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I am addresssing the assembly in the early stages of the meeting, as Parma Ward 5 Councilman Allan Divis looks on. 

An overflow crowd of Senior Veterans, spouses, and veteran supporters, were present to see  the unveiling of the Veterans wall ("Our Wall") and the introduction of a newly formed senior veterans’ meetup group. The Donna Smallwood Activities Center in Parma hosted the event and will be the meeting  home for the newly formed “Parma Area Senior Veterans”  a meetup  group for senior veterans in Parma and surrounding cities and communities.

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The Young Professionals of Parma (YPOP), in conjunction with the cities of Parma and Parma Heights, is excited to bring back the Parma area’s annual Pizza Bake Off on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Parma’s UAW Hall (5615 Chevrolet Boulevard). This indoor, family-friendly event will feature live music, beer and wine, dessert, raffles, games, entertainment, and, of course, pizza. Proceeds will benefit the Parma Police K9 Unit. “The pandemic may have kept us from celebrating all things Parma pizza over the past two years,” said YPOP president Jackie Baraona, “but we’re thrilled to bring back this great indoor family event and recognize the delicious work of our many local pizza shops.”

Saturday March 18th from 10am- 3pm, the Valley Forge Cross Country and Swim teams will be hosting their 24th Annual Spring Craft Show. There will be vendors featuring holiday decorations, ceramics, jewelry, hand knits, candles, purses, kitchen items, local artists, handmade soap and beauty products, gourmet candies and pastries, local honey, Easter items, your favorite direct sales vendors, and so much more…

In recent days I attended Governor DeWine’s State of the State Address, in which he outlined his spending priorities, and have spent countless hours reading his 631-page, $200 billion biennial (two-year) state operating budget proposal.  The 2024 – 2025 state budget, which calls for a 12.7% increase in spending over the previous budget, begins with the Governor’s proposal to the Ohio General Assembly. The General Assembly will spend the next several months reviewing and amending the budget proposal. It must be approved by the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate and signed by the Governor by June 30. Below I have outlined some of the highlights of the Governor’s proposal. Remember, this is just the proposal and can change drastically as it moves through the process. I will be deeply involved in the budgeting process to help ensure that it is balanced and that it addresses our communities’ needs. To read my entire summary, visit my website at https://ohiohouse.gov/members/sean-p-brennan or call me at 614-466-3485 for a hard copy.

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Have you ever wanted to learn more about how the local police forces impact the community? The Parma Heights Police Department welcomes residents to participate in the 4th Annual Parma Heights Citizens Police Academy. The program is held in conjunction with Cuyahoga Community College from March 22nd through May 24th.   

80 Years Ago the USS Dorchester in the early morning hours, while in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic was struck by a German torpedo off the coast of Newfoundland. There was  904 people aboard, most in a scrambling panic to save their lives. Four Chaplains of different faiths, Methodist, Jewish, Catholic, and Baptist were helping to save lives by helping them board lifeboats and when supplies ran out, each gave up their own life jacket. The Chaplains joined arms and sang hymns as they went down with the ship along with 670 passengers. 230 managed to survive.

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Parma Area Fine Arts Council (PAFAC), is offering a FREE beginning draw class. This is a four week session at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center, 7001 W Ridgewood Drive. The series of four classes will be held on Monday’s, March 27, April 3, April 10 & 17th, 12:30 to 2:30. Class size is limited to 20. The class is taught by instructor Jan McAndrew. To register or for more information email kathrynmabin@att.net. 

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* Prama Artspace & Gallery, 5411 Pearl Rd currently has a diverse group show, with 20+ artists, titled Now That’s What I Call Art – Vol 1. This exhibit, which opened February 24th, and continues through March 19th, features several of your favourite artists from the last four years. On Saturday, February 25th, Prama co-hosted an event, Ekphrastic WritingWorkshop, with the Parma Flamingo Writers Guild. Poets were invited to attend and write poems about the artwork hanging on the walls. In addition to the art in the gallery, and boutique items, they also have a display of local Parma authors. On March 3, 2023 Prama is hosting the CAN Journal’s 2023 Spring Edition launch party. Follow Prama on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events. 

Cover Art by Mr. Soul

You are invited!  Collective Arts Network Journal, CAN Journal, is holding the launch of their Spring 2023 Edition at Prama Artspace & Gallery, 5411 Pearl Rd, Friday, March 3, 2023 at 5:30. CAN is a quarterly full color magazine combining member reviews of upcoming exhibits, programming, and independent commentary on the arts locally. CAN is a tool that gives voice to the extensive arts activity in Northeast Ohio. The first issue of CAN was published in 2012. CAN has grown it’s membership to more than 80 organizations. CAN was recognized as a non-profit in 2015. Stop in for your Spring 2023 Edition at the launch party.

More and more frequently, people are remembering the importance of increasing their daily consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) includes highly processed foods and is high in saturated fat, trans fats, processed sugars, artificial ingredients, and chemical additives. S.A.D. is also low in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients, which are all important to include in a healthy diet. Nutritionists agree that S.A.D. is the primary cause of many epidemic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, various cancers, etc. Sadly, S.A.D. reduces the body’s natural immunity to diseases and its ability to eliminate toxins from our systems.

You don't have to be born with great hair to look the part. If you're in the market for wigs, hair care and skin care products you should look no further than Hair & Stuff 216 based in Parma Heights. With its roots in Parma Heights, Hair & Stuff 216 is one of the best places to go when you're shopping for hair and beauty care items.   

Top o' the mornin' to ya!! Let's shamrock and roll!  If the luck of the Irish is on your side, your family will get the chance to experience some of the great small businesses all day on Friday March 10 as 2ND Friday Parma Heights kicks off Eat, Drink, Shop & Be Irish! This family-friendly event gives adults and kids a fun way to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, along with shamrocks and all things green. Get your green on and get ready to shake your shamrocks at local Parma Heights businesses. 

Producer on the film set, recreating the Cleveland Tornado documentary.

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This year will be the 70th anniversary of the 1953 Cleveland, Ohio Tornado. The twister struck just north of the Parma area on the night of June 8th, 1953. For those of you who have never heard of this incident, the twister developed just west of the Cleveland Hopkins Airport. This occurred at approximately 9:30 PM on a Monday. The sun had already settled, but the sky took on an eerie greenish glow over the area. The National Weather Bureau previously warned local airport officials that a tornado was confirmed to be on the ground 37 miles west of the airport and was headed their way.

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 2023 award season. In its fifteenth 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. Applications are available on the City of Parma website at www.cityofparma-oh.gov or you may call the Parma City Council Office at (440) 885-8091 for a copy. The Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to high school seniors or equivalent who are residents of the City of Parma wishing to pursue post-secondary education during the 2023 – 2024 academic year. Financial need, work ethic, community service and accomplishments are among the selection criteria for the scholarship. The application deadline is Monday, April 2, 2023 at 4:00 pm. For more information or to donate to the Foundation please contact board of trustees member Sean Patrick Brennan at ParmaScholarship@gmail.com or 440-885-8091.

All Faiths Pantry (AFP) has kicked off its Spring fundraiser, Drawing Feeds People. This event will benefit AFP and participants will receive a one of a kind pet-portrait completed by student volunteers from Parma schools including Padua Franciscan, Holy Name and Incarnate Word Academy.

Back in November of 2022 I was interviewed by John Benson of the Sun Post. The article spoke about an ongoing debate regarding Parma's Tree Canopy. Well, that's not entirely accurate. I am grateful for this publication to allow me to set the record straight. The Sun Post article made it appear that I was a lone voice appealing to Mayor Tim DeGeeter on behalf of our city's trees. Nothing could be further from the truth.

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse: Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From Ohio Attorney General... For organizations that may be interested, the Human Trafficking Commission, Victim Services Subcommittee offers personal consultation to organizations that would like support and assistance in meeting the Ohio Service Standards for Trafficked Persons.  If you would like to schedule a personal consultation, reach out to Rebekkah O’Bryan: reobryan@dps.ohio.gov  or Michelle Hannan at Michelle.Hannan@use.salvationarmy.org.

O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  Coming up on March 14th:  Human Trafficking and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It’s virtual & free. Click here for details & to register
      >>  To provide survivors with the information they need to access shelter, medical care, and therapeutic services, we have created an interactive resource guide of all providers in Northeast Ohio. Access the Resource Guide here.
          
O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
       >>  Sign up for their free, 2-part, virtual Ambassador Training program. Part I – April 3 & 5; Part 2 –April 10 & 12. For details and to register go here.
      >>  Check out 10 Things To Know About Sex Trafficking. Go here to view & print off a copy.

The Parma Heights Branch Library of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Jazz Standards of the 1940s and 1950s on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. The Debbie Darling trio will perform jazz standards from the 1940s and 1950s and give you some of the background to the songs they perform. Registration required. In-person program. Sponsored by The Friends of Parma Heights Library.

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. Boxes of shelf stable food items will be available for curbside pickup—first come, first serve--at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, March 15th 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. 

The Parma Heights Branch Library of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Julie Koenig of Royally Amused will share a lovely tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in U.K. history through stories and photos. Registration required. In-person program. Sponsored by The Friends of Parma Heights Library. 

On February 14 1884, a young Theodore Roosevelt then a state legislator in the New York State Assembly welcomed the birth of a daughter. But later that day, his wife, the love of his life, passed away after giving birth due to Bright’s Disease. That same day, he learned that his mother had also passed away from typhoid fever. His father had passed away a few years earlier. Now, a young Theodore Roosevelt was devastated with grief.

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Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter’s State of the City address will occur before a live audience this year. “For the past two years, we have recorded my State of the City address and then posted it on our website and social media platforms. We couldn’t crowd a room with people during COVID restrictions or when cases spiked,” DeGeeter said. “I will enjoy being in a room filled with people again.” The address, however, will not be a traditional speech this year. Instead, it will be in an interview format, with local award-winning broadcaster Dick Russ asking the mayor questions about important city matters such as the local economy, infrastructure projects, safety services and other areas of city business.

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Spring is around the corner and the Parma Heights Recreation department is in full swing with the 2023 program and events calendar. Adults can lace up their dancing shoes and enjoy big band, ballroom and line dancing in February and March. Registration opens in February for T-Ball, Baseball and Softball.

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It was an honor to be sworn in earlier this month with my wife of 28 years, Deena, holding the family Bible and our children and friends by my side in the historic Statehouse in Columbus. To be one of 99 Ohioans to represent our fine state in Ohio House of Representatives is an indescribable honor. Rest assured that I will remember my oath “to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio . . .as I shall answer unto God” in my daily work on your behalf.

Lots of folks came out to enjoy the end of the year at Winterfest at the Keystone Pavillion in the Metroparks Westcreek Reservation on 1-30-22. 

On December 30, Ward 6 Councilman Kevin Kussmaul and Ward 9 Councilman Robert Euerle began a new tradition when they hosted the first Winterfest at the Keystone Pavillion in the Metroparks Westcreek Reservation. Luckily for them and all of those in attendance, the weather was exceptionally mild for that time of year. There were many people who took advantage of the climate conditions to come out and really enjoy themselves in this beautiful outdoor setting. There was a wonderful fire in the grand fireplace, hot chocolate, s'mores and other delicacies, crafts for the children to keep busy, and plenty of good times and holiday cheer. Celebrating the end of another year among friends is a whole lot of fun, and since Clevelanders are such a hearty bunch, it didn't really matter much at all what the weather was doing, as long as citizens were enjoying themselves and the company of their friends and neighbors. Three cheers for our two young councilmen and their willingness to engage their constituents and try new things. 

US Congressman for the 7th District with Parma Police Chief Joe Bobak, Parma Police Captain Kevin Reilly Parma Police Detective Mark Karkan at the Open House Event on 1-12-23

Newly elected US Congressman for the 7th District Max Miller has opened a District Office in Parma at 7335 Ridge Rd. This same location housed a district office for former Congressman Jim Renacci. Congressman Miller held an open house event in January where people from the new district came to meet him. The newly created 7th District is quite large, running from south of Wooster all of the way north to Westlake and Bay Village, heading southeast to include Parma and areas as far east as Bedford. I am glad that Parma was chosen as the location for a District Office, the other being Medina. The previous congressman opted to not locate an office in Parma, so this gives people in our city direct access to their congressional representative, which only makes sense for the 7th largest city in the State of Ohio. 

The curtain had just closed on the community theater’s opening night performance of Macbeth when Elisabeth Roter collapsed. But the 57-year old University Hospitals’ physician and thespian who survived a cardiac arrest that night will always remember her good fortune to be in a theater – surrounded by bystanders who knew CPR, including a local primary care physician – when her heart stopped.

In theater circles, the famous Shakespeare play is marred by a curse that even uttering the name “Macbeth” in a theater outside of an actual performance conjures bad luck. Legend has it that the actor playing Lady Macbeth died on the opening night of the Bard’s play in London in 1606.

To Elisabeth, who does not believe the superstition, the play could not be luckier.

“It certainly was good luck for me that this happened in the theater,” said the actress and singer, who began performing on stage at the age of 9 and acted in community theater until medical school. "For this to happen right after the curtain call – the timing was perfect. At least it didn’t happen while I was driving or when I was at home asleep.”

A fellow cast member saw Elisabeth stumble and caught her, breaking her fall as she lost consciousness. They quickly called for back-up from medical professionals in the audience.

Michael Saridakis, DO, a UH family medicine physician who practices in Parma and Broadview Heights, was watching the play with his sister-in-law, an Akron-based emergency medicine physician. Her husband was in the play and summoned her backstage. Dr. Saridakis quickly joined her to see how he could assist also.

“I saw her on the ground, and they were attending to her,” he said. “While we were assessing her, she stopped breathing and we started CPR and called for the AED.”

While Dr. Saridakis checked Elisabeth’s pulse, another doctor performed chest compressions while a third physician began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When Elisabeth stopped breathing, he took over chest compressions while his sister-in-law, the emergency medicine physician, set up the automated external defibrillator (AED), which Ohio schools are required to have on site. The defibrillator jolted her heart back into a normal rhythm and she opened her eyes.

Bystanders performing CPR before emergency personnel arrive can double or triple a person’s chances of survival. Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital setting where trained caregivers know exactly what to do. In fact, cardiac arrest claims more lives each year than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, automobile accidents, HIV, firearms and house fires combined, according to the American Heart Association.

This is the fourth time that Dr. Saridakis has been involved in saving a life with CPR in a public setting. The other incidents occurred in his church, a restaurant and on a residential street.

“Oftentimes it happens with loved ones, and family members are right there,” Dr. Saridakis says of the 70 percent of cardiac arrests that occur at home. “We hear so many stories from patients, so we strongly encourage people to learn CPR. You actually can save a life.”

An ambulance took Elisabeth from the theater in Willoughby to UH Lake West Medical Center. A cardiac catheterization was performed and a small defibrillator was implanted in her chest. She was discharged a few days later.

“The faster you start CPR, the better off the person is, because you want to keep blood flow circulating so they will survive and not suffer brain damage," Elisabeth said.

About 90 percent of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive. She is fortunate to be among the lucky 10 percent.

“Most people who have a cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting do not survive, because it’s not witnessed, or people don’t get there quickly enough, or they don’t know what to do,” Elisabeth says. “By knowing CPR, there’s a greater chance that lives can be saved.”

Contact the UH EMS Training & Disaster Preparedness Institute for American Heart Association CPR and AED training classes.

Portrait of Karlis Ginbergs on a paw paw leaf

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Prama Artspace Gallery & Boutique, located at 5411 Pearl Rd is featuring author Thomas Tobie, Friday, Feburary 3rd, 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Tobie’s new book titled “Bobby’s Shivery Shadow Book” is a fun and spooky book for tweens. Artwork by Laura D’Alessandro inspired by the stories is hanging in the gallery through Saturday, February 4th. Coming Soon, February 24 through March 19, is a group show, no theme, with numerous artists, titled “Now That’s What I Call Art #1” at Prama. Follow Prama on Facebook and Instagram for future events. While visiting Prama, stop at the many unique food and beverage establishments located on Ridge and Pearl Roads. Shop small, shop local and often. You won’t be sorry you did.

Over the past few years, the volunteers involved with the 501(c)3 non-profit, We Are Parma Proud, have worked tirelessly to advance and support the city’s image. They created and published the first ever, Parma’s Visitor Guide, hosted family friendly events like Picnic in the Park, and Frosty’s Fest, sponsored and organized Trash Crawls, engaged the community through online photo contests and brought you the fireworks after Rib ‘n Rock n 2022. 

The Parma Heights Branch Library of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host So, You’re Ready to Buy a Home on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Presented by Akron Cleveland Realtors Association, learn about the home buying process from what steps to take and what to expect when entering the home buying market. In-person program. Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch Library of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Meet Fox 8 Co-anchor and Author Wayne Dawson on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C. Wayne Dawson will visit and discuss his new memoir The Seeds of Greatness are within You. Eleven-time Emmy winner and Kent State University alum and co-anchor of Fox 8 News in the Morning and ordained minister, Wayne Dawson will share his inspiring journey towards achievement, excellence and purposeful living. Books will be available for sale and signing courtesy of the publisher. In-person program. Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

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Sunday January 22,2023 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Lyndon Johnson, our country’s 36th President. Many people my age remember the time when he was our President. To say that he was a unique character as well as a controversial President is an understatement. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the LBJ Ranch and National Historic Site near Stonewall Texas in the hill country about an hour’s drive west of Austin as well as the LBJ Library and Museum on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin. Since President’s Day is this month, here is some information about our 36th President.

The 24th Annual Valley Forge High School Spring Craft Show will be on Saturday March 18th from 10am-3pm. 

Valentine's Day is tricky to shop for, but you want to mark the occasion with something special. While telling your significant other, best friend, or family member how much you love them is what matters the most, giving a small gift is always appreciated. Rather than shopping from big-box retailers, try buying your gift from a small business. Not only will it make your gift feel a bit more special and unique, by supporting smaller, local stores, you'll spread the love in more ways than one!

Vito Dipierro presides over his first council meeting.

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Ward 1 Councilman Vito Dipierro started a new position on Parma City Council and now presides over meetings as council president. The seat was vacated in early January after Sean Brennan resigned. Brennan was elected in November 2022 as the new 14th Ohio House District state representative, serving Parma, Parma Heights and half of West Park in Cleveland. He was Parma council president for 11 years. Dipierro will serve the remainder of Brennan’s term through the end of 2023 and then will be on the ballot for the next term.

Credit to John Tuesday on Upsplash.

Tomorrow night at 6 PM, join us at the restaurant Game On in Parma Heights, where people will meet, drink, and if they feel loose enough, write! The goal, besides to enjoy a pleasant evening socializing, is to encourage people to hear others share stories of their own.

On Saturday February 25, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM Polish Village Parma, Inc., a non-profit, is holding the Taste of Polish Village. 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 from local businesses you may have driven by and not yet had the opportunity to try out. Your old favorites from along Ridge Road 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 your community thrive.

Longtime elected Law Director / Chief Prosecutor, Tim Dobeck, has announced his intention to run for Judge in the Parma Municipal Court for the term commencing January 1, 2024. Dobeck is currently serving in his 24th year, having been elected to Law Director / Chief Prosecutor for six (6) consecutive terms.