Parma Observer

Dan McCarthy Parma Observer's Publisher Passes On

Jim O'Bryan — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:09:06 EDT

It is still hard for me to believe that Dan McCarthy publisher for the Parma Observer is no longer with us. I have been in a state of shock over it since his sister Jean called with with the terrible news.

Sentencing For Offenders In Latest Flamingo Theft

Scott Tuma — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Defendants Colin Deka and Jack Klamert entered guilty pleas to offenses involving the theft and destruction of Parma’s flamingo statue previously located at the corner of Broadview and Rockside Roads. The flamingo statue was purchased by a Parma resident in honor of his Autistic daughter. As Parma’s Law Director and Chief Prosecutor, I have a duty to zealously advocate for the City, while seeking just results within the bounds of the law.  In fulfilling my duties, I have to balance the city’s need to be made whole for the damage that occurred, with the need for the public to know that those responsible for criminal actions will be held fully accountable for their wrongdoings. Both Defendants have expressed sincere remorse for their criminal behavior, made full restitution, and  had no prior criminal record. Aware of these factors, I offered a resolution that would ensure that the matter would remain under the jurisdiction of the Parma Municipal Court. After accepting each Defendant’s Guilty Plea, Judge O’Donnell immediately handed down her sentence, which includes:

Script Parma Picture of the Month

Sean Patrick Brennan — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:38 EDT

This month's picture depicts Ridgewood Garden Club of Parma President Sandy Rodgers (right) & Vice President Jan Skuderin. If you have a creative photo with the script Parma sign that you would like to have published, email it, along with your address and phone number, to Sean Patrick Brennan at pierogie5k@gmail.com. You could win a great Parma prize if yours is selected.

Now Hiring Substitute Teachers For PCSD

Jennifer Rose — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:38 EDT

ESS has exciting substitute teacher opportunities in Parma City School District! We provide qualified candidates like you the opportunity to work in local school districts and support student education.

Remembering The USS Liberty

Robert Stilwell — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:38 EDT

June 8,1967 the USS Navy intelligence ship USS Liberty was attacked by Israel Defense Forces, which occurred in the Middle of the Six Day War between Israel and Egypt. In all 34 Sailors were killed and another 170 were wounded. Decades after the event it was called one of the most bloody and bizarre peacetime encounters in US History. Israel's government  claimed in the aftermath that there had been a communication lapse between its military and that the men carrying out the attack thought the Liberty was an enemy ship. However a number of US military and intelligence officials have maintained over the years that the attack was deliberate. The incident remains a source of controversy. When this incident occurred the Sixth Fleet was ordered to give aid to the Liberty. My ship, USS Mississinewa AO144, docked in Newport RI at the time was notified to go to Israel and remove fuel from the Liberty so it could be towed to the island of Malta for temporary repairs. We traveled with several other ships refueling ships as it was needed to make the long journey to Israel. we got about half way there when we were ordered to return to Newport because there was another tanker closer to the Liberty. A few years ago I had the opportunity to talk to one of the sailors that was severely wounded while aboard the Liberty. coincidentally he had the same ranking as I did, which was (DC3), Damage Controlman. He was below decks along with several other shipmates trying to prevent the rushing water from coming in. I can only imagine the hell that these men endured. He knew how interested I was and invited me to come to a 3 day meeting about the Liberty in Pensacola. Florida. I had to turn him down because of my work schedule. I thanked him and wished him well.

A Heart Warming Memorial Day Story

Robert Stilwell — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:38 EDT

On Memorial Day, Monday May 26, 2025 I arrived by a Seniors Bus at the Parma Heights Cemetery for the 258th consecutive year Remembrance Ceremony. Prior to this I attended the Parma South Prebyterian Church Lawn for a  Memorial Service, with Guest speakers including Keynote Speaker, Suzanne Stratford From Fox News channel 8. Suzanne served in the Army National Guard as a Sargent during the Persian Gulf Wars. Many of her family members, including her husband served in a variety of Wars. I cannot remember a better speech than what I heard from Suzanne. "I think it takes a Veteran to know a Veteran". Moving Forward to My Origianl Story. After arriving at the Cemetery and walking toward one of the benches, there was a Mother and Daughter, dressed for the occasion with their RED, WHITE, and BlUE clothes sitting on one of the Benches that was donated by the Parma Heights Historical Society. As I approached, they both stood up and offered me a seat. I was pleasantly surprised when the little girl walked over to me and thanked me for my Service while shaking my hand. I thought to myself, that this little girl must be with a loving and caring family that believe in the core vaues of human dignity and respect for all. This was a Heart Warming Encounter that I will always Remember. I beleive that this gave me the strength and incentive to continue an enjoyable Day and as a bonus, the weather was great. After the Cemetery Ceremony concluded I got a ride with the Seniors bus for a ride back to the Church to pick up my car. The driver was very considerate and dropped each of us off where we parked. I had a nice surprise when I returned home and noticed that my front yard was mowed including the tree lawn. I'm sendinf a heart felt thank You to the kind person that mowed my lawn. Acts of kindness followed me the whole day.

14th Annual Parma Run/Walk For Pierogies

Daniel P. McCarthy — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

On your mark, get set, Go! Runners and walkers prepare to kick off the 14th Annual Parma Run/Walk for Pierogies on June 28 at the Tri-C Western Campus. The weather was perfect fr the event, not nearly as hot or wet as in some years past. Not long after the race was finished though, a major rain fall came through, as does often occur in the summer. Congratulations to Sean Brennan and crew for pulling off yet another succesful event.

Parma Residents Visit the Statehouse

Sean Patrick Brennan — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Recently, Cynthia Boehnlein (in red) Shirley Kessler (fourth from right), and Gary Skelley and his two sons visited the Ohio Statehouse to provide proponent testimony on State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan's (center) Pledge of Allegiance bill.

The Representative's Corner

Sean Patrick Brennan — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Ever since I served on Parma City Council, I have been educating constituents about unclaimed funds that they are due and assisting them in obtaining those funds. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Unclaimed Funds is responsible for safeguarding funds that have been left unclaimed by individuals and organizations. These funds could be from various sources, such as forgotten bank accounts, insurance policies, utility deposits, un-cashed checks, and more.

Keeping Parma Safe And Citizens Informed

Daniel P. McCarthy — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Parma Ward 9 Councilman Robert Eurle speaks to residents who attended the combined Safety Meeting of Ward 3, 4, and 9.

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Parma is one of the safest cities in Ohio, and that has been the result of a close relationship between the citizens of Parma and their safety and emergency departments. Every summer there are annual safety meetings in each of the 9 wards of the city. This year there was a slightly different approach with a combined safety meeting between wards 3, 4 and 9. Held in the parking lot of the new discount Drug Mart on State Rd., based on attendance, it was a very successful program. Residents can learn from observing functions presented to them by various officials from Police, Fire, Law Department, etc., who answer questions directly from those in attendance on a variety of topics which are important to people in our community. Seeing hands on demonstrations by various parts of our safety forces in a relaxed setting goes a long way towards the understanding of what is involved with these public service jobs and how they relate to everyday safety.

3rd Annual Parma Heights City Wide Yard Sale

Marie Gallo — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

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Get ready to treasure hunt! Over 140 residents are set to participate in the 3rd Annual Parma Heights City-Wide Yard Sale, happening Friday and Saturday, July 18 & 19. What began as a neighborhood idea has quickly grown into a beloved community tradition and a highlight of the summer season.

Arts In Parma

Kathryn Mabin — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

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Sean Mabin has had some of his work recently published in The Hand Magazine. The Hand is dedicated to “alternative” and historic photograph processes and all types of printmaking. Sean has been exploring various alternative photography techniques the last couple of years. Both Sean and his wife, Angie Reali Mabin are in the Rust Belt Photo Collective’s Exhibition, titled Indirect Reality Do You See Me? at the Beachwood Community Center Art Gallery, 25325 Fairmount Blvd, which runs through July 7th.

Coloring Contest For All Ages!

Kathryn Mabin — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Now’s the perfect time to wake up your inner Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, or Picasso. Parma Area Arts is hosting a Coloring Contest with the help of their community partners, Parma-Powers Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library and the City of Parma Recreation Department. The contest runs through July 18th. There’s three age groups, Youth Artists ages 12 years and under, Teen Artists ages 13 through 18, and Adult Artists 19 and older. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners along with any Honorable Mentions receive ribbons and prizes in each group. Free to enter, no residency restrictions, but limited to one entry per person. The coloring pages were chosen to be age appropriate for this contest. Judging will be completed by a panel of independent judges. Judges decisions will be final. Winners will be announced at an award ceremony and reception which is open to the public held at the  Parma-Powers Library Saturday, July 26th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Parma Heights: A Modernist Architectural Mecca?

Milenko Budimir — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Flagstar Bank Building (formerly Ohio Savings Bank), designed by Don Hisaka.

Picture this: a group of tourists step off of a bus. They’ve come to have a look at the collection of mid-20th century modernist buildings along Pearl Road in Parma Heights. After taking some photos of the unique buildings, they stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Maybe the Tavern on 42? Or a hot sub sandwich at Penn Station? Perhaps Luna’s Deli on York Road for a sandwich and a cup of soup? Then they think “some dessert sure would be nice.” So, they get some fresh frozen custard from East Coast Custard, a building that they just visited on their mini tour.

It's The Summer Of Superman Scoops At Lumpy's Shake Shop!

Emery Pinter — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

Happy National Ice Cream Month!  President Ronald Reagan in 1984 designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. The competition for the best scoop in Parma Heights is fierce, but Lumpy's Shake Shop might be the most dominant force in the scene. The legendary ice cream shop is noted for its amazing flavors and for its superior scoops, notably the Peanut Butter Overdose, Blueberry Coney island, Black Raspberry truffle, and Superman flavors. Superman ice cream is called Superman because it is a multi-colored ice cream, typically featuring blue, red, and yellow, that visually resembles the colors of the DC Comics superhero Superman's costume.

Getting Started With AI: Simple Insights For Everyday Use

Bridget Lavelle — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library will host Getting Started with AI: Simple Insights for Everyday Use on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 from 7:00-8:15 p.m. in Meeting Room C.  Gary Arnosk will present the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with examples of AI applications, such as voice assistants (Siri and Alexa).  Learn how AI works, both benefits and limitations, to feel comfortable using AI to complete tasks in an organized and productive way.  With 17 years of experience in Integration and Technology, Mr. Arnosk oversees the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and Emerging Technologies Lab at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College.  Registration required.  To register, please visit <a class="Hyperlink SCXW30971665 BCX0" href="http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.cuyahogalibrary.org</a> or call the Parma Heights Branch at 440.884.2313.

Mobile Food Distribution

Bridget Lavelle — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

The Parma Heights Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, partnering with The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, will offer a monthly Mobile Food Distribution on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Road, on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon for customers who are in need.  Please visit <a class="Hyperlink SCXW53044023 BCX0" href="http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.cuyahogalibrary.org</a> or call the Parma Heights Branch Library at 440.884.2313 for additional information.

One Hundred Years Ago This Summer

Lee Kamps — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

One hundred years ago this summer a high school science teacher named John Scopes went on trial in the small town of Dayton Tennessee for breaking the law banning the teaching of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in his classroom. This was a test case of this law brought forth by the American Civil Liberties Union. It was deliberately staged to attract publicity to this small town of Dayton Tennessee. In fact, John Scopes was unsure whether he actually taught that humans evolved from lower animals over a long period of time.

Summer Of Superman At B&L Comics

Emery Pinter — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

First and foremost, the selection at B&L Comics is nothing short of excellent.  As soon as one walks through the doors, you are greeted by shelves stacked with a diverse array of comic books.  For hardcore comic collectors, often nothing beats the selection Larry Zjaba has when new comics are released, or even better, where one can submit a pull list and have their favorites ordered and held for them!

The 2025 Seven Hills Farmers Market Opens July 10th

Kathy Holland — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:50:37 EDT

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The Seven Hills Farmers Market (SHFM) will return to the southwest corner of Broadview and Hillside Road starting Thursday, July 10th, and will be open every Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM through September 25th. The market features locally grown farm-fresh produce, microgreens, baked goods, meat, spice blends, honey, sourdough bread, coffee, flowers, plants, soap, health and wellness products, kettle corn, and more. The market has free parking in the adjacent Fire Station lot, 7325 Broadview Rd, Seven Hills, Ohio.