News

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse: Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news 

The 13th Annual Parma Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on December 1st and runs through the 31st.

On November 12th the Parma Area Fine Arts Council held the Grand Opening of the new Parma Art Center, located at 7335 Ridge Rd. The event was well attended. Many people signed up for emails regarding their class schedules and events for 2024, several became new members. Attendees were welcomed with free refreshments, viewed a brief program, an exhibit of member artists, and a few vendor tables. 

November is a good time to reflect on our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Without the sacrifices of Veterans throughout history, these privileges would not be possible. That is why remembering Veterans on Veterans Day is so important. Alpha Delta Kappa Ohio Sigma recently recognized the Veterans at the Parma VA Clinic on Brookpark Rd. in Parma. ADK is an organization of women educators which builds Educational Excellence, Altruism, and World Understanding through fellowship. ADK gives from the heart to help others.

Frosty’s Fest is coming real soon! Bring your family and friends to watch the parade at 1:00 pm. Parade route begins at Stearn’s Farm and ends at the Parma City Hall complex. Immediately following join the We Are Parma Proud’s Volunteers for family fun at Frosty’s Fest! Located at 7010 Powers Blvd in the Donna Smallwood Activity Center. Free admission to meet Santa, the Grinch, and the Frozen Princesses. Free kids crafts, a gift from Santa, a photo with Santa, face painting, s’mores and more. Food and beverages will be for sale, as well as official logo merchandise from the We Are Parma Proud crew, the perfect gift for Parma Peeps!Food indoors and out. Watch an ice sculptor create. Bakeries will also be on hand selling delicious holiday delights. Stroller parking available. Come celebrate the Parma way at Frosty’s Fest, open until 4:00 pm.

Earlier this year during the Parma City Council budget meetings I suggested allocating money to upgrade the sound/audio system of the Parma City Council Chamber. I also suggested adding cameras to the Chamber to allow for the streaming of Parma City Council Committees and Meetings. The rest of Parma City Council agreed and approved the funding. Working with our Clerk of Council Kristin Saban and the rest of the council office we evaluated what we needed. After recording several test meetings, October 16th was the first live streamed Parma City Council Committee and Meeting. The link to the Parma City Council recorded meetings can be found at https://cityofparma-oh.gov/en-US/City-Council.aspx under the Quick Links. Council meetings are usually the first and third Mondays of the month unless there is a holiday on Monday then they will be on Tuesday. The exception is the next council meeting which is Wednesday November 8th. Committees start at 6pm and the Council Meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30pm. Thank you to my fellow Councilmen and Councilwomen for your support in the upgrades to the Parma City Council Chambers and for the streaming of meetings. 

Recently, I was honored to receive the 2023 Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) Legislator of the Year Award. These awards, as described by PCSAO, “recognize outstanding leadership and action by legislators on issues impacting children and families served by the children's services system.” I was joined in this distinction by Representative Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon).

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOCAL TAXPAYERS

On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Over the years, there have been numerous books, documentaries and movies that were made putting forward different theories about who was behind it. One of the 1st major motion pictures about the JFK assassination that reached the theaters was the conspiracy thriller “Executive Action”, released in 1973, starring Burt Lancaster. This movie hinted that certain powerful politicians were behind organizing the killing of Kennedy over political ambitions.

On Saturday November 11th we celebrate Veterans Day as a recognition and tribute to all service men and women who have sacrificed so much, were willing to, or have given their lives to defend our country. The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day  is that Memorial Day is a somber day in which we honor and pay tribute to those servicemen and women who gave their lives in the defense of our country, on Veterans Day we celebrate and honor “all” Veterans past and present. This is a day that we must also remember and honor the families of the men and women who served and especially the Gold Star families that has lost an immediate family member in the line of duty of military service. 

Donata Rahne - is a local artist, member of Greenbriar Art League and Parma Area Fine Arts Council. She creates posters for the plays at the Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Rd. in Parma heights. The play in October was Cinderella. Posters are available for purchase. Enjoy great theatre right in your neighborhood. 

Mark your calendars, save the date, Sunday, December 3rd is We Are Parma Proud’s flagship event, Frosty’s Fest. This family friendly extravaganza takes place on the Parma City Hall campus, encompassing the Donna Smallwood Activities Center, parking lots and the Powers Blvd Library, where multiple events will take place. Frosty’s Fest follows the annual Christmas Parade which begins at 1:00 pm. The parade route begins at Stearns Farm travelling north to Parma City Hall. 

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  Go hereto read details related to the recent human trafficking crackdown identified as “Operation Buyer’s Remorse”.
      >>  Learn more and view  “Let The Oppressed Go Free” a large, traveling sculpture displayed now through March on Public Square.
      >>  Go hereto learn more about the Mobile Response & Stabilization Services (MRSS) now being offered by Bellefaire JCB free to families in Cuyahoga County w/children ages 2 to 20. Among other things, if needed,  it can provide in-person crisis assistance at your home within 60 minutes.
  
O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center ... Focus of the 2023 Annual SART (Sexual Assult Response Team) Conference will be on SEXTORTION. Topics include how to identify it, talking to youth about sextortion, its prosecution, and more. WHEN: 9 am – 3:30 pm, Friday, Nov. 17th; WHERE: Virtual. Cost: $30 which includes 5 CEUs for social workers and counselors. Go here for details and to register.

LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  From Ohio House District 14 Representative Sean Brennan - Monthly Newsletter... or website.

O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network.  

State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) today responds to the passing of Ronald Mottl, Senior. Former Congressman Ronald Milton Mottl served as Parma Ward 2 City Councilman, President of Parma City Council, state representative, state senator, Parma City School Board member, among other offices and untold accomplishments. While serving in the Ohio General Assembly, he championed the bill that led to the creation of the Ohio Lottery. As a result, many referred to him as the Father of the Ohio Lottery. Since its inception, the lottery has raised over $30 billion for public education in Ohio.

Back in 2018, when I was serving as President of Parma City Council, a tragedy struck the community.  Police Chief Joseph Bobak informed me that a little boy who obtained his father’s handgun accidentally killed himself. Needless to say, like many, I was very saddened by the incident and the councilman, school teacher, and father in me wanted to prevent this type of calamity from happening again on my watch.

Sunday, November 12, 2023, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, you are invited to the Grand Opening celebration of the Parma Art Center, at 7335 Ridge Road. The Parma Art Center is the new location for the Parma Area Fine Arts Council, Inc. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served Parma and surrounding communities for 61 years, by offering inexpensive art classes, workshops, and annual art exhibits, show and sales. 

First, I want to encourage everyone to vote this election. Your vote helps us ensure we are represented at our greatest potential. Please be sure to complete an absentee ballot or vote in person on November 7. Second, I ask that you join me in voting “YES” on Issue 12. Issue 12 is a no tax increase renewal of two existing Parma City School District operating levies. Operating levies is how we pay for the day-to-day activities at our schools such as teachers, student curriculum, and support staff.

Young Professionals of Parma (YPOP) is known for our festive Holiday Lights Contest that celebrates the Christmas and holiday season, but something new is brewing for 2023.

* On The Move – Parma Area Fine Arts Council, or PAFAC, moved their offices from the Donna Smallwood Activities Center to 7335 Ridge Road on September 25th. This building also houses the Parma Park and Recreation Department. The new location offers the non-profit a larger space. This organization has served Parma and surrounding communities for just over 61 years. Watch for a Grand Opening celebration in November. 

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  The items listed below were referenced and made available during a recent Internet Safety & Exploitation webinar. Both of the publications and more, are available by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative webpage and are worth a serious review. Access by clicking on the hyperlink;  the “TinyURL” links are meant to be shared w/a friend or colleague during a conversation.
        >  Parent Resource Guide - Apps to Watch or try https://tinyurl.com/HTTeenApps   (There are 14 of them. All but 2 I never heard of before.)   >  Parent Resources Guide - Protecting Kids When They Go Online or https://tinyurl.com/ParentHTResource-Guide.
      >>  Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, one of over 70 of the Collab’s partner organizations.

O  From Futures Without Violence ... For youth & those who work with youth, they’ve created:
       >>   Hanging Out or Hooking Up safety cards urge teens and young adults to reflect on how they are treated by the people they date, and shows how to support friends experiencing relationship abuse.
      >>  A webinar with strategies to help school-based health providers discuss relationship abuse and trafficking with adolescents, and lessons learned from this work.
      >>  Our Changing Minds NOW website, with powerful videos showing how school staff, coaches, and others have helped youth overcome trauma, along with resources for teachers, mentors, school nurses, and others. They include How School Staff Can Help Students Heal from Trauma, which explains how violence affects child development and what adults can do to promote resilience; and Five Everyday Gestures to Help Children Heal, which shows how supportive, caring adults can help prevent or mitigate trauma.

Saturday, October 21th, 2023, Polish Village will hold their 13th Annual Treat & Greet from 11 AM to 2 PM. Treat & Greet is an extremely popular community event. Each year it attracts more and more participants from our area and the surrounding communities. This is a great, safe, free, fun family event.

State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has announced that the State of Ohio is now accepting applications for the 2023 – 2024 Ohio Afterschool Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program. The program provides families with a $1,000 credit per child (ages 6-18) that can be used for a variety of educational enrichment activities, such as before- and after-school educational programs, day camps for academics, music, and the arts, curriculum and materials for homeschool families, educational, learning, or skills services, tuition for learning extension centers, field trips to historical landmarks, museums, science centers, and theaters, including admission, exhibit, and program fees, language classes, music lessons, tutoring, and many other programs.

As State Representative, it is my duty to ensure that my constituents are informed about matters that directly affect them. As such, I have important news to share regarding unclaimed funds in the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds that may belong to you or a family member.

The Flamingo Writers’ Guild wants to make Halloween fun this year with chalk poetry! We are asking that houses across Parma write short poems in chalk outside their houses on Sunday, October 29th to decorate the sidewalks before this year’s Trick or Treat. If you send a picture of the poem outside your house with your address in an email to flamingowritersguild@gmail.com, you will be eligible for prizes, including gift cards and free chapbook copies from our micropress!

Note: View the digital version to activate hyperlinks – www.parmaobserver.com/read/news

RAISING AWARENESS:  Human Trafficking/Abuse:
O  From The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking:
      >>  These items were referenced and made available during a recent Internet Safety & Exploitation webinar. Both of the publications and more, are available by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Initiative webpage and are worth a serious review. Access by clicking on the hyperlink;  the “TinyURLs” are meant to be shared w/a friend or colleague during a conversation.
>  Parent Resource Guide - Apps to Watch or try https://tinyurl.com/HTTeenApps   (There are 14 of them. All but 2 I never heard of before.)   
>  Parent Resources Guide - Protecting Kids When They Go Online or https://tinyurl.com/ParentHTResource-Guide.
      >>  Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, one of over 70 of the Collab’s partner organizations.

O  Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center ...provides free legal assistance to crime victims to protect and enforce their rights. For Victims Needing Help? Access their services and, in particular, the Victims Rights Toolkit. If you’re a professional, i.e.: a first responder, in law enforcement, the judiciary, etc., go here to view your Toolkit.
This is an exceptional resource of which everyone s/b aware.
                 
O  From Cleveland Rape Crisis Center:
      >>  Donations of specific clothing items are needed at CRCC’s Drop-in Center. Check out the attached flyer for details.
      >>  Become an ambassador for social change! Sign up for their two-part virtual Ambassador Training Workshop. The free, virtual series is open to anyone who wants to learn more about how to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse and get involved in creating social change.  Go here to register. 
      >>  An integral part of its mission CRCC is promoting the prevention of sexual abuse by now offering free educational and training programs for youth and adults!  Go here to see what’s available and here to request a program. Questions? Email educationoutreach@clevelandrcc.org.

LOCAL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
O  From Ohio House District 14 Representative Sean Brennan - Monthly Newsletter

O  Grant Sources for Nonprofits...Here is another set of five grantors identified & vetted by the MyCom network. These focus primarily on supporting organizations, programs, and projects as our kids go back to school:   > The Howley Foundation  >  GPD Group Employees’ Foundation;   >  Snapdragon Book Foundation >  Youth Service America (YSA)  >  Fordham Street Foundation. If you’re affiliated with a family/youth-serving organization visit these funders’ sites to see if your program/service fits their mission. 

* Prama Artspace Gallery opened An Alternate Route, a show & sale of alternative photography processes, on August 25th, which runs through September 16th. This exhibit is one of a series brought to you by Cleveland Photo Fest, a local non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the appreciation of Photography as a major force in today’s visually driven culture. Lena Simovic, Lena Atomika Photography will be appearing September 8th at Prama to discuss her book, Legs: & the Art Photography of Lena Atomika Photography. Lena was also artist of the month of August for her photography on the Ohio Artists Gallery Shows/Sell/Buy Facebook page.

Wall of Books, located at The Shoppes at Parma, 7783 W Ridgewood Drive, now carries the original art works of a select few talented local artists. You’ll find paintings, photography, prints and more, reasonable priced, along with their excellent selection of books, toys, games, puzzles and gifts. 

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Board of Trustees awarded 17 Member Community Infrastructure Program (MCIP) grants totaling $14,900,964.98, including $700,000 for the City of Parma’s Craigleigh Drive Septic Abatement Project.

District 14 State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland) has announced his September constituent gatherings. Once again, he is holding most of them outside to encourage residents to get out and get active with him.

Anyone who know me, knows that I have a deep respect for law enforcement. In fact, in my nearly two decades on Parma City Council, I was an ardent supporter of the Parma Police Department, advocating for fair wages and benefits, as well as modern equipment, training, and support so that law enforcement can do their public service to the best of their ability and as safely as possible. As state representative my support for law enforcement continues and I am happy to report that I voted “YES” on the biennial state transportation and operating budgets, both of which provide robust funding for law enforcement at the state and local levels.