News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Wake up your inner artist.

WHK radio talk show host Bob Frantz will be the guest speaker at the June 11th meeting

St. Paul United Church of Christ located at 7507 York Road began its life as St Paul Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1858 established by local residents of German descent. 

Saturday, May 17, 11 pm kicked off the start of an Arts Weekend in Parma, with the Annual Medley of Arts Show & Sale, Thirty -six artists displayed their work at the Parma Art Center, located in the Parma Parks & Recreation Bldg at 7335 Ridge Rd. A panel of three judged the work, and cash awards and ribbons were granted to artists in 8 categories. Best In Show was awarded to Betty Deemer, for her Fiber Art quilt, titled Discovery. First place in Watercolor was Beverly Pasko, second place Jan Palechka and third place to Jim Sens. First place in Acrylics & Oils went to Angie Reali-Mabin, second to Sharon Marrell, and third to Esther Habenstein. First place in Graphics Art went to Sue Holick-Bade, second to Gary Nass, and third to Michelle Behal. Three-dimensional Art first place to Sarah Sieradzki, second to Sue Holick-Bade, and third to Ruchi Chopra. Photography first place went to Glenn Zdloshek, second to Sue Holick-Bade, and third to Sean Mabin. Mixed Media & Collage first place went to Beverly Pasko, second Theresa Apana, and third to Lynne Shayko. Joanna Ellis took first, second and third place in Fiber Art for her Art Quilts. Woodcarving first place went to Susan Blasechke, second to Doug Mamere, and third to Dennis Yarmesch. Saturday attendees were entertained by the beautiful voice of Samantha Hasselbusch. Free refreshments were provided. The event ended Sunday, May 18 at 3 pm. Attendees marveled at the quality of talented individuals from Parma and the surrounding communities. Three of the entries were sold on site during the event. For some of the winners, this was their first art show.

Polish Village is proud to host the first Parma parade of the year! It’s the 75th Polish Constitution Day Parade, brought to you in partnership with the Polish American Congress, non-profit Polish Village Parma Inc., City of Parma and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the cigarette tax. This parade celebrates the Polish Constitution, the first European constitution, adopted May 3, 1791, and modeled after our own U.S. Constitution.

Parma Symphony Orchestra will perform a LIVE Classical Music Concert on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights featuring: Concerto #1 for Piano by Frederic Chopin Alex Wasserman soloist, Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven and Pines of Rome By Ottorino Respighi

CALL FOR ARTISTS! Parma Arts has put out a call for artists for the Medley of Arts Show & Sale. Deadline to enter May 9, 2025. Application and details can be downloaded from the website, http://www.parmafinearts.org/2025medleyofartshow.html. Categories include watercolor, acrylics & oil, graphics (pencil, pen & ink, charcoal, computer graphics, (no AI) marker, pyrography, photography, 3-D art (jewelry, sculpture, glass), fiber art, mixed media and wood carving. Cash prizes awarded to first place artists in each category, plus a Best In Show. In addition the public can vote for the People’s Choice Award. Ribbons to second, third place and honorable mentions. No residency restrictions.

It’s with great sadness that I’m reporting the closing of Prama Artspace & Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Road. Prama was the first independent art gallery located in the City of Parma. It opened in the fall of 2018 as a platform to showcase local talented individuals. It was owner/operator, Sean Mabin’s, life dream to bring the vibrancy of the art scene to the City of Parma. Being a Parma High School grad, and knowing many artists that live in Parma or within the surrounding area he felt Parma should have their own indie gallery, close to home. He chose the gallery location in close proximity to Polish Village’s great restaurants, shops and pubs, making it a great “date night” destination.  Indie galleries, like Prama, bring visitors from all over Greater Cleveland to the city. Who than explore the neighborhood, shopping the mom and pop shops, stopping for coffee or drinks at a local pub, or for something good to eat.

Beginners are welcomed! Participants will learn Parallels, V folds, Interlocks and other ways of bringing a 3D look to your greeting cards as the recipient pops them open, in this four week, two hour class. Participants will create 12 different cards in 4 sessions. Class size is intentionally small in order to offer individualized attention to you. Class is held on Monday’s from 1 to 3pm, May 12th, 19th, skip Memorial Day, June 2nd & 9th. Location is The Parma Art Center, inside the Parma Parks & Recreation Building, at 7335 Ridge Road. A supply fee, of $10, is charged for this free class.The instructor is Gabrielle (Gabby) Lawrence. Some of her accomplishments are creating medieval manuscripts for over 20 years for the Society for Creative Anachronism. She is now the Program Manager of the Rome Art Program where mostly college students are drawing and painting throughout the city of Rome in June and/or July. Her current art focus rotates among watercolor, acrylic, charcoal and pastels. She’s shown her art locally at several locations and won 1st place last year for her graphics. This is one of a series of classes offered throughout the year titled Art For The Fun Of It!, brought to you in part by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Parma Arts. Register by emailing kathrynmabin@att.net. Don’t hesitate this classes fill up fast!

All Faiths Pantry has partnered up again with Yorktown Lanes for the 3rd Annual “Wheels for Meals” Cruise-In. They look to start the hot rod, street rod and classic car season by hosting their annual event on Wednesday June 4th at Yorktown Lanes 6218 Pearl Road. The cruise-in is free for both cars and spectators and begins at 5:00 pm. It is greatly appreciated if attendees bring non-perishable food items or paper products to donate. There will be raffles, door prizes, music and awards all ending around 8:00 pm. Food and beverages (for purchase) will be taken care of by the friends at Yorktown Lanes.

In the heart of a bustling urban neighborhood lies a hidden gem where agriculture is alive and well—thanks to a group of passionate young people with boots on the ground and dreams in the barn. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 6–8 p.m., the Homestead Hoofers 4-H Club invites the public to Potential Buyer Night at Stearns Homestead, a historic working farm located in Parma, Ohio.

Lake County Commissioner John Pletcnik will speak on Property Tax Reform in Ohio at the next meeting of the Parma Republicans. A question & answer session will follow.  Pletcnik is also a Law Professioner at Cleveland State University. Everyone is welcome to attend on Wednesday, May 14th, 6:30 pm. The Parma Republicans meet at McJames Sports Pub, 13450 Snow Road. Questions: please call President Doris Peters at 216-659-3362.

After you introduce a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives, you have to have a good relationship with the chairperson of the committee it is assigned to because he or she decides which bills get hearings or not. Most bills have three committee hearings. The first is called sponsor testimony, which is then followed by proponent testimony, then opponent testimony and a vote. I recently delivered sponsor testimony on H.B. 130. Here it is for your reading pleasure:

It never ceases to amaze me how talented our friends and neighbors are. Take for instance, Joanna Ellis, a fiber artist, living in Parma, and a member of Parma Arts who is one very talented lady. She tells me her journey began with a needle and bobbin lace, weaving and spinning. She created her first quilt, a tumbling block baby quilt, ten years ago. Soon after that she discovered art quilts. She generally creates portraits of people and animals. They are incredibly detailed. True works of art.

Michelle Behal, President of Parma Arts, owner/operator of Bear Tracks Art, will be one of 40 vendors at Crowleys Tree Farm for the Farm Fresh Creative & Crafts Show, 2150 Greenwich Rd in Wadsworth, Ohio, Sunday, May 4th, 1:30 to 5:30 pm. Michelle is an Inspirational Rustic Artist, specializing in Pyrography (wood burning).

State Auditor Keith Faber will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Parma Republicans.

On March 7th, 2025, the throughway off of Regency Dr. to the Parma PD front desk was named, "Nick Hunter Way". The street sign is illuminated 24/7 with the globe emitting a blue light to honor Sgt. Nick Hunter. Sgt. Hunter passed away on September 12th, 2022, from an unexpected medical emergency. Hunter served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 - 1990. He graduated from the Cleveland Hts. police Academy in 1993 and was sworn in as Parma's first African American police officer on April 13th, 1993. Hunter was promoted to Sergeant on November 5th, 2003. At the time of his passing, he was in his 29th year of service with the department and was the senior ranking Sergeant. Known for his consistent cheerful demeanor, friendly smile, and calmness, Hunter made an indelible mark on all those he came in contact with.

In my quest to keep Ohioans affected by the recent elimination of the federal Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) informed, I want to provide you with an update on the implementation of the Federal Social Security Fairness Act. As a member of the Ohio Retirement Study Council and Ranking Member of the Ohio House of Representatives Public Insurance and Pensions Committee, I recently discovered that many spouses or surviving spouses of Social Security beneficiaries may need to apply for the benefit to which they are entitled due to the elimination of the WEP and GPO.

Ahh, April — landscapes yellowing with dandelions and daffodils, the sound of lawn mowers roaring back to life, the blossoming and subtle greening of trees everywhere.

At this workshop you’ll learn to create a necklace by knotting Irish waxed linen with beads.  Easy to learn, only involves simple knotting techniques. No tools needed. Easy way to relax while you create beautiful wearable art. A fun and creative project in a relaxed atmosphere.  Create and take home a beautiful necklace made with your own hands. Beginners are welcome! Taught by Sarah Sieradzki. 

Like you, my wife and I recently received our Cuyahoga County property tax bill. Also, probably like you, ours went up a lot, much to our chagrin.

Three talented local artists on on display at the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Powers Branch, in the spring show, titled The Beautyand Humor of Everyday Life. Gary Nass, Parma Arts member is displaying abstract wood sculptures, Joanna Ellis with her creative art quilts, and Katarina Lapyhina with her photography. Stop in and view the Gallery Wall.

Our pets are our loving and faithful companions. Show your love for them by learning how to draw their portrait. These classes will be held on Monday’s, March 24, 31, April 7 and 14, from 1 to 3 PM at the Parma Art Center, located in the Parma Parks & Recreation Building, at 7335 Ridge Road.

To celebrate Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, stop in at Rudy’s Strudel, located at 5580 Ridge Rd. Satisfy your paczki cravings with their huge selection of sweet or savory paczki, while viewing portraits of inspiring women accompanied by a story, family recipe, or letter describing why this particular woman is inspiring.

There’s a brand new coffee house in Polish Village, located at 5842 Ridge Road in the old Krakow Deli building, next to Brayson’s Ice Cream. This takeout or dine in cafe has been beautifully remodeled. It’s a spacious, 2,000 square foot, 40 seat establishment, and it’s relaxing and entertaining, with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes lots of options, coffee, iced coffee, espresso, flavored lattes, teas, hot chocolate, milk options like whole milk, almond & oat. In addition to coffee, Love Coffee also offers baked goods and supports local vendors.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” – Rachel Carson