News

Denbrook DeMolay Posts Flags At Veterans Memorial Park

Denbrook DeMolay members met at the Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday February 11th, In observance of Patriots Day. DeMolay International defines the Patriots Day Observance as a day convenient to the Chapter during the month of February, where the Chapter arranges a special observance featuring the nation's great patriotic events and the great patriots who participated in them. 

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Hometown Heroes.....A Grateful Welcome Home To Vietnam Veterans

The Vietnam War was one of the most Challenging and controversial chapters in our country’s history. The Vietnam War began on November 1, 1955, and ended April 30, 1975, and claimed the lives of over 58,000 Americans with many still unaccounted for. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition act of 2017 established March 29th as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. March 29th is a fitting choice to honor Vietnam Veterans, as it was the day United State Military Assistance Command Vietnam was disestablished and the day that the last of American troops left Vietnam.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Arts In Parma

*The 25th Annual Valley Forge Spring Craft Show hosted by The Valley Forge Cross country Team will be held on March 16th, 2024 at Valley Forge High School, 9999 Independence Blvd, 10am to 3pm. Team led concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch, Vendors include holiday décor, ceramics, jewelry, knits, wreaths, candles, purses, kitchen items, embroidery, soap, beauty products, Easter items and more. 

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Fireworks Are Coming To Parma Again!

The last two years the non-profit We Are Parma Proud has brought the fireworks to the Parma Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Rib & Rock. Which will be held on June 6th through the 9th this year. The organization has just begun soliciting businesses and individuals to donate the funds necessary to fund the fireworks display. 

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Coming Soon To Stearns!

Last year The Parma Historical Society was contacted by a very talented Jack Dacek indicating he was interested in building a model replica to scale of the Stearns house. He proceeded to take measurements and photos. Several hundreds of hours of work later, the scale model has been completed. The next step is to build a plexiglass box for it to be displayed in. Kuddos to Jack for sharing his talent with us. Watch the Parma Observer and Stearns Homestead Facebook Page for when you can view this in person

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Taste of Polish Village- Another Success!

On Saturday, February 24th the Annual International Taste of Polish Village occurred. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, in the St. Charles Parish Hall Lower Level.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Parma Seminoles Youth Football & Cheer: Registration Is OPEN

Parma Seminoles Youth Football & Cheer, a non-profit organization that provides a place for the youth of Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills and the surrounding cities to strengthen their leadership abilities & personal discipline while learning about life, the game of football & competitive cheer. We are part of the Ohio Gridiron Youth Football Association, with all our coaches being USA Football certified. We offer flag football (K-1st gr.), tackle football (2nd-6th gr.) and cheerleading (K-6th gr.). REGISTRATION IS OPEN. www.parmaseminoles.squarespace.com

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

The Representative's Corner

I have always considered myself a consumer watchdog. From my nearly twenty years on Parma City Council and, now, as your state representative, I am constantly on the lookout to protect consumers. My focus on consumer costs, no doubt, dates back to the days of my childhood. Our family of four lived a normal middle-class lifestyle until my dad abandoned us. My mom lost the house and we would have been homeless if it weren't for family members that helped out. My mom hesitantly applied for food stamps and other public assistance until she sort of got back on her feet because dad never paid a dime of child support and her take home pay was very low.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 8:59 AM, 03.01.2024

Winterfest - A New Parma Tradition

Between Christmas and New Year’s Day parents are often looking for something to do with their children.  A new tradition has started in Parma and fills this need called Winterfest.  The second annual Winterfest event was held at the West Creek Reservation’s Watershed Stewardship Center on Friday December 29th. This event was put on by Councilman Rob Euerle, Councilwoman Kelly Zacharias and myself in partnership with the Cleveland Metroparks.  

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

Rep. Brennan Announces Body Camera Funding

I am proud to announce that the Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland Metroparks Police Departments are set to receive over $125,000 to help cover the costs associated with body-worn cameras. 

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

Taste of Polish Village

On Saturday February 24, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM Polish Village Parma, Inc., a non-profit, is holding the Taste of Polish Village, A Festival of Flavors. This very popular event is held at St. Charles Parish Hall Basement, located at 5891 Ridge Rd. For $20 per person you receive a sampling of the various foods the Polish Village business district has to offer and a beverage. With numerous food stations you won’t go home hungry. These are local businesses you may have driven by and not yet had the opportunity to try out. Your old favorites will be there and you may find a new favorite from the among the multiple food stations. In addition there will be raffle baskets and side boards for your entertainment. Enjoy an assortment of good food with your neighbors for a worthwhile cause to help the community thrive. 

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

The Representative's Corner

One year ago, January 3, I was sworn in to be your state representative. The past year has been the fastest year and professionally the biggest honor of my life. Serving as your representative at the Ohio Statehouse is a very important role and I want you to know that I take it very seriously. I have worked hard to be a good citizen statesman and to work for all of my constituents, regardless of political affiliation, because that is what my sacred oath requires. This is my attempt to reflect and summarize my first year of service to you.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

Fun Run Saturday March 9th!

Run don't walk to sign up! Actually walking is OK during the Leprechaun Chase! Race starts and ends at Fairview High School track, 4507 W 213th St, Fairview Park, OH 44126. Two race options available: 1 mile or 5k. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the festivities with proceeds benefiting Empowering Epilepsy. Race starts at 9 am with after party to be held right across the street at Gunselman's Tavern, 21490 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126. Live Irish Music all day long, plus great food and drinks.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

Arts In Parma

*Prama ArtSpace Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. Exhibit opening celebrations will be moving to Saturdays. Watch for a new exhibit coming soon! 

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:  Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking (visit them on Facebook):
      >>  Shared Hope Intn’l ...  has published the 2023 Trafficking Report Card showing how each state measures up against their recommendations. The 2023 Report Card was just released this October. While Ohio received an F overall, many improvements have been made, i.e.:  Overall, Ohio’s score increased from 45 in 2022 to 56 in 2023;   >  In the issue area of criminal provisions, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of access to justice, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of tools for a victim-centered criminal justice response, Ohio moved from F to B, and more.
      >>  Learn about survivor leadership and the role of their Survivor Advisory Council.
      >>  View their interactive Human Trafficking Resource Guide containing information on over 200 service organizations supporting victims of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

Lisa Hostetler Brown (Steets) Selected To Receive The Gold Compleat Lawyer Award

Irmo, SC – January 22, 2024– LAWYERLISA is pleased to announce that Certified Elder Law Attorney Lisa Hostetler Brown (Steets) has been selected to receive the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award given by the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of law to recognize alumni for outstanding civic and professional accomplishments.  

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 5:03 PM, 02.01.2024

AARP Tax Aide - Free Tax Preparation

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be getting underway again this year starting the first full week in February and ending the 12th of April 2024. This IRS-supported FREE tax service is offered on a non-discriminatory basis without consideration of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. We give special attention to those with low or moderate incomes and/or aged 60 and older. Taxpayers do NOT have to be retired or a member of AARP.  

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

2024 City Of Parma Boyko Scholarship Announced

The Board of Trustees of the City of Parma Andrew Boyko Memorial Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2024 award season. In its sixteenth year, the Foundation will once again offer three to five scholarships with a minimum award of $1,500 each. One of these scholarships will be designated for an applicant exhibiting an exceptional commitment to community service. 

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

University Hospitals Parma Medical Center Opens New Electrophysiology Lab

University Hospitals (UH) Parma Medical Center has opened a new laboratory to help patients seeking treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. The new lab will help meet the increased demand for patients seeking treatment of atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia and a leading cause of stroke.

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

The Representative's Corner

Recently, I proposed a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives that will reimburse communities, like Parma, for police canines that have been rendered nearly unusable due to the passage of Issue 2 in November.

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse: Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking (visit them on Facebook):
      >>  January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Watch for and make a point of learning more about HT & participating/supporting related events/programs.
     >>  Thursday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day & that evening we’ll see Terminal Tower lit up in blue—the color of hope and unity, raising awareness about this issue.
      >>  Jan. 18, 2024:   Triumph Over Trafficking Conference
      >>  Jan. 31, 2024:   Columbus Educators Human Trafficking Summit
      >>  Shared Hope Intn’l ...  has published the 2023 Trafficking Report Card showing how each state measures up against their recommendations. The 2023 Report Card was just released this October. While Ohio received an F overall, many improvements have been made, i.e.:    Overall, Ohio’s score increased from 45 in 2022 to 56 in 2023;   >  In the issue area of criminal provisions, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of access to justice, Ohio moved from C to B;  >  In the issue area of tools for a victim-centered criminal justice response, Ohio moved from F to B, and more.
      >>  Learn about Survivors Leadership and the role of their Survivor Advisory Council.
      >>  View their interactive Human Trafficking Resource Guide containing information on over 200 service organizations supporting victims of Human Trafficking in Northeast Ohio.

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

Arts In Parma

*Prama ArtSpace Gallery, located at 5411 Pearl Rd. To start the new year, Prama is having a group show and sale of several talented artists. Opening night is Friday, January 12, 2024, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Meet and mingle with the artists, visit the restaurants and bars on Pearl and Ridge Rd. in Polish Village, for a unique and fun date night. 

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

The Twin Towers

Ever wonder how the massive Twin Towers were constructed? What were the business deals and the unethical decisions made for the project? The real reason the towers collapsed which was kept from the general public. This documentary will answer all those questions and many more, including:

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Volume 16, Issue 1, Posted 2:00 PM, 01.01.2024

State Rep. Brennan Announces $4.16 Million Award To Parma Schools

State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has announced that the Parma City Schools have been awarded a $4,116,570 Career Technical Construction Program grant from the state of Ohio. The Ohio schools selected for the grants were awarded nearly $200 million to help expand career technical educational and training facilities to serve more students. 

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

2023 Gratitude And Success

As we approach holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our community. I'm continually honored and humbled by the support you have shown me. There has been much success over the last year. I want to highlight a handful in this article.

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

The Representative's Corner

Last month we honored our military veterans on Veteran’s Day.  As you may know, in 1938, following World War I, Congress created Armistice Day to honor our veterans of the Great War on 11-11, the date in 1918 when the armistice was signed ending the hostilities at 11:00 am. Later, in 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law changing the holiday to Veteran’s Day to honor all of our nation’s military veterans.

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

Ending The Death Penalty

This General Assembly, Senator Steve Huffman and I have once again jointly introduced legislation to end the use of the death penalty in the state of Ohio, replacing it with a sentence of life in prison without parole for capital cases. Senate Bill 101 is historic for several reasons.

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

Handmade Treasures Holiday Pop Up Shop

Handmade Treasures Holiday Pop Up Shop is back for it's fourth year in Southland Shopping Center. The shop started in the middle of the pandemic as there was a need for crafters to do shows and customers who wanted to purchase handmade items. With the pandemic, all the shows were cancelled and that is how the pop up shop came to be. Two friends decided to help fill that need, contacted their crafting friends and see if they would be interested in being a part of the shop. The shop opened November 1, 2020 and there was a line around the building of people wanting to get in. Local TV stations featured the shop on the news and it was a hit. 

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

Sharks In The Great Lakes?

Global warming is causing sharks to move farther northward in the Atlantic Ocean, towards Long Island, New York. Because of this, sharks have been coming close to shore, which is increasing attacks on humans. Several Great Whites have even been seen off the New York shorelines.

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023

Overdevelopment In Parma

The City of Parma is at a crossroad. With the proposal of 57 new households or the single family cluster development ok'd and the "fast track" passing of the required zoning change provided by council (one council member dissented). Parma residents are witnessing a serious conflict of interest.

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Volume 15, Issue 12, Posted 10:13 AM, 12.01.2023