Parma Heights

Sign-up dates are Saturday, March 3rd and 10th at Parma Hts. City Hall (6281 Pearl Rd.) from 9 to 11 a.m. We offer t-ball, coach pitch, softball and baseball for children 5 to 18 years of age. Resident fees are $30; please bring a utility bill as proof of residency and non-resident fees are $50. We accept cash or checks only; no credit/debit cards. There will be a $10 late fee starting March 11th. Contact us at 440-884-9600 ext. 37 or recreation@parmaheightsoh.gov for more information.

 Parma Heights will officially light-up for the holiday season on Sunday, December 4, at 5:00 p.m. as city officials flick the switch at the official tree lighting ceremony.  Residents, business owners and the community-at-large are all invited to the gazebo in the Greenbrier Commons to take part in the event.

Starting the week of January 9th we will again be offering adult yoga, zumba and golf lessons, youth martial arts, soccer footskills and golf lessons. Adult golf fees are $100, youth golf fees $80, soccer footskills fees $30; all other classes are $50. We accept cash or checks only; no credit/debit cards. You can register for all classes at Parma Heights City Hall, 6281 Pearl Road. You must be registered for these classes no later than December 16th. If there is insufficient enrollment, classes will be cancelled. For more information go to www.parmaheightsoh.gov or call 440-884-9600, extension 37.

Lizzy Black of Parma Heights was crowned Homecoming Queen at Baldwin-Wallace College’s Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 15. Black, daughter of Jayne and Gary Black, is a senior at Baldwin-Wallace College majoring in International Studies. She is involved in Panhellenic Council for Greek Life, President of Residence Life, Resident Assistant, Senior Auxiliary and Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She graduated from Valley Forge High School in 2008.

Trick or Treaters will be out in Parma Heights on Halloween night, Monday, October 31st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please drive carefully!

Parma Heights Food Pantry founder and Director Ann George was awarded the prestigious AARP Ohio 2011 Andrus Award for Community Service at a special AARP reception held in her honor at Parma Heights Town Hall on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. 

Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. has been chosen for the city’s Community Shred Event. According to Michelle Teresi, Acting Director of Public Service, the free event will be held at the Parma Heights Service Garage located at 6184 Pearl Road in the Greenbrier Commons.  Proof of residency is required. 

Dear Loretta, "Thank you so much for suggesting to me that I should consider having a Stephen Minister. As you know, I did that and the relationship certainly made a big difference in my grief walk. She listened to me, cried with me, laughed with me and prayed with and for me. There is no doubt that she helped me heal during a very difficult time in my life."

The City of Parma Heights won’t officially turn one hundred years old until November of this year, but that didn’t stop the community from taking advantage of the beautiful weather to throw an early birthday party August 6 and 7 in the Greenbrier Commons.

The City of Parma Heights kicks off the Labor Day weekend in a big way this year as it hosts the North Shore Federation of Labor AFL-CIO Labor Parade on Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 a.m. We are honored to have the opportunity to host the parade in our community for the first time in the city’s history during this, our Centennial year. The labor federation is also celebrating milestone birthdays in 2011. The Federation of Organized Trades & Labor Unions, now known as the American Federation of Labor, was formed in 1881, making this the 130th year since its founding. The Cleveland Federation of Labor, now known as the North Coast AFL-CIO, was issued a charter in 1887, making this its 125th Anniversary.

Beginning the week of Sept. 12th on the lower level of the Cassidy Theatre we will have Adult Yoga on Thursdays, Zumba on Mondays and Youth Martial Arts on Wednesdays from 6-7 PM for 8 weeks.  The cost is $50.  There will also be a golf Clinic on Tuesdays for Juniors 8-13 yrs. of age ($80) from 6-7 PM  and adults 14 yrs. of age and older ($100) from 7-8 PM for 8 weeks.  For more information go to www.parmaheightsoh.gov or call 440.884.9600 ext. 37. 

Cuyahoga County Executive Edward Fitzgerald will give the residents of District 4 an update on county government reform on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Fitzgerald will speak at the Cassidy Theatre, located at 6200 Pearl Road in the Greenbrier Commons in Parma Heights at 7:00 p.m.

“The Cassidy Theatre provides the perfect venue for community meetings and Parma Heights is honored to host this event,” said Mayor Michael P. Byrne.

District 4 encompasses the cities of Brooklyn, Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills and the Village of Linndale.

The meeting is open to the public and no reservations are required. For further information, contact the Cuyahoga County Executive’s office at (216) 443-7178.

Save the Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. has been chosen for the city’s Community Shred event. According to Michelle Teresi, Acting Director of Public Service, the free event will be held at the Parma Heights Service Garage located at 6184 Pearl Road in the Greenbrier Commons. Proof of residency is required. 

Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. has been chosen for the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up event. According to Michelle Teresi, Acting Director of Public Service, the event will be held at the Parma Heights Service Garage located at 6184 Pearl Road in the Greenbrier Commons and proof of residency is required. 

The Parma Heights Memorial Day ceremony, thought to be the oldest continuous service in the state, will take place on the front lawn of the Parma-South Presbyterian Church, 6155 Pearl Road, just as it has for the past 143 consecutive years. 

A bowl with a spoon beckoned where one stands to await being seated. The smiling Buddha looked on as I dipped the spoon into the bowl and put some roasted, slightly salty fennel seeds in the palm of my hand and tossed them in my mouth. Usually, I don’t like licorice, but this is what licorice tries to be. It was an omen of flavor sensations to come.

Less than five miles and just over ten minutes separate the cities of Parma Heights and Brooklyn. Beginning June 1, 2011, Parma Heights residents will be able to make that short trip to take advantage of the John M. Coyne Recreation Center and other Brooklyn Recreation Department amenities. "The City of Brooklyn is very excited about the Community Partnership with Parma Heights. I feel the ultimate goal of this partnership will positively affect both our communities. Parma Heights residents will be able to use the Recreation Center at a discounted rate and extend their quality of life. During these tough economic times this partnership will help strengthen Brooklyn’s revenue and possibly expand recreational services to our patrons,” commented Brooklyn Mayor Richard Balbier. 

Every resident 18 years of age or older, must file an annual income tax return regardless of their filing status (i.e. retired, disabled and/or unemployed.)  The tax return not only provides data on taxable income but also acts as an annual census check as to the movement of residents and ownership of property within the City.

Parma-South Presbyterian Church will serve a baked fish dinner on two Fridays, March 25 and April 15.

Saturday, March 5 & 12 from 9-11 AM at City Hall (6281 Pearl Rd.).  Residents and non-residents welcome both days.  Fees: $23/resident and $43/non-resident.  Leagues for 5-18 year-olds available.  We accept cash or checks only.  $10 late fee starting March 13th.  Call 440.884.9600 ext. 37 or go to www.parmaheightsoh.gov for more info.

Beginning the week of March 20th we will be offering youth classes for martial arts and tumbling/cheer-leading.  For adults we offer cardio-kickboxing, yoga and zumba classes.  We will also offer separate golf clinics for juniors and adults.  All classes have a fee, for more information call 440.884.9600 ext. 37 or go to www.parmaheightsoh.gov

The City of Parma Heights will be having its 100th birthday party the weekend of August 6th and the working group organizing the event has moved beyond the planning stage. 

I am extremely happy for the residents of Parma with regard to the recently announced plans for construction of a new 45,000 square foot library branch at a cost of $15 million dollars, as well as, the $7 million dollar renovation project for the Parma-Snow branch. I am pleasantly encouraged that the Cuyahoga County Public Library System has found the money to do these projects.

In our public and private meetings with library officials, they have always stated that their projected branch closing decisions were primarily based on a lack of funds. That is why I am encouraged by this new development. As the library officials now move forward with these aggressive construction plans, I am confident that they will provide the funding required to keep the Parma Heights library open and functioning in its present location in the Greenbrier Commons.

Beginning the week of January 9th Parma Hts. will be offering youth programs for martial arts, tumbling/cheerleading and soccer footskills. Adult fitness classes that will be offered are cardio kickboxing, yoga and zumba. All classes will have a fee. We will also have a crochet/knitting class at no cost for adults and children. For more registration information visit our website at www.parmaheightsoh.gov or call 440.884.9600 extension 37.l

Greenbrier Senior Health Center was pleased to present Parma Heights Food Pantry with a check for $300.00, along with many boxes of pet supplies.  Our CommuniCare Cares Team sponsored a 2-week pet food drive in our lobby. Sometimes people don't think about the need for pet food at the food pantry. We received everything from dog food to kitty litter!  The cash donation was from a variety of fund-raising activities that included a craft show, chili cook-off and snack sale in the skilled nursing center.  These events are supported by employees, residents, family members, and visitors; The CommuniCare Cares Team really enjoys supporting worthwhile facility and community events.

Cox is proud to announce the airing of the 2010 Parma Sports Hall of Fame. The program honored Parma area sports legends. This year’s inductees were: Jack Bethlenfalvy, Mickey Buchwald, George Newman, Terry Pluto, Russell Schneider, Joseph Vadini, Dave Vehonsky, and Eugene Wodzisz.

The “Pay it Forward Café”,  an outreach program of the Church in the Woods (Parma Park Reformed Church) 11001 W. Ridgewood Drive, Parma Heights invites all community members to join them at their first combined motorcycle/car show and Family Fun Day.

The Cuyahoga County Library Relocation Meeting was held at Parma Heights City Hall on Thursday, October 7, 2010, and I want to acknowledge and thank the residents of the City of Parma Heights, Congressman Dennis Kucinich and all concerned citizens who came, to show their passion, commitment and support of our Parma Heights Library Branch and to voice their concerns about the planned downsizing and/or relocation of our branch.

Growing up means making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. The mistakes we learn from while growing up make us the successful adults we are today. The secret is to not make the life changing mistakes that can take a lifetime to deal with, Everybody knows somebody who did something as a young adult that has haunted them ever since.  Dealing with the criminal justice system as a juvenile has the potential to make a life harder for these children as adults.

Beginning November 2nd, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM-11 AM we will offer wii games, cornhole, ladder golf, boccie ball and coffee at no charge.  Come join us at the N.E.O. Soccer facility located in the Greenbrier Commons (6200 Pearl Road).  Have fun and stay fit all at once!

In remembrance of September 11, Greenbrier Retirement Center seniors hosted a luncheon to honor the men and women of Parma Heights Police and Fire Departments for their dedication to the city of Parma Heights and the residents of Greenbrier Retirement Center. Chief Daniel Teel of the Parma Heights Police Department, Chief Bryan Sloan of the Parma Heights Fire Department and  Mayor Michael Byrne were honored along with the departments. The seniors presented each department with a token of appreciation.  A local resident of Greenbrier Retirement Center, Ted Petriski, spoke on his time as the Deputy Sheriff of Cuyahoga County from 1973-1993. 

The Recreation Department will be offering a Beginner's Yoga class for adults consisting of eight (8) sessions for $50.  Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7 PM-8 PM beginning Sept. 22.  There will also be martial arts (a combination of karate, judo and jujitsu) classes for children ages 6-12 from 6 PM-7 PM and ages 13-18 from 7 PM-8 PM.  Classes will be held on Thursdays beginning Sept. 23rd for eight (8) weeks at a cost of $50.  Class sizes are limited for both programs. 

The customer (right) in this picture is currently a suspect in theft of money from the Walgreen's store in Parma Heights.  The unknown male is a quick change artist who was able to get $50.00 in cash from the cashier after making several exchanges involving high denomination bills.  If you think you know who this person is, call the Parma Heights Police Department Detective Bureau at 440-884-8112

Resistance is futile.  City after city has been attracted by the siren call of technology combined with enforcement. Many cities have been unable to resist the dive into the speed enforcement technology that has been creeping across the country. Parma Heights could resist no longer.

 I need to begin this article with a correction from December's article entitled “Community Helping Community”.  I submitted the article; Kathy Weber, the creator of this program, wrote it. Our Pay It Forward Café at Parma Park Reformed Church aka “Church in the Woods” has been in existence now for a year.  Last December 6 we met for the first time to have a pizza dinner and make special Christmas greeting cards and letters to send to a troop of soldiers in Iraq which we had just adopted through the armed forces AdoptaPlatoon program. We also collected candy donated by b. a. Sweetie Candy Co., snack items donated by various individuals and businesses, water bottles donated by an individual, and snacks purchased with gift cards from local businesses. We partnered with the Renwood Elementary School and included them in the sign-up for this special event. One child from the Renwood School whose uncle was in Iraq insisted that he and his family send something to these soldiers, so he gave some snacks to be included in a box. We ended up sending 4 boxes of Christmas cards, items and goodies to our platoon of 54 soldiers that day.

Imagine you spent the last 22 years going into work for a boss nicknamed Crabby.  A boss that was proud of that moniker.  Needless to say, going into work each day would not be at the top of your favorite's list.

Parma Heights is getting old  2011 marks 100 years since the historic vote which resulted in Parma Heights separating from Parma Township and establishing itself as a village.

     This unidentified woman used a stolen drivers license to cash a stolen and altered check at a bank in Parma Heights.  If you think you may know who this person is, contact the Parma Heights Police Department Detective Bureau at 440-884-8112

The "Pay It Forward Cafe'" was established formally at the Parma Park Reformed Church aka “Church in the Woods”, 11001 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma Heights on December 6, 2008.  It was created to assist families who have been caught in today’s economic downturn.  Over the year 2009 it has expanded to not only provide a Saturday hot meal program but also an essential social networking and emotional support system for the families who attend.            The concept for this program was developed when the needs of families was verified with the Parma City School System.  Children receive breakfast and lunch when school is in session but weekends can be a problem for many families who have lost jobs.  In January of 2009 we partnered with Renwood Elementary School.  Since then we opened the program to any resident of Parma, Parma Heights and Middleburg Heights and have also invited families who utilize the food pantries in our area.  Our most recent inclusion is the Ridge-Brook Elementary School.            In addition to nutritious meals we also provide entertaining and educational workshops for the families who participate.  We are very grateful for the many community members and agencies who have assisted us in this endeavor.  The Parma and Parma Heights police and fire departments have supported us with educational workshops on stranger-danger and fire safety.  We have had local magicians, skunk rescue and a children’s author among the many people who have donated their time and talent to assist us and enhance our program.            The second Saturday of every month is our “Pay It Forward” Saturday.  We have adopted a troop in Iraq through the “Adopt-a-Platoon” program of the armed forces.  The children write letters and send care packages to “their troop”.  This teaches the children to share and to pay their blessings forward.            We have become an agency of the Cleveland Foodbank and are using them as a resource to purchase food for meals.  In addition, Olive Garden Restaurant, Chuppa’s Marketplace, and Pappou’s Restaurant and some area pizza shops have provided meals regularly, as needed.  Several others have generously provided us with a one-time meal donation.            You can help us by donating with a deposit to the “Feed the Kids” program, Parma Park Reformed Church, at the Chase Bank, Parmatown or by contacting Kathy Weber @440-781-2588 or Laura Muller @ 440-477-0845.  You can also help by providing items for the soldiers and/or donating your time and talent for our workshops.                                                                         Submitted by KAW                                    Pay It Forward Café                                                            Parma Park Reformed Church