Parma Heights

 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

In the business of police work, the following scene is not that unusual- the unmarked police vehicle pulls up in front of the house or apartment.  Two uniformed officers walk up to the house and knock on the door.  After a brief explanation to the parents, the children are taken away in the police car.  The difference this Christmas Season is the officers are taking the kids shopping.