News

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. I would argue that the most important duty of a city council is what political scientists refer to as “power of the purse.” In other words, before any public funds can be expended, the local legislature (A.K.A. city council) must approve it. For instance, a city’s mayor may wish to purchase new police vehicles, build a new fire station or open a new swimming pool.  However, without council’s stamp of approval, the monies may not be spent. 

New Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter has announced the date and time of an economic summit meeting that he feels is important to the development of a healthier business climate in the city. During his transition to the Mayor’s office, DeGeeter said that having the meeting within the first 60 days of his administration was a top priority.

All Saints Episcopal Church in Parma, with the assistance of a ministry grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, has established Second Sunday at Six, a series of services based on liturgies from around the world, including celebrations from Scotland, New Zealand, and France. The 2011-2012 schedule, begun in September, also includes special musical programs.

 (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.

The Eagles Club has moved from their old address at 11729 Snow Rd. to the strip across the street at 12100 Snow Rd., and what a difference in atmosphere! The club now has a party room available for members in addition to the main entertainment room, for a total of approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of space. The move occurred the first week of December, and the club is now the proud owner of the property and no longer renting. It is located across from the License Bureau where parking is more than ample.

The Cuyahoga County DUI Task Force recently recognized members of the Parma Police Department for enforcement relative to traffic safety. During an awards luncheon Parma received four out of seven awards for Patrol Productivity with regard to General Deterrence / Seat Belt and Child Passenger Safety per hour, as well as Checkpoint Productivity relative to Citations and Contacts. Of the five awards for Public Information and Education, Parma was recognized for its Safe Ride Home Program. Patrolman Joseph Duganier was recognized and received an award for being Parma’s Top OVI Cop for having made 95 arrests for OVI in one year. Duganier missed being top in Cuyahoga County by 6 arrests. Patrolman Michael Tellings was recognized as The Cuyahoga County Top Seat Belt Enforcement Award recipient for having written 699 seat belt citations in one year. Sergeant Ken Gillissie, Supervisor of the Traffic Unit, was awarded for Exemplary Leadership. For their dedication to traffic safety enforcement, and in addition to these individual awards, the Parma Police Department Traffic Unit received approximately $2,500 in equipment for use in traffic safety and OVI enforcement. It should be noted that cost of this equipment, as well as the majority of this traffic enforcement, was produced by grant monies from the Ohio Department of Public Safety (U.S. DOT/NHTSA and ODPS/OCJS-TS).

Parma Police Captain Joseph Bobak was one of two hundred sixty-six law enforcements officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia in December. This 247th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 49 states. These individuals represent law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 25 international countries, three military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

Parma Park Elementary has been rated as Excellent With Distinction in Academics for the past couple of years. They also have bragging rights for their Health & Wellness programs. For the 2nd year in a row, Parma Park Elementary School was awarded the NFL Play 60 Super School Grant. As part of the proposal and to kick off football season, Parma Park PTA sponsored a Back to Football Friday Event. This tailgate party was held during the students’ recess and involved obstacle courses, football tossing, kicking, running and other healthy activities. The students were encouraged to wear the colors of their team of choice.

With state cuts coming this year, and next year, as stewards to our city's funds we need to all look closely at how to continue to balance our budget during these tough economic times. Last year my office started looking at debt currently held to see what ways we can possibly save money for the residents of Parma.

SHOW KIDS YOU CARE: SAY YES A LOT.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is currently hiring for the March 6th, 2012 Primary Election.  Poll Workers provide an important service for the community and work on the front lines of the democratic process. Poll Workers earn $172.10 for their service and must complete training prior to working on Election Day.

Cuyahoga County residents who are interested in serving as a Poll Worker may call 216-443-3277 to complete an application by phone or fill out an online application on the Board of Elections website: www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us

The Parma Symphony Orchestra will present a concert on Sunday, March 4th 2012 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights. The concert will include the Brahms “Violin Concerto” with soloist Andrew Sords, “Selections from the Ballet Gayane” by Aram Khachaturian, and Tchaikowski’s “1812 Overture.”The orchestra, in its 42nd season, consists of 70 members of all walks of life from all over the entire Greater Cleveland area. They meet weekly for rehearsals and present at least four concerts annually.

General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Family passes of $20 are available for families of up to 2 adults and their children. All tickets are available at the door beginning at 2:30 p.m.The Parma Symphony Orchestra is a self-supporting community orchestra in cooperation with the Parma City Schools. For more information see our web-site www.parmasymphony.org or call our Business Manager Joe Germana 440-882-2012.

Celebrated for his mature musicality and consummate technique, violinist Andrew Sords has appeared with over eighty orchestras and in countless recital venues across three continents. Having received return invitations from dozens of venues worldwide, Sords has established himself as a versatile and provocative musician within the modern classical world. The 2011-12 season will showcase the concerti of Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Prokofiev.
 
Born in 1985 in Newark, Delaware, Sords later moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio, and began his violin studies with Liza Grossman. Sords completed his undergraduate education at the Cleveland Institute of Music with violin pedagogues Linda Cerone and David Russell. Sords most recently studied under acclaimed violinist Chee-Yun at The Southern Methodist University of Dallas, Texas in the Artist Diploma program. During the 2010-11 season, Sords was a featured guest on Nevada Public Radio, NPR Jacksonville, “The Derek and Romaine Show” on Sirius XM Radio, and numerous other media outlets. Sords has also been profiled by the Portsmouth Herald, The Anguillian, Lavender Magazine, Reno Gazette Journal, The Sun News, NPR’s Morning Edition, and Cleveland’s WCLV among others.
 
The 2011-12 season features international debuts in Mexico, Poland and Australia. Highlights include concerto appearances with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, Cleveland Philharmonic, Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, Toronto Philharmonia, Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Balcones Chamber Orchestra, Saratoga Symphony, and the Kalisz Philharmonic. A popular recitalist, Sords will appear internationally in recital on the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society and Pro-Musica San Miguel Recital Series, as well as making his Washington D.C. debut on the Arts Club Series. Additionally, Sords will continue serving as Concertmaster of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since the 2008-2009 season.
 
Sords commissioned a violin concerto from acclaimed composer Evan Fein, which was completed and recorded with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra in early 2007. The recording of the concerto has accumulated a multitude of awards, and will be performed in upcoming seasons. In fall 2009, Sords stepped in on 48 hours' notice to helm the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra's season opening concert. In 2007, Sords opened the Great Mountains Music Festival in South Korea with the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Additionally, in 2006, Sords stepped in on 12 hours' notice to perform on the Franciscan University Recital Series with pianist Eric Genuis.
 
Sords is the featured violinist in a documentary on violin technique recorded at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Strongly committed to the promotion of classical music, Sords dedicates a portion of his time at nearly all engagements to educational outreach, master classes and community programming. Sords performs on a 1912 Augustine Talisse violin with strings exclusively provided by Warchal, Inc.
 
Sords is represented by EMC Artists, Ltd. Please contact emcartists@gmail.com for press or booking inquiries.

Parma Area Morning Kiwanis welcomed Ohio District Foundation Executive Director Theodore W. “Ted” Coons who recently visited the club with an important special announcement about MNT. MNT, also known as The Eliminate Project, that Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. To eliminate MNT from the earth, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized. It will take $110 million in U.S. dollars — and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family. In addition to MNT, Ted discussed the need to also support the Ohio District Foundation whose particular focus on Pediatric Prevention and Service Leadership Training programs including Key Club, Builders Club, Kiwanis Kids and Key Leader.

Ted Coons, in his fourth year as Executive Director of the Ohio District Foundation, recently announced his retirement to be effective after the Kiwanis Administrative year in October. He was on a tour of Ohio promoting the Foundation. In appreciation for his visit, Joe Germana presented Ted with a check for an Ambassador Program Donation to support the Ohio District Foundation.

The Parma AM Kiwanis meets Wednesday mornings for breakfast at 7:15 a.m. in the upstairs dining room of the Greenbrier Retirement Center, 6457 Pearl Road in Parma Heights, and has service and fundraising projects throughout the year. For more information contact President Joe Germana 440-882-2012 or e-mail joe@fourstarinsurance.com.

My name is Gary Horvath and I am a seven-time Open Golden Glove Champion from the 1960s, and I will be opening my new boxing gym on Feb. 20th, 2012. The gym is located at 3212 W. 25th ST. (2nd floor) Cleveland, OH 44109. Please join us for the grand opening from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hot food and beverages will be served. There is plenty of parking behind the building. Please use the front entrance. Bring your kids, grandkids, and your whole family, everyone is welcome! The gym will offer a free program for children ages 8-16 years old, but all ages are welcome to work out. Program will offer nutritional, spiritual, and scholastic values. A tutor will also be onsite once a week to help the kids with their homework.  

On the second Sunday of each month All Saints Episcopal Church in Parma celebrates a Sunday evening service with alternative liturgies and music. On Sunday, January 8, at 6:00 pm we are celebrating a Taizé prayer service.

From civil rights to women’s rights, past history has shown that semantic changes are important. Presently, one similar semantic change can make a difference in the lives of millions of animals.

The Literacy Cooperative recently published A Framework for Program Improvements in Adult Literacy (the Framework). Completed in the fall of 2011 and unveiled locally and at the U.S. Conference on Adult Literacy in Houston, the Framework is being enthusiastically received in the literacy community. It includes a summary of key research-based best practices in the field of adult literacy; a summary of factors that impact learning outcomes; and an online Program Self-Assessment tool, still in development.

Parma-South Presbyterian Church will host its annual spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the church.

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. 

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.

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.

The goal was Katahdin. As the highest mountain in Maine, standing 5,268 feet, the peak was a distant finish line for Madeline Ashwill, a Baldwin-Wallace College senior from Parma Heights, Ohio, who took a leave of absence from her studies in order to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. 

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.

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. 

December’s Asset Category:  Constructive Use of Time
The pace of everyday life varies depending on the activities young people participate in. These fluctuations are normal, even healthy. As long as young people don’t consistently have too much to do or not enough to do, they’re right on track. Problems arise when the balance begins to tip too far to one side or the other. Too much involvement can lead to stress or anxiety. Too little involvement can be a sign of depression or isolation. Ensure that young people constructively use their time for both fun and learning.

Constructive Use of Time Assets include:

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. 

The Parma Symphony Orchestra will present a Holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 at Valley Forge High School Auditorium, located at 9999 Independence Blvd. in Parma Heights. The concert will include Carnival Overture Op. 92 by Antonin Dvorak; Edvard Grieg Piano Concerto Op. 16 featuring Alexander Wasserman, soloist; Selections from the Movie “The Polar Express” and Russian Christmas music.

A resident of Parma, Bob Kovach has dedicated his time to working with our GED and ESOL students all over Cuyahoga County. He worked over 470 hours last year! An average amount for a tutor in our program is 40-50 hours. Parma Adult Education values their tutors and appreciates all efforts exhibited on a daily basis, rain or shine.

Sunday, November 6, the Parma City School District's high school orchestra and choir programs will partner with the orchestra and choir programs from Padua Franciscan High School and Tri-C West to present two free concerts at the Parma Senior High School auditorium.
 
The first concert at 2:00 will feature the orchestras. The second concert at 4:30 will feature the choirs.
 
For both concerts, all of the choirs will combine to sing 4 selections from Old American Songs by Aaron Copland. The choirs will be accompanied by an Honors Orchestra comprised of players from all four High Schools. Approximately 190 singers and an orchestra of more than 50 players is an awesome sight to behold!

Parma Mayor Dean DePiero has been appointed to a three-year term on the Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees. “My goal in public service has always been to try and make a positive difference,” said Mayor DePiero. “It is an honor for me to be given a similar opportunity with an outstanding group of people at one of the region’s top hospitals serving the needs of northeast Ohioans.” 

November’s Asset Category:  Empowerment
Feeling valued and appreciated is important to all of us. For young people, this means feeling safe and believing they’re liked and respected. These feelings can go a long way toward empowering children and youth. Providing opportunities and recognizing accomplishments helps young people build self-esteem. This, in turn, gives them the confidence to share their ideas, knowledge, and creativity by volunteering and working in paid jobs. By paying attention to young people, you show that you value them.

If you would have asked me a year ago, have you ever heard of C/B/S? I would have said, yes, isn't that the television network? Not that CBS, the one in Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills.  I was told C/B/S stands for Community/Business/Schools Partnership. I was invited by a good friend to attend one of their members meeting in November, 2010. He said, "Bill, you will meet a lot of great people there."

As President of Parma City Council, one of my priorities has been to inform the community about the makeup, procedures and initiatives of Parma City Council. This article represents the latest of a series in which I will provide you, the reader, with a monthly glimpse into your local government. This month I would like to inform you about the City of Parma website. 

Ok, so when is a Fundraiser a Fun-Raiser? It's when it doesn't cost the participants any money to raise funds for the good cause!  In this case, the good cause is Normandy High School. They are attempting to raise $8000.00 in one day of FUN.  It doesn't cost anyone anything!!!!!  So how does this work? The Event is called Drive One for Your School.

The Parma Republican Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at Parma Memorial Hall.  Programs are speakers who keep us informed on current events.  The November 10th program will be a discussion on the November 8th election results.

Parma Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Dr. Randolph P. Laycock will present a concert on Sunday, October 23rd 2011 at 3:00 PM at Valley Forge High School Auditorium located at 9999 Independence Boulevard in Parma Heights. The concert will feature music from the theatre and musicals... Phantom of the Opera, An American in Paris, Showboat, An American Symphony from Mr. Holland’s Opusand many others. Also appearing in a Richard Rodgers medley are vocal soloists:  Jared Plasterer, and Mrs. Susan Laycock. 

Parma Area Morning Kiwanis is happy to announce the election of three new members to the club.

Parma Mayor Dean DePiero presented checks, each totaling $2,750, to Lifebanc and the Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation.  The money was raised from the 8th annual Dean DePiero 5K Charity Run and 2K Fun Walk this past June at Byers Field in Parma. 

Parma City officials say a new initiative by Cleveland Metroparks and West Creek Preservation Committee is a win-win situation in addressing the issue of rainwater run-off.  The two groups have launched the program in the City of Parma to assist residents when water runs off rooftops, roads and parking lots, also known as stormwater run-off.