(Cleveland) – Vote by Mail and Early Voting at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for the March 6th Primary Election opens January 31st. The Board of Elections will begin mailing ballots to voters who have submitted Vote by Mail ballot applications and voters will be able to begin voting early at the Board of Elections starting on January 31st.
Parma's new Mayor Tim DeGeeter greets Congressman Dennis Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth as they arrive for the swearing-in ceremony at Parma City Hall on January 2.
Eight years is a long time in the life of a city, and since that many years have passed since Parma has seen a new mayor, the Inaugural ceremony held at Parma City Hall on January 2 had a special significance. Brand new year, brand new mayor, seventh largest city in Ohio- I don't know about you, but I have a sense that some exciting things may be happening in Parma in the near future. Parma City Council also welcomes two new members this year, so it will be interesting to see how the new council works with the new administration as 2012 moves forward.
Because her treatment is so aggressive, Olivia will not feel well enough to attend the benefit that was scheduled at Flyers in Parma Hts. on Saturday January 14, 2012, so the event has been changed to a later date, that is: February 25, 2012. The location of the benefit will still be at Flyers, from 5-7 p.m., there will still be all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, wings, plus beer and wine. The price for the event in order to help Olivia with her staggering medical bills is still only $25, and now it is more important than ever. We would like to thank all of those generous people and businesses that have already stepped up with an incredible outpouring of support. Please keep your calendars open for that day, and let's show how much Parma Observer readers care about their community, and especially the people in it.
Parma-South Presbyterian Church will host its annual spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the church.
The John Allender Band rocking in the New Year at Lucky T's- we did not forget to BOOGIE!
The column for this issue will include a "Blues Primer" in order to trace the history of Blues Music, with the emphasis on Blues Guitar, from some time in the past until the present day.
A sign that someone is doing it right- Jordan's Family Restaurant at 11575 Brookpark Rd. in Parma. More than 20 years in business.
Most people would tend to agree, especially in the light of today's economy, that when a business can survive for even more than just a few years, they must be doing something right. When a business has been around for more than 20 years, and only seems to keep getting better, well, then those people running that business simply must be doing things very, very right. This is why I feel that Jordan's Family Restaurant at 11575 Brookpark Rd. in Parma is a place that you must visit soon, that is, if you haven't already been there many, many times over the years, as I have.
Happy New Year 2012! The subject of this month's column is: Contrasting Values. This is a collection of insights written by myself as well as by others.
January brings winter snows and gusts
Of cold, swirling winds.
Homeowners get busy with their snow-
Blowers to clean sidewalks and drive-
Ways.
Children wear boots, mittens, warm
Hats and jackets on their way to school.
The city’s salt trucks and snowplows
Are busy cleaning snow-covered streets.
That’s what January is all about!
February is also nasty, snowy, and
Cold.
Children, however, enjoy playing in
New-fallen snow, making snowmen
And throwing snowballs.
February celebrates Presidents’ Day
In remembrance of Abraham Lincoln
And George Washington.
February 14th is Valentine’s Day--a
Day when we send cards, flowers,
And eat lots of candy.
Yes, February is a busy month, too!
March is winter’s final blast and is
Probably angry since April makes
March completely disappear.
We've already forgotten those freezing
Temperatures of January and February.
However, March can be quite a monster,
Holding on until the 31st, the last day of
The month!
This book, Old Macdonalds Factory Farm by C. David Coats, exposes the myth of the traditional farm, as most farming is done on large scale factory farms. Chickens, pigs, cows, turkeys, ducks, and sheep, amongst others, are crammed into overcrowded indoor spaces, some in cages so small that even turning around is impossible. These animals rarely, if ever, even go outdoors or are ever treated with compassion and empathy. They are seen as units of production rather than the living creatures they are, that think, have emotions, desires, and experience pain and pleasure. Due to the ever-growing human population, the demand for meat is ever increasing. Factory farming has been replacing the traditional farm and the way the animals are treated is horrific. Their suffering and death becomes ours as well. The detrimental effect on the health of humans and the environment is very serious and is also revealed in this book.
Happy New Year Parma Observer Reader! In this month’s column I am going to take a hiatus from my monthly Parma City Council report and focus on how we can all help address the needs of our community and make Parma an even better place to live. I realize that many who will read this article are already giving quite a bit back and I thank you for your sacrifices and selflessness. My goal is to persuade everyone in our fine community to use his or her talents in 2012 to make this the “Year to Volunteer” in Parma.
Perhaps the effects of the winter solstice creating shorter days and more darkness than the rest of the year has a pensive effect on us all. We make New Year’s resolutions, we reminisce over auld lang syne, literally old-long-since in Scottish, we slow down and stay in when it’s cold – if we can. And we think. We take stock of the good and the bad, the positive and the negative, the honey and the marmite (yin and yang, y'all).
Here we are in another year. They seem to go by so fast that I almost lose track of them. Let's hope our area schools are in for a good year now because the taxpayers have passed the levy. Now let's see how we can make up for lost time. I am sorry to say to those who have graduated that they have missed out, but it was not their fault. Maybe they could have afforded to play this year. I hope that people will remember it will take time to rebuild teams, but I would like to say to those who could not play or participate, that you will always be #1 in my heart and thoughts. I would like to tell you that Mr. Pat Semary will celebrate his 50th year of high school coaching tonight at Parma Field House against his last coaching assignment, Valley Forge. Pat went to Kent with me and we wrestled together for a couple of years, because I was on a football scholarship I had to put in football time and Pat was on a wrestling scholarship so he had to put in wrestling time. He was quite a wrestler and gentleman and still is. My two sons wrestled for him at Forge and both went on to college, the oldest to Mount Union, football and wrestling. The younger, Tony, went to Slippery Rock State of Pennsylvania and was two time captain. Both are now coaches: Joe at Medina, Buckeye area, and Tony in the Westchester area, a suburb of Philly. I believe Pat's time rubbed off on them. I hope your coaches play a positive influence in your lives.
How’s that for a safe prediction? Last year saw the cancellation of the end of the world on May 21st, and its rescheduled October 21st date came and went without a deluge of firestones or Godzilla bursting out of the earth’s crust. It was just plain…old…wet – compliments of La Niña. So what can we look forward to in 2012? Brace yourself for more of the same, says the Farmer’s Almanac – at least through the winter – and that means snow, lots of it. Enjoy every flake, as the end date of all end dates approaches - this one sure to relieve you of next year’s Christmas shopping madness! The Mayan calendar ends its cycle on December 21st, and we all know what that means…
It’s a new year, and it’s time to take care of the caregiver. You’ve been taking care of your loved one, perhaps by yourself or with very little help. You may have barely gotten through the holidays between exhaustion and depression and overwork. Your loved one may be cranky due to the cold weather and gray days with little sun, or fighting to stay healthy and make it through the winter. Your loved one is counting on you, and there never was a truer saying than “You can’t take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself first.” I know a woman who died from pneumonia because she was busy taking care of everyone else but herself. So give yourself permission to slow down and take it easy. That may seem impossible with what is expected of you, but you need to gain some much-needed perspective.
In December, Parma City Council was presented with petitions that contained in excess of 3,600 signatures asking that the following question be put on the ballot.
"SHALL A COMMISSION BE CHOSEN TO FRAME A CHARTER?"
A rather simple question, yet one that has certainly caused much outcry from our elected officials at City Hall. This issue was immediately vilified as being "too expensive" and that it would require a special election. Another objection that was raised is that Parma government works, so why fix it? Other objections have also been raised but they are so ridiculous in nature that I won't even dignify them by discussing them here.
I don't understand how this can possibly be "too expensive." If City Council would stop arguing and simply pass the ordinance authorizing the language, this would be on the March Primary ballot. This does not require a special election, nor should it.
Stating that Parma government works is a matter of opinion, not fact. In my opinion, a more appropriate way of looking at this would be to question if there are things that can be improved. Just because the glass in your windows isn't broken, does that mean the windows are effective and shouldn't be changed?
If you need emergency medical care this winter, remember the doctor is waiting at Parma Hospital’s Emergency Department door.
Pictured with members of the fire department are Heidi Spaeth and Mr. and Mrs. Tillett
Members of Parma Fire Fighters Union 639 gave two checks to help with the purchase of Christmas gifts. Donations from the Charitable Committee were presented first to the Tillet family who has four children: ages 8, 7, 5, and 4, two of them with autism, and second to Heidi Spaeth, who represents Koinonia Homes. She will use the funds to buy gifts for disabled adults that live in the home. Each year the Committee donates money raised from events, including the union golf outing, to help local groups in need.
To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life, -- this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.
From My Summer in a Garden by Charles Dudley Warner
There are many kinds of gardens. There are gardens planted to delight the senses with their perfume and colorful flowers and leaves. There are gardens that provide food. Some attract birds and insects, and bees reward us with their honey. Some attract butterflies and hummingbirds. And there are gardens designed to help protect the environment. These are called “Rain Gardens.”
West Creek Preservation Committee planted two Rain Gardens on their property on Coventry Drive in early October. A rain garden is a landscaped area planted with native perennial plants that grow in soil that retains some water. It is designed to capture and filter storm water runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways. The base of the garden is depressed to capture the rain water. This helps keep waterways cleaner by filtering storm water runoff before it reaches them. It helps alleviate some problems with flooding and drainage and the ground water is recharged by the action of the water “percolating” down through the soil.
The construction of the gardens on Coventry Drive used a method that connected the downspouts of each house alongside an adjacent lot directly through underground pipes to the center of each garden. The garden area was dug out not only to create a depression, but also to replace some of the soil and apply mulch. The gardens were planted with various native plants and shrubs. The homes bordering the gardens will qualify for a credit against their storm water fee.
A grant from General Motors in the amount of $5,000.00 and additional funds from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District made this project possible. The City of Parma provided help with the removal of the driveway from this lot. Four volunteers from General Motors did the heavy work of moving soil and mulch. Students from Mr. Chris Mohnacky’s classes walked from Normandy High School and helped with the planting. Derek Schafer, the Conservation Project Manager of WCPC, directed the project.
Without friends, life is worthless.
Since I have gotten older, I have been organizing what is really important to me. Material things are okay. They are fun, but it does not define who I really am. Those goods will last you for so long, and then they leave you.
January’s Asset Category: Positive Identity. Help young people bring out their best. The way people feel about themselves can fluctuate with circumstances. Depending on what’s happening, you may feel confident or unsure, optimistic or pessimistic, in control or not in control. What’s important is what a person’s identity is like most of the time. People who have a strong, positive sense of self maintain these qualities even when difficulties arise. They continue to be hopeful and optimistic, and believe they can make a difference.
During Spring, 2010, HUD and the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation, commonly known as the Cuyahoga Land Bank, forged a nationally groundbreaking agreement whereby HUD would transfer low-value, vacant and abandoned properties to the Cuyahoga Land Bank for $100. HUD ended up with these properties as a result of mortgage foreclosures guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This agreement was considered essential to stabilizing real estate market values. Instead of transferring these properties to speculators and perpetuating the cycle of tax foreclosure and abandonment, HUD transfers these properties to the Cuyahoga Land Bank for $100 after paying all current taxes. After one full year, HUD and the Cuyahoga Land Bank have renewed the contract for another year based on the need and success of the relationship.
Inspiring Accounts of Thru-Hiking Don’t Compare to Actual Thrill
Ten years ago, our country experienced the tragedy forever to be known as 9/11. While it was a time of great pain, the experience also instilled in us a renewed sense of patriotism. As our nation reflected on the tenth anniversary, Shiloh Middle School counselor Heidi Zimmerman found herself moved by the need to share this significant event with others. Her communal spirit led her to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the site of the crash of United Flight 93.
Bad things happen to good people; we've all heard that said, and sadly, it's all too often the truth. Such is the case with Olivia. According to those that know her best, she is someone who has famously given most generously to anyone who is in need, even total strangers, and she doesn't wait for them to ask for help. "When someone is sick, she is always the first one there; sends them flowers, money, cleans their house, cooks them dinner - whatever they need."
On November 26, 2011, mayor-elect Tim DeGeeter honored my request to meet for an interview at the Blue Line Bar& Grill in Parma. One of the first things that he said which struck me as very poignant was that " Mayor DePiero has paved a nice road for the city; our goal is to put in sidewalks". What follows is the interview, with the questions asked, and his direct response to them. This is the first of what I hope will be many interviews of the new Mayor and other city officials by the Parma Observer.
The new branch of First Federal of Lakewood is at 1640 Snow Rd. in Parma at the Midtown Shopping Center.
On November 30th. the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the location of the first branch in Parma for First Federal of Lakewood at 1640 Snow Rd., in the front of the Midtown Shopping Center. This site had been occupied by Century Bank, which was sold to First Federal of Lakewood last year, according to Gary Fix, Bank President. " When we purchased Century Bank, we actually acquired five locations; Concord, Garfield Hts., North Royalton, Brunswick, and of course Parma", said Mr. Fix. " We are very excited about being in Parma, and we feel that people here will find out that the First Federal of Lakewood is a great place to do all of their banking", he continued.
Parma City Council President Sean Brennan has joined forces with the All Faiths Pantry to collect 1,000 jars of peanut butter by December 31. Brennan says he was moved to action by recent news reports pointing to the growing demand at local food banks and the dramatic rise in peanut butter prices. “Peanut butter prices have skyrocketed nearly seventy-five percent this year alone,” Brennan said. “Poverty has grown in our lagging economy and the demand on our food banks is increasing. In the meantime, food donations are lagging behind demand and the prices of food are rising,” he added.
I would like to thank the Parma Observer readers who came out to see the John Allender Band for our two shows in Parma during November. At Lucky T's on the 25th, we were privileged to have Jim Wall on drums, considered one of the very best drummers from the Cleveland area. Jim is a Parma Heights native and a Berklee School of Music graduate. He plays regularly with Michael Bay & the Bad Boys of Blues, as well as The Jack Fords. In addition, Jim operates Blue Buddha Music Studio at 6631 York Rd. in Parma Hts., a state-of-the-art recording facility where he records artists and teaches. His website is jimwallmusic.com.
Forgiveness means to pardon; a matter of letting go of past incidents of resentment, anger and deep-seated hatred of others, and at times ourselves, no matter what the circumstances. The medical profession informs us that these negative emotions are at the root of many of our physical ailments. Unforgivingness means being imprisoned by our past. Forgiveness frees us from floundering in that past.
Another year is almost over. This year has seen greater growth in the Parma Observer, greater participation, greater awareness in our community that the citizens have a voice and it can be trumpeted in print on paper and in cyberspace. Ultimately, not just within our municipal borders, but all over the world. Maybe someone in some faraway corner of the globe happens on to our web page and reads about the lifestyle of our community, imagining what it would be like to live here for themselves. Such news long ago created the American Dream in the hearts of those abroad. How blessed we are.
Are bowling alleys going the wayside of drive-in theaters? From the 1940’s through the 1960’s bowling enjoyed its peak in popularity, with over a hundred bowling alleys operational in the greater Cleveland area and the highest concentration of them in Parma (ironically, there are no bowling alleys in Brunswick), making it our iconic recreational activity and symbol of blue-collar leisure. Today, there are barely over twenty lane facilities still in business for reasons that not only reflect our dire economic times, but the changes in our social and recreational preferences as a culture.
Andy Rooney is dead. I'm all you've got, so listen up. This article is about the increasingly third-world-caliber stress levels MOST Americans – in particular, the youngest Baby Boomers such as Barack Obama, who was born three months before yours truly -- now face daily. I like to call it the “politics of poverty” a la Bitty Baby Boomer-style.
What most non-caregivers don’t seem to realize is that at this time of the year, many caregivers don’t have much holiday cheer. Their Christmas present of choice would be uninterrupted private time, alone, for a long nap. Often, they don’t get a good night’s sleep, always listening for a weak call from the loved one who needs their help. Exhaustion has taken its toll. Hustle & bustle, decorating, baking elaborate treats and plastering on a festive smile are the last things a caregiver has any energy for, let alone enthusiasm.
As President of Parma City Council, one of my priorities has been to inform the community about the make-up, procedures and initiatives of Parma City Council. This article represents the latest in a series in which I will provide you, the reader, with a monthly glimpse into your local government.
For many years now, we have been hearing terms such as "income inequality" and "the wealthiest one percent." It's not hard to understand why these terms are so easily thrown about by our "leaders" as they create mental images of the "evil rich" rolling around in piles of cash while the poor suffer. Some of the more recent manifestations of this have been President Obama and his non-stop call to "tax the rich" and the Occupy Wall Street movement. These roads lead to class warfare, redistribution of wealth and eventually Communism.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections must employ nearly 6,000 poll workers to serve at the polls on Election Day and is currently hiring for the March 6th, 2012 primary election.
Parma Community General Hospital has been designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® Cardiac Care Facility for comprehensive heart and vascular treatment. Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of health care services available to its members to help them make informed decisions about their health care needs. In line with this goal, Aetna recognizes hospitals and facilities in its network that offer specialized clinical services for certain health conditions. Facilities are selected for consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care.
