News

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.

(PARMA) – Parma Mayor Dean DePiero has signed an anti-poaching agreement with Cuyahoga County, a voluntary plan proposed by County Executive Ed FitzGerald to prevent cities from pursuing a business to relocate from another suburban community.

An old-fashioned ox roast will be held at Parma-South Presbyterian Church from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.

I would like to thank all those who attended and participated in Parma’s Military Wall of Honor dedication ceremony on Monday, September 12th at Parma City Hall!  The handsome new display case and television featuring our city’s military members is now the main attraction within Parma City Hall Rotunda.  Of course, a "big thank you" must be extended to our Parma Armed Forces who are the ones courageously serving our country and are the inspiration for the newly created tribute we established.  The ribbon cutting dedication ceremony coincided on the day after Patriots' Day, which commemorates the 9/11 tragedy, that motivated many American youth to enlist in our military.

Father Ed Schwet received a warm welcome from parishioners at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Parma. He will assist pastor Father Ray on the weekend Mass rotation along with Father Ted, Principal at Padua Franciscan High School.

Parma City Council has given its approval to major funding projects for several streetscape and sidewalk improvement projects.  The programs are designed to make foot traffic safer, more attractive and user-friendly for residents and businesses.

Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary of Vocational and Adult Education for the United States Department of Education, visited Valley Forge High School on Wednesday, September 7.
 
Accompanied by Dr. Kathy Shibley, Director of the Office of Career and Technical Education for the Ohio Department of Education, Dr. Messier came to Valley Forge to tour the Biotechnology Career and Technical program, which is known statewide as an exemplary class due to the rigorous coursework, the amount of knowledge and variety of skills acquired by students, and the wealth of options available to graduates of the program.
 
Several local business, education and industry leaders were on hand to accompany Dr. Messier on her tour and to take part in a roundtable discussion about Career and Technical programs within the district.  Select graduates of the Biotechnology program were also included to share their experiences since graduation, including college and employment opportunities.
 
Look for a segment produced by Parma Area Community Television in the coming weeks which documents the tour and includes interviews with Dr. Messier, Valley Forge principal Janine Andrzejewski, and founder of the district's Biotechnology class, Gary Maurer.

The Shiloh Café Summer Transitions Program was funded by the Cleveland Public Library and Youth Opportunities Unlimited to provide students with the Summer Bridges Transition Curriculum to help them with their transitions to Parma Senior High and Shiloh Middle School. The focus was on all students completing their summer reading projects. The students were able to take advantage of many enrichment programs including:

Meatloaf is on the menu Sept. 30 at Parma-South Presbyterian Church.

Parma-South Presbyterian Church invites the community to a prayer service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The Parma Lutheran Church Community Garden is busy reaping the produce of its first harvest!  
Located at 5280 Broadview Road, the garden allows members and non-members alike a way to demonstrate God’s love without “just going to church.”  A portion of the harvest is donated to the Parma Hunger Center, which is also housed at the church.   

The garden currently consists of twenty 4 foot by 12 foot plots.  Water is provided via rain barrels which collect rain from the roof and gutters and store it for use on dry weather days.  A compost bin to produce excellent soil and a sandbox for children are among other amenities at the garden.  Four plots are maintained by the community as a whole and all produce from these plots is donated to the Parma Hunger Center.  

Informal tours are given on Sunday mornings at 11:45 AM and we would be thrilled if you would like to help with the harvest for the hunger center this year or have your own plot next year.  Whether you lack land to grow your own garden or desire to grow with others, please consider joining our community next year.  Applications for individual plots for 2012 will be available beginning November 1st.  For an application or more information, please leave a voicemail at 216-586-4186 or email us at ParmaLutheranGarden@gmail.com.  

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. On September 8, 2011, the speaker will be Suellen Oswald, an attorney with Littler Law Firm, who will speak on the laws about SB5. She has researched it extensively and is very knowledgeable on the subject.

To get to Parma Memorial Hall, 6617 Ridge Road, turn into the driveway on West Ridgewood Drive, just east of Ridge Road. Drive a short way up the hill, turn right into the parking lot, and enter the side door. All are welcome. Be an active citizen and make a difference.

Parma Mayor Dean DePiero is reminding area motorists to be extra cautious and alert while driving in traffic now that local schools are back in session. 

The Parma City Schools Adult Education Department will be offering several workshops this fall. Please call 440-885-8797 for more information on how to sign up or log on to www.parmacityschools.org/able.