Latest News

Ricky Fetter

A five-alarm fire was coming, and Ricky Fetter’s only warning sign was shortness of breath. Just days before he got winded climbing up a hill to his truck, the Parma Fire captain was instructing the city’s new firefighters in a burning building. Loaded down with heavy gear at the live burn training – with five heart vessels more than 80 percent blocked – he feels lucky that a heart attack didn’t strike then. “Knowing what I know now, I could’ve died in that training,” says the Parma fire marshal and 28-year firefighter/paramedic, who would have been hauling an extra 70 pounds of gear on his 195-pound, 5-foot-8 frame. But the city’s EMS coordinator, who also runs University Hospitals Parma Medical Center’s EMS Education program, still had a few lessons to learn – and to teach his fellow firefighters and paramedics.

Cindy whatley from UH Parma medical Center is joined by Ryan Hamel, Jay Loughner, and Mike Urbanik from Sodexo. They were among the top paricipants in a recent contest to track and reduce food waste. 

University Hospitals has prevented more than 223,000 pounds of food waste, conserved nearly 2.5 million bathtubs of water and saved over 186,000 meals since implementing a new program 18 months ago to reduce food waste.

City of Seven Hills 2021 % of overall revenue.

As we enter the season that brings fresh hope every year, please continue to keep the brave people of the Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers. Think global and act local! 

Lace up your running or walking shoes for the 11th Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies, sponsored by Perla Pierogies and UH Parma Medical Center, coming up on Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 am at Cuyahoga Community College’s western campus.  Those who know me know that running is my passion. So, eleven years ago I combined my love for running, pierogies, and giving back to the community by creating what has become one of our city’s signature summer events.

View Image Gallery

The City of Parma Shred Day & Food Drive event is 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 21, rear parking lot of Parma Senior High School, 6285 West 54th St. Drivers should enter from Longwood Avenue. “To have confidential documents safely shredded, a resident must show proof of residency with a driver’s license, gas bill or electric bill. There are no limits on the amount of documents shredded,” Mayor Tim DeGeeter said.

While researching the subject matter for this article, it became clear that somewhere over the years, we clearly have lost the true meaning of Memorial Day. I found many references to Memorial Day as a day of “celebration,” greeting cards and images reading “Happy Memorial Day.” This is not a day thought of as Celebrating or being a joyful day. It is the unofficial start of summer and families are firing up the grills, filling the picnic baskets, heading to the beach, and gathering for family outings. Which is perfectly acceptable if we never lose sight of what this day really means. If you are planning a family barbecue, do it with joy. and rejoice with loved ones that those we are honoring today have given us the privilege of living in a land of the free.  The true meaning of Memorial Day goes much deeper than this. It is a somber day of remembrance for the men and women who have died for our country. 

View Image Gallery

Prama Artspace & Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. The latest exhibit opened on April 22, 2022. A Common Denominator: Max A Denney +. Max A. Denney has had the good fortune to work with many great artists. This show features collaborative work and solo work. Artists in this show include, Adam Chollet (writer), Amy Crognale (water color), Brett Hill (painter), Wendy Means (drawing), David Curtis (musician), Neffie M. La La (drawing), Angela Funovits (photography), Sean Wheeler (painting), Samantha Vickers (mixed media) and Max A Denney. Per Denney his work “is informed by a relationship with a cosmic disorder. He’s called the "mystic man". I accept. cope, and manage my disorder successfully, with joy. The collaboration pieces are in real time, jamming sessions. call and response mailing tube gospel, and musical conversation. Big Love and Honor for the Master Artists who choose to dance with me.” Opening night the gallery was packed and a good time was had by all. Gallery openings are a fun way to start the weekend. View interesting original artworks, meet interesting people, free beverages and snacks are usually available, or shop the boutique for unique items priced reasonably. Shop local, shop often, support your local artists. Exhibit closes May 22, 2022. 

Right now, the rate if inflation in the United States is the highest in forty years. Already a host of candidates seeking the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Rob Portman are campaigning heavily on “Biden’s inflation” as if his policies are the cause of the inflation in the country right now. However simple solutions to complex problems very often create another set of problems without really solving the initial problem.

Salman, Haadeya

Seventh grader Haadeya Salman from Birchwood School earned a Silver Award (Maxima Cum Laude) for her score on the 2022 National Latin Exam. Every year Latin students are invited to take the exam that tests students on their knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary as well as aspects of Roman culture such as history, architecture, and clothing. Salman and her classmates were coached by Catherine Haskins who said "I am very proud of my students and most especially of the effort they invested in preparing for the exam, since it results in a good deal of extra learning during the winter months.”

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

View Image Gallery

In the 80s, young Laura Geller never considered the damage to her skin as she spent summers basking in the warm sun throughout high school and college as a pool lifeguard. The tanning craze that started in the 1950s was at its peak during this period, and SPF (sun protection factor) was an afterthought.

Oboist Bruce Biggin to perform Jean Francaix:  L’Horloge de Flore for oboe and Orchestra

Parma Symphony Orchestra will perform a LIVE Classical Music Concert on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights featuring: 

Doll Making with Joyce Morrow Jones, Thursday, May 19th, 12:30 to 3:00 PM at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center, 7001 W. Ridgewood Drive. This workshop is free, supplies included, and brought to you by Parma Area Fine Arts Council and in part through a grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Space is limited, so email kathrynmabin@att.net to register now. 

Cleveland Photo Fest, established in 2019, is undertaking an event of historic proportions! One Million Photos, the world’s largest photography show is an epic event. Cleveland Photo Fest has been in contact with the Guinness World Record people. The exhibit will be held at a gallery on Prospect Avenue in Cleveland in December of 2022. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will present a virtual program Luminaria: Candle Shades on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. This event will be held virtually on Zoom. Registration required.  Learn how to combine wax paper, washi tape, and decorative elements to create beautiful glowing lanterns that add a warm glow to any small candle. The library will provide materials free of charge but registered participants will also need a few items from home. To register and for more information about this virtual program, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or contact a librarian at the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will present Saturday Afternoon Book Discussion onSaturday, May 21, 2022 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  In-person program. Join a librarian from the Adult Services Department for a brand new, staff-led book discussion we discuss The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.  Registration requiredbefore picking up a copy of the book at the circulation desk. 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, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, May 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. 

Layla LaHoud (left) and Pierre Bejjani, President of C.A.M.E.O. (right) present Sean Brennan with certificate and medal to honor him as Teacher of the Month.

Parma City Council President and Ohio House candidate Sean Brennan, a teacher for almost three decades, has been named teacher of the year by the Cleveland American Middle Eastern Association (C.A.M.E.O.). Pierre Bejjani, President of C.A.M.E.O. recently presented Brennan with a certificate and medal, honoring him “In recognition of your outstanding achievements in teaching and dedicated service to our students.” 

Mother's Day Gifts from Thee Tree House (top left)  Hold All Planter from 168 Optical (top right) and specialty gifts from Village Cards & Gifts (Bottom right)

If you're celebrating Mother's Day, going local is a great way to find unique gifts while supporting the local mom and pop shops in our midst. After reaching out to many mothers to ask what they would like for Mother' Day, almost every one of them wanted one thing. They want something affordable, so you won't need to bust open your piggy bank, and something from your heart. 

Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County (CFACC) is pleased to announce that the Kevin O'Boyle Memorial Scholarship for former local foster youth will be opening for applications April 1, 2022 for the Fall 2022 academic term.

Kevin was a Cleveland native, CFACC and Ohio CASA board member, and active CASA volunteer for 15+ years when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in June 2020. Kevin worked as a CASA volunteer with more than 20 foster youth in Cleveland and Chicago, and directed many to higher ed and job training programs as well as direct employment.

CFACC is poised to offer initial awards for up to four students for the fall 2022 academic term. Eligible students must be:

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by the Juvenile Court to represent the best interests of an abused or neglected child. Join us to learn what it means to be a CASA volunteer in our community.

The virtual CASA Informational Session will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm.

This event will be held via Zoom and a link will be provided to those individuals who register. Please visit our website to learn more and to register for the session. https://cfadvocates.org/events/

Olivia Kude

View Image Gallery

Olivia Kude of Seven Hills and Shivam Mahajan of Parma Heights participated in the 2022 District Science Day. The two of them earned the ranking of "Excellent" for their projects “Gasteria vs Crassula” and “Stealthy figures” respectively. The sixth graders were among a record-breaking number of 5th through 8th grade Birchwood students to receive recognition at the event. 

State Representative Jeffrey Crossman and I at the Statehouse in Columbus recently.

View Image Gallery

This month I am continuing my series entitled Civics 101. The hope is to provide you with useful information about your local, state, and federal governments.  So far I have covered our municipal (city), school district, and county governments, as well as the judicial branch of government in Ohio. This month I will write about our state government, focusing on the executive and legislative branches.

We know how hard the opioid and addiction crisis has hit our state over the past few years. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it worse, and too often made it harder for people to get the treatment they need.

View Image Gallery

When bombs started falling in Ukraine, those explosions made an emotional impact in Parma, 5,000 miles away from the war. Cuyahoga County is home to 15,000 people of Ukrainian descent, with the greatest concentration of 4,400 living in Parma. “All of us working here have family in Ukraine,” said Solomia Bida, one of the many volunteers who daily sorts donations of food and medical supplies at Pokrova Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church at Broadview Road. The supplies are packed and shipped to help support Ukrainian humanitarian relief efforts abroad.

The Parma Fire Department held a "Stuff the Squad" event at UH Parma Medical Center to benefit St. Anthonys of Padua in Parma following a Feb. 19 arson fire that caused $1 million in damage.

Generosity overflowed from the community at the March 2 Stuff the Squad event at UH Parma Medical Center, a collaboration with the Parma Fire Department to collect donations for the grade school at Saint Anthony of Padua. The State Road school sustained $1 million damage in a Feb. 19 fire that was ruled arson.

OR nurse Diana Skalksy has lived in the United States for decades but maintain close ties with the country of her birth, where she still has family.

View Image Gallery

In the heart of Ohio’s largest Ukrainian community, UH Parma Medical Center organized a relief drive for the war-torn country as Russian forces continued their assault on Ukraine.

View Image Gallery

While planning the Polish Constitution Day Parade to be held Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Polish Village, I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Mitchell Bienia from the Polish American Congress. The parade and after party are brought to you in partnership with the Ohio Division of the Polish American Congress, Polish Village Parma, Inc., the City of Parma, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Mitch is definitely proud of his Polish heritage. It would take a whole page to list his accomplishments and that’s not the focus of this article. The focus is the conversation I had with him and the education I obtained from it.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, April 20th 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. 

View Image Gallery

Built in 1925, Parma’s Ridgewood Golf Course Clubhouse is now a pile of rubble. At 9 a.m., Monday, March 21, the city held a demolition event for the public to attend at 6505 Ridge Road. Spectators watched and cheered as construction equipment knocked down the first wall. Throughout the week, the rest of the structure was destroyed. “It’s something that’s been needed for a really long time,” Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter said. “We’re excited about this new chapter for the clubhouse and our city. We wanted to pause and recognize the clubhouse’s history, so we held a ceremony and invited elected county and city officials, our golfers and members of the public. We saw a big turnout, local media attended, and we heard positive comments.”

View Image Gallery

UH Parma Medical Center caregivers solemnly placed carnations in blue vases at the front of the room while music softly played. Then each received a blue heart pin from a leader to commemorate two of the most challenging years in health care that anyone could have ever imagined. They hugged and they released some of the emotions carried throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LIbrary will host Iditarod Trail on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 7:00 –8:30 p.m.  Join local dog sledding enthusiast Eleanor Csizmadia who will share her experiences visiting the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and her passion for this most unique sporting event in the world. Returning from attending the 2022 Iditarod, Eleanor will speak about her studies of the Last Great Race and share photos. Eleanor will discuss the history, facts, rules and what makes this race so special and unique. Learn about the mushers, the race, the Cleveland connection to the 2023 race and why dogs love to run. Sponsored by The Friends of the Parma Heights Branch Library. In-person program. Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313. 

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public LIbrary will host a virtual program You Must Learn: a Discussion about Cleveland’s Hip-Hop Cultural History on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. In the 1980s and 1990s, Cleveland was home to one of the most fertile hip-hop cultural arts scenes in the country. From the rap music of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to graffiiti artists to dance groups, Northeast Ohio’s hip-hop roots run deep. Part of ThirdSpace Action Lab’s “Chocolate Cities” project, Twelve Literary Arts and Spread the Love Foundation will discuss ways to better document Cleveland’s rich cultural legacies. Learn more about some of Cleveland’s true legends of  “Theiveland” hip-hop and Cleveland’s history of hip-hop. This event will be held virtually on Zoom. Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org or contact a librarian at the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313. 

[From left to right] System Stroke Manager Julie Fussner; System Stroke Medical Director Cathy Sila; Pam Pascal, Parma Stroke Coordinator; Senator Antonio; Christopher Dussel, UH Parma’s Chief Medical Officer and EMS Medical Director; Kristen Petro, Nurse Manager, Emergency Department, UH Parma; and Matt Cole, EMT-P, Manager, EMS Manager.

On February 16th, I was honored to be joined by University Hospitals Parma Medical Center’s Stroke Team on the floor of the Ohio Senate to recognize them for excellence in stroke patient care. UH Parma Medical Center was honored by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment, according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. UH Parma won the Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite awards.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. The proper treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in Ohio. Unfortunately, strokes are a health concern that can happen to anyone and have touched many of our lives. This issue is personal for me, as my mother died 23 years ago from complications of a stroke. Since I have been in the legislature, I have worked to lessen such a crushing loss for Ohio families through policy measures. We passed Senate Bill 21 last year to establish statewide guidelines for the assessment, triage and transport of stroke patients to hospitals, as well as House Bill 464 of the 132nd General Assembly, which designated key hospitals based on the level of care for stroke victims.

On March 1st, I also introduced Senate Bill 305 to designate May as Ohio Stroke Awareness Month, which will be a crucial step in educating people on symptoms of stroke that may help lead to earlier detections and better health outcomes for patients. According to a recent study at the University of Kentucky Stroke Center, the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T can help people remember the signs of possible stroke to save lives. It stands for:

View Image Gallery

A great majority of Parma residents do not realize that their State of Ohio is considered a hot spot for Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) sightings. In addition, some of the oldest UFO organizations originated in the Cleveland area. By 2021, there has been 3,012 reported sightings of UFOs in the State of Ohio alone. Some of the most popular UFO sightings in history took place in two areas in Ohio. The first was in 1958 in Pickaway County near Circleville which is 25 miles south of Columbus. The second one occurred in 1966 in Portage County which is located in north eastern Ohio.

In 1923, Father Nicholas Monaghan, along with thirteen families, founded Saint Charles Borromeo Parish. Saint Charles was one of the first many ‘inner-ring’ suburb parishes of the Diocese of Cleveland. During the early 1920’s, industrial progress in Northeast Ohio meant plentiful jobs, and rapid growth for the new St. Charles Borromeo Parish. A wood frame church, brick rectory, and eight classroom school were built by 1928. The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland arrived at the parish in 1924 and served until 2018. The good times stalled during the Great Depression of the 1930’s, however.  Father Monaghan would later comment, “Some days we just barely made it.”

View Image Gallery

This month I am continuing my series entitled Civics 101. The hope is to provide you with useful information about your local, state, and federal governments. So far I have covered municipal (city) and school district governments, as well as the judicial branch of government in Ohio. This month I will report on county government with a focus on Cuyahoga County.

View Image Gallery

Prama Artspace & Gallery, 5411 Pearl Rd, latest exhibit opened March 25, 2022. It features artist Pip Logan’s figurative, expressive paintings which are new works created during the last 2 years. The opening reception included the sounds of Duo Decibel System (Miss Melvis and John Scully). Stop in and see this exciting exhibit.