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People of Parma standing at attention as the flags of the United States and Ukraine are raised by the color guard duing the annual Parma Ukrainian Village Indepencne Parade. 

It was 1991 when Ukriane declared independence from the then crumbling Soviet Union. 32 years later Ukrainians everywhere are still celebrating that momentous decision. Here in Parma we are so very lucky to have Ukrainian Village, said to be the largest Ukrainian community in the US outside of Chicago. Their annual parade honoring Ukrainian Independence every August continues to grow larger and more spectacular every year. The weather was just about perfect for people in Parma to come out and enjoy the lengthy procession and show support for our Ukrainian residents who are extremely proud and also very concerned about what is happening half way around the world. in a land they hold dear to a people they cherish. 

The City of Parma Heights is proud to announce the launch of its new website. After several months in development, the website at www.parmaheightsoh.gov was unveiled in August. The new website provides a refreshed design, improved navigation and mobile and tablet friendly.

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  These items were referenced and made available during a recent Internet Safety & Exploitation webinar. Both of the publications and more, are available by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative webpage and are worth a serious review. Access by clicking on the hyperlink;  the “TinyURLs” are meant to be shared w/a friend or colleague during a conversation.
>  Parent Resource Guide - Apps to Watch or try https://tinyurl.com/HTTeenApps   (There are 14 of them. All but 2 I never heard of before.)   
>  Parent Resources Guide - Protecting Kids When They Go Online or https://tinyurl.com/ParentHTResource-Guide.
      >>  Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, one of over 70 of the Collab’s partner organizations.

O  Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center ...provides free legal assistance to crime victims to protect and enforce their rights. For Victims Needing Help? Access their services and, in particular, the Victims Rights Toolkit. If you’re a professional, i.e.: a first responder, in law enforcement, the judiciary, etc., go here to view your Toolkit.
This is an exceptional resource of which everyone s/b aware.
                 
O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
      >>  Donations of specific clothing items are needed at CRCC’s Drop-in Center. Check out the attached flyer for details.
      >>  Become an ambassador for social change! Sign up for their two-part virtual Ambassador Training Workshop. The free, virtual series is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse and get involved in creating social change.  Go here to register. 
      >>  An integral part of its mission CRCC is promoting the prevention of sexual abuse by now offering free educational and training programs for youth and adults!  Go here to see what’s available and here to request a program. Questions? Email educationoutreach@clevelandrcc.org.

LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  From Ohio House District 14 Representative Sean Brennan - Monthly Newsletter

O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network. These focus primarily on supporting organizations, programs, and projects as our kids go back to school:   > The Howley Foundation  >  GPD Group Employees’ Foundation;   >  Snapdragon Book Foundation >  Youth Service America (YSA)  >  Fordham Street Foundation. If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon for customers who are in need.  Please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313 for additional information. 

Ukrainian-born Laura Bukavina, MD, is planning a medical mission to Lviv, Ukraine this fall with reconstructive urologists Shubham Gupta, MD, left, and Kirtishri Mishra, MD, right. The trio will care for pelvic trauma patients in the war-torn country and teach surgical techniques to Ukrainian surgeons.

Laura Bukavina, MD, a Ukrainian-born urologic oncologist at University Hospitals, hasn’t been able to rest since her homeland was invaded by Russia in February 2022. Within days of the invasion early last year, she and her husband and brother departed for Ukraine to find ways to assist. They ended up at a border crossing where the only medical professional was a Canadian paramedic, assisted by a handful of Polish volunteers.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Aging with a Plan: with Author Sharona Hoffman, JD, LLM, SJD on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A.    Professor Sharona Hoffman will talk about challenges that people encounter as they grow older or become caregivers to aging loved ones. Ranging from social, financial, legal and medical challenges, Professor Hoffman will offer practical advice supported by research studies and share personal anecdotes based on her 2022 book Aging with a Plan. Learn how some thought today can greatly improve tomorrow. Book sale and signing following the presentation. Registration required.  To register, visitwww.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Paranormal: The Pursuit of the Afterlife on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A.The Ohio Researchers of Banded Spirits (ORBS) will talk about its paranormal team, types of Spirits, equipment used and how to get started. Featured on television shows and one of Ohio’s top paranormal teams, ORBS will share information about its 17 years of investigating and recording paranormal activity with compelling evidence. Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host When and How do I Harvest on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. Learn about harvesting, canning and preserving vegetables from the Master Gardeners Speaker Bureau.Growing vegetables has great rewards! Whether enjoying them immediately in a salad, as a dinner dish, or canning and freezing for later use--this presentation includes all you need to know about the right time to harvest and how to do it! Presented by Master Gardeners Speaker Bureau. Registration required.To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

Here we are, America, a former president indicted four times facing ninety-one criminal charges - an unprecedented corrosion that has seeped into and infected the nation hurling our era among those of the darkest days in our country’s history. Regardless of political affiliation, many understandably wonder how we got here, and to that end there has been a cascade of events that went unchecked, optics that have been purposefully directed to mislead. The idea that these charges are a witch hunt by democrats is patently untrue.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library and Bialosky Cleveland will host three open house events and welcome the community to attend in September 2023. Share ideas and give input on what the community would like to see in the design plans of a new state-of-the-art Parma Heights Branch. Meet and talk to the architects from Bialosky Cleveland, the Library Management team and the Mayor of Parma Heights. No registration and all are invited. Open houses will be held at the current Parma Heights Branch Library located at 6206 Pearl Road, Parma Heights in Greenbrier Commons on the following dates. 

Fifty years ago, this past summer, one of the top movies playing in the theatres was Soylent Green. That movie starred Charlton Heston as a police detective and Edward G Robinson in his last movie before he died as his old friend and confident. The setting was in an overpopulated dystopian society in 2022 where there weren’t enough jobs to go around, and we couldn’t produce enough food to feed the masses. The giant Soylent corporation literally controlled the world’s entire food supply, and the favorite food was their Soylent Green.

In the last few months we have seen a rise in bullying incidents across America. Children are dying because too much of our adult population have turned a blind eye. When a child and/or parents communicate issues to appropriate school personnel, they are being shrugged off or ignored. Bullying has become an epidemic in America. There are millions of children bullied every day. And based off of recent events, it is no wonder that most of these children will never tell anyone. Children fear that no one will believe them, no one will sincerely care, and many adults will not listen at all. Unfortunately, some individuals say it is part of growing up. But, when is it not? Bullying starts at a young age and the lesson of how to deal with bullies must start at home. And even more important is how do we teach children not to bully?  Being bullied has caused children to commit suicide and if you don’t think this is important to stop, then you are part of the problem! Anyone can be a bully. Now is the time to teach your children NOT to Bully! It is up to school staff, friends, neighbors, and especially, parents! And, since we cannot possibly stop every bully in the United States, we must learn to handle the situations correctly and hopefully without fatalities. Also, should children suffer the consequences of fighting back? I don’t believe they should, as long as it isn’t with guns. But, children need to stand up for themselves, especially when others will not. 

168 Optical is all about making prescription glasses affordable. And you can customize your new eyeglasses to create a set of prescription sunglasses or transitional specs that tint in the sunlight. 168 Optical is located at 6315 Pearl Road on the 2nd floor, Ste #206 in Parma Heights. At 168 Optical, this store has quality, durability and comfort you expect from glasses, in the styles you're proud to wear. You’ll find everything from classic low-profile styles to bold, standout picks that make a fashion statement.  

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* Prama Artspace Gallery opened An Alternate Route, a show & sale of alternative photography processes, on August 25th, which runs through September 16th. This exhibit is one of a series brought to you by Cleveland Photo Fest, a local non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the appreciation of Photography as a major force in today’s visually driven culture. Lena Simovic, Lena Atomika Photography will be appearing September 8th at Prama to discuss her book, Legs: & the Art Photography of Lena Atomika Photography. Lena was also artist of the month of August for her photography on the Ohio Artists Gallery Shows/Sell/Buy Facebook page.

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Wall of Books, located at The Shoppes at Parma, 7783 W Ridgewood Drive, now carries the original art works of a select few talented local artists. You’ll find paintings, photography, prints and more, reasonable priced, along with their excellent selection of books, toys, games, puzzles and gifts. 

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Our festival of all things water is Saturday, September 23, 2023. A full day of free games, giveaways, tours, trucks, education, and inspiration unlike any other. Join thousands of our closest friends from Northeast Ohio and beyond at Clean Water Fest! Guests can tour one of the country’s largest wastewater treatment plants, and our award-winning and state-certified laboratory. Play games, win prizes, meet the stars of the Discovery network series ‘Sewer Divers,’ and walk away winners with newfound knowledge of the work it takes to protect our environment. 

John J. Pershing was born Septemeber 13, 1860, near Laclede, Missouri. He was decorated for bravery in the Spanish American War, 1898. He led the American forces in World War 1. He died on July 15, 1948, in Washington D.C.

3 FREE Square Dance Lessons are being offered on MONDAYS:   September 11, 18, & 25, 2023, 7-9PM, @ St. Paul Lutheran Church (276 E. Bagley Rd.  Berea, Ohio  44017- corner of Eastland & Bagley)!!!  All ages welcome (12 yrs. & up); singles & couples welcome!  Please join us for lessons, if you like what you see! (continuing on October 2, 2023, @ $5/lesson, or we have bargains!)  Come & see what square dancing is like!  It's a wonderful, wholesome family activity!  It's fun, friendship, & aerobic exercise, set to music!!!  Questions?  Call Diane (440-779-8379), or email solosquaredanceclub@outlook.com

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Board of Trustees awarded 17 Member Community Infrastructure Program (MCIP) grants totaling $14,900,964.98, including $700,000 for the City of Parma’s Craigleigh Drive Septic Abatement Project.

Congratulations, Parma, you have your first bike lane! You may have noticed some symbols painted on
the right outer lanes on Pearl Rd between Brookpark and Snow Rd. This is called a sharrow. Bike
Cleveland describes it as this: "This symbol is a “Sharrow” (a cross between “share” and “arrow”) or “Shared Lane Bicycle Marking”. They are painted on roadways as a reminder to motorists that bikes may be present on the road, and
yes, they are legally allowed to take the full lane."

District 14 State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland) has announced his September constituent gatherings. Once again, he is holding most of them outside to encourage residents to get out and get active with him.

State Representatives Darnell Brewer and Sean Patrick Brennan with Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Evans before their 8-hour helicoptor law-enforcement ride along.

Anyone who know me, knows that I have a deep respect for law enforcement. In fact, in my nearly two decades on Parma City Council, I was an ardent supporter of the Parma Police Department, advocating for fair wages and benefits, as well as modern equipment, training, and support so that law enforcement can do their public service to the best of their ability and as safely as possible. As state representative my support for law enforcement continues and I am happy to report that I voted “YES” on the biennial state transportation and operating budgets, both of which provide robust funding for law enforcement at the state and local levels.

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September marks the 6-month anniversary of the newly formed “Parma Area Senior Veterans” meetup group.  What was expected to be a meeting place for 20 or 25 senior veterans, has turned into a meeting place for 70 to 100 each month. Veterans from WWII to the most recent war on terrorism, have enjoyed the camaraderie of the monthly meetups while gaining valuable information about VA benefits and issues relating to seniors as well as veterans.  Guest speakers each month have provided a plethora of information pertinent to the well-being, health, and safety of senior veterans. Guest speakers have included Molly Carlin President of Cleveland American Veterans Association (CAVA), Ginger MacCutheon of the DAV/Amvets, Diane Griggs Veterans Outreach Coordinator of the Parma Vet Center,  Special agents from the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Preston Bures of the Parma Fire Department. City officials including Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter, State rep Sean Brennan and many council members have been regular attendees at the monthly meetings. Spouses, caretakers, and supporters are welcome.

University Hospitals Parma Medical Center received the highest possible rating of five stars for quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare.
 
CMS rates hospitals from one to five stars, based on their safety, efficiency and patient experience. UH Parma Medical Center is one of only 483 hospitals in the U.S. to earn this designation. Compared to more than 4,600 other hospitals nationwide, only ten percent received five stars.
 
“Our UH Parma team wears this five star badge of honor with tremendous pride,” said Brian Monter, MSN, RN, MBA, Chief Operating Officer, UH West Market. “Not only do our caregivers provide high-quality care to our patients, they also work hard to ensure each person in their care has a positive experience while they’re with us. I’m proud of their efforts in achieving this well-deserved recognition.”
 
CMS calculates star ratings based on a variety of quality measures divided into five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Scores reflect common conditions, such as heart attack and pneumonia, and the overall rating indicates how each hospital performs.
 
CMS publishes star ratings on Hospital Compare to help patients choose a hospital based on patient experience, and are one of many resources consumers should consider in making informed health care decisions.
 
Learn more about the ratings and methodology here: https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/topics/hospitals/overall-hospital-quality-star-rating

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Seed Saving Workshop on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 p.m in Meeting Room A. Seed saving is a growing movement which encourages growing heirloom and open-pollinated pant varieties to increase genetic diversity for gardeners and farmers. Learn the information basics and techniques to start saving your own seeds. 

Ward 9 Councilman Rob Euerle presents Abby Recker with a framed certificate.

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At a May Parma Council Meeting, Ward 9 Councilman Rob Euerle and Recreation Department Director Mickey Vittardi presented certificates to Padua Franciscan High School honor student Abby Recker. Mayor Tim DeGeeter and Vittardi nominated Recker, who recently graduated, for Citizen of the Month.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, August 16thfrom 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon for customers who are in need.  Please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313 for additional information. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host The Enneagram: Nine Ways to Live Life with Understanding on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Learn about the Enneagram Theory of Personality from presenter Patrick H. O’Leary.   Patrick H. O’Leary, MS, MDiv researched and taught about the Enneagram for over fifty years.  O’Leary is an author of The Enneagram: a Journey of Self-Discoveryand an international consultant specializing in leadership development, crisis resolution and team. Building. Registration required.   To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

Is getting outside and exploring one of your favorite things to do?  Then join the 2ND Fridays Parma Heights Scavenger Hunt where there are a cool series of locations for you to discover on your adventure. And don’t worry parents with toddlers, you can even go home and come back another day as the Scavenger Hunt goes from Aug 11-18th. You can participate in the Puzzling  Scavenger hunt as a team, as a couple, or individually. Discover Parma Heights while learning new things about yourself and friends during the 3RD Annual 2ND Fridays Pearl Road Scavenger Hunt.  Highlights of the scavenger hunt include visiting spots that locals may or not be aware of, all along Pearl Road in Parma Heights which can win you or your team prizes from local businesses.This year the scavenger hunt will encourage participants to pinpoint a favorite restaurant, landmarks, small businesses, and a few curious places in Parma Heights. It's a stroll with an entertaining (and sometimes educational) purpose, shedding light on Parma Heights and the environment around you! It all begins Friday Aug 11th. Pick up a FREE 2nd Friday Scavenger Hunt List at the Parma Heights Library, 168 Optical at 6315 Pearl Rd, Diamond Strength Fitness 6690 Pearl Road, Heidy's Nail Salon, Gamers Haven or the New Stop N Go Brew Thru or copy it from the Parma Heights 2ND FRIDAY Facebook page beginning Aug 11th. (which will also list the cool prizes) 100% sponsored by residents and small Parma Heights businesses. There are no hard and fast rules, only an invitation to slow down, enjoy a Summer day and open your eyes to the little things Parma Heights has to offer.   

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, it may seem that the Republican party has adopted a different belief than it had held during the immediate post Second World War period. Now, many Republicans are following the beliefs espoused by the Libertarian Party and it has now become mainstream in the Republican party.

‘Cause We Can

On May 10th, Senate Joint Resolution 2 was passed by the House and Senate. This bill proposes an amendment to the Ohio Constitution, to appear on the ballot at a special election on August 8, 2023.

Hundreds of people enjoying some of the musical entertainment on a perfect summer evening. 

The weather was perfect for one of my favorite summer events, Home Days in Seven Hills. In an ideal setting to host such a festival, this annual event never fails to deliver boatloads of fun and pleasant memories. Dedicated areas feature different interests, from live music, children's activities, vendors, and carnival rides. Plenty of nearby parking, well staffed with volunteers and city safety forces, the small town feel of a well managed summer celebration is something that I most definitely admire and appreciate. Always a great experience every time. In my opinion, this city is full of people who don't spend a lot of time thinking about why they can't do things, instead they push ahead, improvise, and turn ideas into reality. As if it couldn't get any better, there was a wonderful fireworks show both on Friday as well as Saturday night. Well done Seven Hills! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a great occasion. Looking forward to next year already!

It is time to eliminate the cost of corruption. Recently, my colleague, State Representative Casey Weinstein, and I introduced House Bill 120 (HB 120), which would repeal a subsidy that has already cost electric customers in Ohio over $200 million (about $150,000 a day) since 2020 and, if our bill does not pass, will ultimately cost you close to an estimated $850 million by 2030. The subsidy we are paying is known as a “rider” on your electric bill. Riders are how the electric utilities hide added costs to your electric bill on top of the cost of the electricity you use each month.

During the Vietnam War Norman Schwarzkopf served two tours of combat duty. His medals included three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars. A Distinguished Service Medal, and two purple Hearts. After that War was over, he promised himself that, if he ever commanded American forces in War, he would do everything in his power to keep casualties low. He kept his promise in the Persian Gulf War. Only 148 Americans died in the fighting. 

Could the myth of Dracula and rabies be connected ?

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September 28 is the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first effective rabies vaccine. The non-profit organization, “Global Alliance for Rabies Control”, advocates bringing all stakeholders and other interested people together to drive efforts jointly for rabies elimination globally. “World Rabies Day” is an international campaign to help promote awareness about the deadly rabies virus to the public every year. Unbeknownst to many, rabies still kills 60,000 people a year, including an average of 3 people and up to 7,000 animals yearly in the United States.

Krueger Ave.Sewer project completed with new blacktop yet sun blazes without relief. Scarcely a tree in sight a common theme in Parma

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  City officials in 2020 hired tree experts Bartlet Tree Company for a hefty sum. Bartlet found that 92% of the 700 trees studied required  pruning to keep the trees in good health. The other 8% or 54 trees were diseased or damaged and required removal.   Our group "Trees for a Greener Parma" has asked the city for public records pertaining to how many trees the city has cut down. The city has refused to provide the records.   Yet through stump grinding receipts, the city outsources this service, we have found that a minimum of 800 trees were cut down between 2020-2022.    Only 1 month was provided for 2023. An additional 54 mature healthy trees were cut down.   Trees slow storm water surge by absorption and aid in flood mitigation. Mature trees are at the highest potential to provide carbon exchange and for our tree canopy coverage.   The precious green space we have Big Creek Metroparks, the West Creek Watershed Metroparks and West Creek Conservancy are immensely enjoyed by all. Yet the city's mismanagement of the trees within it's boundaries sicken those treasures we enjoy.   Removal of the trees causes an increase in the amount of storm water runoff and raises the temperature of the creeks' water and increases pollution levels.    Trees in the city of Parma, Ohio have become an endangered species.   Voters you are the sleeping giants. City officials need to hear loud and clear that we need change for the health of our community.    Misdeeds by our city leaders today have dreaded consequence for decades to come.   Unite and join in! Saturday August 5th between 8:00 and 4:00 we will be joining together at the greatest of all watersheds- Lake Erie. Cleveland's Annual Sand Festival runs that day. Find out how you can make a difference
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  

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* Prama Artspace Gallery - 5411 Pearl Rd. Opening on Friday, August 4th, Slain Nemo will be on exhibit through August 20, 2023, titled Selfies On A Half Shell. Slain is a trained artist who starts with sketches of his ideas. He combines math, fractals, chaos theory, and computer imaging in his creations. As part of 2023 Cleveland Photo Fest, Prama will host an exhibit of alternative photography which will open on August 25th.