Parma Observer Is 15 Years Old

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. 

Most of all, what has been proven after 15 years of the Parma Observer so far is that independent media is perhaps one of the few places where average people can have their voices heard. Also where average people can hear what their neighbors think, and the ideas they are willing to share with each other om order to make the community a better place to live in. Recently I experienced something that was very rewarding and somewhat affirming, when I was at the library charging my phone during the 3 day power outage after our tornado incident. A woman was sitting near me, and I noticed that she had picked up a copy of the Parma Observer and was reading it while she also charged her phone. I didn't want to appear like a stalker, bu I did watch her a bit, as she read page after page. After 15 years it was good to see that what we brought to life in 2009 is more relevant than ever, and seems to have a life of it's own. which is all any parent can ever ask for, right? 

So many thanks to so many people who have been involved from the very beginning to the present day. All too many who are no longer living, but added parts of their lives to this project and will be forever remembered and chronicled in the pages of this publication. Our advertisers, from before the paper was ever printed, have made it possible for us to exist since 2009 and provide a virtual public square for Parma, which was our mission. Our citizen journalists have told the story of our communities better than anyone else could ever. Our readers continue to delight us, amaze us, and entertain- even the one who called me at 6:20 am on Christmas morning one time; you know who you are! Let's continue to use the Parma Observer as an instrument of positive change, a place to reflect on the never ending possibilities of the Tri-City Area of Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills. Life is here only for the taking. and there are plenty of opportunities wherever you look.