Charles Borromeo Parish's Boy Scout Troop 221. He will receive a gift card courtesy of Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, as well as a free car wash courtesy of Sgt. Clean's Car Wash. Pictures can be emailed for the monthly contest to Parma City Council President Sean Brennan at councilmanbrennan@msn.com. Be sure to include your name and address.
Slain Nemo opened on Earth Day, April 22nd at Prama Artspace Gallery & Boutique, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. This amazing exhibit was enhanced by the musical sounds of Dee Deprator and a lazer and light show outdoors in the back courtyard. Slain Nemo’s creations uses computer generated images, lazer burns, and oil paint on canvas. His very precise work shows no visible brush strokes. Words used to describe his artistic creations are sacred geometric forms, surrealistic, Sci-Fi, Shamanistic, and linear. This is a very exciting, high quality show. Exhibit runs through May 23rd.
More Re: Human Trafficking/Abuse
President Biden has introduced a massive two trillion dollar infrastructure bill that would not only repair our bridges and highways, but also bring broadband internet service to every corner of the country and increase renewable energy while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. This is a very big undertaking that has the potential to revolutionize our nation and keep the United States a world leader well into the 21st century. This bill is also called the American Jobs Plan and that much is true as the infrastructure projects will create thousands of well paying jobs throughout the country. It will also help reshape the nation for the remainder of this century.
A pizza from Parma Heights Secret Pizza Scene.
On the bubbly, cheesy surface, pizza is just dough, sauce, and toppings. How hard can it be to make, right? But for a small group of passionate pizzaiolos in Parma Heights, pizza is a constant learning experience in search of perfection. For a long while, Parma Heights' pizza scene consisted mostly of national chains, where toppings, sauces, and dough were a sad lineup of sameness. But with a sense of camaraderie and an organic exchange of ideas, a few standouts are refreshing the once-boring Parma Heights pizza landscape.
The Warrior Fitness Course will be installed at James Day Park early this summer.
Exercise enthusiasts and athletes searching for a free rigorous outdoor fitness experience will like the new Warrior Fitness Course, expected to be installed in the southwest corner of James Day Park early this summer. The $169,000 exercise course is 45 feet wide and 120 feet long, has 10 workout stations and includes a 40-yard sprinting path. “It is a serious workout. Athletes, fitness instructors and exercise enthusiasts will like it,” said Recreation Department Director Mickey Vittardi. “I could see residents using it for training because each station focuses on different muscle groups. It is similar to a Ninja course. As far as I know, we’re the first in the area to have something like this.”
The teachers at UH Parma's Child Care Center have a great deal of experience and longevity, with some now taking care of the children of former students. Maria Armeni, pictured here, has taught at the Center for 30 years.
A child has fewer than 2,000 days from birth to beginning Kindergarten to develop the social, emotional and educational skills for an impactful start in life. University Hospitals Parma Medical Center’s Child Care Center has been awarded Five Stars in state rankings for providing the highest possible advantage to the 170 children under its care.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, a Parma non-profit created in early 2019, We Are Parma Proud, sponsored a Trash Crawl. This event coincided with the Earth Day weekend. Concerns during the week prior regarding the weather had been expressed by some, but Mother Nature blessed the day and approximately 30 people gathered at the Ridgewood Golf Clubhouse. Armed with buckets, grabbers, gloves and trash bags, donated by Cuyahoga County Solid Waste the trash crew traveled up Ridge Road towards The Shoppes At Parma. Rest stops included Fast Eddies, Bleachers, and ended at Legends Bar & Grill. The group filled 20 of the 50 gallon sized trash bags from our city streets. A total of 12 Door Prizes were awarded, including items from We Are Parma Proud, Kristen Saban, Prama Artspace Gallery, Ridge/Ridgewood BP and a financial donation from Thrivent Financial that was used for supplies and pizza for the trash crew. Spotted among the trash crew was Parma Mayor DeGeeter and family, plus 7 of the 9 Parma City Council members. In addition to cleaning up the streets, the trash crew had lots of fun and made new friends. Overall it was a successful day and plans are underway to do more of these throughout the city. We Are Parma Proud, are you? If you are interested in participating in an event such as this contact them through the We Are Parma Proud Facebook page. Follow them on Facebook for news about Parma and future events.
These days it is hard to expect people to do the right thing. Not so with Daniel Taddeo. Of all the people I've ever met, whether I agreed with him or not, Dan was the most sincere and resolute man that I ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is with profound sadness that we learned of his passing on April 6. Dan has been featured in these pages for more than 10 years now, and luckily we still have several columns yet unprinted that were preserved. It's hard to imagine a world without Dan Taddeo. Many great consversations we've had over the years, much wise advice.
Happy Spring! We hope that our warmer months have started well for you and your family and that you are looking forward to creating many memories this summer! By the time you read this, Issue 10 will have been decided through the May 4 Election. If the verdict was positive, we will have already begun outlining our planning process, which will include continued opportunities for community input. If, on the other hand, our voters rejected our request, we will have started to contemplate our next steps which would include consolidation into existing schools in our near future. Regardless of the outcome of Issue 10, and despite the many difficulties that COVID presented to us this year, we have much to be proud of and many reasons to be excited about our district’s future.
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter everyday in our COVID world. Personally, I am looking forward to getting out this summer, as I am sure you are. So, this month I am devoting my column to some of the venues in Parma that I plan to make a part of my summer plans. I hope that you will consider joining me. Best wishes for a safe, fun, and blessed summer.
Children get a close-up view of emergency vehicles and equipment during the Safety Fair.
The Parma Safety Fair and Shred Event will be split into two events this year and moved to late summer and early fall, due to the pandemic. Both events will be free, and no registration will be required. State Health Department guidelines permitting, the Safety Fair will run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Parma Justice Center, 5555 Powers Blvd. The Shred Event will run 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 25 in the rear parking lot at Parma Senior High School, 6285 West 54th St.
A little over a year ago my administration put together a Water Management Task Force. We felt that it was time to bring relevant people into one room to address, what in some cases, has been a decades long problem. This approach is consistent with how we have addressed important issues over the last few years; perform due diligence to identify the root issues and bring in subject matter experts to provide guidance.
Parma City School District Superintendent Charles Smialek, Ph.D.
Our school district has reached a tipping point and our actions in the near future will shape our communities for generations to come. We are no longer a three high school district. Very soon, we need to choose the path we will follow to consolidation. Here, though, is where we face a critical fork in our road, formed by the meeting of two very different trails.
The City of Parma has joined NOPEC’s electric aggregation program. Residents and small businesses will be able to take advantage of electric supply rates negotiated exclusively for NOPEC customers beginning with their May 2021 meter read date. The City of Parma has enjoyed excellent NOPEC natural gas aggregation prices and customer service for over a decade. NOPEC will now be providing the same level of service for electricity.
In celebration of Earth Day meet up with your fellow Parma residents on Saturday, April 24th, to Spring Clean Parma, while stopping off to rest and supporting local establishments for a cold brew or other refreshment (not included).
Radio tower property to be acquired
We are very excited to announce that The City of Seven Hills, together with Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC), recently agreed to terms for the purchase of 20 acres of land currently owned by OSWIGI, Inc. adjacent to the City’s North Park off Rockside Road. The proposed preserve area contains 20 acres of meadow habitat with forested patches and 1,900 linear feet of West Creek headwater tributaries.
As humans, we have the potential to reflect God’s personality traits, such as love, justice, and wisdom. Biblical truth protects us from false worship. Eliminate negative talk and introduce joy talk. Enjoy the peace of a clear conscience. Giving thanks helps us feel closer in our relationships and increases our happiness. It does not make any difference who gets the praise as long as God gets the glory. Negative expressions convey “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Never let an old wound fester due to excessive attention.
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) film student Marissa Roesch made an award-winning directorial debut at The Exposure Film Fest. Her five-minute film, “My Body is My Home,” took second place in the inaugural online film festival. The Parma resident wrote and directed the film in the fall as her final project in a class exploring the short film genre and techniques. “My Body is My Home” offers an emotional glimpse into a transgender journey. The story featuring two friends unfolds in layers of love, compassion, empathy and discovery. Roesch said a friend’s experience inspired her to write the film. “I was really looking to do something meaningful with my project,” said the 26-year-old, who shot the film in a single day with two actors and a crew member. “I’m very proud of what we were able to do.” “My Body is My Home” also claimed an honorable mention award at the 2021 Short. Sweet. Film Fest.
During the week of April 4-10, we join libraries in communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers.
This month's script Parma picture of the month was submitted by Julie Miller. The photo includes Ron, Chris, Laura, Julie
and Rich in their Brown's regalia. Julie will receive a gift card courtesy of Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, as well as a free car wash courtesy of Sgt. Clean's Car Wash. Pictures can be emailed for the monthly contest to Parma City Council President Sean Brennan at councilmanbrennan@msn.com. Be sure to include your name and address.
As I was examining my thoughts, words and deeds in preparation for this Lenten season, I continued having one-sided conversations with God regarding my “time to clean the soul” with many a grumblings.
Kutaiba Tabbaa, MD, an established pain specialist with decades of experience in Northeast Ohio, is the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Pain Center at UH Parma Medical Center.
Patients suffering from chronic pain will find many more options at University Hospitals Comprehensive Pain Center. UH is debuting the first of its centers at UH Parma Medical Center, with its proven interventional pain management program making it the ideal location for the new Center. The UH Comprehensive Pain Center builds on existing treatments for management of chronic pain (such as injections, spinal cord stimulators, and infusion therapy) with the addition of the UH Connor Integrative Health Network, offering chiropractic care, lifestyle and integrative health medical consults, massage therapy and guided meditation to complement its integrated approach to pain management. Additionally, the multi-disciplinary Center also offers physical and occupational therapy, behavioral health and addiction services. “Our dedicated team of physicians and clinicians are already experienced in helping patients struggling with pain,” says Brian Monter, Chief Operating Officer of UH’s West Market, which includes UH Parma Medical Center. “To enhance our care offerings, we recently recruited new physicians with decades of experience in treating patients with pain. I am confident that their expertise, combined with the multi-disciplinary slate of clinical practitioners available through the Center, will provide our community with an unmatched program that’s desperately needed.”
Connecting for Kids distributed more than 2,000 Sensory Awareness Kits to more than 50 preschools, daycare and community centers in Berea, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Brook Park, Independence, Middleburg Heights, North Royalton, Parma, Parma Heights, and Strongsville during the month of February. The goal of these kits is to help area families identify sensory issues early. These kits have been generously donated by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Church of the Resurrection and the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
Clients recieve a different variety of fruits and vegetables twice monthly
Baba’s Yard, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, gave away 150 tons of fresh produce in 2019 and 2020, and is organizing a collaboration of community partners for a third season. The mission of Baba’s Yard is to reduce epidemic diseases, by increasing fresh produce consumption. Consuming a variety of plant based nutrients is essential to maintaining healthy immunity, and is effective in preventing and managing diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more.
Lace up your running or walking shoes for the 10th Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies, sponsored by Perla’s Pierogies, former Mayor Dean DePiero, and First Federal of Lakewood. The now famous event will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 am at Cuyahoga Community College’s western campus. Those who know me know that running is my passion. So, ten years ago I combined my love for running, pierogies, and giving back to the community by creating what has become one of our city’s signature summer events.
To help with meal deliveries, the Axelrod family donated a 2010 silver GMC Terrain last year to the Donna Smallwood Activities Center.
In January, Donna Smallwood Activities Center and Parma Office on Aging purchased a white 2021 Buick Encore from Axelrod Buick GMC with grant funds from Cuyahoga County. That Encore and a 2010 silver GMC Terrain that the Axelrod family donated in 2020 are helping staff drive prepared meals to its eligible senior members. Since March 2020, nearly 25,000 homebound and community meals have been delivered.
ICU nurses from UH Parma Medical Center led caregivers in Lighting the Darkness, a March 25 memorial service for families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 over the past year. These are the nurses who held the hands of the dying when families were not allowed to visit, due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Hundreds of family members and nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians from the extended hospital family joined together to remember those who had died. Family members clutched candles and cards, and finally connected with the nurses who were with their loved ones in their final days and moments – and whom they had never met in person. "I want to assure each and every one of you that's here tonight with us that we cared for your loved ones as one of ours, and our hearts broke as well when they were no longer with us," said Lindsey Wells, RN, one of the nurses who planned the moving memorial service. Lindsey and ICU colleagues Kayla Rinaldi and Samantha Rhoades personally called each family of COVID-19 patients who passed away in ICU.
In a 30-minute program before families gathered around luminaries of a giant heart in the hospital’s main parking lot, Tim Boyko, Chairman of UH Parma’s Board of Directors, noted that the community cannot thank these selfless caregivers enough. EMS leaders from the community attended the service, and UH Airmed performed a helicopter flyover. “At our peak, entire floors of our hospital were devoted to providing individualized care to patients with COVID 19,” said UH Parma’s Chief Medical Officer & Chief Operating Officer James Hill, MD, a critical care physician who cared for many COVID-19 patients in the ICU. He noted that patients at this community hospital had access to the same clinical trials as academic medical centers, receiving the very best care. “Some of our patients also had family in the hospital. Some were our family. All felt like our family.”
“At times as an ICU physician, I would look down the hall to see nearly every room filled with a patient affected by COVID 19. I remember holding the hand of the first patient with COVID that I placed on the ventilator, trying to reassure them that they would be okay. As a physician these are some of the times I will remember my whole life.”
Ed Cepsis, 65, a father of seven and the eldest of four, bid farewell to his 91-year-old father over a Zoom call. Nineteen family members were on the call as the doctor reassured him that they had done everything possible to save his father. For Karen Strejnowski of Seven Hills, who was cared for in the ICU within hours after her mother died of COVID-19 and while her father was being admitted to another floor with same virus, the memorial service extinguished some of the darkness of the past year. “I would do anything to have my Mom back," said Karen through tears. "But thanks to the staff at UH Parma, my Dad and I are still here. I know that an unimaginable number of people were lost to this virus, but please do not lose sight of how many of us you have saved. “From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to fighting this virus, and for the continued healing we’ve received tonight as well.”
I am sure that many of us have seen the classic 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. It was a movie about a naïve young man appointed to fill a vacancy in the Senate. The lead character, Jefferson Smith is played by Jimmy Stewart and the movie was directed by Frank Capra. There is a climactic scene at the end of the movie where Mr. Smith conducts a filibuster on the floor of the Senate in support of a bill authorizing the government to buy some land in his state for a boy’s camp. But a corrupt political machine had already rigged the vote against the project because they wanted the land for their own purposes. I won’t spoil the movie, but this movie is a classic “feel good” movie.
O From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC):
>> The next Ambassador Training Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Register today. Click here to learn more about their community outreach initiatives and prevention & educations program offerings.
O From The Greater Cleveland Coordinated Response to Human Trafficking (GCCR2HT):
>> The “Collaboration Success Story” describes a recent recommendation successfully implemented in almost 80 police departments in Cuyahoga County. Our own Parma Hts. Police Department is highlighted as an example in its use.
>> The next “Human Trafficking 101 - The Basics”, virtual & free presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 7:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. (ET). Learn more about the realities of Sex and Labor Trafficking and how you can get involved. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdumqqDwtHNP_nJAAp4rz-ngfHvwepIq1. Learn about upcoming programs and more about the HT Collaborative by clicking here: https://www.collabtoendht.org/
O From UH/Parma Medical Center:
>> Age Well, Be Well….a club for adults 55 & up offering virtual programs w/providers, online health talks & telehealth sessions.
>> This recently filmed, 5 minute video features the emotional AND hopeful experience of Parma Medical Center’s own Nancy Gallagher, BSN, RN, Manager of UH Parma’s Intensive Care Unit and the Heart Center. She and her team are on the front lines quietly caring for our neighbors and the community at large. It’s well worth the watch.
>> Save The Date – Watch for details coming soon regarding Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation’s bi-annual signature golf outing scheduled for Monday, August 30th. Proceeds will be used to support UH Connor Institute programs right here at UH Parma Medical Center including pain management, music therapy, therapeutic massage & more.
O From Ohio Dept of Education:
>> OhioMeansJobs K-12 web site—Ohio's no-cost career planning system that offers career exploration tools and resources specifically for students, teachers and school counselors—recently got a makeover. The Department is sharing tips for educators so they can easily explore the redesigned site’s many resources.
Potential Nature Preserve Property and Path
We are very excited to announce that The City of Seven Hills, together with Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC), recently agreed to terms for the purchase of 20 acres of land currently owned by OSWIGI, Inc. adjacent to the City’s North Park off Rockside Road. The proposed preserve area contains 20 acres of meadow habitat with forested patches and 1,900 linear feet of West Creek headwater tributaries.
Parma City Schools returned to a five-day, in-person schedule as private schools are continuing their full schedules. With all students back to full days, their safety remains a top priority. The City of Parma has operated a school zone photo enforcement program since 2009. With students’ full return to classes, photo enforcement will resume in six city school zones. The zones have cameras mounted on poles about 12 feet above ground level that record vehicles traveling both directions. The cameras are for speed enforcement in the 20 mph posted school zones only. Photo enforcement tickets will be issued during designated times when schools are in session and school zone lights are flashing.
Prama Artspace & Gallery, 5411 Pearl Road, is excited to present a show of artwork by long-time Cleveland abstract artist James Burnett. James Burnett is an alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Art and Holy Name High School. His abstracts are bold, with strong defined painterly shapes. This show runs from March 26th to April 18th. "The Female Soul", celebrating Women's History Month is also on exhibit at Prama Artspace & Gallery until April 18th. This exhibit can also be viewed virtually and includes pieces created by Liz Maugans, Laura D’Alessandro, June Hund, Samantha Vickers, Emma Anderson, Grace Wen, Terri Simons, Kole Robinson Brooks and Joyce Morrow Jones. Regular hours are S,W,S 2-7 and M 10-3. Please wear a mask. Masks are also sold at the gallery, along with some great fun and unique boutique items. Recently they received some great new merchandise, mugs, and tees for the Dyngus Day crowd. Visit at www.Pramaartspace.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Seven Hills Mayor Tony Biasiotta
As we enter the month of March one can’t help but reflect on the last 12 months. March 2020 was the time COVID became front and center of our daily lives and the beginning of a long chain events that have been very trying on all of us. Heading into spring I hope the healing process soon begins on all fronts. After witnessing our community come together so many times, in spite of so many challenges, I have no doubt this will once again be the case.
