Young Professionals of Parma (YPOP) is known for our festive Holiday Lights Contest that celebrates the Christmas and holiday season, but something new is brewing for 2023.
* On The Move – Parma Area Fine Arts Council, or PAFAC, moved their offices from the Donna Smallwood Activities Center to 7335 Ridge Road on September 25th. This building also houses the Parma Park and Recreation Department. The new location offers the non-profit a larger space. This organization has served Parma and surrounding communities for just over 61 years. Watch for a Grand Opening celebration in November.
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:
>> The items listed below were referenced and made available during a recent Internet Safety & Exploitation webinar. Both of the publications and more, are available by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative webpage and are worth a serious review. Access by clicking on the hyperlink; the “TinyURL” links are meant to be shared w/a friend or colleague during a conversation.
> Parent Resource Guide - Apps to Watch or try https://tinyurl.com/HTTeenApps (There are 14 of them. All but 2 I never heard of before.) > Parent Resources Guide - Protecting Kids When They Go Online or https://tinyurl.com/ParentHTResource-Guide.
>> Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, one of over 70 of the Collab’s partner organizations.
O From Futures Without Violence ... For youth & those who work with youth, they’ve created:
>> Hanging Out or Hooking Up safety cards urge teens and young adults to reflect on how they are treated by the people they date, and shows how to support friends experiencing relationship abuse.
>> A webinar with strategies to help school-based health providers discuss relationship abuse and trafficking with adolescents, and lessons learned from this work.
>> Our Changing Minds NOW website, with powerful videos showing how school staff, coaches, and others have helped youth overcome trauma, along with resources for teachers, mentors, school nurses, and others. They include How School Staff Can Help Students Heal from Trauma, which explains how violence affects child development and what adults can do to promote resilience; and Five Everyday Gestures to Help Children Heal, which shows how supportive, caring adults can help prevent or mitigate trauma.
Saturday, October 21th, 2023, Polish Village will hold their 13th Annual Treat & Greet from 11 AM to 2 PM. Treat & Greet is an extremely popular community event. Each year it attracts more and more participants from our area and the surrounding communities. This is a great, safe, free, fun family event.
State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has announced that the State of Ohio is now accepting applications for the 2023 – 2024 Ohio Afterschool Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program. The program provides families with a $1,000 credit per child (ages 6-18) that can be used for a variety of educational enrichment activities, such as before- and after-school educational programs, day camps for academics, music, and the arts, curriculum and materials for homeschool families, educational, learning, or skills services, tuition for learning extension centers, field trips to historical landmarks, museums, science centers, and theaters, including admission, exhibit, and program fees, language classes, music lessons, tutoring, and many other programs.
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.
As State Representative, it is my duty to ensure that my constituents are informed about matters that directly affect them. As such, I have important news to share regarding unclaimed funds in the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds that may belong to you or a family member.
The Flamingo Writers’ Guild wants to make Halloween fun this year with chalk poetry! We are asking that houses across Parma write short poems in chalk outside their houses on Sunday, October 29th to decorate the sidewalks before this year’s Trick or Treat. If you send a picture of the poem outside your house with your address in an email to flamingowritersguild@gmail.com, you will be eligible for prizes, including gift cards and free chapbook copies from our micropress!
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:
>> These items were referenced and made available during a recent Internet Safety & Exploitation webinar. Both of the publications and more, are available by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative webpage and are worth a serious review. Access by clicking on the hyperlink; the “TinyURLs” are meant to be shared w/a friend or colleague during a conversation.
> Parent Resource Guide - Apps to Watch or try https://tinyurl.com/HTTeenApps (There are 14 of them. All but 2 I never heard of before.)
> Parent Resources Guide - Protecting Kids When They Go Online or https://tinyurl.com/ParentHTResource-Guide.
>> Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, one of over 70 of the Collab’s partner organizations.
O Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center ...provides free legal assistance to crime victims to protect and enforce their rights. For Victims Needing Help? Access their services and, in particular, the Victims Rights Toolkit. If you’re a professional, i.e.: a first responder, in law enforcement, the judiciary, etc., go here to view your Toolkit.
This is an exceptional resource of which everyone s/b aware.
O From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
>> Donations of specific clothing items are needed at CRCC’s Drop-in Center. Check out the attached flyer for details.
>> Become an ambassador for social change! Sign up for their two-part virtual Ambassador Training Workshop. The free, virtual series is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse and get involved in creating social change. Go here to register.
>> An integral part of its mission CRCC is promoting the prevention of sexual abuse by now offering free educational and training programs for youth and adults! Go here to see what’s available and here to request a program. Questions? Email educationoutreach@clevelandrcc.org.
LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O From Ohio House District 14 Representative Sean Brennan - Monthly Newsletter
O Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network. These focus primarily on supporting organizations, programs, and projects as our kids go back to school: > The Howley Foundation > GPD Group Employees’ Foundation; > Snapdragon Book Foundation > Youth Service America (YSA) > Fordham Street Foundation. If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission.
* Prama Artspace Gallery opened An Alternate Route, a show & sale of alternative photography processes, on August 25th, which runs through September 16th. This exhibit is one of a series brought to you by Cleveland Photo Fest, a local non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the appreciation of Photography as a major force in today’s visually driven culture. Lena Simovic, Lena Atomika Photography will be appearing September 8th at Prama to discuss her book, Legs: & the Art Photography of Lena Atomika Photography. Lena was also artist of the month of August for her photography on the Ohio Artists Gallery Shows/Sell/Buy Facebook page.
Wall of Books, located at The Shoppes at Parma, 7783 W Ridgewood Drive, now carries the original art works of a select few talented local artists. You’ll find paintings, photography, prints and more, reasonable priced, along with their excellent selection of books, toys, games, puzzles and gifts.
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Board of Trustees awarded 17 Member Community Infrastructure Program (MCIP) grants totaling $14,900,964.98, including $700,000 for the City of Parma’s Craigleigh Drive Septic Abatement Project.
District 14 State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland) has announced his September constituent gatherings. Once again, he is holding most of them outside to encourage residents to get out and get active with him.
Anyone who know me, knows that I have a deep respect for law enforcement. In fact, in my nearly two decades on Parma City Council, I was an ardent supporter of the Parma Police Department, advocating for fair wages and benefits, as well as modern equipment, training, and support so that law enforcement can do their public service to the best of their ability and as safely as possible. As state representative my support for law enforcement continues and I am happy to report that I voted “YES” on the biennial state transportation and operating budgets, both of which provide robust funding for law enforcement at the state and local levels.
September marks the 6-month anniversary of the newly formed “Parma Area Senior Veterans” meetup group. What was expected to be a meeting place for 20 or 25 senior veterans, has turned into a meeting place for 70 to 100 each month. Veterans from WWII to the most recent war on terrorism, have enjoyed the camaraderie of the monthly meetups while gaining valuable information about VA benefits and issues relating to seniors as well as veterans. Guest speakers each month have provided a plethora of information pertinent to the well-being, health, and safety of senior veterans. Guest speakers have included Molly Carlin President of Cleveland American Veterans Association (CAVA), Ginger MacCutheon of the DAV/Amvets, Diane Griggs Veterans Outreach Coordinator of the Parma Vet Center, Special agents from the Cleveland Division of the FBI, Preston Bures of the Parma Fire Department. City officials including Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter, State rep Sean Brennan and many council members have been regular attendees at the monthly meetings. Spouses, caretakers, and supporters are welcome.
At a May Parma Council Meeting, Ward 9 Councilman Rob Euerle and Recreation Department Director Mickey Vittardi presented certificates to Padua Franciscan High School honor student Abby Recker. Mayor Tim DeGeeter and Vittardi nominated Recker, who recently graduated, for Citizen of the Month.
It is time to eliminate the cost of corruption. Recently, my colleague, State Representative Casey Weinstein, and I introduced House Bill 120 (HB 120), which would repeal a subsidy that has already cost electric customers in Ohio over $200 million (about $150,000 a day) since 2020 and, if our bill does not pass, will ultimately cost you close to an estimated $850 million by 2030. The subsidy we are paying is known as a “rider” on your electric bill. Riders are how the electric utilities hide added costs to your electric bill on top of the cost of the electricity you use each month.
* Prama Artspace Gallery - 5411 Pearl Rd. Opening on Friday, August 4th, Slain Nemo will be on exhibit through August 20, 2023, titled Selfies On A Half Shell. Slain is a trained artist who starts with sketches of his ideas. He combines math, fractals, chaos theory, and computer imaging in his creations. As part of 2023 Cleveland Photo Fest, Prama will host an exhibit of alternative photography which will open on August 25th.
The Parma Safety Fair is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Justice Center, 5555 Powers Blvd. Now in its 21st year, the free event attracts a big crowd and residents of all ages.
Hometown Heroes…Where’s Molly?...Hero Helping Hero’s
The 1950’s, were a time when life was simple and easy and you didn’t have a care in the world!
I’m a big history fan. Whenever I travel, I love historical tours and opportunities to go through old homes. It’s fascinating to see and think about how people went about their daily lives in the past before all the technological advances we have today. I credit this interest to my dad and the family vacation we took to Gettysburg when I was in junior high. So when Lauren Bajda in our Young Professionals of Parma group started talking about wanting to plan a historic trolley tour of Parma, I was definitely in!
The Eastern European country of Serbia has certainly made headlines in recent weeks following Serbian Novak Djokovic being named the greatest tennis player of all time, and the Denver Nuggets being named NBA champions, led by MVP and proud Serbian, Nikola Jokic.
Picnic in the Park, brought to you by the non-profit We Are Parma Proud, will be held Saturday, August 5th, 11 to 2, at Veterans Memorial Park (between State & W 54th). Save the date. This admission free event features area non-profits, arts & craft vendors, food trucks, games for the kids, and live music.
Below are some important dates regarding the upcoming August 8 Special Election that was the topic of my column this month.
I have had many folks asking me lately about Issue 1 which will appear on the August 8 Special Election ballot. As I mentioned last month, I voted against placing this undemocratic issue on the ballot at a cost of $20 million to hard working Ohio taxpayers. I am joined by an overwhelming number of bipartisan leaders from around the state who will be voting “NO” on Issue 1 on August 8.
The Young Professionals of Parma are excited to be hosting their first historic trolley tour of Parma coming up on Thursday, July 13th from 6pm – 9pm!
*Prama Artspace & Gallery, 5411 Pearl Rd, is currently showing “Welcome Back to the Little World Inside My Head”. This all new show of the wonderful, quirky, humorous, Tim Burton-esque creations by Emily Szalkowski. Emily is a young well liked local artist. She was featured on New Day Cleveland earlier this year. The show opened on Friday, June 23rd, and runs through July 23rd. Stop in and visit.
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:
>> Men and boys who are exploited by human trafficking often go underreported and do not have the same services available to them. Biases, lack of training, and cultural stigmas can all affect the likelihood of seeking and receiving resources needed for healing. Visit https://collabtoendht.org/…/our-progr…/technical-assistance/ to request technical assistance and be sure to register for our free trainings.
O From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
>> An integral part of its mission CRCC is promoting the prevention of sexual abuse by now offering free educational and training programs for youth and adults! Go here to see what’s available and here to request a program. Questions? Email educationoutreach@clevelandrcc.org.
LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified by the MyCom network.
> The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation; > The Google Ad Grants program; > The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; > The New Earth Foundation; > The State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants Program. If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission.
O From Parma City Schools:
>> The PCSD Board of Education is offering for sale, at public auction, used surplus equipment deemed no longer needed. The auction will be conducted online at www.fasttrackauction.com and shall commence live online on June 19, 2023, and end on Monday, July 10, 2023, with removal of items on July 12 -13, 2023. The auction shall be conducted in accordance with and subject to the "Conditions of Sale” available online at www.fasttrackauctlon.com. Go here to view the official notice of sale.
>> Go here to display the new bell schedule for the 2023 – 2024 school year
>> For students attending Normandy or Valley Forge H.s. for the first time, tours are scheduled at:
Normandy H. S. 10 am – 12 pm Tuesday, July 11th and at ...
Valley Forge H. S. 10 am – 12 pm Wednesday, July 12th. Registration is not required; just show up.
>> PCSD Summer meals program: Free for all children ages 1 – 18. WHEN: M – F, June 12 thru July 21 from 11:30 - 12:30; WHERE: Ridge-Brook and John Muir Elementary.
O From Parma Schools Foundation ... Is sponsoring a major, all-PCSD student production of the classic musical, “The Sound of Music”. Where: Valley Forge High School Auditorium; When: 7:00 pm, Friday, Jul 28th, 7:00 pm, Saturday, July 29th, and 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 30th. For more information click:performance details, and for tickets click:Order Form
O From Help Me Grow / Bright Beginnings
>> ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionaire) ...for parents w/a child < 3 years of age. Visit this online screen tool to help determine the child’s development in the following areas: Communication, both Fine & Gross Motor Skills, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social Skills.
>> Community Resource Directories ... find all manner of searchable early intervention, home visiting, and family support services and providers.
O From Starting Point Partners:
>> Food Strong ... Takes a unique approach to using fresh food as a tool to educate, empower & cultivate health throughout NEO. Initiatives include Vacant Lot Restoration, Youth Programming of all sorts, Care-A-Van events & much more. Check their website or call Sara Continenza, Exec Dir. At 216.640.0342. PCSD Nutritional Svcs. and Stearns Homestead might want to consider making a connection.
>> Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank: Has installed 5 new collection boxes, ONE OF WHICH CAN BE FOUND AT THE LEFT FRONT OF NORMANDY HIGH SCHOOL. Visit the Book Bank’s FB page here.
>> Values-in-Action Foundation/Kindland movement ... Click here to learn more about this local group that focuses on, and encourages folks to “... Just Be Kind ...”. While there, click on the “2023 Summer of Kindness” challenge link. Complete the acts of kindness on the Summer of Kindness challenge board and turn it in to be entered in for amazing raffle prizes! This is designed to be impactful and fun activity for both kids and adults. It’s worth the time to, at the very least, check out!
O From Search Institute – More about the importance/benefits of developing healthy relationships w/youth. They’re all quick reads, full of ideas & activities, free & worth a visit.
>> Surviving to Thriving: Developmental Relationships Are the Antidote to Youth Loneliness
>> Challenging Growth ... Consider encouraging them to imagine what their lives will be like in the future and think about the ways their current habits connect to their future goals. Then, invite your young people today to write a Letter for Their Future Self.
O From UH/Parma Medical Center – Summer Lunch Program ... Free for all children ages 1 – 18, starting June 5 – September 1, Monday – Friday from 11 am-1:30 pm. Once again, children ages 1-18 are eligible to receive a free, healthy lunch in the cafeteria. Each meal will include a special entrée, vegetable, fruit, milk, and whole grain side. Registration is not required, but meals must be eaten in the hospital cafeteria to be eligible.
O From Ohio Dept. of Education (ODE):
>> What is the science of reading? ODE now offers a 45-minute course on the science of reading. It explains the different aspects of the science of reading and enhances comprehension of successful approaches to literacy instruction. The 1st module of this course is a 13 minute, easy to understand basic primer on the topic. It would be worth your time to view.
>> ODE is introducing A Family’s Guide to Engagement. This new resource offers tangible, accessible tools for parents to encourage engagement with service providers and educational teams supporting students and advocacy on behalf of their children. Focused on the early childhood years, the first chapter, Lived Experience, and the second chapter, Fostering Family Engagement, are available now. The Department will release additional chapters monthly.
>> Child Sexual Abuse, Dating Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention – Go here to visit the webpage developed to assist schools and districts with meeting the requirements of recent legislation.
O From City of Parma Heights:
>> A city-wide YARD SALE will be taking place Friday & Saturday, July 14th – 15th.To participate as a seller register here by July 7th. Call 440.884.9601 with questions.
O From Down Syndrome Association of NE Ohio (formerly the Upside of Downs) ... Has partnered with Cast It Forward to give kids w/Down Syndrome a fishing experience...Emerald Necklace Marina at Rocky River Reservation; Monday, July 17th; 10:00 am - 12:30 pm for ages 5-12; 12 noon - 2:30 pm for ages 13 and up. Registration: For ages 5-12; For ages 13 & up. This is a free event for DSANEO families. Registration is required & space is limited.
O From Connecting For Kids:
>> ADD & ADHD are some of the most common concerns shared by Connecting for Kids families. Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. children between the ages of 2 - 17 years are diagnosed with ADHD. Check out C4K’sRevised Resource Guide to help identify Red Flags, learn about Solutions & find Resources.
>> Looking for some activities for the kids this summer? Check out: Ask Us 1:1 June & July: Summer Survival& schedule an appointment w/a Family Resource Specialist. Not only will they help you find camps, adapted sports, therapies, social skills groups, and recreational activities, they will help you find the funding to pay for it.
>> C4K posts all of the latest fliers and webinar information it receives from local and national providers on the CFK Flier Connection page on Facebook – click the link to join. Visit their website to learn more about what this local organization has to offer.
O From MetroHealth Medical Center:
>> Has partnered w/Cleve. Metroparks to host a Multicultural Children's Health Expo this summer at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The expos will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following Mondays – July 24, August 14, and September 11 (entry is free for Cuyahoga County residents). The expo will feature music, giveaways, and the opportunity for children and their families to interact with MetroHealth caregivers, receive important health information, and discover fun ways to stay active and healthy.
O From Achievement Centers for Children/Camp Cheerful:
>> This is the biggest season in their Adaptive Football program’s 13-year partnership w/the Cleveland Browns. The playing season runs from June 10 – August 5 at Berea-Midpark H.S. They are looking specifically for volunteers willing to help from 9:45 am - 12:30 pm on any Saturday that they are able. Duties range from assisting players, greeting families, and/or performing registration-type activities. Click here to signup. Contact Ryan Holesko, Program Mgr. at 440.238.6200 x-245; email: ryan.holesko@achievementctrs.orgw/any questions.
>> Click on the above Achievement Ctrs/Camp Cheerful hyperlink to learn more about their summer camps, and therapeutic horsemanship programs, both of which would welcome new volunteers. Internships and summer employment opportunities may still be available.
O From Parma Area Chamber of Commerce:
>> PACC’s Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, July 21st at Ridgewood G.C. All proceeds will go towards funding their student scholarship program. Register here.
O From Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL):
>> Free Summer Lunch Program: Beginning June 1st – August 11th, nutritious bagged lunches are available, while supplies last, Monday – Friday for students ages 18 & younger.
Branch & Times: Parma-Powers: 12:00 – 1:00; Parma-Snow: 11:00 – 12:00; Parma Hts: 11:30 – 12:30.
>> Go here to sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Those who accept the challenge – which runs through August 13 – will have a chance to win prizes, including books, bikes a Nintendo Switch, and more
>> Go here to view when specific Branches will be hosting a Cleveland Food Bank FRESH PRODUCE Mobile Food Pantry. Locally, Parma Hts mobile pantry will take place from 10 – 12 noon, Wednesday, July 19th.
>> Use your CCPL library card (or get one here) to take advantage of just some of these more unique services/programs available at your library.
> WiFi Access & Computer Classes – A full complement of free, in-person & online computer classes are now available including Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Prep courses.
> Learn how you can become a CCPL Volunteer and the programming opportunities available.
> One-on-one tech help is available from the Digital Navigator service.
> Learn how to hold a conversation in over 70 languages
> Digital Newsstand - Enjoy digital versions of your favorite news publications and magazines
> Take your pick from thousands of streaming movies & TV shows from Hoopla, Kanopy & Overdrive
> Design something & use the 3D printing capabilities of the Parma-Snow Innovation Center
> Learn more about Library2You, their homebound delivery service
> Passport services are now available.
> Check out programs for preschool & school-aged youth. Scroll down for Teacher resources.
> Cuyahoga Works: Job and Career Services, ESOL, GED, Citizenship classes
> Sign up to receive the Library's weekly e-Newsletter
> Click here to visit CCPL’s, Home Page
The City of Parma will launch its month-long Christmas in July Food Drive at its Independence Day Parade, starting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 4. Volunteers and city workers walking next to the Christmas in July float will collect donations along the parade route, which will travel south on Ridge Road from Snow Road to West Ridgewood Drive by The Shoppes at Parma. Spectators can bring their donations to the parade. When they see the Christmas in July float, they should wave down volunteers, who will then walk over to them to take their bagged items. The donations will help fill the Parma Hunger Center’s food pantry.
This summer, new playground equipment will replace 30-year-old equipment at three City of Parma parks: Walters Grove, John Petruska and Hetzel.
State Representatives Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma), Darnell T. Brewer (Cleveland), and Richard Dell’Aquila (Seven Hills) will be holding a town hall meeting with constituents on Thursday, July 13 at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at the Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma-Snow branch located at 2121 Snow Road. “We have had many constituents inquire about Issue 1, which will be appearing on the August 8 special election ballot,” Brennan said. “As a result, we felt moved to hold town halls in each of our districts,” he added.
We are pleased to announce that Holy Family Home Health Care has been awarded a 5-star rating for patient satisfaction. Holy Family Home Health Care scored ninety-percent in the patient recommendation category while the Ohio average sits at seventy-four and the national average at seventy-eight. The rating is scored through the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS).
I Believe in You
The sun
The moon
The Earth
And the stars
I believe in
Hope and
Dreams
No matter
How far
Prayers and
Dares
Here and
There
I believe in
Faith and
Grace and
Kindness and
Care
I believe in
Friends and
Family and
Whatever
You do
Because I
Always and
Forever
Believe in
You
Passion and
Love and
Miles of
Smiles
I believe in
Heaven and
Helping and
Life without
Trials
Miracles and
Moments and
The present and
The past
I believe in
Sharing life and
Sorrow and
Laughs
I believe in
Friends and
Family and
Whatever
You do
Because I
Always and
Forever
Believe in
You
Copyright ©2023 Jack P. Marschall
Photo by Andrew Cross
The following article is an appeal to you the reader. The intent is not hidden, rather it is for residents of Parma who treasure their city and call it home. Hopefully, it will serve as a call for action where residents can begin an open discussion with our City leaders to improve our city's fiscal decisions.
