October In Polish Village

Parma Theater Memorial

As a resident of Polish Village, and one of the Polish Village Volunteers, I wanted to share with you, the many reasons why I love living here.

October 1st, on the corner of Ridge & Snow, the new CVS opened it's doors. The new CVS is located on the site of the former Parma Theater and Flowerama. Many great memories were associated with the Parma Theater and many residents were dismayed at the demolition. Flowerama was also a neighborhood staple and residents have mourned it's loss also. Visit the Polish Village Facebook page for numerous comments and opinions. You will find a memorial on the Essen side of CVS to the Parma Theater that uses original theater bricks and a small plaque commemorating the dates. In addition, on the Essen side of the new CVS building is a new beautifully painted mural, depicting Polish dancers. Please take note of the flamingos incorporated into the design.

Home Depot of Brunswick and Purple Heart Veterans selected the Tharpe Family home located at 7201 Charles Ave. for rehab. This was accomplished in two days with the help of numerous volunteers and employees from Home Depot. The home and fence was power washed, and interior and exterior painted. All new windows and doors will be installed. Kudos to Home Depot and Purple Hearts for the excellent job. Thank you also for choosing a veterans home in Polish Village. And last but not least, thank you to veteran, Ralph Tharpe for his service.

October 8th was National Pierogi Day. Rudy's Strudel & Bakery celebrated on Saturday the 7th in traditional Polish Village style with a pierogi fest. You gotta love Lidia, she really knows how to party! Tons of pierogi, and Paczki too! Miss Dyngus Day was there. Also on hand was Lidia's friends from Terrestrial Brewing Company, plus Polka music, a pierogi eating contest, and Polka Yoga with Soza Fitness. Also on October 8th local residents from Alber Avenue, had their Annual Corn Pub Crawl. This group visited the bars on Ridge Road and even stopped at Rudy's. They played games and had contests along the way. Lots of fun!

The pocket park, located next to Palmiero Brothers on Ridge Road, is a green space in the midst of the commercial business district on Ridge. Much work has been accomplished at this park in the last few months. In addition to the new trees, mulch, and flower bulbs planted, you will see flag poles, and a brick pathway. Currently in the works is the installation of a bench and a little lending library. Bricks are still available for sale. Memorialize a loved one, a significant date, a family, or your business.

Beginning in September and ending in mid-October, 12 teens had the opportunity to take FREE classes at The Pottery & Clayworks Studio on Ridge Road. Students learned basic hand built and basic potter wheel skills. These classes were brought to you by Parma Area Fine Arts Council, through a matching grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Polish Village, and individual donors who are advocates of community art programming.

The month ended with Polish Village's Treat & Greet. Children, accompanied by an adult, trick-or-treat the participating businesses along Ridge Road, from Pearl & Ridge to Thornton. This year Polish Village purchased 100,000 pieces of candy for the event. Many businesses supplement the candy with their own items. Families also enter to win lots of prizes of gift certificates and merchandise. Some businesses dress in costume. Others offer coffee and donuts to the adults. This event draws people from all the surrounding communities. It is the most anticipated fall event in Parma.

Driving down Ridge Road you will find a great many new small businesses. Polish Village loves their small businesses and it's residents love shopping local. That is why it can boast a nearly 100% occupancy rate. Polish Village takes pride in their community. Businesses and residents are encouraged to decorate for the holidays. This is a great place to raise a family!  

Kathryn Mabin

Board Secretary of Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc, or PAFAC, and Artist/Jewlery Designer, Owner Aire of Oppulence.

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Volume 9, Issue 11, Posted 4:48 PM, 11.01.2017