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Parma Mayor Timothy J. DeGeeter chose again to feature his state of the city address in an interview format with local broadcaster Dick Russ. On February 25th he sat down with Russ at the Powers Branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library. Before a fairly packed room, their discussion ranged over a wide range of topics, including the library, the emerging event center at Ridgewood Golf Course, many new businesses in our community, Tree canopy issues, UH Pamra Mecial Center, Parma Safety Forces, Parma City School District, and especially projects from NEORSD to combat flooding in the city. About the now completed Ridgewood Basin Project, he said " We have won over residents who did not want the redesign, because it looks good, attracts new wildlife, and most importantly, keeps water out of residents basements". 

University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

Patients in Parma and the surrounding westside suburbs will no longer need a ride to main campus or the eastside for comprehensive eye care. The UH Eye Institute, which has historically had a wide range of offerings in UH’s East Market, is doubling its presence at UH Parma Medical Center to complement its already strong scope of care in Westlake.

Like you, my wife and I recently received our Cuyahoga County property tax bill. Also, probably like you, ours went up a lot, much to our chagrin.

A friend came to me recently, frustrated. Something had gone wrong—plans had fallen through, an opportunity had slipped away, and he was looking for sympathy. But before he could finish his sentence, he stopped himself. “I already know what you’re gonna say,” he said. I raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What am I gonna say?” He sighed. “You’re gonna say good.”

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Cuyahoga County will celebrate the opening of the newly expanded Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter. County leadership, volunteers, and a few of our furry friends will attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $2.7 million expansion allows the shelter to enhance its services and programming while providing a safe and loving environment for animals. The addition includes space for indoor playgroups, training and meetings, a façade with backlit building sign, new fencing and gates, and new artificial turf for outdoor dog play areas.

I was listening to The End by The Doors the other day. Jim Morrison first wrote it as a breakup song—young heartbreak set to a brooding melody—but over months of live performances at the Whisky a Go-Go, it grew into something much bigger. Something final. A song about endings in every sense of the word.

The City of Parma Heights is pleased to welcome Steven Vanek as the new Ward 4 City Council member. A resident of Parma Heights since 2017, Councilman Vanek brings a strong background in public service to the Council seat. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baldwin Wallace University, he went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati.

Exciting Programming at the Parma-Powers Branch Library!

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Mindfulness: Capturing the Present Moment on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A.  Using your smartphone and guided by the principles of mindfulness, learn how to look at your photos in a creative, calming, joyful and unique way. Connect and experience the present moment through mindfulness and photography. Registration required. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

One of the recurring themes of the Trump campaign last year was this thing about a “deep state” that was stifling American’s freedom and was overly bureaucratic and “too WOKE.” I am here to debunk that lie and tell the truth about our government’s civil service.

Join the Adult Services Librarian at the Parma Heights Branch Library of Cuyahoga County Public Library for a staff-led virtual (online) book discussion Tuesday afternoon, March 11th, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Join us virtually (online) as we discuss The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins. 

The Friends of Parma Heights Library and Library Staff would like to invite adults, ages 18 years and older, to its March meeting on Thursday evening, March 27th, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A at the Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library. Light refreshments will be provided. The Friends of Parma Heights Library are seeking new volunteers to become Friends Officers in leadership roles as President and Treasurer. Thinking about becoming a Friend or an Officer in the Friends? Visit this meeting and explore the opportunities. No registration needed. Join us! 

By Gary Nass

Three talented local artists on on display at the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Powers Branch, in the spring show, titled The Beautyand Humor of Everyday Life. Gary Nass, Parma Arts member is displaying abstract wood sculptures, Joanna Ellis with her creative art quilts, and Katarina Lapyhina with her photography. Stop in and view the Gallery Wall.

By Kathy Dregalla

Our pets are our loving and faithful companions. Show your love for them by learning how to draw their portrait. These classes will be held on Monday’s, March 24, 31, April 7 and 14, from 1 to 3 PM at the Parma Art Center, located in the Parma Parks & Recreation Building, at 7335 Ridge Road.

To celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, stop in at Rudy’s Strudel, located at 5580 Ridge Rd. Satisfy your paczki cravings with their huge selection of sweet or savory paczki, while viewing portraits of inspiring women accompanied by a story, family recipe, or letter describing why this particular woman is inspiring.

There’s a brand new coffee house in Polish Village, located at 5842 Ridge Road in the old Krakow Deli building, next to Brayson’s Ice Cream. This takeout or dine in cafe has been beautifully remodeled. It’s a spacious, 2,000 square foot, 40 seat establishment, and it’s relaxing and entertaining, with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes lots of options, coffee, iced coffee, espresso, flavored lattes, teas, hot chocolate, milk options like whole milk, almond & oat. In addition to coffee, Love Coffee also offers baked goods and supports local vendors.

Zac and his mom, Chris, are ready to hit the trails. Zac is using the Cleveland Metroparks all-terrain wheelchair, which was funded by a grant from Cuyahoga DD.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachel Carson

As food costs rise in 2025, even more pennies are squeezed from our monthly budgets.  More and more Americans are turning to their own backyards to offset the cost of eating. Planting a garden can save you hundreds of dollars, and for some families, that adds up to thousands of dollars in savings annually. Start with a sunny windowsill and a few pots of herbs. Basil, parsley, chives, and mint are perfect for beginners. They are hardy little troopers that'll survive a bit of neglect. Plus, you'll feel like a culinary wizard when you snip fresh herbs for your meals. If you have a small space, you can still create a beautiful vertical garden. Try planting succulents, flowering vines, fruits, and vegetables. On fences and walls, use wall pockets, repurposed containers, or trellis to build your garden. If you don't have a fence or wall to build a vertical garden, you can find stack-able vertical planters at garden stores to start your garden.  And Perennial native pollinators can be strong additions to gardens, and landscapes because they work with local ecosystems to elevate an area’s health while producing beneficial harvests year after year.  

Our economy couldn’t run without small mom and pop businesses. They create economic growth and provide almost 70% of all new jobs in the country. That’s why every year on March 29 we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in this country by celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! The holiday was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 that grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop. It is a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business. And here are just a few that have made a real impact on the Parma Heights community and beyond.....

Neighborhood Video Store Video Store

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Remember the VHS/Beta tape era? Back then, one could rent a motion picture from the nearest video store in your neighborhood and watch it in the privacy of your own home without any interruptions. No longer did you have to go to a crowded theater and fight for a good seat to watch the latest movie release. In addition, if you missed the airing of your favorite movie on television, they no longer had to wait until the following year to catch the next airing. You could just go down to your local video store and rent the movie. Even some movie die-hard fans transformed their basements into a miniature theater, along with huge screens and speakers, in order to mimic the effect of their nearest movie house.

Sean Patrick Brennan

Ohio State Representive

Hous District 14

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After the Parma Settlers documentary began airing last month on Cox Cable, a State Representative contacted the Parma producer, Kevin Kelly, to complement him on the video. The subject matter came to the attention of Sean Patrick Brennan, who represents District 14 in Ohio’s House of Representatives. He was intrigued when he saw an article written about the video project in the Parma Sun Post Newspaper. The Ohio State Representative has a strong interest in the history of Parma and appreciated the effort of telling about the history of early Parma in visuals.

In January 1973, the Paris Peace Accords officially ended the US involvement in the Vietnam War, although the majority of US troops would not leave until August of that year and the fighting between North and South Vietnam would continue until the fall of Saigon in 1975. This year 3/29/24 is Vietnam Veterans day and we commemorate 50 years since the end of the War. The Vietnam War lasted approximately 20 years from 1955-1975, marking the period of US involvement in the conflict. Because of the Herbicides, (AGENT ORANGE), used to eradicate the vegetation and make it easier to see the enemy created a lot of different diseases among the Vietnamese and Americans. Many of these people are still suffering from long term illnesses. As a gesture of sincere gratitude, please acknowledge these men and women by thanking them for their service. As a result of a lot of different factors that took place during this time period, many Veterans did not receive warm welcomes when they came home. Many Vietnam Veterans that I know do not want the same negative treatment for Wars that occurred after Vietnam, (Desert Storm), (Gulf Wars), (Iraq), (Afghanistan). Anyone that served in the US Armed Forces should be acknowledged and thanked for their service.

Are you a Veteran over 50? Spouse, Caretaker or Supporter of Veterans? We would like to invite you to join our Group.

Saxaphone Soloist Chika Inoue to perform with PSO 3/9 at Valley Forge

Parma Symphony Orchestra will perform a LIVE Classical Music Concert on Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights featuring: Saxophone solo featuring:  Chika Inoue performing John Williams’ Escapades from “Catch Me If You Can” also Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on a Theme by Weber and Shostakovich’s Festive Overture

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St. Columbkille School invited first reponders from Parma and Seven Hills to attend their luncheon on January 31, 2025 in celebration of the Catholic Schools Week. Police Officers and Fire Fighters enjoyed the opportunity to interact with students and staff while enjoying lunch catered by Niko's Gyros. The students provided personal messages and colorings which were heartfelt and inspirational. Thank you St. Coumbkille for the invitation and the continued support of your first reponders.

In the times we are living through now, lower grocery prices are music to peoples ears. So on the coldest day in January, it was no surprise that a huge crowd gathered to take advantage of the opening of Grocery Outlet at 5721 Broadview Rd. in Parma. Located in the 30,000 square foot former Pat Catan's location, the store is easy to find and has plenty of parking. Founded by the Read Family in 1946 in California, one of the unique features of this company is that the vast majority of their stores are independently operated by local married couple. The store in Parma is managed by Tate Halsey and Sydney Busa, who moved to Parma from Southern California. Now that's commitment!

Tradesman Tavern, a beloved cornerstone of the Parma community, has officially reopened this past December with exciting changes and a heartfelt mission to honor the memory of its late owner, David Martina. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the tavern has undergone a transformation that preserves its legacy while embracing new beginnings.

As State Representative, one of my top priorities is advocating for more affordable and accessible health care for all Ohioans. Recently, I was privileged to meet with MetroHealth President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD at my Statehouse office. I look forward to working with her to further our shared goal.

Late last year I was re-elected to represent Ohio House District 14 by an overwhelming vote of Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters. Let me just say how honored and humbled I am to have been selected to serve another term in the Ohio General Assembly. Anyone who knows me knows how seriously I take my role and that I strive to represent ALL of my constituents regardless of political party. In fact, I am very proud of my perfect attendance and 96% bipartisan voting record.

In the social fabric of education, one thread stands out as indispensable yet often overlooked: the bond between families and schools. This alliance forms the foundation upon which a child's educational journey rests, yet it is too frequently undervalued in our desire for educational reform. It's time to recognize the impact of family-school partnerships and enhance their integration into the very heart of our educational system.

I have a DVD from PBS that is a brief biography of the men who served as President of the United States. The most recent President featured in this series is Barack Obama. The introduction to this series states “the office of the President of the United States was created by the constitution to allow the people to choose the person to be the Chief Executive and head of state for the nation.” It goes on to say, “the Presidents of the United States have reflected the people’s desires and wishes for the nation with the times.

Calling out to all bands, clubs, businesses and organizations! We are looking to add more participants to the annual Parma 4th of July Parade. It’s a fun way to promote your band, club, business or organization and it’s free. Hey, all you creative individuals, think about competitive floats. Start your creating now. Oh what fun! Show your Parma pride! Start YOUR MARCH into the 2026 Parma Bicentennial in 2025. For more information email parmaparades@gmail.com.

Thank you to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture for awarding a matching grant to Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc. for 2025. This grant helps to finance the Art For The Fun Of It, their low cost or free beginner classes and workshops throughout the year. February kicks off 2025 with two 4 week classes. Intro to Knitting with Jane Zampedro, offered on Mondays 1 to 3pm, starting February 17. Students will explore casting on, different stitches, blocking and joining. The second is Embellished Embroidery with Jan McAndrew, offered on Thursdays from noon to 3pm starting February 20. Learn basic colorful embroidery stitches while creating a fabric needle holder and a fabric book of embroidery stitches. Embellish with sequins, beads and other materials. Both are offered at The Parma Art Center, 7335 Ridge Rd (inside City of Parma Parks & Recreation Center). Both cost $10 per person for 4 weeks of instruction, plus supplies are included. Class size is limited to offer individualized attention. Classes fill up fast, register now by emailing kathrynmabin@att.net. A real bargain!

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will present Computer Basics on Monday, February 17th, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A.  Learn the basics about computing devices—hardware, mouse, keyboard and navigating—with hands-on practice following the library staff demonstration. Computer settings, file management and mobile devices will also be discussed. This Computer Basics class will be taught using library laptops.   Class starts promptly. Registration required.  Attendees must be Adults aged 18 years and older. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

Love your Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library?    Do you have an interest in working in a team, collaborating with library staff and numbers, inventory & used book sales?  

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Opening late in December, Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi restaurant has quickly become a Parma Heights community favorite. The new Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi located at 6405 Pearl Rd. is locally-owned and operated and offers a dining experience that combines incredible flavors with a fun, vibrant atmosphere.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Naming the Roads to Riverside on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. What is the connection between Riverside Cemetery and the names of roads on Cleveland’s West Side? Who were the prominent people with significant ties to Riverside Cemetery? Learn about this topic of local history with Jamie Lynne Owens, author of Cleveland’s Riverside Cemetery, and Maria P. Moldovan who will present a fascinating “armchair” tour.  Book sale & signing following the presentation. Registration required. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

Saturday March 15th marks the 26th Spring Craft Fair at Valley Forge High School.