Mayor And Council Members Present Parma Residents And Businesses With Proclamations

(L-R) Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, District 4 Cuyahoga County Councilman Scott Tuma and Ward 9 Councilman Jeff Crossman honored Nicholas Celebrezze for his years of service as a state representative, councilman and civic activist.

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Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and council members presented proclamations to standout citizens at the Dec. 17 council meeting. Parma native Nicholas Celebrezze was recognized for his years of service as a state representative, councilman and civic activist. In 2006, he formed a small family-owned law firm. From 2006 to 2012, he served as Parma Ward 3 councilman. Since 2012, he has been an elected member of the Ohio General Assembly. He has served as the assistant minority leader of the Ohio House of Representatives and was appointed commissioner of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood. He recently was selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star of Family Law in Ohio.

Ward 9 Councilman Jeff Crossman, District 4 Cuyahoga County Councilman Scott Tuma and DeGeeter presented Celebrezze with the proclamation. In 2019, Crossman will be stepping into a new role as the elected state representative for Ohio's 15th House District and taking over Celebrezze's former position. Celebrezze did not run for re-election.

For the Citizen of the Month Award, Chet and Diana Withrow were honored. The couple was chosen for their support of the City of Parma, City of Parma Police Department and Parma Police K9 Unit. The Withrows regularly attend Parma City Council meetings. They also gave $900 to purchase body armor for K9 Officer Max and $200 for additional training equipment. Over the past 18 months, they have donated numerous dog treats and have supported K9 fundraisers. Ward 8 Councilman Dennis Kish and DeGeeter presented the couple with the proclamation.

The Business of the Month Award was presented to State Meats, an Ukrainian Village butcher shop that has been selling a variety of ethnic foods for 40 years. During the holidays, people lined up to purchase Old World delicacies such as smoked keilbasa, stuffed cabbage, schnitzel, prosky, kishka and borsht. DeGeeter and Ward 3 Councilman Mark Casselberry presented the award to George Salo, who runs the business with his mother, Maria. Located at 5338 State Road, the business was easy to spot in December. A huge inflatable Santa placed on the building's roof beckoned holiday shoppers. State Meats products are also served at Cleveland's oldest family owned restaurant, Sokolowski's University Inn.

Finally, the Holy Name High School girl's volleyball team was recognized. Holy Name alumnus and Parma Auditor Brian Day, Casselberry and DeGeeter presented the coaches and team with a proclamation and street sign after they won the 2018 Division II State Volleyball Championship.