State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has announced that the Parma City Schools have been awarded a $4,116,570 Career Technical Construction Program grant from the state of Ohio. The Ohio schools selected for the grants were awarded nearly $200 million to help expand career technical educational and training facilities to serve more students.
As we approach holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our community. I'm continually honored and humbled by the support you have shown me. There has been much success over the last year. I want to highlight a handful in this article.
WEWS Channel 5 News Anchor Rob Powers, State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan, Parma Area Senior Veterans Administrator Tony Kessler, and Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter.
Last month we honored our military veterans on Veteran’s Day. As you may know, in 1938, following World War I, Congress created Armistice Day to honor our veterans of the Great War on 11-11, the date in 1918 when the armistice was signed ending the hostilities at 11:00 am. Later, in 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law changing the holiday to Veteran’s Day to honor all of our nation’s military veterans.
In 1967 while in the US Navy, aboard the USS Mississinewa AO144 we arrived at our home port of Naples Italy to take on more fuel to replenish other Ships while patroling the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival a few officers came aboard looking for volunteers to go on the USS Forrestal, Aircraft Carrier and head to Vietnam. As an incentive they offered $50.00 more a month for Hazardous Duty pay. We were given 24Hrs. to decide. 6 men immediately agreed to go. 2 friends tried talking me into going with them. I told them that I needed to call my wife wife before deciding. That evening we went ashore and I called my wife. She did not care about the extra money. She was upset that I would even think about going anywhere near Vietnam, as the War was intensifying. As a result I told her that I would not volunteer. I informed my friends and they decided to go anyway. About 3 months later we were informed that both of my friends and 132 other Sailors were killed in the terrible accident on the USS Forrestal July 29, 1967. Almost all of the Damage Control men were killed because of the explosion and intense heat. It's likely that I would have been killed also because I was a Damage Control man, which is the equvalent of a Fire Fighter in Civilian life. My wife was an Angel in disguise.
University Hospitals Parma Medical Center received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates UH Parma Medical Center’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. This marks the second ‘A’ rating UH Parma Medical Center has received this year (spring 2023, fall 2023).
Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio and State Senator Steve Huffman testify on Senate Bill 101.
This General Assembly, Senator Steve Huffman and I have once again jointly introduced legislation to end the use of the death penalty in the state of Ohio, replacing it with a sentence of life in prison without parole for capital cases. Senate Bill 101 is historic for several reasons.
Handmade Treasures Holiday Pop Up Shop at 6857 Southland Drive in Southland Shopping Center
Handmade Treasures Holiday Pop Up Shop is back for it's fourth year in Southland Shopping Center. The shop started in the middle of the pandemic as there was a need for crafters to do shows and customers who wanted to purchase handmade items. With the pandemic, all the shows were cancelled and that is how the pop up shop came to be. Two friends decided to help fill that need, contacted their crafting friends and see if they would be interested in being a part of the shop. The shop opened November 1, 2020 and there was a line around the building of people wanting to get in. Local TV stations featured the shop on the news and it was a hit.
Thanks to Mike Holden from NewsChannel 5 for sharing the story of Parma resident Robert Funk who donated the funds to install a pink flamingo sculpture in front of script Parma in memory of his beloved wife and daughter whom he lost to breast cancer and all who have been touched by the scourge. If you have a photo in front of the sign that you would like to have published, email it, along with your address, to Sean P. Brennan at pierogie5k@gmail.com. You could win a great prize if yours is selected.
Global warming is causing sharks to move farther northward in the Atlantic Ocean, towards Long Island, New York. Because of this, sharks have been coming close to shore, which is increasing attacks on humans. Several Great Whites have even been seen off the New York shorelines.
The City of Parma swore in several new police officers and firefighters early in 2023.
Project plans for Pleasant Ridge Subdivision
The City of Parma is at a crossroad. With the proposal of 57 new households or the single family cluster development ok'd and the "fast track" passing of the required zoning change provided by council (one council member dissented). Parma residents are witnessing a serious conflict of interest.
Perhaps the most popular song of all time is the classic Bing Crosby Christmas classic “White Christmas”. Although Bing Crosby has been dead since 1977, his song will be played everywhere during this holiday season. But no doubt few people today know how or where this song originated.
RAISING AWARENESS: Human Trafficking/Abuse: Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
The 13th Annual Parma Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on December 1st and runs through the 31st.
The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Eclipse over Clevelandon Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room A. Learn about the astronomical event that will happen this Spring 2024. A total eclipse of the sun will occur over Ohio and the first total eclipse of the sun in this area since 1806. On April 8th, 2024, Cleveland and Cuyahoga County will experience about three minutes and 50 seconds of totality. Jay Ryan, a longtime astronomy educator, will explain this special astronomical event using a colorful and illustrated presentation. Ryan will address misconceptions about eclipses and eye safety. Prepare and learn in December and be ready for April 8th! Registration required. To register, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.orgor call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313.
On November 12th the Parma Area Fine Arts Council held the Grand Opening of the new Parma Art Center, located at 7335 Ridge Rd. The event was well attended. Many people signed up for emails regarding their class schedules and events for 2024, several became new members. Attendees were welcomed with free refreshments, viewed a brief program, an exhibit of member artists, and a few vendor tables.
In 2022, the city of Parma Heights was awarded a 2023 Cuyahoga County Supplemental Grant for $50,000 to refurbish the lobby of the Cassidy Theatre/Community Center lobby. The money for these grants comes from casino tax funds collected by the county that are distributed yearly on a competitive basis.
It’s almost 12 days til Christmas and Shocker Enterprises Production, located here in Parma, Ohio, has put together a one hour Christmas special for the residents of Parma. This footage includes past Parma Christmas parades, light decorations, Normandy High School and Christmas events. Most of the footage was filmed by Parma residents themselves. The video will also include videos created by the Parma group, “The Young Professionals”. So, check it out and enjoy the beautiful decorations and colorful lights and more in the suburb of Parma Ohio. Who knows, you may even recognize yourself or even your own home on this television special.
Instead of anticipating a package in the mail, which might not even get here on time, let's head to Pearl Road in Parma Heights and shop small this holiday. We've got you covered with these holiday gift ideas. Discover an assortment of local shops and boutiques, along with places to stop and get a bite to eat. There's something for everyone on your shopping list.
Appreciation Bags for Local Veterans
November is a good time to reflect on our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Without the sacrifices of Veterans throughout history, these privileges would not be possible. That is why remembering Veterans on Veterans Day is so important. Alpha Delta Kappa Ohio Sigma recently recognized the Veterans at the Parma VA Clinic on Brookpark Rd. in Parma. ADK is an organization of women educators which builds Educational Excellence, Altruism, and World Understanding through fellowship. ADK gives from the heart to help others.
Frosty’s Fest is coming real soon! Bring your family and friends to watch the parade at 1:00 pm. Parade route begins at Stearn’s Farm and ends at the Parma City Hall complex. Immediately following join the We Are Parma Proud’s Volunteers for family fun at Frosty’s Fest! Located at 7010 Powers Blvd in the Donna Smallwood Activity Center. Free admission to meet Santa, the Grinch, and the Frozen Princesses. Free kids crafts, a gift from Santa, a photo with Santa, face painting, s’mores and more. Food and beverages will be for sale, as well as official logo merchandise from the We Are Parma Proud crew, the perfect gift for Parma Peeps!Food indoors and out. Watch an ice sculptor create. Bakeries will also be on hand selling delicious holiday delights. Stroller parking available. Come celebrate the Parma way at Frosty’s Fest, open until 4:00 pm.
Live Streaming of Parma City Council Meeting
Earlier this year during the Parma City Council budget meetings I suggested allocating money to upgrade the sound/audio system of the Parma City Council Chamber. I also suggested adding cameras to the Chamber to allow for the streaming of Parma City Council Committees and Meetings. The rest of Parma City Council agreed and approved the funding. Working with our Clerk of Council Kristin Saban and the rest of the council office we evaluated what we needed. After recording several test meetings, October 16th was the first live streamed Parma City Council Committee and Meeting. The link to the Parma City Council recorded meetings can be found at https://cityofparma-oh.gov/en-US/City-Council.aspx under the Quick Links. Council meetings are usually the first and third Mondays of the month unless there is a holiday on Monday then they will be on Tuesday. The exception is the next council meeting which is Wednesday November 8th. Committees start at 6pm and the Council Meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30pm. Thank you to my fellow Councilmen and Councilwomen for your support in the upgrades to the Parma City Council Chambers and for the streaming of meetings.
This month's script Parma picture of the month depicts Chad and Bunny from The Chad and Bunny Comedy Show which you can find on YouTube. They have won a gift card courtesy of Chuppa's Marketplace. If you would like to submit a photo for the contest, please email it to Sean Patrick Brennan at pierogie5k@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name and address.
Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio pleased to accept the 2023 PCSAO Legislator of the Year Award
Recently, I was honored to receive the 2023 Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) Legislator of the Year Award. These awards, as described by PCSAO, “recognize outstanding leadership and action by legislators on issues impacting children and families served by the children's services system.” I was joined in this distinction by Representative Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon).
It is one thing to see crime stories plastered across the news headlines, and another one to be a part of those headlines. Nobody wants that! But how do you prepare yourself for a potentially dangerous situation? It’s usually not the first thing on a person’s mind. Although, most people do prepare for other unseen circumstances or disasters by purchasing insurance. But how do you maintain your personal safety? Financially speaking, there is no, “personal safety insurance” to purchase. Sure, you could hire bodyguards, but realistically this is impossible for a huge percent of the population.
V-J Day August 14, 1945
* Clara Barton was born Decemeber 25th, 1821, in Oxford Massachusetts
Why Israel?
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOCAL TAXPAYERS
On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Over the years, there have been numerous books, documentaries and movies that were made putting forward different theories about who was behind it. One of the 1st major motion pictures about the JFK assassination that reached the theaters was the conspiracy thriller “Executive Action”, released in 1973, starring Burt Lancaster. This movie hinted that certain powerful politicians were behind organizing the killing of Kennedy over political ambitions.
University Hospitals Parma Medical Center is known for warm and welcoming atmosphere, a medical center built on clinical excellence while maintaining a community feel. The pumpkin decorating content is a festive example of this spirited environment.
On Saturday November 11th we celebrate Veterans Day as a recognition and tribute to all service men and women who have sacrificed so much, were willing to, or have given their lives to defend our country. The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is that Memorial Day is a somber day in which we honor and pay tribute to those servicemen and women who gave their lives in the defense of our country, on Veterans Day we celebrate and honor “all” Veterans past and present. This is a day that we must also remember and honor the families of the men and women who served and especially the Gold Star families that has lost an immediate family member in the line of duty of military service.
A favorite television cartoon show back in the early 1960s was the Rocky and Bullwinkle show that featured a flying squirrel and a moose fighting the cold war. One segment on that show was a brainy dog, Peabody and his eager boy, Sherman and their “way back machine” that allowed them to go back in time. It made for great entertainment in my early adolescence. Let us imagine that we had a “way back” time machine and we could set the time to go back in time fifty years to the autumn of 1973. Here we go.
Donata Rahne - is a local artist, member of Greenbriar Art League and Parma Area Fine Arts Council. She creates posters for the plays at the Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Rd. in Parma heights. The play in October was Cinderella. Posters are available for purchase. Enjoy great theatre right in your neighborhood.
Mark your calendars, save the date, Sunday, December 3rd is We Are Parma Proud’s flagship event, Frosty’s Fest. This family friendly extravaganza takes place on the Parma City Hall campus, encompassing the Donna Smallwood Activities Center, parking lots and the Powers Blvd Library, where multiple events will take place. Frosty’s Fest follows the annual Christmas Parade which begins at 1:00 pm. The parade route begins at Stearns Farm travelling north to Parma City Hall.
Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
RAISING AWARENESS: Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
>> Go hereto read details related to the recent human trafficking crackdown identified as “Operation Buyer’s Remorse”.
>> Learn more and view “Let The Oppressed Go Free” a large, traveling sculpture displayed now through March on Public Square.
>> Go hereto learn more about the Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS) now being offered by Bellefaire JCB free to families in Cuyahoga County w/children ages 2 to 20. Among other things, if needed, it can provide in-person crisis assistance at your home within 60 minutes.
O From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center ... Focus of the 2023 Annual SART (Sexual Assult Response Team) Conference will be on SEXTORTION. Topics include how to identify it, talking to youth about sextortion, its prosecution, and more. WHEN: 9 am – 3:30 pm, Friday, Nov. 17th; WHERE: Virtual. Cost: $30 which includes 5 CEUs for social workers and counselors. Go here for details and to register.
LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O From Ohio House District 14 Representative Sean Brennan - Monthly Newsletter... or website.
O Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network.
Animal Control Officer Miranda Braude knew as early as third grade that she wanted a career working with animals. Little did she know that she would eventually be the Animal Control Officer for the City of Parma Heights and the City of Brooklyn.
State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) today responds to the passing of Ronald Mottl, Senior. Former Congressman Ronald Milton Mottl served as Parma Ward 2 City Councilman, President of Parma City Council, state representative, state senator, Parma City School Board member, among other offices and untold accomplishments. While serving in the Ohio General Assembly, he championed the bill that led to the creation of the Ohio Lottery. As a result, many referred to him as the Father of the Ohio Lottery. Since its inception, the lottery has raised over $30 billion for public education in Ohio.
Back in 2018, when I was serving as President of Parma City Council, a tragedy struck the community. Police Chief Joseph Bobak informed me that a little boy who obtained his father’s handgun accidentally killed himself. Needless to say, like many, I was very saddened by the incident and the councilman, school teacher, and father in me wanted to prevent this type of calamity from happening again on my watch.
First, I want to encourage everyone to vote this 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 7. Second, I ask that you join me in voting “YES” on Issue 12. Issue 12 is a no tax increase renewal of two existing Parma City School District operating levies. Operating levies is how we pay for the day-to-day activities at our schools such as teachers, student curriculum, and support staff.
