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As we journey through this life, we all have only so many trips around the sun, and no one knows just how many that is. So 15 trips so far for the Parma Observer is no small amount of years. When we printed the first issue in October 2009, I was in my late 40's and wondering what my 50's would be like. Now I'm 63 and wondering where my 50's went. Considering that I've spent nearly a quarter of my life devoted to the Parma Observer, I am made to reflect on just how much has happened during that time- in my life,that of everyone else, and the world in general. 

As always, I want to encourage everyone to vote in this general election. Your vote helps us ensure we are represented at our greatest potential. Please be sure to complete an absentee ballot or vote in person on November 5th. The ability to work with multiple government agencies continues to be a source of pride among my team. I think our success in these endeavors is a testament of our team not settling for the status quo or resting on any laurels. Recently, as part of the State of Ohio one-time infrastructure bill (HB 2) we were awarded $500,000 of improvements to our fire station. The primary focus of the award will be to add proper living quarters and roof repairs to our station.

Lots of treats in Polish Village in October! A drive down the main streets in Polish Village is a treat for the eyes. You’ll see spooky ghosts, witches and fall decorations in the large flower pot planters. It’s the introduction to fall in Polish Village, getting ready for the big event, Treat & Greet!

Join in for a Funday Sunday Game Day with the We Are Parma Proud non-profit on Sunday October 6, 2024 at Bleachers Sports Grill, 6855 Ridge Road, 12:30 to 3:30 pm. $25 entry includes a build your own, all you can eat, at the taco bar. Drinks include draft beer, wine and soda. Side boards, lots of great raffle baskets too!

From left, UH Parma Medical Center Director of Operations Mary Beth Talarico, Chief Operating Officer Dr. James Hill, State Rep. Sean P. Brennan, Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moon and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chris Dussel.

As your state representative, I view one of my main jobs as bringing home dollars from Columbus to our local community to positively impact our quality of life. I am very happy to report that, after a lot of hard work, I recently successfully negotiated and secured $700,000 in funding for University Hospitals Parma Medical Center’s Breast Cancer Center.

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The month of October is here again, and you know what that means. Monsters and goblins roaming our neighborhoods, late-night horror movies, wild parties, etc… The local Production Company, Shocker Enterprises, has put together a collection of Ohio’s Halloween footage to be viewed on Cox Cable, Channel 45, Sundays at 9pm. Some of the footage that will be shown will not only be Halloween footage from Ohio but also from here in Parma. The video will also air footage of the Ghoulardi Fest, which use to be held across from Chevrolet Blvd., on Brookpark Road. There will also be included in the video past scary commercials and other Halloween events that took place in our city. This will include some of the best decorated homes in past seasons. The show will also contain information about true horror stories that have taken place in Ohio that may give you nightmares. Who knows, you may even spot your own uniquely decorated house on “Halloween in Ohio”.

It was sixty years ago this past spring that then President Lyndon Johnson declared “war on poverty in the United States”. Later that spring when he spoke to the graduates at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he unveiled his outline for his “great society” where poverty in the United States would be eliminated. He backed his vision with several programs that he said would attack poverty at the roots.

A partnership between University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and the Parma Police Department has saved hundreds of lives and helped people struggling with opioid addiction get a second chance.

Mmm…pizza. Nothing unites quite like a piping hot pizza pie with bubbly cheese and a perfectly charred crust. Looking for a quick and easy dinner, a game day fan favorite feast, or the perfect party meal? Order up a hot and fresh pizza because October is National Pizza Month!  The best way to observe National Pizza Month is by eating pizza. No matter what your favorite pizza is, Parma Heights local pizzerias has you covered and smothered with toppings, crusts, and  styles to satisfy all pizza lovers.

This past year in Ohio, over 3,500 people died from fentanyl-related overdoses. This tragic drug crisis has continued to rip apart families and communities in our state and around the country. I have been working hard in Congress to advocate for common-sense border security measures to stop the flow of drugs, like fentanyl, at the Southern border. 

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 every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, October 16th 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 will host AARP Downsizing & Decluttering: You Can’t Take it with You on Thursday, October 24th, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. Trying to discard unwanted stuff at home? Need a streamlining plan to own less stuff that may improve your productivity and boost your happiness? AARP will offer organizational tips for downsizing and decluttering. Why is stuff important to people and how does owning too much stuff prevent people from having a positive outlook on their lives? AARP will talk about the answers to these questions.  

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host America’s Electoral College on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 from 7:00– 7:45 p.m. in Meeting Room C. Learn about the Electoral College, why it was created, and how it works in the voting system to choose the President of the United States. 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 Putting Your Garden to Bed on Monday, October 7th, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A.  Noelle Akin of Petitti Garden Centers will talk about preparing and putting your garden to bed for Fall. Registration required. To register, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

For the first time, Young Professionals of Parma is bringing Parma area residents and neighbors an event like no other. Presented in part with partners Nick Battilana State Farm and Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union, Parma Heights Frights will take place Saturday, November 2nd at Greenbrier Commons at 6200 Pearl Road in Parma Heights.

Get ready for spine-chilling thrills and hauntingly creative displays as Parma’s neighborhoods become a battleground of Halloween décor! The Spooky Showdown invites all brave and imaginative City of Parma residents to join in this epic Halloween house decorating extravaganza! Get ready for a hair-raising event like no other — the Spooky Showdown Halloween House Decorating Contest!

In a new partnership with the City of Parma Heights, Mayor Gallo and the Young Professionals of Parma, the annual Creatures in the Commons is now Parma Heights Frights! On Saturday, November 2 from 5 to 9pm Greenbriar Commons will be the site for Parma Heights Frights.

Morrith by Bili Kribbs

MINI MONSTER WORKSHOP! Just in time for Halloween! Create your own Mini Monster using clay. For ages 9 through adult, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Parma Art Center, located in the Parma Parks & Rec Building, 7335 Ridge Rd. Cost is $10 a person and includes all supplies needed. Local artist is Bili Kribbs is the instructor teaching basic sculpting techniques using polymer clay. To register, email kathrynmabin@att.net. Class size is limited so don’t hesitate.

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The residents of Parma Heights will remember for years to come where they were on Tuesday, August 6 around 4pm. As the notifications came in, the weather turned quickly and the tornado touched down in the City of Parma Heights and surrounding areas. 

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On August 17 the City of Parma held the always popular annual Safety Fair at the Parma Justice Center. This event features hands on displays and presentations by police, fire, rescue and medical services arranged so that the public can interact in such a way that they are much better informed about the various operations of the vital functions provided by these public servants. Lots of families were in attendance, participating at each exhibit, learning all about the function of our various safety forces in real life situations. 

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Living in Parma we are blessed to have some of the best Safety Forces in Northeast Ohio. On Thursday August 15th the Ward 6 Safety Meeting was held at my house with over 80 residents attending. This event was postponed by one week due to the tornado coming through Parma. Throughout the question and answer time the residents expressed their thanks and appreciation to all of our Safety Forces.

I am very passionate when it comes to the young and old. I believe that if more decision-makers could relate to the needs of the disenfranchised living in neighborhoods without access to recreational activities, perhaps they would be more likely to offer opportunities for positive engagement. 

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On July 8, 2024 of this year, it has been decided that the unidentified victims of the Cleveland Torso killer will be exhumed from their graves in an effort to identify them. Dr. Thomas Gilson, the Cuyahoga Chief Medical Examiner, is teaming up with the ”DNA Doe Project” to use DNA testing on the their remains.

SAG/AFTRA Picnic at Westcreek Reservation in August. 

The 10th Annual SAG-AFTRA Family Picnic took place on August 4 in Parma at the Westcreek Reservation Pavillion. What a wonderful day and an amazing turnout. 87 degrees and sunny. There were over fifty people that showed through out the day from many places. It was nice to see everyone that was able to attend. Ms. Fay Porter even showed up. Ms. Porter is a wonderful lady that recently turned 95.The organization presented  Executive Director Brian Lysell with a plaque for ten years of service. He has done a wonderful job to continue to organize and strengthen the Union for Ohio-Pittsburgh. Our friend Peter Lawson Jones was able to stop this year. He is such a great friend and was recently inducted into the Karamu House Hall of Fame. Congratulations  
 
This year was the beginning of having door prizes donated from many wonderful establishments including Wall of Books, Little Birdie Wine Nest, Rookies, Yorktown Lanes, The Tipsy Flamingo, Au Jus, Gentiles, Cassidy Theater, The Beck Center for the Arts, Schnitzel Ale Brewery, Galluccis, and many others. If anyone would like to donate or be a sponsor for next year please reach out. andyschofield@yahoo.com 
 
Thanks again for another successful day for the members and families.

Governor Michael DeWine signs H.B. 466 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds as State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) and guests watch.

I was very excited recently when I got word from the Governor’s office that he was going to sign House Bill 466. H.B. 466 is the second bill that I have introduced that the Governor has signed into law. I am told that it is rare for a freshman member of the Ohio House of Representatives to pass one bill, let alone two. After teaching American Government to middle and high school students for 30 years, I am literally living my life’s work.

The opening line of Charles Dickens’ classic novel of France during the French Revolution was “It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.” That line could accurately describe the United States this year as we get closer to election day in November. I watched some of the party conventions this summer and the contrast between the two major political parties couldn’t be more radically different than they are this year.

The 5th Annual Cleveland Photo Fest runs through September at Bostwick Design Initiative at 2731 Prospect Ave in Cleveland. This year there are several exhibits. A black and white portrait exhibition of 60 Cuyahoga County Mayors and Civic Officials, including Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter. The Women’s Self Portrait Show, which includes photos of 40 women. CATography a national cat photography exhibit, and more. Lots of local talent in this exhibit.

What’s in a Name? Lots if you’re a Lois The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Lois Club (NEOLois Club) had its first meeting on November 14, 2003 There were 11 women named Lois at the first event.  Since then, the group has grown to its current membership of just under 40 members this year. The ladies decided to continue with these luncheons on the same schedule at the National clubs, as there are several across the country, including Canada, which is on the 5th Tuesday of the month. Generally, there are 4 such days in each year, and occasionally there are 5. There are Lois Club groups on Facebook too!  An annual convention is scheduled in different locations throughout the states that presents an opportunity to travel, sight see, and meet others who share the name of Lois. This event is open to friends and family.

The Cleveland Cohort as part of the Poland Personally Classrooms wihtout Borders place-based learning experience.Led by Amnon Ophir, second from left, we will continue to build the network of learning here in Cleveland.

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Incarnate Word Academy educators Traci Borden and Anne Hribar recently participated in an intensive study seminar, Poland Personally, presented by Classrooms Without Borders. The purpose of the seminar was to increase their understanding of the value of diversity and the results of prejudice. Accompanied by Holocaust survivor Howard Chandler, participants spent over a week visiting many historical sites, including the Warsaw and Krakow ghettoes, as well as Treblinka, Majdanek, and Auschwitz.  

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 every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, September 18th 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 will host Native North American Art: Before, During and After Colonization on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A. The Cleveland Museum of Art will talk about Native American Art in this hands-on experience with art objects. The artists, who represent the diverse cultures and tribes of Indigenous peoples in North America, created functional and beautiful art objects with spiritual significance. 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 Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services team of Professional Career Counselors will present Tips for Success for Job Seekers Over 40 as a hybrid program held virtually on Zoom and held in-person at the Parma Heights Branch on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Choose to attend via Zoom or in-person at Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library.  September is International Update Your Resume Month. Celebrate by attending this hybrid program presented by a Career Counselor from Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services. Over age 40?  Learn how to increase your marketability in today’s competitive job market as a career seeker over age 40. This informative and motivational program will also include tips for success among your competition regardless of experience, age and additional factors that concern you. Gain a new viewpoint to continue your search in the job market with success. Register for the hybrid option or register for the in-person option. To register, 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 Small Business Series Workshop on Thursday evenings in September 2024 in Meeting Room C.  Are you thinking of starting a small business? Are you a small business owner exploring ways to develop? This four-part series is designed for people with a small business idea who are seeking information and are interested in launching or growing a successful small business. Local small business community leaders and entrepreneurs will share their experiences and Q&A following the presentations. 

In Ohio, agriculture provides 1 out of every 7 jobs, making it one of the state’s biggest economic drivers. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have been working to support our agriculture industry and consumers who rely on our farmers and producers for affordable food.