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Polish Village is proud to host the first Parma parade of the year! It’s the 75th Polish Constitution Day Parade, brought to you in partnership with the Polish American Congress, non-profit Polish Village Parma Inc., City of Parma and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the cigarette tax. This parade celebrates the Polish Constitution, the first European constitution, adopted May 3, 1791, and modeled after our own U.S. Constitution.

Pianist Alex Wasserman to perform with PSO

Parma Symphony Orchestra will perform a LIVE Classical Music Concert on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights featuring: Concerto #1 for Piano by Frederic Chopin Alex Wasserman soloist, Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven and Pines of Rome By Ottorino Respighi

May is National Preservation Month. The National Register of Historic Places, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic places of resources. The National Register is the offical list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation, but there are many places that are worthy of preservation and protection besides those listed on the National Register, and the old Parma Heights Library is one of them!

CALL FOR ARTISTS! Parma Arts has put out a call for artists for the Medley of Arts Show & Sale. Deadline to enter May 9, 2025. Application and details can be downloaded from the website, http://www.parmafinearts.org/2025medleyofartshow.html. Categories include watercolor, acrylics & oil, graphics (pencil, pen & ink, charcoal, computer graphics, (no AI) marker, pyrography, photography, 3-D art (jewelry, sculpture, glass), fiber art, mixed media and wood carving. Cash prizes awarded to first place artists in each category, plus a Best In Show. In addition the public can vote for the People’s Choice Award. Ribbons to second, third place and honorable mentions. No residency restrictions.

It’s with great sadness that I’m reporting the closing of Prama Artspace & Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Road. Prama was the first independent art gallery located in the City of Parma. It opened in the fall of 2018 as a platform to showcase local talented individuals. It was owner/operator, Sean Mabin’s, life dream to bring the vibrancy of the art scene to the City of Parma. Being a Parma High School grad, and knowing many artists that live in Parma or within the surrounding area he felt Parma should have their own indie gallery, close to home. He chose the gallery location in close proximity to Polish Village’s great restaurants, shops and pubs, making it a great “date night” destination.  Indie galleries, like Prama, bring visitors from all over Greater Cleveland to the city. Who than explore the neighborhood, shopping the mom and pop shops, stopping for coffee or drinks at a local pub, or for something good to eat.

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On Monday, May 26, 2025 the Parma Heights Memorial Day service will take place on the front lawn of the Parma-South Presbyterian Church at 6155 Pearl Road. 2025 marks the 158th consecutive year of the Parma Heights Memorial Day commemoration. The Parma Heights service is the oldest continuous in the state of Ohio.

Fifty years ago, on Wednesday April 30, 1975, the last Americans were evacuated from the rooftop of the American embassy in Saigon South Vietnam. Anyone who was old enough to watch the news on that day remembers the images of the helicopters lifting off the roof of the embassy and the desperate Vietnamese people at the closed gate of the embassy who could not escape the take over by the North Vietnamese troops and the collapse of the South Vietnamese government.  

Beginners are welcomed! Participants will learn Parallels, V folds, Interlocks and other ways of bringing a 3D look to your greeting cards as the recipient pops them open, in this four week, two hour class. Participants will create 12 different cards in 4 sessions. Class size is intentionally small in order to offer individualized attention to you. Class is held on Monday’s from 1 to 3pm, May 12th, 19th, skip Memorial Day, June 2nd & 9th. Location is The Parma Art Center, inside the Parma Parks & Recreation Building, at 7335 Ridge Road. A supply fee, of $10, is charged for this free class.The instructor is Gabrielle (Gabby) Lawrence. Some of her accomplishments are creating medieval manuscripts for over 20 years for the Society for Creative Anachronism. She is now the Program Manager of the Rome Art Program where mostly college students are drawing and painting throughout the city of Rome in June and/or July. Her current art focus rotates among watercolor, acrylic, charcoal and pastels. She’s shown her art locally at several locations and won 1st place last year for her graphics. This is one of a series of classes offered throughout the year titled Art For The Fun Of It!, brought to you in part by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Parma Arts. Register by emailing kathrynmabin@att.net. Don’t hesitate this classes fill up fast!

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All Faiths Pantry has partnered up again with Yorktown Lanes for the 3rd Annual “Wheels for Meals” Cruise-In. They look to start the hot rod, street rod and classic car season by hosting their annual event on Wednesday June 4th at Yorktown Lanes 6218 Pearl Road. The cruise-in is free for both cars and spectators and begins at 5:00 pm. It is greatly appreciated if attendees bring non-perishable food items or paper products to donate. There will be raffles, door prizes, music and awards all ending around 8:00 pm. Food and beverages (for purchase) will be taken care of by the friends at Yorktown Lanes.

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In the heart of a bustling urban neighborhood lies a hidden gem where agriculture is alive and well—thanks to a group of passionate young people with boots on the ground and dreams in the barn. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 6–8 p.m., the Homestead Hoofers 4-H Club invites the public to Potential Buyer Night at Stearns Homestead, a historic working farm located in Parma, Ohio.

Lake County Commissioner John Pletcnik will speak on Property Tax Reform in Ohio at the next meeting of the Parma Republicans. A question & answer session will follow.  Pletcnik is also a Law Professioner at Cleveland State University. Everyone is welcome to attend on Wednesday, May 14th, 6:30 pm. The Parma Republicans meet at McJames Sports Pub, 13450 Snow Road. Questions: please call President Doris Peters at 216-659-3362.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will present Internet Basics on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. Learn the basics about using web browsers and search engines to navigate the Internet, and how to stay secure while online. Prerequisite: Completed the Computer Basics class or demonstrated experience using mouse.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 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 of Cuyahoga County Public Library and The Friends of the Parma Heights Library invite adults to attend the Friends Meet & Greet on Saturday, May 3rd , 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Thinking about volunteering in the Parma Heights community? The Friends of Parma Heights Library are seeking new volunteers to join the Friends Group as a member or as an Officer. Available Friends Officer roles include:President;Vice President; Treasurer; and Membership.  Parma Heights Library Friends are important and provide financial support to the Parma Heights Branch Library for library programming through ongoing book sales. With the new Parma Heights Library under construction, explore how to shape the future by volunteering as a Friend!  Light refreshments will be provided. The Friends will be available to answer questions and talk more about the different roles. No registration. Drop in, visit and join us! 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Travel the Silk Road: Journey through Asia on Tuesday morning, May 6th from 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.May is National Asian American Pacific Islander Month. Celebrate Asian culture and art. The Cleveland Museum of Art will talk about the Silk Road and how travelling this journey influenced many cultures and religions through art. Learn about authentic works of art from China, India and Thailand in this hands-on experience and discussion. Please note:Participants will be required to have clean hands when handling the art objects. Registration required. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Author Donald S. Miller who will present From Kennedy to Kent State: An Era that Changed America on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. with a Q&A following the presentation. Author Donald Miller will talk about his book, Power and Passion: an Epic Novel in the 1960s, which combines historical fiction and his memoir recounting the May 4th,1970 shooting at Kent State University. In this coming-of-age book during a tumultuous time, 1963-1970, in United States history, Miller tells a story of a high school couple who meet, live and experience loss of innocence along with many Americans. Book sale & signing following the Q&A. Cash and check only. Registration required. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

After you introduce a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives, you have to have a good relationship with the chairperson of the committee it is assigned to because he or she decides which bills get hearings or not. Most bills have three committee hearings. The first is called sponsor testimony, which is then followed by proponent testimony, then opponent testimony and a vote. I recently delivered sponsor testimony on H.B. 130. Here it is for your reading pleasure:

First Bite of Summer, by Joanna Ellis. Featured in the Parma-Powers Branch Spring Art Show

The Parma-Powers Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library celebrates literacy, art, wellness and wonder, with high-quality programming, valuable information resources, help obtaining critical social services, comfortable spaces to study or hold a meeting, and access to a wide variety of literature and media ranging from brand new to classic.

Robin O’Malley is a long-time resident of Parma, with over two decades in the community. A full-time mother, she also maintains a successful career as a six-time international and national published model. Additionally, Ms. O’Malley co-hosts "The OUTLAWS RADIO SHOW" on the FCB radio network, which can be heard on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and now on 95.9 FM WOVU. The show covers a diverse range of topics, including current events, celebrity news, politics, and relationships, and features interviews with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Iris Almario from NCIS and many more. Ms. O’Malley began her media career in 2018 while attending Ohio Media School. In 2019, her modeling and radio endeavors gained significant momentum through a collaboration with fellow Ohio Media School alumnus and current radio producer, (CEO OF FCB Radio Network Darvio Marrow.) Her talents extend to acting, as evidenced by her appearance in a Cleveland Cavaliers commercial. Furthermore, Ms. O’Malley is a published author of "A Guide to Modeling." She can be found on Facebook at Robin O’Malley and on Instagram at realrobinomalley.

Marriage is one of the most outdated institutions in modern society, and here’s why.

The Department of Government Efficiency—efficient at what, exactly? Fuel efficiency? Propping up fossil fuels? Efficiency can mean building a clean energy future, or it can mean doubling down on the past. It can mean swiftly deporting people, or it can mean efficiently constructing affordable housing. These are not just different policies but fundamentally opposing visions of the future.

As American as apple pie, the classic burger is given star treatment and dozens of exciting variations by Parma Heights establishments. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into countless burger creations in Parma Heights. From juicy patties cooked to perfection and topped with delectable combinations, to the irresistibly fluffy buns that cradle these mouthwatering creations, I have scoured every nook and cranny to uncover the hidden gems that will satisfy even the most discerning burger lover.      

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At the Parma Heights City Council meeting on Monday, March 10, Mayor Gallo proudly swore-in the City’s new Police Chief Steven Greene.

We finalized some major projects last year that will define and serve our community for generations to come. To name a handful; the Hemlock Creek Restoration Project, a new  7,592-square-foot, climate-controlled service vehicle storage garage, the Lodge at North Park and our Splash Pad at Calvin. Now as we head to into Spring 2025 I would like to share some of the exciting things we have planned.

First Bite by Joanna Ellis

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It never ceases to amaze me how talented our friends and neighbors are. Take for instance, Joanna Ellis, a fiber artist, living in Parma, and a member of Parma Arts who is one very talented lady. She tells me her journey began with a needle and bobbin lace, weaving and spinning. She created her first quilt, a tumbling block baby quilt, ten years ago. Soon after that she discovered art quilts. She generally creates portraits of people and animals. They are incredibly detailed. True works of art.

Michelle Behal, President of Parma Arts, owner/operator of Bear Tracks Art, will be one of 40 vendors at Crowleys Tree Farm for the Farm Fresh Creative & Crafts Show, 2150 Greenwich Rd in Wadsworth, Ohio, Sunday, May 4th, 1:30 to 5:30 pm. Michelle is an Inspirational Rustic Artist, specializing in Pyrography (wood burning).

There is currently a bill in the Minnesota Senate to make Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) a legitimate mental illness. Kudos to the Minnesota Senate for their pioneering effort, but it's actually something that should be done at the national level so TDS can be covered by insurance nationwide and the poor souls across the country who are afflicted with this debilitating malady can get some much needed help. I intend to do my part to make that happen and hope you will too.

Thousands of people across Cuyahoga County visit their libraries every week. What’s the draw? Everything.  This is the week to recognize your librarians and tout the endless offerings available at your local library.  Libraries are more than a repository of books. Everyone knows that libraries are filled with stories in a variety of formats: paperback, hardcover, large print, e-book and audiobook. But they offer so much more.  In addition, library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education and connection. These include book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes and lectures. One can also learn a new language, use Consumer Reports online, access and print legal forms, meet an author, enroll in the Summer Reading program (adults too!), find an analysis of classic literature, use 3D printing at the Innovation Center, Cool off in air-conditioned comfort on a hot day, & use NoveList Plus to find your next great author.

State Auditor Keith Faber will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Parma Republicans.

On the night of Tuesday April 18, 1775, the light on the Old North Church in Boston warned a silversmith named Paul Revere, a member of the Sons of Liberty, that British soldiers were going to advance on the colonial militia up the river to Lexington where rebels had stashed some arms and munitions. Paul Revere rode his horse on the trail the twelve miles to Lexington where the militia had hidden their arms. On the morning of Wednesday April 19, those British soldiers engaged the militia on Lexington green.

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On March 7th, 2025, the throughway off of Regency Dr. to the Parma PD front desk was named, "Nick Hunter Way". The street sign is illuminated 24/7 with the globe emitting a blue light to honor Sgt. Nick Hunter. Sgt. Hunter passed away on September 12th, 2022, from an unexpected medical emergency. Hunter served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 - 1990. He graduated from the Cleveland Hts. police Academy in 1993 and was sworn in as Parma's first African American police officer on April 13th, 1993. Hunter was promoted to Sergeant on November 5th, 2003. At the time of his passing, he was in his 29th year of service with the department and was the senior ranking Sergeant. Known for his consistent cheerful demeanor, friendly smile, and calmness, Hunter made an indelible mark on all those he came in contact with.

In my quest to keep Ohioans affected by the recent elimination of the federal Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) informed, I want to provide you with an update on the implementation of the Federal Social Security Fairness Act. As a member of the Ohio Retirement Study Council and Ranking Member of the Ohio House of Representatives Public Insurance and Pensions Committee, I recently discovered that many spouses or surviving spouses of Social Security beneficiaries may need to apply for the benefit to which they are entitled due to the elimination of the WEP and GPO.

New clubhouse and event center under construction at Ridgewood Golf Course

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There are two projects in particular that have area residents looking on with hope and high expectations. One is the new clubhouse/event center at Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma, and the other is a brand new Cuyahoga County Library being built in Parma Heights in the Commons. Both of these ambitious projects have been planned for some time and now are finally becoming a reality. 

The Arbor Day Foundation named Seven Hills a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.

If you've been living outside of Cleveland, you’ve probably heard about the Haslam family’s ongoing push to move the Browns out of downtown and into the suburbs—specifically Brook Park, Ohio. They’re seeking $1.2 billion in taxpayer funding to build a brand-new stadium. While this proposal has sparked heated debate, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials largely oppose the idea.

Daffodil Hill at Lakeview Cemetery (photo by the author) 

Ahh, April — landscapes yellowing with dandelions and daffodils, the sound of lawn mowers roaring back to life, the blossoming and subtle greening of trees everywhere.