Due to stormy weather the night of Parma’s Relay for Life on July 23, the closing ceremony for the Parma event was rescheduled for August 16 at Tri-C’s Western Campus Theatre.
(PARMA) – Parma Mayor Dean DePiero says former mayor James W. Day leaves a legacy of progress and partnerships established during his relatively short tenure as the city’s political leader. James Day passed away earlier today at Parma Community General Hospital.
Parma Mayor Dean DePiero's wife, Kathleen, is pictured with the couple's newborn baby, Blake Andrew. Blake was born Sunday, August 22. He came into the world weighing 8lbs 8oz. Blake, mom and dad are doing great. This is the couple's first child.
Masters Of Ceremonies Maria Kvit-Flynn And Roman Fedkiv, Along With Council President Chuck Germana And Community Services And Economic Development Director Eric Tollerup
On Sunday August 22, a Groundbreaking Ceremony was held in Ukrainian Village at the future site of what will be Ukrainian Heritage Park. This eagerly anticipated event took place as the result of the efforts of many dedicated individuals, especially all of the members of the United Ukrainian Organizations Of Ohio, which represents over fifty Ukrainian organizations throughout the state. The event was well attended, with a large, enthusiastic crowd overflowing into State Rd. in front of the future park site. Like all events in Ukrainian Village which I have had the pleasure to attend, this one was as meticulously planned as any other. Any group planning any event anywhere can learn a lot from the folks in Ukrainian Village- they really know how to celebrate the moment; nothing ever seems to be left to chance, and their hallmark is clock-like efficiency. Even the weather seemed to cooperate, as what seemed to be imminent rain subsided just in time, and the sun actually started to show itself as the ceremony began.
Cox Communications announced today that this football season, customers will not only have access to more than 500 football games in crystal-clear high-definition, but now they can add NFL RedZone to their lineup for only $39.99 per season.
NFL RedZone, produced by NFL Network, whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering touchdowns and the most exciting moments as they happen. When a team goes inside the 20-yard line, fans see the crucial plays live. NFL RedZone keeps fans up-to-date in real time switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights, fantasy statistics and a chance to see every important play. Cox Advanced TV customers who subscribe to the Sports and Information Pak will have to the option of adding NFL RedZone to their lineup. NFL RedZone is also available to Cox Business customers for $X.
“Cox offers a great value for football fans this season with the option of adding NFL RedZone to their existing Advanced TV Pak,” said Jeff Staats, marketing manager at Cox Cleveland. “Plus, customers can see more than 500 games in crystal clear high-definition without paying additional HD programming fees.”
Football games including a mix of both pro and college are available on channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC and cable networks like ESPN, ESPN 2 and NFL Network. NFL Network offers every preseason game and eight Thursday Night Football games. Cox also carries exciting local high school football action on Cox Channel 45 and On DEMAND on Cox Channel 1.
Cox offers additional benefits like local channels in every package at no additional cost and FREE standard cable service including popular sports networks on additional TVs with no need for equipment. Plus Advanced TV customers who subscribe to the Sports and Info Pak have access to NFL Network On Demand – including NFL Replay – with extended highlights from every single NFL game played that week.
Added Staats, “With HD programming at no additional charge, free additional outlets and tons of free On DEMAND programming – including NFL Network On Demand, Cox continues to be a great value for entertainment and communications in the Cleveland market.”
Customers can call 216.535.3696 to add NFL RedZone.
The Parma City School District's Facilities Committee, which is a subcommittee of the district wide Strategic Planning Committee, was charged with the task of gathering and analyzing data on the current state of our facilities and how they meet the current and future needs of our students. The committee was given the task of reporting their findings to the Board of Education in January of 2011.
Their findings will include a list of potential scenarios that will highlight the pros and cons that would occur as a result of closing different buildings. The committee will consider many factors such as logistics, building and educational compliance issues, building upkeep, educational and environmental factors, budget restrictions, transportation and current as well as projected enrollment.
New superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham said that without knowing yet what buildings could be affected, if any, the public should not be surprised if the district continues to downsize. Three elementary schools have closed in the past two years and there is a need to continue to evaluate building usage.
“In order to be fiscally responsible and educationally sound, we need to continue to look at how we conduct business through unbiased lenses. If the scenarios provided by the Facilities Committee offer options that allow us to provide a quality education to our students while spending less money, then we have the responsibility to the community to consider those options. ”
Graham emphasized, “Far too often, when people struggle with a problem, they start with a solution in mind. I can assure you that is not the case here. The committee’s work is in its early stages, no decisions have been made, and they are not attempting to justify a predetermined solution. We’re in the information-gathering stage at this time. Although I cannot promise a specific outcome, I can assure you there will be honor in the process.”
Beginning in October 2009, the district used grant funding to conduct a comprehensive review of all phases of the district’s operation. Committees whose members included local residents, business leaders, school administrators, teachers, support staff and students, were formed to study seven separate areas:
Academics
Business Services
Communications
Facilities
Finances
Safety and Security
Youth Engagement
Dr. Graham and the Board of Education will be reviewing the initial work done by each committee and reacting to the suggestions. Dr. Graham said, “The decision to close a school can be heart-wrenching, but a decision not to close a school when there is declining enrollment and economic necessity, would be irresponsible not only to the tax payers, but also for our students. While the immediate effects of closing a school may certainly be painful, the long-term effects can be beneficial to everyone as it frees up resources for academics that otherwise would be spent on facilities, utilities and staffing that may not be needed. It is the district’s responsibility to make sure we look at this issue from all sides and involve the community as much as possible.”
The Recreation Department will be offering a Beginner's Yoga class for adults consisting of eight (8) sessions for $50. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 PM-8 PM beginning Sept. 22. There will also be martial arts (a combination of karate, judo and jujitsu) classes for children ages 6-12 from 6 PM-7 PM and ages 13-18 from 7 PM-8 PM. Classes will be held on Thursdays beginning Sept. 23rd for eight (8) weeks at a cost of $50. Class sizes are limited for both programs.
The Parma Area Chamber of Commerce will join forces with the Garfield Heights Chamber to host the “Connecting Communities” Business Expo & Taste of the Towns on Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn on Rockside Road in Independence.
Parma Hospital's Heart Walk team included (from left): Barry Franklin, chief financial officer; Terrence G. Deis, president & CEO; and Kevin Zupancic, director of Pharmacy and Lab.
More than 200 walkers representing Parma Community General Hospital were among the estimated 9,000 participating in the Start! Heart Walk downtown on August 21. The Parma Hospital team included President & CEO Terrence G. Deis, Chief Financial Officer Barry Franklin and team captain Dave Miller, manager of Cardiovascular Services and coordinator of the hospital’s efforts to raise nearly $20,000 towards research and education about America’s most predominant disease. Employees and physicians brought spouses, children and even their dogs to participate in the walk, which kicked off from Mall C on a pleasantly cool morning.
Be it ever so humble, there are few things more All American than the beloved hotdog. What would a day spent watching America's Game be without at least one hotdog, perhaps smothered in Stadium mustard? When we find something to be spectacular, we don't shout "hamburger", or "pizza" do we? Cleveland has always been underrepresented when it comes to hot dog establishments, in my opinion. During my life in Parma, I don't recall even one hot dog joint, so I'm happy to say that now we have at least two: this article will focus on one of those.
Dad is frustrated these days. He can’t always express what he’s thinking, as the words come out garbled or in no way that makes sense. It is hard to watch him sputter and stutter while trying to get his thoughts out. As the disease rages on, it is clear that he realizes he is losing the ability to communicate. This is to be expected, a normal symptom of Alzheimer’s. Steel yourself for it, smile and nod your head as though your cared for is making perfect sense. It will put them at ease again, and that is what matters most.
Brian Shaffer of Twinsburg, Ohio received the “David B. Gillespie Award” at the 93rd annual Ohio Kiwanis District Convention in Sharonville, Ohio on August 14th. Pictured with Brian is his wife Kelly who presented it to him at the local Division 24 Meeting at the Busch Community Room in Parma on August 19th. The “Gillespie Award” is the highest honor bestowed by the Ohio District Governor for outstanding statewide work with “Service Leadership Programs” including the Key Leader weekend workshops, Key Club in High Schools, Builders Clubs in Middle Schools and, Kiwanis K-Kids in elementary level schools. Kiwanis is a global organization of 600,000 community volunteers in 80 countries with an emphasis of service and leadership training to children. Brian has also served this last year as Lieutenant Governor of the 24th Division of Kiwanis representing 425 local members with local chapters in Berea, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Brooklyn, Brunswick, Independence, Middleburg Heights, Nordonia Hills, North Royalton, Parma, Parma Heights and Strongsville. For more information contact Public Relations Manager Joe Germana at 440-882-2012.
Over 600 Parma City School (PCSD) students are now prepared for school thanks to local churches and businesses in our communities. On August 14th five local congregations provided families in PCSD with school supplies. The churches involved in this awesome outreach were All Saints Episcopal, Bethel Temple, New Life Fellowship, Parma Baptist and Parma Christian. The congregations not only hosted their site and volunteers to distribute items to the students, but also shopped and filled the backpacks according to grade-level needs. Many of the churches also received numerous donations from its congregational members to help meet the needs of our students.
Two hundred seniors, in their island finery, gathered at the Donna Smallwood Activities Center in August for their festive Annual Hawaiian Luau! The Center was positively “hanohano” with beautiful Hawaiian decorations, as were the merrymakers in their grass skirts, mumus, wild island shirts, colorful leis and crowns of flowers.
Earlier this year, I witnessed the killing of a raccoon by a Seven Hills police officer. Believing this animal to be healthy, as well as knowing the circumstances surrounding the incident, I concluded it was a cruel and unnecessary act.
Regardless of your personal belief about wildlife/animals, what every homeowner and person should know -- and likely does not know -- are facts regarding "nuisance" wildlife trapping, including costly fees associated with repeat nuisance trapping/removal.
"Trapping of 'nuisance' wildlife often leads to wild animal babies being unintentionally orphaned," says Katherine McGill, founding member of the National Urban Wildlife Coalition.
"Any animal nesting around your house is likely a mother with young. It is critical not to separate a mother from her young, as the babies will starve to death and cause foul odors inside your house," McGill says.
Trapping isn't just deadly. Frequently, homeowners and businesses wind up paying more due to additional service calls. Trappers are notorious for not telling customers to cap chimneys and close off other entryways by spending a few bucks now to save hundreds later. And these are really simple deterrents anyone can learn about and implement in less than half a day.
Trapping also increases traffic accidents. According to McGill, "While it may seem a humane solution to trap and relocate a wild animal [not legal in Ohio, but homeowners actually are permitted to release wildlife back on their own property. The caveat is, you need to first make certain all animals have been humanely removed and all entryways closed off. Otherwise, a high mortality rate among relocated animals is the all-too-frequent result. Most relocated animals try desperately to search for home (or their babies) and end up being hit by cars or run out by resident animals."
Since the incident I witnessed, in addition to expressing concerns to council and the mayor's office, as well as attending a council meeting and sending informative wildlife handling tips to the city, the Seven Hills police department rewrote its official wildlife policy. This is a good start, but it reads so that each call or complaint still relies on "officer discretion." And officer discretion is exactly what caused the death of what was very likely a healthy, innocent animal deemed as "nuisance" by neighbors and the police, so more is needed.
This is where your due diligence comes in. For instance, "It's vital to know it's not unusual for raccoons to be seen by day (often mother raccoons with nursing young forage day and night); one should not assume this alone is a sign of rabies," says Laura Simon, field director, Urban Wildlife Program. Ms. Simon has worked with raccoons for over 25 years. She authored a book on rabies-vector-species handling protocols that is used by state agencies throughout America.
According to Simon, "Killing healthy raccoons in springtime can actually create a human safety risk."
Also, according to the Fund for Animals, it's normal to see raccoons out and about during the day. That's because foraging mothers and young -- sometimes even those abandoned as a result of inhumane trapping -- are known to frequent porches, yards and other human habitat. You may even observe them "singing," or begging, or otherwise "uncharacteristically" unafraid. The March 9 case I witnessed involved a raccoon that, according to at least one police department employee, simply did not want to leave the porch area-- which doesn't explain how it came to be shot dead at least 40 feet from said porch area (or any structure), under a tree, and in the middle of the yard.
NONE OF THESE BEHAVIORS INDICATE ILLNESS, RABIES, DISTEMPER, ETC. You are simply witnessing a wild animal acting normal within your human-made boundaries, boundaries existing only in our species-centric minds. McGill says, "Wildlife habitat gives way to our urban sprawl every day, forcing wildlife to adapt with great resourcefulness. The increased reports of wildlife sightings indicate to ethical experts that humans are obviously being accepted as part of their habitat now."
Back to our community. Modeled after the City of Eastlake's policy number 310.17 "animal complaints" -- created last year after an outraged resident complained after witnessing police officers there shoot a raccoon and left it half alive and gasping in a dumpster while trying to get back up -- Seven Hills policy also includes the recommendation that officers advise callers/complainants contact dispatch for trapper info. Knowing that "professional" trappers of raccoons, skunks and other "nuisance" wildlife routinely gas, drown and not always quickly or painlessly kill the animals, and that virtually no police department is adequately trained in humanely handling all nuisance wildlife calls, homeowners need to know they are better suited to make life-and-death decisions by being proactive along every step; don't just look the other way after calling police or trappers. This life and death matter is on you, every step of the way.
To my knowledge, and to the knowledge of the League of Humane Voters in Ohio, none of the trappers registered with Seven Hills would be considered "humane" -- not by anyone's stretch of the imagination. Add to this the fact that our very bottom of the barrel state wildlife agency refuses to allow releasing wildlife anywhere except your own property (and they don't even want us to know that, along with greedy, inhumane trappers). Add to this, the Ohio Division of Wildlife also does not allow raccoons, deer and certain other wildlife to be rehabbed, not even by very knowledgeable, educated, even licensed, rehabbers; yet, they cooperate with trappers and other money-makers by giving them carte blanch decision making power over the lives of millions, if not billions, of wild animals in our state alone! Fact is, you are allowed to release professionally trapped animals on your own property, making certain all animals have been removed and entryways closed off -- and it's cheaper than repeat trapping fees!
If you really want to be sure, and save some big bucks, McGill says, "The easiest way to remove wild babies is with assistance from the mother, and she will do that for you (and move on) with a little effort and patience. If she is killed or relocated, she can not. A human’s ability to access those babies, dead or alive, often results in doing more structural damage than you feared the mother animal would cause."
McGill says, "There are numerous methods to humanely resolve conflicts and coexist with urban wildlife. Besides, removing a wild animal simply lights a vacancy for another to move in . . . . Eliminating the attractants, properly sealing entrances or creative modifications can resolve almost every conflict. A reputable trapper or 'pest control company' knows this, and a red flag is up if they do not explain options beyond taking an animal away."
Contact a wildlife rehabber that is bona fide and checked out. "They can likely refer you to a reputable company if they can’t talk you through handling the issue safely yourself," says McGill.
And just in case you have fears concerning rabies, consider there has not been a positive case of raccoon rabies in all of Ohio for over a year. And the last human case of rabies in Ohio was 1970!
If there has not been a case of human rabies in Ohio in forty years, and rabies from raccoons in Ohio (hence, no chance of any pets, etc. becoming bit and infected), then isn't it time the City of Seven Hills remove its giant "WANTED" raccoon poster (not surprisingly, donated from the DOW) from the police dept. lobby? The poster is four times larger than all the felon pictures!
Peaceful solutions are the only answer. In fact, consider the Public Trust Doctrine (PTD), recently invoked in five national wildlife officials' recommendations for sweeping changes in all state wildlife agencies; a very big deal indicating major change is on the way. PTD essentially asserts that all of wildlife belongs to everyone. So, next time your neighbor or anyone else tells you to mind your own business, and that they can do anything they want to an animal because it's on their property, remind them of the PTD. In fact, wildlife fit into that neat little category of being exempt from property boundaries.
If any wild animal "belongs" to any one individual, or MINORITY, SPECIAL INTEREST group of individuals, such as the seven percent of the population that hunts, or the other segment that profits off murdering these innocent creatures such as trappers, the PTD is inherently violated.
PTD recommends four paradigm shifts, one of which is to form a diverse group of stakeholders, because most states -- and Ohio is one of the worst, especially regarding deer -- are mired in special interest stakeholders, namely, hunters and trappers. Ever wondered how seven percent of the population manages to lord it over the majority, and all God's other creatures? From my perspective, all non-human species deserve even more protection, because they are the most vulnerable among us.
On a local level, you have a lot of sway: Contact Seven Hills, and tell them that, while you appreciate the good faith effort by rewriting the wild (and domestic!) animal policy that might makes things a little more humane as well as reduce traffic accidents and save city funds due to less nuisance calls, that it's only the first step in the right direction.
While you're at it, request Seven Hills take down those giant raccoon "WANTED" posters, and remind them of the facts about rabies. Incidentally, distemper in raccoons (something the Seven Hills police attempted to rewrite into their reports only after I questioned why this raccoon was killed forty feet from the porch they claim "it would not leave," and which it did not show signs of) cannot be transferred to other mammals, so there's just no valid reason for those posters to be so prominently displayed. They only perpetuate ignorance, widespread panic and line trappers' pockets.
Along the lines of treating "nuisance" wildlife inhumanely, Seven Hills Councilman Dell'Aquilla this year formally announced his candidacy for Seven Hills mayor. Both in his 2009 campaign literature, and unofficially, Dell'Aquilla has indicated he may have it in for deer and other "nuisance" wildlife. Before you vote for Dell'Aquilla for mayor -- or for any candidate at any level -- first ask him to put in writing that he will vote down any ordinance or policy of any kind (especially any practice that involves pretending not to know while looking the other way when poachers are doing their illegal deeds) that involves any kill method in an effort to "control" or "manage" any wild or domestic animal. Don't wait until after the election to see if he, or any public official, can be trusted. Look what happened in Broadview Heights recently with the deer ordinance, which is still pending, and there is a questionable window between the official beginning of hunting season in late September, and when the voting (yes, residents there got a referendum and got it on the ballot) takes place in November. How would you feel if this happened in your own back yard: watching poachers trespass and kill deer without your permission while your children or grandchildren see it. How about your pet being stuck with an arrow, or you? How about dozens, if not hundreds of violations of every imaginable sort occurring right here in your city, just as they have for the past three years in adjacent Independence?
As a member of the League of Humane Voters, it is my experience that voters have to pressure candidates to take a stand -- before they vote for them. Get them to promise, in writing. Otherwise, Seven Hills may go from one abominable nuisance wildlife practice to something as incomprehensible as suburban bow-hunting. Make no mistake, the mayor, his assistant, all the city council members and more have been made fully aware of all the safety and rebound facts and statistics, as well as the state DOW politics supporting rebound profiteering. They do not need to be educated about this; they already have been by me and our group. The League of Humane Voters requests that you do not vote for any candidate that will allow hunting, trapping or any other inhumane control method, Dell'Aquilla, or anyone else.
Contact the City of Seven Hills at 216-524-4421. Email the mayor, assistant and city council at: Bent959@aol.com, cmatthews@sevenhillsohio.org, ward1councilman@cox.net, jmtripi@sevenhillsohio.org, aaron_lobas@hotmail.com, pete@petedraganic.com, rdellaquila@sevenhillsohio.org, clecznar@sevenhillsohio.org, fpetro@sevenhillsohio.org. Ask them what formal training police officers are now going to receive in light of the new written animal policy. Ask them to take down those raccoon posters. Demand more cost-effective, peaceful solutions that won't create more traffic hazards and city expenses. Tell them you won't support cruel animal control methods, and that they have no business shooting animals -- unless endorsed by humane agencies euthanasia protocol (involving clear-cut cases where an injured/dying/sick animal would be better off quickly dispatched) has been spelled out and adhered to. Yours truly has already given copies of a nationally recognized humane protocol for making humane decisions regarding wildlife. The case I witnessed was not clear cut, and may have involved nothing more than an inconvenience to homeowners, combined with officer disdain for certain "nuisance" wildlife.
For more info through email subscriptions to the "Urban Wildlife Examiner" authored by Katherine McGill, visit www.examiner.com, click on Urban Wildlife Examiner. While you're at it, download the flyer "Fund Facts" from The Fund for Animals -- a short, comprehensive sheet for resolving conflicts with raccoons in your house, yard or porch, as well as how to safely and humanely help raccoons climb out of dumpsters (simply put in a long branch or stick for them to climb out) -- visit www.fund.org and look for "Solving Raccoon Problems, Coexisting with Wildlife Fact Sheet #3."
God bless "the least among us," which is every non-human species.
Lucy McKernan, Seven Hills
League of Humane Voters
My thoughts for this month's article I suppose reflect these very hot days that our Parma area kids are putting in to get ready for this year's football season. I do not mean just the players, but also band members, cheerleaders, flag or pom-pom girls, and any others that I may have missed. My heart is with you, because I too put in all of those hot days during high school and my four years at Kent State University, but the big difference is that I didn't have to pay to participate all the way through high school, college, and try-outs that I had post-college.
What determines which road you travel on your journey of life? What guidelines do you follow to navigate your own personal life and that of your children, and that influences how you conduct yourself with other people? What is your moral compass? Everyone subscribes to someone, something or some kind of god or gods (philosophy) to determine what's right and what's wrong for them: academics, atheism, capitalism, communism, humanism, money, polytheism (many gods), power, popularity, narcissism, various religions, secularism, success and witchcraft, to name a few. What one serves is his or her "god".
“Going Green" is not just a trend, but a responsibility shared by all to make our planet a better and cleaner place to live. Parmatown Mall implements environmentally friendly practices in our every-day operations and we want to share this with our community & shoppers.
Developmental Assets – 40 individual assets in 8 Categories….
September’s (and May’s) Asset Category: Commitment to Learning It’s September already & a new school year is underway. So, now’s the perfect time to re-visit one of our four Internal asset categories: Commitment to Learning. The assets associated with this category include:
In my nearly seven years on Parma City Council, I have worked diligently to ensure that my constituents are aware of the many money saving programs available to them. This has become especially important during the past several months in light of the economic downturn. One little known and little understood benefit is the 2.5% property tax reduction that every resident who resides in an owner occupied dwelling in the state of Ohio is due. Granted, most of us receive this benefit already, as it is normally taken care of at the time of the transfer of real estate. However, in my tenure I have found that some residents are not receiving the benefit. To find out if you are receiving your benefit, simply go to the County Auditor’s website at www.auditor.cuyahogacounty.us and complete a search for your property or call the Auditor’s Real Estate Services Department at 216-443-7089. If it is found that you are not receiving the benefit, you will be asked to complete an application. To be eligible, you must own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence on January 1 of the year you file for the reduction. In future articles, I plan to make you aware of other benefits you may be missing out on.
Did you know that I own a 1966 Pontiac GTO, a 1967 Chevelle SS 396, two 1969 Chevy Novas (1 stock, 1 modified dragster), a 1966 Penske racing Corvette, two motorcycles, two world famous dragsters called the ‘Little Red Wagon’ and the ‘Hemi Under Glass’, and about forty other cars, trucks, and vans and all of them are sitting in my basement? Did I mention that all my vehicles range in the scale of 1/24 – 1/8? Yep, I am a model builder enjoying the miniature world.
A few years ago, Cox Communications surveyed customers about what they wanted from local programming. Cox responded to numerous requests to support local animal shelters with Pet ConneXions. The program that airs on Cox’s local channel 45, supports nine local animal shelters by introducing their homeless pets to the community.
Dr. Jeffery Graham Starts The Meeting By Explaining His Background And Experience
I attended the "Meet The Superintendent Night" at Normandy High School on July 21st. My very first impression of Dr. Graham was that he looks young, seems very confident, and appears to be well aware of the difficult challenge ahead of him, and intends to succeed. The question is, will the citizens in this community help him or just stand around criticizing every move? Dr. Graham faced a packed room full of very concerned citizens, who had a multitude of pointed questions, and I for one was impressed with the way that he handled himself. One of the main concerns of this audience early on seemed to be whether or not Normandy High School was slated for closing. Dr. Graham reminded people that a committee had been formed to consider all of the options available to the district, was going through the process currently, and would most likely be making their recommendations sometime in January; until then, no decision had been made, no matter how many rumors were flying about.
Multiple Sclerosis is a serious disease affecting the lives of millions of people. Happily, there are many, many people working as hard as they can in all kinds of different ways to fight and overcome this disease once and for all. During my journeys around the community, I have discovered a group of seriously dedicated individuals who are fighting their own fight, and would really appreciate some help from those in this area who feel likewise, and they have come up with what I feel is a very unique way to raise funds and awareness of the need to eradicate this illness.
A New Park in Ukrainian Village
Did you hear about all the fun and excitement going on at John Petruska Park and Walters Grove Park? MyCom Summer Dayz allowed children ages 3-12 to participate in creative crafts and games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Open wide and say “ahhhhh”. This use to be a phrase exclusive to the dental profession. Now you can expect to hear that from the next police officer that arrests you.
Recently, I was invited by officers from the Parma Police Department to observe a D.U.I. checkpoint held on State Road in front of the Basista Furniture store. I happily took them up on their offer and, to my surprise, it was quite a learning opportunity. Most would admit that when they think of a police checkpoint, it sounds of Big Brother and “guilty until proven innocent.” What I observed was far from it. First, I learned that the police cannot simply place a D.U.I. checkpoint wherever they wish. There are several very strict state laws that govern a legal checkpoint and where it can be placed. For instance, data must be gathered to prove that the area in question is one that has a history of D.U.I. arrests, as well as other motor vehicle citations. Further, the set up of the checkpoint itself must meet certain criteria. Also, a schedules sequence must be predetermined regarding which automobiles will get stopped at the checkpoint. For instance, while I was there, every third car was stopped. This state criterion ensures fairness. However, the police can pull over anyone with probable cause. It was interesting to see how courteous the members of the police force were to drivers and how they pointed out that they were there to raise awareness about the dangers of drunken driving. In fact, every driver stopped was provided with a flier explaining the dangers of drunken driving. This was their “ticket” through the checkpoint. Many who went through the checkpoint were laughing and found it enjoyable. In fact, the children in one vehicle that did not get stopped the first time, asked their parents to go around the block so that they could get flagged, which they did. The kids found it a load of fun. I also overheard a young daughter of a mother jokingly tell her mom that she was going to tell dad that she got “pulled over.” I was also amazed at the crowd of spectators that developed during the course of the evening. Fathers brought their children, families sat in lawn chairs on the sidewalk and others simply stood and observed. Incidentally, for the nearly four hours I was at the checkpoint, six individuals were cited for offences including operating without a license, open container, lack of proper child safety restraints, expired license plates, etc. I was glad to see that no suspected drunken drivers were observed. As the brochure passed out at the checkpoints states, “Highly visible and well publicized checkpoints increase the perceived risk of arrest and make people think twice about drinking and driving.” In short, I was very impressed with the checkpoint. The members of our police department did a fine job of running it safely, efficiently, fairly and kindly. It should also be noted that nearly a dozen members of the Parma Police Auxiliary assist with each checkpoint. These are the same folks you see helping out in our parades, church carnivals and many other events around town. Note that they are NOT paid. They are volunteers who are devoted to making Parma a safe city for your family and mine. Incidentally, the program is paid for through a grant from Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. A tip of the Ward Two Hat to the Parma Police Department, the Parma Police Auxiliary and the Hospital for a job well done. If you spot a suspected impaired driver, call the police or dial 1-800-GRAB-DUI or *DUI on your cell phone. Tell everyone you know that Parma is cracking down on impaired driving because we want everyone on our roadways to be safe.
Matt Dolan is running for Cuyahoga County Executive to pursue a vision for our County that establishes an honest and efficient government and a thriving, diverse and growing economy and population, making it great place to live for all generations.
Dolan was elected to three terms in the Ohio Legislature, serving the 98th District, which includes parts of Cuyahoga County and Geauga County. He served as Chairman of the Finance and Appropriations Committee during his second term, working with Republicans and Democrats to pass a nearly unanimous $54 billion budget that lowered taxes and reduced the size of government.
As Representative, Dolan supported Northeast Ohio’s business, non-profit and arts and culture communities by ensuring they were allocated proper funding resources. Dolan was the key sponsor of the Great Lakes Compact, legislation to protect our greatest asset and natural resource, Lake Erie. Dolan was also the primary mover of other visionary legislation. For example, the Cuyahoga County Landbank, which is fighting foreclosure Countywide by acquiring abandoned properties and returning them to productive use, and the Third Frontier Project, which supports new, creative and innovative companies.
Dolan has a reputation for working in a bi-partisan manner to accomplish what is best for the communities he represents. He recently resigned from the House of Representatives so taxpayers would not pay his salary while he seeks the office of Cuyahoga County Executive.
Dolan is a graduate of Gilmour Academy, Boston College and Case Western Reserve School of Law. In addition to his public service, Dolan is a partner at the law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan.
Dolan is also the Vice President of 7th Avenue Properties, a family run business. He is a former Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Geauga County and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio. Furthermore, Dolan was an Adjunct Professor for Kent State University’s Geauga Campus, teaching criminal justice.
Dolan is active in the community, serving on several boards, including the Cleveland Chapter American Red Cross, Kent State University’s Geauga Campus and the YMCA Wellness Center. He is also a member of the Cleveland City Club and
the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.
Victor Voinovich wants to be the first Cuyahoga County Administrator because the job calls for an experienced business person/entrepreneur that knows what it takes to create jobs, attract investment and sell and promote the County.
He started as a CPA in with Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young) and then migrated to Commercial Real Estate Brokerage, most of the time in business for himself. Today, he is Managing Director of Sperry Van Ness in Northeast Ohio as an independent franchisee. The commercial real estate brokerage business taught him the effective use of real estate, negotiation, compromise, and collaboration toward win-win transactions. He has been a partner, founder or sole owner of many entrepreneurial businesses, ranging from retail stores, to a cleaning company, to a consulting company. He has participated or led over 20 non-profit organizations in social services, religious activities, professional activities, and strategic planning. Recovery Resources honored him by naming him a Life Trustee at his retirement from the board.
Voinovich has numerous awards for his work with non-profits and economic development initiatives. He headed the Euclid Avenue Task Force and was the convener for what became the Theater District Development Corporation downtown. He has been involved in several high profile transactions that saved jobs or attracted investment to Cuyahoga County including the M. K. Ferguson deal in the Tower City Complex, the Rockwell International Headquarters campus in Mayfield Heights, the leasing of space in the Halle Building downtown, the sale of IX Center to the City of Cleveland, and his most recent sale of the Randall Park Mall, where nearly 2000 jobs will be created in what was considered a dead mall.
He is 64, one of 6 children, grew up in Cleveland, and now lives in Valley View. He enjoys biking, personal development, gardening, physical fitness, home repairs, business reading, and playing with his grandchildren. The love of his life is Patricia Voinovich, his wife and soul mate for 42 years. He has 4 children who have blessed him with 12 grandchildren.
He graduated from Shaw High School in East Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees in Business.
Here, in response to questions posed by The Observer, Republican County Executive Candidate, Victor Voinovich, shares some of his thoughts on the new county government and the challenges that lie ahead:
Here, in response to questions posed by The Observer, Republican County Executive Candidate, Matt Dolan, shares some of his thoughts on the new county government and the challenges that lie ahead:
Ed FitzGerald has spent has spent more than two decades in service to others-as a community volunteer, Congressional staff member, FBI Special Agent, Assistant County Prosecutor, City Councilman, and now as the Mayor of Lakewood, Ohio.
1.) If elected to the position of County Executive, what three or four goals would top the list of things that you'd hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Character consists of a combination of emotional, intellectual and ethical traits that distinguishes one person (or group) from another. A person with good character is accountable, caring, fair, honest, kind, loving, sincere, trustworthy and more. If practicing these principles produces positive results (and they do), then the consequences of doing the opposite most surely will generat negative results.
This year's July 4th. parade was indeed a welcome sight, and it is difficult for me to imagine that any citizen doesn't feel even more proud to be an American at an Independence Day parade than they do every other day of the year. The sights are truly inspiring; uniformed members of the Armed Services, representatives of our Safety Forces, highly decorated floats and patriotic marchers, and the crowds of citizens on either side, cheering on the parade as they celebrate this most American of all American holidays.
Artisans from all mediums are invited to submit work for the Parma Hospital Auxiliary’s Fourth Annual Arts at the Center, a two-day juried arts and fine crafts show held in November at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights.
Judges are looking for work in various mediums such as acrylics, oils and watercolors, glass and metal works, and photography. They are especially interested in artisans who are potters and woodworkers.
“We look forward to another fabulous and fun event to showcase local artists,” says
Andrea Sack, Parma Hospital’s director of Volunteer Services. “This is a great way to support community health and wellness and get your holiday shopping off to a fine start.”
Tickets are $50 for a preview party on Friday, November 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to wear festive clothing to this “Blue Hawaii” party, which gives those in attendance an opportunity to purchase artwork. On Saturday, November 20, the general public is welcome to the free event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call Andrea Sack at 440-743-2371.
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Parma Hospital patients now have another option for imaging services along the 1-480 corridor.
Parma Hospital has acquired the Ridge Park Square location of Spectrum Imaging. The facility is now known as Parma Hospital Diagnostic Imaging at Ridge Park Square.
“This growth opportunity allows our community members greater access to ambulatory and outpatient services especially along the I-480 corridor,” says Terrence G. Deis, Parma Hospital’s president & CEO. “It also provides another convenient location for physicians to send their patients.”
Imaging services offered at Ridge Park Square include: X-Ray, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, Ultrasound, Mammography, and Vascular Ultrasound. The 13 former Spectrum employees now work for Parma Hospital.
The office is located at 7575 Northcliff Ave., Brooklyn. Hours will remain: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Tuesday from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; and every other Saturday, starting July 24, from 8 a.m.- noon. For information or to make an appointment, call 216-398-5551.
Parma Hospital also offers imaging services at the main hospital, 7007 Powers Blvd., Parma, and at WellPointe Pavilion, an outpatient center at 303 E. Royalton Road, Broadview Heights.
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The 11th Annual Spaghetti Cook-off to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association served up its best start yet to the annual fund-raising campaign, pulling in over $2,700 and a record number of diners.
During my 49 years of life in Parma, I have driven past Stearns Farm literally hundreds of times, and only in the past year did I ever actually take the time to stop in to check out what this fantastic place was all about. Simply stated, this is the last farm in Parma, a place that at one time was made up of nothing but farms like this one. Slowly, one by one, they all disappeared into 20th. century suburbia, leaving only this one to show what life was once like here. The original house is from 1855, and is warped and bent as only a house this old could be. The farm is 81 acres in size, and not until you walk past the Civil War era barn, beyond the animal pens, finally gazing past the pond over the expanse of the property, are you really struck by the pastoral beauty of the place. I began to think to myself, in astonishment, that I really shouldn't have waited so long to experience a place so peaceful and visually satisfying right in the middle of the city I've spent my entire life in.
