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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.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Author Don Billie on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room C. Author Don Billie will talk about his book Margaret Hamilton: From Cleveland, OH to the Land of Oz and the life of talented actress Margaret Hamilton. Well-known for her performances as the Wicked Witch of the West in 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and, decades later, as shopkeeper Cora in Maxwell House Coffee television commercials. Learn how this former kindergarten teacher changed her career path into theater and acting and she remained dedicated to causes that she supported. Book sale and signing following the presentation. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry. 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 Shucked: A New Musical –Small Town Music in a Big City Medium on Monday, April 21st, 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Music historian Stephanie Ruozzo will talk about the musical score of Shucked and how it appeals to a wide audience of theater goers. This inspiring and unconventional musical score includes country, folk and blues. Learn why Shucked was nominated for nine Tony awards. Join us for a “pre-show talk library program” at the Parma Heights Branch Library.  Registration requested. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Investing 101 on Thursday, April 10th , 2025 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A.  April is Financial Literacy Month.  Emily DeConcini, owner of DeConcini Wealth Management, LLC, will present an informative financial literacy class and will discuss personal budgets, debt management and prioritizing financial goals.  Emily DeConcini will engage the audience to think about their finances, retirement & savings plans and provide overall general starting points that participants could implement to achieve their financial goals and attain a better quality of life. Emily DeConcini will encourage participants to reduce fear about investing and will educate participants about which financial tools may offer ways to achieve personal or family financial goals quickly and confidently.  Learn about investing, personal budgets, debt management and prioritizing financial goals. Q&A following the presentation. 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, 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, April 16th, 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. 

On this quiet strip of York Road where Friendly's Ice Cream restaurant used to be is now the home to Honest restaurant which serves an unapologetically vegan tasting menu that is stunning in its depth, scope, and simplicity. Whether you’re an Indian food lover or you don’t know tikka from tamarind, I invite you to discover flavor-packed, from-scratch Indian cuisine served the way you like to eat: fast, fresh, and better-for-you.

At this workshop you’ll learn to create a necklace by knotting Irish waxed linen with beads.  Easy to learn, only involves simple knotting techniques. No tools needed. Easy way to relax while you create beautiful wearable art. A fun and creative project in a relaxed atmosphere.  Create and take home a beautiful necklace made with your own hands. Beginners are welcome! Taught by Sarah Sieradzki. 

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.