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Defendants Colin Deka and Jack Klamert entered guilty pleas to offenses
involving the theft and destruction of Parma’s flamingo statue previously located at the
corner of Broadview and Rockside Roads. The flamingo statue was purchased by a
Parma resident in honor of his Autistic daughter. As Parma’s Law Director and
Chief Prosecutor, I have a duty to zealously advocate for the City, while seeking
just results within the bounds of the law.  In fulfilling my duties, I have to balance
the city’s need to be made whole for the damage that occurred, with the need for
the public to know that those responsible for criminal actions will be held fully accountable for their wrongdoings. Both Defendants have expressed sincere remorse for their criminal behavior, made full restitution, and  had no prior criminal record. Aware of these factors, I offered a resolution that would ensure that the matter would remain under the jurisdiction of the Parma Municipal Court. After accepting each Defendant’s Guilty Plea, Judge O’Donnell immediately handed down her sentence, which includes:

ESS has exciting substitute teacher opportunities in Parma City School District! We provide qualified candidates like you the opportunity to work in local school districts and support student education. 

June 8,1967 the USS Navy intelligence ship USS Liberty was attacked by Israel Defense Forces, which occurred in the Middle of the Six Day War between Israel and Egypt. In all 34 Sailors were killed and another 170 were wounded. Decades after the event it was called one of the most bloody and bizarre peacetime encounters in US History. Israel's government  claimed in the aftermath that there had been a communication lapse between its military and that the men carrying out the attack thought the Liberty was an enemy ship. However a number of US military and intelligence officials have maintained over the years that the attack was deliberate. The incident remains a source of controversy. When this incident occurred the Sixth Fleet was ordered to give aid to the Liberty. My ship, USS Mississinewa AO144, docked in Newport RI at the time was notified to go to Israel and remove fuel from the Liberty so it could be towed to the island of Malta for temporary repairs. We traveled with several other ships refueling ships as it was needed to make the long journey to Israel. we got about half way there when we were ordered to return to Newport because there was another tanker closer to the Liberty. A few years ago I had the opportunity to talk to one of the sailors that was severely wounded while aboard the Liberty. coincidentally he had the same ranking as I did, which was (DC3), Damage Controlman. He was below decks along with several other shipmates trying to prevent the rushing water from coming in. I can only imagine the hell that these men endured. He knew how interested I was and invited me to come to a 3 day meeting about the Liberty in Pensacola. Florida. I had to turn him down because of my work schedule. I thanked him and wished him well. 

On Memorial Day, Monday May 26, 2025 I arrived by a Seniors Bus at the Parma Heights Cemetery for the 258th consecutive year Remembrance Ceremony. Prior to this I attended the Parma South Prebyterian Church Lawn for a  Memorial Service, with Guest speakers including Keynote Speaker, Suzanne Stratford From Fox News channel 8. Suzanne served in the Army National Guard as a Sargent during the Persian Gulf Wars. Many of her family members, including her husband served in a variety of Wars. I cannot remember a better speech than what I heard from Suzanne. "I think it takes a Veteran to know a Veteran". Moving Forward to My Origianl Story. After arriving at the Cemetery and walking toward one of the benches, there was a Mother and Daughter, dressed for the occasion with their RED, WHITE, and BlUE clothes sitting on one of the Benches that was donated by the Parma Heights Historical Society. As I approached, they both stood up and offered me a seat. I was pleasantly surprised when the little girl walked over to me and thanked me for my Service while shaking my hand. I thought to myself, that this little girl must be with a loving and caring family that believe in the core vaues of human dignity and respect for all. This was a Heart Warming Encounter that I will always Remember. I beleive that this gave me the strength and incentive to continue an enjoyable Day and as a bonus, the weather was great. After the Cemetery Ceremony concluded I got a ride with the Seniors bus for a ride back to the Church to pick up my car. The driver was very considerate and dropped each of us off where we parked. I had a nice surprise when I returned home and noticed that my front yard was mowed including the tree lawn. I'm sendinf a heart felt thank You to the kind person that mowed my lawn. Acts of kindness followed me the whole day.

Ever since I served on Parma City Council, I have been educating constituents about unclaimed funds that they are due and assisting them in obtaining those funds. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is responsible for safeguarding funds that have been left unclaimed by individuals and organizations. These funds could be from various sources, such as forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, utility deposits, un-cashed checks, and more.

Parma Ward 9 Councilman Robert Eurle speaks to residents who attended the combined Safety Meeting of Ward 3, 4, and 9. 

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Parma is one of the safest cities in Ohio, and that has been the result of a close relationship between the citizens of Parma and their safety and emergency departments. Every summer there are annual safety meetings in each of the 9 wards of the city. This year there was a slightly different approach with a combined safety meeting between wards 3, 4 and 9. Held in the parking lot of the new discount Drug Mart on State Rd., based on attendance, it was a very successful program. Residents can learn from observing functions presented to them by various officials from Police, Fire, Law Department, etc., who answer questions directly from those in attendance on a variety of topics which are important to people in our community. Seeing hands on demonstrations by various parts of our safety forces in a relaxed setting goes a long way towards the understanding of what is involved with these public service jobs and how they relate to everyday safety. 

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Get ready to treasure hunt! Over 140 residents are set to participate in the 3rd Annual Parma Heights City-Wide Yard Sale, happening Friday and Saturday, July 18 & 19. What began as a neighborhood idea has quickly grown into a beloved community tradition and a highlight of the summer season.

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Sean Mabin has had some of his work recently published in The Hand Magazine. The Hand is dedicated to “alternative” and historic photograph processes and all types of printmaking. Sean has been exploring various alternative photography techniques the last couple of years. Both Sean and his wife, Angie Reali Mabin are in the Rust Belt Photo Collective’s Exhibition, titled Indirect Reality Do You See Me? at the Beachwood Community Center Art Gallery, 25325 Fairmount Blvd, which runs through July 7th.

Now’s the perfect time to wake up your inner Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, or Picasso. Parma Area Arts is hosting a Coloring Contest with the help of their community partners, Parma-Powers Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library and the City of Parma Recreation Department. The contest runs through July 18th. There’s three age groups, Youth Artists ages 12 years and under, Teen Artists ages 13 through 18, and Adult Artists 19 and older. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners along with any Honorable Mentions receive ribbons and prizes in each group. Free to enter, no residency restrictions, but limited to one entry per person. The coloring pages were chosen to be age appropriate for this contest. Judging will be completed by a panel of independent judges. Judges decisions will be final. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony and reception which is open to the public held at the  Parma-Powers Library Saturday, July 26th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Flagstar Bank Building (formerly Ohio Savings Bank), designed by Don Hisaka. 

Picture this: a group of tourists step off of a bus. They’ve come to have a look at the collection of mid-20th century modernist buildings along Pearl Road in Parma Heights. After taking some photos of the unique buildings, they stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Maybe the Tavern on 42? Or a hot sub sandwich at Penn Station? Perhaps Luna’s Deli on York Road for a sandwich and a cup of soup? Then they think “some dessert sure would be nice.” So, they get some fresh frozen custard from East Coast Custard, a building that they just visited on their mini tour.

Happy National Ice Cream Month!  President Ronald Reagan in 1984 designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. The competition for the best scoop in Parma Heights is fierce, but Lumpy's Shake Shop might be the most dominant force in the scene. The legendary ice cream shop is noted for its amazing flavors and for its superior scoops, notably the Peanut Butter Overdose, Blueberry Coney island, Black Raspberry truffle, and Superman flavors. Superman ice cream is called Superman because it is a multi-colored ice cream, typically featuring blue, red, and yellow, that visually resembles the colors of the DC Comics superhero Superman's costume.     

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Getting Started with AI: Simple Insights for Everyday Use on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 from 7:00-8:15 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Gary Arnosk will present the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with examples of AI applications, such as voice assistants (Siri and Alexa).  Learn how AI works, both benefits and limitations, to feel comfortable using AI to complete tasks in an organized and productive way.  With 17 years of experience in Integration and Technology, Mr. Arnosk oversees the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and Emerging Technologies Lab at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College.  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 every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, July 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. 

One hundred years ago this summer a high school science teacher named John Scopes went on trial in the small town of Dayton Tennessee for breaking the law banning the teaching of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in his classroom. This was a test case of this law brought forth by the American Civil Liberties Union. It was deliberately staged to attract publicity to this small town of Dayton Tennessee. In fact, John Scopes was unsure whether he actually taught that humans evolved from lower animals over a long period of time.

First and foremost, the selection at B&L Comics is nothing short of excellent.  As soon as one walks through the doors, you are greeted by shelves stacked with a diverse array of comic books.  For hardcore comic collectors, often nothing beats the selection Larry Zjaba has when new comics are released, or even better, where one can submit a pull list and have their favorites ordered and held for them!

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The Seven Hills Farmers Market (SHFM) will return to the southwest corner of Broadview and Hillside Road starting Thursday, July 10th, and will be open every Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM through September 25th. The market features locally grown farm-fresh produce, microgreens, baked goods, meat, spice blends, honey, sourdough bread, coffee, flowers, plants, soap, health and wellness products, kettle corn, and more. The market has free parking in the adjacent Fire Station lot, 7325 Broadview Rd, Seven Hills, Ohio.

Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren recently announced his candidacy for Ohio State

Let’s start with an agreement that Donald Trump cannot wave a magic wand and have manufacturing back in a day or two. However, if The President does not start somewhere, we will all be sitting around grousing that he did not follow through on his promises. Over the past 100 days (well documented) he has been able to get major foreign and domestic companies to commit to building new plants in a number of sectors. Some of these companies are as follows; Project Stargate $500B, Apple $600B, NVIDIA $500B, Micron Tech $200B, IBM $150B, J7J $55B, John Deere $20B Plus some 20 other companies. Will it happen overnight, NO, but it is a darn good start.

It was one of those Sunday nights—the kind that hum low and quiet, like the calm before some kind of storm. The vodka had just started whispering, and I was doing what people like me do when the silence gets too loud—scrolling through music, chasing ghosts.

I stumbled across a recent performance by Counting Crows on the Howard Stern Show. They covered Taylor Swift’s The 1, then bled right into A Long December. And just like that, I was 22 again—nursing a warm beer, high on heartbreak, tangled up in a kind of love that burns hot, fast, and reckless. The kind that leaves a mark, like a cigarette pressed into velvet.

Back then, music wasn’t just background—it was survival. Counting Crows weren’t just a band; they were a season, a mood, a girl who didn’t love you back the way you needed, but damn if you didn’t keep trying anyway. And when I heard The 1, it hit me like it always does—that deep ache. That unanswerable question: If just one thing had been different… would everything have been different?

You never really get to know.

In your twenties, life feels like an open tab—endless, intoxicating. Everything is possible. Then one day, the bill shows up. Jobs. Marriages. Breakups. Betrayals. Lawyers. Mortgages. Funerals. Therapy. The slow fade from “anything can happen” to “I guess this is it.” Somewhere along the way, love turns from firestorm to fine print. From poetry to policy. If you’re not careful, it becomes a con.

I think about the women I loved. Really loved. Not the flings or the mid-divorce patchwork—but the ones who lived in my bloodstream. The ones who made the air heavier when they left the room. I wonder where they are now, if they ever think about me. Sometimes I feel something. Most times I don’t. And that’s what no one tells you—how someone who once occupied your every thought becomes just another name, another ghost. A soft scar.

And then there are the others. The ones who never apologize. The ones who lied with a smile and held your heart like a hostage. I gave everything to someone like that once. Thought I could love the poison out of her. Thought if I just stayed steady, she’d steady too. I was wrong. When the mask slipped, what I saw wasn’t broken. It was empty. She wasn’t misunderstood—she was just hollow.

Now, I don’t feel heartbreak. I feel pity. And relief.

So here I am—older, maybe not wiser, standing at the edge of something new. Like a man testing the depth of a pool with his toe before he jumps. I’m excited. I’m uncertain. But I’m still here. Still showing up. Still believing in the long shot.

Because even if it ended—especially if it ended—it still mattered. Maybe that’s the trick: to love hard, lose harder, and still keep a little space carved out for whatever might come next. A flicker of hope. A maybe.

Like the song says:

Maybe this year will be better than the last.
And I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass.

Maybe California. Maybe redemption. Maybe another round.

The greatest loves of all time are over now.

But that doesn’t mean the story’s finished.

Not even close.

The 4th of July The Day commemorates the Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of the Independence on July 4, 1776, which officially declared the Colonies separation from Great Britain. 

Map of Coreno Ausonio, Latium, Italy

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On April 16, 2025, the Seven Hills City Council approved the city’s first-ever sister-city partnership with Coreno Ausonio, a picturesque municipality of about 2000 residents nestled in the Province of Frosinone in the Lazio region of Italy, about 75 miles southeast of Rome. This historic agreement aims to foster cultural ties, economic collaboration, and international goodwill between the two communities.

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Albeit a bit chillier than usual, the sun was shining brightly for the 158th Parma Heights Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony and parade drew hundreds of residents and spectators. The Parma Heights Memorial Day service is the oldest continuous Memorial Day celebration in the state of Ohio.

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One of the true gems of Parma Heights is Todd’s Jewelers inside the York Professional Building located at 6363 York Road. Celebrating 31 years in business has a nice ring to it!

National Gardening Week is the first week of June and The Dig Plant and Grow Garden Club wants to take this opportunity to raise awareness of gardening and horticulture and encourage people to participate in healthy and productive outdoor activity. Gardening is good for our mental and physical health, reducing the risk of depression, osteoporosis, and stroke and as an added bonus we get some pretty nice plants out of it!    

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Dr. B's Buddies - launched their leash project with the Parma Police Department. The project was developed by Kristy Younger in honor of her dog Daisy's late veterinarian, Dr. Ronald Busack, DVM. Dr. B's Buddies is a project to help Police & Fire Departments with the transportation of lost or displaced dogs by providing "Dr. B's Buddy Kits." Each kit contains a lead and a toy in a waterproof pouch. This is to help ensure the safety and comfort of the dog while being secured and transported. Kristy's goal is to provide a "Dr. B's Buddy Kit" for each cruiser or emergency vehicle in Parma and neighboring departments.

Jacob Schaaf home on Broadview Rd

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We are heading into 2026 and looking to celebrate an important anniversary. Parma was designated as a township in 1826. By that time, the area then known as Greenbriar, had twenty households and were looking at self government. So on March 7th, 1826 a resolution was passed asking for the construction of a new township.

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We are excited to introduce the newest members of our department – Parma Police Support K9s, Rosco and Remi. The Support K9s join us as part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing our officers' and support staff's overall well-being. Rosco (male) and Remi (female) are a mix of Labradoodle and Bernedoodle, to be trained as support dogs. They have a calm and friendly temperament, making them ideal for providing comfort in times of stress or emotional fatigue. Whether it’s offering a moment of calm during a challenging day, supporting staff during debriefings, or simply being a friendly presence around the department, Rosco and Remi are here to help foster a supportive and connected environment. Rosco and Remi will also aid in enhancing communication between the department and the community we serve. We believe that interacting with our Police Support K9s will have a positive impact on individuals facing various challenges, including subjects of crimes, juveniles, students, veterans, and those with special needs.

Investing in Our Schools Is Investing in Our Future

I recently had the privilege of attending the Seven Hills Memorial Day Parade, where one of my dear friends from the Parma Senior High Class of 1986—Colonel Rocky Favarito, retired United States Air Force—served as Grand Marshal and keynote speaker.

Before the event, I texted a few classmates and said, We need to show up for Rocky—to honor everything he’s done for our country. When I saw him, I gave him a big hug, welcomed him home, thanked him for his service, and told him, with all sincerity, that the cities of Parma and Seven Hills are proud of him.

Looking around the crowd, I saw many fellow Parma Senior High alumni—men and women who went on to build successful careers in public service, health care, law, business, and beyond. Some even own thriving small businesses. And I found myself reflecting: What was it that helped so many of us succeed? The answer is simple—our strong foundation in the Parma City School District.

That’s why it’s heartbreaking that voters in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills defeated the school tax increase on May 6, 2022. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, the levy failed by a vote of 8,947 (59.28%) to 6,147 (40.72%).

Communities that invest in their schools see rising home values, greater safety, and long-term growth. Families are drawn to districts that prioritize education. Strong schools are the backbone of strong communities.

I worry about what happens if we continue to turn our backs on public education. Will future generations of students have the same opportunities we had? Will we still produce citizens like Colonel Favarito—people who make their communities and their country proud?

To the residents of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills: we must ask ourselves what kind of community we want to build for our children and for the future. Supporting public education isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. It’s an investment in all of us.

I'm eighty-three. Someone told me that's the new thirty-five but as far as I can determine that's only half true. Life now is like a song I heard that said something to the effect: My mind says yes you can, but my body says oh no you can't. The new thirty-five doesn't pertain to the body.

State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan speaking before the Ohio House of Representatives about his consumer friendly proposals.

As a member of Parma City Council and now your state representative, I have always considered myself a consumer hawk. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mom struggled to pay for food, the electric bill, and the lot space for our little mobile home. God forbid she need a new tire or a pipe burst requiring a plumber. I know now that the Lord put me through those difficult times to prepare me for my public service and I put my life experience to use every day at the Ohio Statehouse to be a voice for you - in hopes of playing my part in improving your quality of life.

Look to your local library for great summer fun! The Parma-Powers Branch welcomes you to join in on the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s “Color Our World” Summer Reading Challenge! You can track your reading or attend awesome summer programs for a chance to win great prizes! Sign up today at CCPLSummerReading.org or swing by your local branch to get started! The Summer Reading Challenge begins on Monday, June 2 and runs through Thursday, July 31.

We Are Parma Proud has partnered with the Parma City Schools Foundation and Serpentini Chevrolet to raffle off a fully loaded 2025 Chevy Trax. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Parma City Hall Council Office, during business hours, or at the Rib & Rock. Tickets will be for sale throughout the year at various locations to be announced in the future. You can pay with cash, check payable to We Are Parma Proud, or with Zelle (email: parmaproudraffle@gmail.com) If using Zelle, please enter your phone number in the memo line, so we can call you if you win. Drawing will be held at the 2025 Frosty’s Fest!

Created by Sue Holick-Bade

Color theory studies how colors interact, mix, and work together. Color Theory helps artists, designers, and creators make informed choices about color palettes and their visual effects. It explains how colors work together and how they can be used to evoke emotions and influence perception.

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 ofthe month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, June 18, 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. 

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, June 10th,2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Join us virtually (online) as we discuss The Wedding People by Alison Espach.