Opinion

Dreams wander by like billowing white clouds
In a royal blue sky and then jog through our
Minds from time to time during our lives.
Some dreams bear fruit. Others fade away and
Die, being buried in a deep, cold grave at an
Early age.

Dreams can be laid aside, hidden in our busy
Minds and forgotten in our back pocket.
Other dreams make an unexpected detour
Down an unfamiliar road. Years later they
Resurface and become vibrantly alive.

No dream has to really end unless we want it
To, so just look around and you'll find others
Are dreaming, too. Dreams help keep us
Young, stimulating our oft-times stagnant
Minds. Pleasant dreams should be kept alive
Like twinkling, blinking, blazing, shooting
Stars!

Thank you for the many inquiries about Dad over the last two months. Some things are too painful to write about yet. Let me tell you now about Dad’s indomitable spirit. Dad was a fighter. True fighting Irish. During the days that followed his hip replacement surgery, he fought to recover. A post-operative case of pneumonia settled deep in one lung, and he kept fighting. Then, weak from pneumonia and worn down by pain, at some point the battle became overwhelming. Something inexplicable had changed. Lapsing into unconsciousness, his body stopped responding. We prayed, we hoped, we sought expert opinions. We called in our longtime family physician, who concurred with the hospital doctors. With a somber voice, he intoned that there was nothing else that could be done. He recommended hospice.

The Topic for this issue is "Living the Moment" On what does your mind focus most of the time? When people are asked this question, the most frequent response is on the future, then the past, and lastly the present. This is unfortunate because the present is the most critical because that's where the action is. Think about driving a car! Now and then we look back via the rear-view mirror. Occasionally, we look ahead to approaching areas. But mostly we need to focus on the immediate present in order to arrive safely at our destination. This illustration applies to living life as well.

“I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discrimination's. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally.”  George Washington in his Farewell Address We are all well aware of the state of political discourse in the United States. Voters are justifiably disgusted with both major political parties, political discourse has reached the level of shrill background noise and little is really being accomplished other than spending money and talking about problems without offering solutions. This holds true at all levels of government. Obviously, we need change and nothing promotes change better than the light provided by public awareness of the issues.    

The topic for this column is Education. There is much concern today about the negative trends in education in America: decline in educational standards, drop in standardized achievement test scores, severe discipline problems, unexcused tardiness and absences, vandalism, theft, cheating, lying, drug abuses and promiscuity, to mention a few. In a November 2010 speech, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan reported that "one-quarter of U.S. high school students drop out or fail to graduate on time. almost one million students leave our schools for the streets each year."

Are you prepared? What would happen if you lost your job? What would you do if you were faced with a disaster such as what happened recently in Japan? What would happen if suddenly you had no way to obtain electricity, water or food? What if this disaster lasted for months? Would you expect the government to provide for you or will you be ready to take care of yourself? Whether the disaster is natural such as an earthquake or man-made such as a terrorist attack, there are 2 questions you need to answer.  What would you do? Are you prepared?

 We have all had occasion to visit a doctor’s or dentist’s office at one time or another. This usually involves spending time in the waiting room surrounded by other people who don’t feel good, uncomfortable lobby furniture, and an endless supply of outdated magazines with the recipient’s name obscured by magic marker scribble. Through the years waiting rooms have changed to include flat screen televisions tuned to benign programming that nobody really watches and “serve yourself” coffee or tea in small Styrofoam cups. Play corners for small children have appeared featuring trucks, cars, dolls, coloring books, and a host of other toys to occupy them as they wait to see the doctor. No play corner would be complete without the universal, quintessential, time proven toy of toys; a set of wooden blocks. Have you ever sat and watched children play with wooden blocks?  Outside of an occasional block ramp that launches a truck or car through the air drawing the ire of a parent, walls begin to appear. It isn’t long before little territories are “blocked” off and boundaries are set. Favorite toys are placed inside these areas for safe keeping from the other children. 

The topic for March is Giving. Giving, as opposed to possessing, means to hand over or part with something one owns to someone else. this could be ones time, talent, treasure, or anything equally valued by most people. Giving is something that doesn't come easily to most people. Human nature leans much more toward getting than giving. the attitude begins to change only when one begins to understand that giving benefits the giver even more than the receiver. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

I am really sorry that I haven't had an article in the last few editions of the Parma Observer, but I was taken seriously ill and had to be admitted to the Parma Hospital on DEC.2,2010, where I had to spend a couple of days in the Intensive Care Unit. From what I have been told, it seems that it was "touch and go" for awhile. Thanks to the quick response by Parma Fire Department medics, I made it to the hospital, but I don't remember the ride. I had also taken a fall earlier that day which aggravated some of the old injuries in my back, and now I am being told by my therapists that I will probably have to walk with a quad cane for the rest of this beatup old body's life. I can tell from my therapy sessions that it will take some time. Enough about me though; I chose Football and Wrestling in college, and yes moms' out there, I would do it all again!

When I was growing up my father used to say that “success happens when opportunity meets preparation”.  He would go on to say that the only part of this equation that one can control is the preparation, for you have little control over the opportunities that may or may not present themselves. The aim in life, according to my dad, was to be prepared when the opportunity came and thus position yourself for the greatest possibility of success.  How does one prepare? For what should one prepare? The obvious answers to my father were to get as much education and information as you could, but that was not the most important way of preparing to him.  He would constantly ask “what kind of person are you becoming?” To him the best way one could prepare for future success was to be a genuine person of integrity and character. Integrity and character are the basic foundation upon which education, information, and skills are to be built. Without this foundation the building of your life would be shaky and unstable at best and a complete disaster at worst. It is out of this fortress of character, or lack thereof, that we face every question and situation that life throws at us. 

This weekend was a big one for politics in Parma. Rumors have been swirling for months about what might happen here in the eighth largest city in Ohio and this weekend it happened. Our Mayor announced he was not running for a third term of office. If you listen closely you can hear the suction sound of the vacuum that his announcement has created. Who will rush into the gap to fill the void? What is still out there yet to be revealed about our city government and the way it has been operating? Quite simply, what is next for the citizens of Parma? This citizen has a few suggestions for you.

Dear Residents,  I am writing to let the residents of the fine city of Parma know how honored I am to serve as their new President of City Council. Please know that I will continue to serve our entire city with the same level of integrity, honesty and diligence as I have for the past seven years as Councilman for Ward Two. Like you, I am disappointed by the actions of elected officials whom have let us down. Please know that I will work hard everyday to continue to earn and retain your trust. I want nothing more than to ensure that your local government works for you and serves your needs. This will be one of my top priorities during my tenure.

People who live in Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills have access to some of the finest fire and rescue services in the region. There is no doubt that area residents benefit from the professional, well trained departments that serve these communities. Still, there are things we can do to help these dedicated workers provide us with the fastest and best care possible if we ever need to be rescued because of fire, medical emergency, or trauma. Six months ago, at age 65, I became a volunteer fire fighter for the rural township where I live. I learned some surprising things while taking classes to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and I want to share some of this information with readers of the Parma Observer by suggesting a few actions that will make emergency care more efficient during a situation where every second counts:

Success: What is it? Webster defines it as the result that was hoped for: the fact of becoming rich, famous, etc. Generally speaking, success falls in either one of two categories: Godly, the god-centered way of love toward God and love toward others, and worldly, the self-centered way of greed and unconcern for the welfare of others. We are required to make choices, like it or not. We can't have it both ways.

So President Obama is warning the people of the United States that "we are going to have to step up our game" to compete with the potent Asian economies he witnessed.

Let us digress for a moment - to the 1950s - No country had ever known such prosperity. This following the financial crash - the Great Depression - WWII 1939-1945.

After WWII $26billion worth of factories were in operation that never existed before..

$140 billion in savings bonds were waiting to be spent. All we had to do was stop making battleships and start making cars and Frigidaire's. In 1954, 99.93% cars were made in America by Americans.

90% of families had appliances and things the rest of the world could only fantasize about.

We owned 80% of the world's electrical goods.

We controlled 2/3 of the world's productivity capacity.

60% of oil and 66% of steel

The 5% of American people on earth had more wealth than the other 95% combined.

As I see it, there is no game to step up to - we gave all our game boards, chips, tiles, dice, etc. to all those countries since - and we are at the point of no return economically and we will never, ever see such times again.


In conclusion, on a lighter note - I want to curse the man (and it had to be a man) who invented and actually thought "one size fits all" pantyhose and tights would work.

Hi Gang! I just wanted to write a shorter than usual article this month because we have reached a transitional point in the highschool sports season. I wanted to make sure that I give a sincere Holiday Greeting to all of those High School students and Middle School students who have worked so hard so far this year. I'm writing this during Thanksgiving season, so I think it's appropriate that I thank everyone involved with school sports. Special thanks goes to the School System, the School Board, Administrators, and all of the rest of those individuals who were able to put this thing together and make it work so well. Thank you so very much to our athletes- you are the ones who made this such a good Fall; thanks for your fantastic dedication and all of your hard work. Thanks to all of you parents and boosters for all of your efforts in putting on activities for the students: I hope that I haven't missed anyone.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District held a public meeting at Parma City Hall Community Center to present the rationale for the proposed rate increases of our sewer bills. Their presentation was thorough and logical and clearly outlined the need for the rate increases. Most residents in attendance voiced their strong opposition to the rate hikes, many citing the difficult economic times.

What makes us the way we are? First, our heredity: the passing on of certain characteristics from parents to offspring- the genes we inherit at conception. Second, our environment: all the things, conditions and influences that surround us, both positive and negative, especially during the early, pre-school years. Third, prenatal health care. In Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth shape the Rest of Our Lives, author Annie Murphy Paul writes the following: "Much of what a pregnant woman encounters in her daily life- the air she breathes, the food and drink she consumes, the chemicals she's exposed to, even the emotions she feels- is shared in some fashion with her fetus." She continues, noting that these factors shape a person as a baby and a child and continue to have an effect throughout life.

Another year is coming to an end. I hope each and everyone has a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday season. My other most sincere wish is for a prosperous New Year for you and your families. To help make my wish come true I would like to remind all, as we approach this gift giving season, to "buy American", and to "shop local." Statistics indicate that if each American would purchase just one piece of clothing that was made in the U.S.A., the economic impact would be nearly $9 billion. Do you care enough about this country to buy one USA made garment each year?  We can further increase the likelihood of a prosperous new year by shopping locally and recycling our dollars.

It has been referred to as "a tidal wave" and a "tsunami." I am talking about the Republican gains across the nation this past November. Here in Ohio it is already looking like a tidal wave, tsunami, hurricane, tornado, and earthquake all rolled into one huge natural disaster. Governor-elect Kasich has vowed to kill programs, impede progress, and has shown his penchant for rewarding his wall street cronies even before officially taking office. He went so far as to issue the admonishment, during his victory speech, that "if you don't get on his train, the train is going to run you over." He may have used "bus" rather that "train", but his message is clear: Agree with him or get out of the way! Kasich is not at all interested in what Ohioans want. You thought Cuyahoga County was bad with the cronyism and favoritism? You ain't seen nothing yet!

How many times do you go to a supplier and come to find that there are limited apparel choices. You may want a specific fabric, color or style. Maybe you want to have your organization represent that you support sustainability and Eco friendly products; which comes to the first thing you should consider when buying uniforms and corporate apparel:

"Is there a large selection of products offered to you and a specialist available to help you find and select the right products you want?"

If you are looking to purchase uniforms, for an example, in the food service industry, you may want to consider stain resistant, soil release and liquid repelling fabric. They come available in polo shirts, woven button down shirts, aprons and chef apparel. These treated fabrics helps keep garments looking newer, longer.

Now while outfitting your employees, there are many "Easy Care" wrinkle-resistant garments to choose from. These comfortable, wash-and-wear garments are indispensable for the workday. Wrinkle resistance keeps you and your staff looking sharp, professional, and a cut above the competition.

Looking for high tech performance wear for outfitting your sport team, running or bicycling club or for very active people in active and outdoor positions? High tech fabric materials with options like moisture wicking, breath-ability, high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating and odor inhibiting capabilities. Performance apparel will not only keep the most active sports person cool, dry and protected, but also great for the person wanting to look their best doing business on the golf course, meeting clients at the job site or in any warm outdoors conditions.

Many organizations are looking for ways to Go Green with Eco Friendly and Sustainable initiatives. You can start with the apparel you provide to your staff or when giving or selling branded apparel to clients or customers. Show them you care about being Earth Friendly. Many apparel brands are offering organic, recycled and earth friendly products. Picking the materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester are not the only thing that makes it Eco Friendly, also need to consider the manufacturing processes adding to the sustainability. It’s good to have a reliable company to guide you to the brands that truly offer Eco Friendly products. Eco's old image of heavy, colorless, crunchy, granola hippy wear that looks green is long gone. There is a fast growing demand for Eco friendly products, and the mills are producing fabrics now with performance properties that you crave and with colors and fashions that are in.

On November 24, 2008 when the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) regulations went into effect requiring stricter standards in retro reflective safety apparel. People are realizing that they now have to use this kind of gear, and need a source that can offer the best solution for them. You need a company who can offer wide selection at price points that will fit within your budget.

Fitting the right styles and colors that will represent your unique culture to your customers and the team culture you are creating for your group or staff are important. Getting the right help to make the right decisions is also important. And with all the things we deal with on a daily bases, this kind of help is welcoming. 

Sorry I missed the deadline for last months paper, but I feel much better and will try to get my thoughts in this issue. This past Friday night I attended  Parma High vs. L akewood High school and my friend and I really enjoyed the game. Both teams played hard and can be proud of their efforts. Parma won the game 28-14, and one of their running backs had well over 150 yards; what a night! I know that all three of our teams had some tough games , but remember , due  to money problems the area 7-8th. graders did not have a team, and as a ex-coach I know that will hurt for awhile.

A warning to the reader: This is going to be a semi-impartial look at the current Medicaid system through the eyes of a recipient. I plan on pointing out both the good, the bad, and sometimes, the ugly parts of what will be the closest thing to socialized medicine in the United States. It is the only way I know how to tell this story. My goal is to share my experiences on what it is like to be in the supposed caring hands of our government. Read this in full, judge for one’s self, and ask which way is better, private or public health care.

There are some questions that those of us in the 10th Congressional District should ask ourselves before Election Day. Chief among these, does Congressman Kucinich represent my beliefs and values?  Recently I read the interview of Congressman Kucinich that appeared in the Parma Observer. I have many more questions for the Congressman that were not asked in this article but that I feel deserve answers before we cast our votes on Election Day.

What is truth? Webster defines truth as the quality or fact of being true, honest, sincere, accurate, etc. More specifically, it is an agreement with an established standard or rule. For example, if you ask three different people what the temperature is, you will get three different answers. But if you want the truth, check the thermometer yourself. There are all kinds of truth out there. As someone so aptly put it: "There are three truths: my truth, your truth, and THE truth." The definition of truth as used here is God's word, the Bible- the pillar and foundation of belief in absolute truth, where hundreds of references speak words of truth always in love.

It's tough today to try to start this article with subjects I think are important because all areas are important. Sorry last month about no article from me; had eye surgery  on both eyes. I think I can manage now. The past few weeks I had the opportunity to watch  some of the Parma area football games . I am glad that all the varsity teams had a team, but I don't know how they will be able to keep it up. I overheard a few people making comments, like ''I told you the board would come up with money to field a team, levy or not." They are kidding themselves, because they didn't read that each school had to fund their own programs, and congratulation's to all those who worked so hard. It was very obvious that the bands and flag lines cheerleaders also took a hard hit. I guess people can't read or listen to what things are going to be cut. If they think the State coming in to take over the schools will be a good thing, they are also kidding themselves; the State would cut even further. Once again, all of you players, football, cross-country, tennis, bands , dance lines and cheerleaders, and any I missed, you are the greatest kids in the world. I know what it takes after playing for  4 years of division 1 football and pro try outs, and 46 years of coaching; and by the way, when I started in coaching we didn't get paid, it was an after-school assignment. 

"Vote early." "Vote often." In the wake of the current political corruption scandal that we here in Cuyahoga County are facing, perhaps this old political joke seems inappropriate. The privilege and civic duty associated with casting a ballot as part of our political process here in the U.S. is something that should be taken seriously, revered and respected. By the time this issues hits the presses the midterm elections will have already taken place. Hopefully, as you read this piece, you can say to yourself (regardless of the outcome) that you exercised your right and cast your votes for the candidates whom you felt would most accurately represent your views on how we, as a society, should be governed. Now,all joking aside, let me say it again: "Vote early, Vote often!"

As the November election nears and we all muddle through this tough economic time I find myself thinking more and more about the future of the city I grew up in and the health of the region in general. Parma is in good condition. The people are the same hard working no- nonsense sons and daughters of immigrants that built the neighborhoods and businesses, the schools and parks, and continue to proudly stick to the plan.  Work hard. Take care of your family. Help your neighbors. It's a fine city and I honestly can't think of a place that I would rather live.

When Parma Observer Publisher Daniel P. McCarthy asked me if I would like to take on the role of editor for his monthly community based newspaper I immediately accepted the offer. Then I wondered whether or not I possessed the specific knowledge and experience that would qualify me for the position. In fact, I am not really sure what the exact responsibilities of editor will entail, but I am honored and excited to take on this challenge and I remain confident that I will indeed rise to the occasion. One thing that I am sure of is that the Parma Observer has filled a chasm that has existed between print publications and the public in the tri-city area of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills for as long as I can remember. A real community paper written by, for, and about, the area residents. As Mr. McCarthy likes to say, "Hyper-Local". With that in mind I will gladly take on the responsibilities of editor in hopes of serving the paper and thus serving the community. I hope to receive community based assistance as I grow into the position of Editor. Any criticisms, helpful hints, insights, and hate mail will be gladly and humbly accepted. As I take on this challenge I would like to also issue a challenge. Get involved!

A reader wrote to me asking me to start at the beginning of the caregiver’s journey with helpful insights from my own experience. She is concerned that her parents aren’t telling her everything about their health issues, and has noticed some rather telltale signs that something isn’t right. She named a few bizarre examples of memory loss, and yet her parents are trying their best to dissuade her from talking them out of their car keys and limiting their freedom, all in an effort to keep them safe.

By the time children are old enough to start school, they have come a long way and learned a great deal. They have done much of it on their own with parents as teachers. Parents need to teach their children right from wrong and instill character traits, such as honesty, fairness, respect, honor, loyalty, kindness, dependability and manners. Good students come to school ready to learn. Specifically, what does that mean? Good students do what's important:

Football season is upon us and now we can start to focus on our Cleveland Browns.  The sad reality of losing Lebron James from the home team Cavs can be pushed further into the back of our collective minds. The images of the hurt, and outraged fans burning number 23 jerseys in the streets can become an obscure news footnote as we cheer on our Brownies. Then I actually went to a Browns game.

Dad is frustrated these days. He can’t always express what he’s thinking, as the words come out garbled or in no way that makes sense. It is hard to watch him sputter and stutter while trying to get his thoughts out. As the disease rages on, it is clear that he realizes he is losing the ability to communicate. This is to be expected, a normal symptom of Alzheimer’s. Steel yourself for it, smile and nod your head as though your cared for is making perfect sense. It will put them at ease again, and that is what matters most.

My thoughts for this month's article I suppose reflect these very hot days that our Parma area kids are putting in to get ready for this year's football season. I do not mean just the players, but also band members, cheerleaders, flag or pom-pom girls, and any others that I may have missed. My heart is with you, because I too put in all of those hot days during high school and my four years at Kent State University, but the big difference is that I didn't have to pay to participate all the way through high school, college, and try-outs that I had post-college.

What determines which road you travel on your journey of life? What guidelines do you follow to navigate your own personal life and that of your children, and that influences how you conduct yourself with other people? What is your moral compass? Everyone subscribes to someone, something or some kind of god or gods (philosophy) to determine what's right and what's wrong for them: academics, atheism, capitalism, communism, humanism, money, polytheism (many gods), power, popularity, narcissism, various religions, secularism, success and witchcraft, to name a few. What one serves is his or her "god".

I attended the "Meet The Superintendent Night" at Normandy High School on July 21st. My very first impression of Dr. Graham was that he looks young, seems very confident, and appears to be well aware of the difficult challenge ahead of him, and intends to succeed. The question is, will the citizens in this community help him or just stand around criticizing every move? Dr. Graham faced a packed room full of very concerned citizens, who had a multitude of pointed questions, and I for one was impressed with the way that he handled himself. One of the main concerns of this audience early on seemed to be whether or not Normandy High School was slated for closing. Dr. Graham reminded people that a committee had been formed to consider all of the options available to the district, was going through the process currently, and would most likely be making their recommendations sometime in January; until then, no decision had been made, no matter how many rumors were flying about.

Character consists of a combination of emotional, intellectual and ethical traits that distinguishes one person (or group) from another. A person with good character is accountable, caring, fair, honest, kind, loving, sincere, trustworthy and more. If practicing these principles produces positive results (and they do), then the consequences of doing the opposite most surely will generat negative results.

This year's July 4th. parade was indeed a welcome sight, and it is difficult for me to imagine that any citizen doesn't feel even more proud to be an American at an Independence Day parade than they do every other day of the year. The sights are truly inspiring; uniformed members of the Armed Services, representatives of our Safety Forces, highly decorated floats and patriotic marchers, and the crowds of citizens on either side, cheering on the parade as they celebrate this most American of all American holidays.

We who live in the Greater Cleveland area, so often seem to pay little attention to our central city of Cleveland, and oftentimes, (other than perhaps with some Friday night high school football games) we pay scant attention to the other suburbs around us. Many of my out-of-town friends and family are often amazed to learn that many of us know relatively little about our region, and it's rich history and heritage.  
Sometimes, it takes an out-of-towner to come in, to remind us about some of that history.
Such was the case last week, when a Texan came to town.
Charles Phebus wears fancy cowboy boots and a big white ten-gallon hat. A man interested in his family's past, he had learned that his four times great-grandfather, John Shepherd, was buried in the municipal cemetery in North Royalton. On a visit to that cemetery last year, Phebus was dismayed at the condition of the gravestone, and ordered a new base to be made for it. He also felt that a special recognition needed to be brought forth for the man buried on that North Royalton hill.
It was like this: John Shepherd was the last survivor of Braddock's Defeat in 1755, and the longest-lived soldier of the American Revolution; living more than 117 years... and even cut two acres of corn at his North Royalton farm, at the age of 112! One of the original founders of North Royalton, Shepherd fought through both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. All in all, Shepherd survived at least eleven major battles, including Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and Monmouth. He also wintered with George Washington at Valley Forge, and as Charles told me, he was indeed with Washington all the way.
Over the past year, virtually single-handedly, Charles Phebus has marshaled the forces of the City of North Royalton, the State of Ohio, and numerous historical, and civic groups and individuals in a great collaboration of materials and resources, so that John Shepherd could be recognized, and his memory honored and celebrated. On June 26-7, a stellar weekend, filled with activities and attractions, was held in North Royalton and Parma for John Shepherd, including pancake breakfasts, a travelling Liberty Bell replica, a parade, and a graveside dedication, as well as a 21 gun salute, that included reenactors of the American Revolution. As Shepherd had also been a military drummer, I was honored to be the drummer for his graveside ceremony. A beautiful state marker now rests at the entrance to the cemetery on route 82, telling the story of Shepherd's life.
Thanks to the vision of Charles Phebus, Parma, North Royalton and the rest of our region knows that a true American hero lies among us. You can go to the website, www.John Shepherd.US, to read more about this remarkable American patriot.

I took last summer off from writing my regular column for the Lakewood Observer. Let's face it, column writing takes time, and sometimes more than a little research; not to mention the endless proof-reading and MORE proof-reading that one goes through in order to bring something to the printed page that hopefully makes a little sense from time to time. Plus, I wanted to write a few columns for your Parma Observer too, so one thing led to another.