Mayor Tim Degeeter Reflects on a Successful First Year by Jeannie Roberts Serves Us All,” Degeeter Said

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Proud Member Of The Observer Media Family Of Community Owned Newspapers & Websites Volume 5 • Issue 1 • January, 2013 Mayor Tim DeGeeter Reflects On A Successful First Year by Jeannie Roberts serves us all,” DeGeeter said. the administration has also When Tim DeGeeter “We think we have created encouraged family friendly meets with Parma residents a good connection with our events, which have been well- one-on-one during his “May- business owners, and we are received. Family movie night or’s In” meetings – this month’s looking forward to maintain- was a huge success, and new will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ing a good relationship with recreation programs aimed at Jan. 30, 2013 – he is reminded them.” tots have been extremely pop- that, as mayor of the state’s sev- That relationship was evi- ular. Beautifying the city has enth-largest city, a lot can be dent in a renewed agreement been on the agenda as well, learned from staying connected with OSG-Sterling Die, which and streetscape improvements with residents. Being accessible granted a 46 percent rebate have included storefront and has been a priority during his on payroll taxes paid to the sidewalk upgrades. first year in office; entering his city for the next 12 years. The “We live here and raise agreement encourages expan- our families here,” DeGeeter second year, he is looking for- Mayor Tim DeGeeter works personally with residents to hear sion and jobs, which could said. “We all want the best for ward to continuing to reap the concerns and search for answers. benefits of that enhanced com- trigger an even more lucrative Parma, and that’s why we’re munication. mayor’s first-year accomplish- Seven Hills that give Parma agreement. working hard every day. We “Staying connected with ments: residents discount rates at While keeping an eye are looking forward to our sec- residents is so important,” The renewal of the police Seven Hills’ recreation center, on the business community, ond year.” DeGeeter says, “because, obvi- levy passed resoundingly, and also for Parma and Parma ously, these are the people ensuring that training and Heights to share summer band Friends Of Parma Theater we serve. We want residents equipment will be kept up to concert venues. Additionally, to understand that, working date and that Parma can look to the city is working collabora- Begin First Of Many together, we really can do con- increase its staffing. The Mayor tively on several projects with crete things to move Parma continued the city’s “Walk- Cuyahoga County, including Fact Finding Tours forward.” about” program, in which he, IT services. While there is still plenty the Police Chief, Safety Direc- Social media efforts have of work left, DeGeeter has tor and Council members go increased residents’ ability to done a lot to move the city door-to-door in each ward to communicate with City Hall forward in his first year. Look- talk personally with residents – the city’s Facebook page has ing back, he feels a sense of about potential safety con- more than doubled its com- challenge and hard work and cerns. Also, the “Meet on the munity in the first year, and satisfaction. “Parmatown has Beat” program encourages uni- City Hall started a Twitter a buyer,” he says, “and that in formed police officers to make account - @ParmaMayor – itself is huge. When you look personal contact with the busi- that has nearly 250 followers. up the hill on Powers Road, ness owners on patrols. Additionally, as the city’s the new library is coming up. Residents can register for contract with Republic Waste We’re hoping that, in a few recreation programs online or is expected to expired at the years, this area will be a vital in person. Online registration end of this month, a new energetic city center.” offers residents a much more contract, entered into with While all that is happen- convenient way to sign up for Republic Waste with the City Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization Execu- ing, he is looking forward to recreational offerings. of Berea, will accomplish some tive Director Jeff Ramsey displaying some of the history of the the challenges he knows will Collaborative agreements very exciting wins for Parma – community to members of the Friends of the Parma Theater. keep coming to his office. with neighboring communi- garbage collection will remain But consider, though, for ties allowed Parma residents to free for residents; recycling by Daniel P. McCarthy house in 1920. The Capitol a moment, some of the rookie share recreation facilities with is expected to rise in Parma, On December 15, the Theatre has become an impor- thus reducing the city’s ton- Friends of the Parma Theater tant anchor for the Gordon nage to landfills; and the city left from the parking lot of Square Arts District in the Recycle Your Christmas could save about $800,000 in City Hall to travel on the first West 65th. and Detroit area, a year when the city’s budget of many planned "fact finding and the experience of revital- Lights! desperately needs it because of missions" for the purpose of izing this area by acquiring, by Mayor Mike Byrne budget cuts out of Columbus. observing and learning from restoring, and re-purposing Parma Heights has a green solution to those piles of broken, In his first year, DeGeeter other groups and institutions, facilities to attract, house and tangled Christmas lights – recycle them at the Service Garage in hosted four economic summit who in a similar fashion were showcase the Arts is what the the Greenbrier Commons on Saturday, January 12 from 9:00 a.m. meetings with the business formed in order to transform Friends of the Parma Theater – 12:00 p.m. community. The feedback existing resources into valu- group came to learn about. We “Residents can bring broken or unwanted strings of lights, from those has been over- able community assets. The were not disappointed, as Jeff electrical cords and power strips,” explained Building, Housing whelmingly positive, and the first stop was at the Detroit Ramsey, Executive Director, and Recycling Coordinator Michelle Teresi. “All of the material dialogue is something the Shoreway Community Devel- led us on a tour of the restored will be taken to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District for mayor wants to continue. opment Organization, with the movie theater, complete with recycling, ” she added. “Our business community focus on the restored Capitol beautiful visual displays of his- Residents with questions are asked to call the Parma Heights understands that City Hall Theatre in the Gordon Square toric photos and artifacts from Service Department at 440-884-9607, Monday through Friday, is here to help encourage a Arts District. This beautiful between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. healthy local economy, which space began as a silent movie continued on page 12 Page 2 The Parma Observer Vol 05, Issue 1 January, 2013

Parma Business

competitors. In fact, you will also see HEAP to keep us warm. So, if you or the names of suppliers and their con- anyone you know needs this type of The President’s Corner tact information, as well as the terms assistance, please check it out and share by Sean Brennan, and conditions of each supplier’s plans. the information. Parma City Council President As the site states, “As with all contracts, I hope that you find my column Very often residents and family consumers should carefully read and helpful and informative. In fact, my members call me about natural gas understand all terms and conditions hope is that the information will save rates. Over the years, deregulation in before signing any forms or agreeing to you money on your natural gas bill. the natural gas industry in Ohio has enroll with a supplier.” As always, if you have suggestions led to a fair amount of competition and The Apples to Apples site also pro- for future columns, please feel free to the creation of the Ohio Natural Gas vides a “Self-Calculation Worksheet,” contact me at (440) 885-8091 or coun- Choice Program. As a result, residents which allows you to compare what you [email protected]. Stay are now faced with selecting a natural currently pay for natural gas with what warm this winter! gas supplier and rate plan that meets you will pay if you choose to change their unique circumstances, including suppliers. If you have further questions budgetary concerns, time constraints about natural gas choice or the Apples and acceptable level of risk. to Apples charts, you may contact the To assist residents with selecting a Parma City Council President Sean P. PUCO at 1-800-686-PUCO (7826). natural gas supplier, the Public Utili- Brennan The PUCO website also pro- ties Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has vides information regarding energy established a website where you can the Columbia Gas of Ohio’s service assistance programs whether you use The Parma Observer is a com- compare suppliers and their respective area, therefore, you will want to click electricity or natural gas to heat your munity owned and operated rate plans. To check out the site, sim- on this chart. Some residents may be home, including the Home Energy citizen based news source. The ply visit www.puco.ohio.gov and click within Dominion East Ohio’s service Assistance Program (HEAP), Percent- views and opinions expressed on the link for the “Apples to Apples area, thus, you will want to click on age of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), do not necessarily reflect the Rate Charts.” Once there you will want that link. the Home Weatherization Assistance views and opinions of The to click on the chart that describes all Once you are at the correct site, you Program (HWAP) and others. Grow- Parma Observer staff or our of the suppliers within your service will be shown how much Columbia or ing up I recall a couple of winters when advertisers. area. Most Parma residents are within Dominion are charging, as well as their my mom received assistance from 11180 Snow Road, Parma, Ohio 44130 First Annual "Wine & Dine" Raises 440.884.7625 • http://parmaobserver.com $7500 For Maggie's Place Ohio Advisory Board by Tricia Kuivinen Craig Czepczynski Randi Hansen December 12, 2012 – The lovely David Lincheck setting provided by the College Club Lisa Zaremba of Cleveland was the scene of “Wine George Salo & Dine”, a new benefit event for Bill DeMarco Maggie’s Place Ohio held on Novem- Publisher ber 15. Delicious food and wine Daniel P. McCarthy from Mia Bella Restaurant in Little Editor Italy, live harp music provided by Jay Patty Knox Mecaskey, a silent auction of unique [email protected] packages and over 70 guests rounded Design and Production out the event, generating $7500 for AGS Design The Zechariah House. Advertising Sales Maggie’s Place, a community 440-884-7625 of hospitality homes for expect- ant women, operates the Zechariah House in Parma. Maggie’s Place Writers provides safe housing, nourishing Sean Brennan Mike Byrne food, clothing, counseling, parent- Brigitte Gerard ing preparation, employment and Erin Valencia, Greg Soltis and Christine Nowak Bryan N. Griffin, Jr. educational opportunities for preg- Valerie Jerome life circumstances. Women must be Lee Kamps nant women who may be alone, on parents. Jennifer Keirn the streets or facing other difficult at least 18 years of age, non-drug To learn more about Maggie’s Patty Knox using and pregnant to be admitted, Place Ohio, visit www.maggiesplace. Tricia Kuvinen and may stay up to a year after their org, Like us on Facebook or call Gene Lovasy Lucy McKernan child’s birth. 440.866.2620 to arrange for a tour. Wayne Mesker The $7500 raised from guests About Maggie’s Place Ruth Revecky attending “Wine & Dine” will sup- Maggie's Place is a community Jeannie Roberts CJ Sheppard port the ongoing operation of the of homes that provide hospitality Jennifer Smolinski Zechariah House. Each mother in for pregnant women who are alone Daniel Taddeo residence at Maggie’s Place has the or on the streets. We have a two-fold Kathryn Yates opportunity to complete life skills strategy in assisting mothers to grow. sessions such as budgeting, par- First, Maggie's Place provides for the Photographers enting, job searching and personal immediate physical and emotional Bryan N. Griffin, Jr. Jennifer Keirn growth and discovery. Mothers can needs of our guests including shel- Dick Kistemaker also increase their educational level ter, food, clothing, and a supportive Lucy McKernan while living at The Zechariah House, community. As such, we are a fam- Wayne Mesker Jeannie Roberts by completing their GED, job train- ily and a community. In addition, CJ Sheppard ing or attending classes, positioning Maggie's Place connects the moth- them for better job opportunities. ers to the appropriate agencies and At a time when Ohio’s jobless rate resources including prenatal care, The Parma Observer is powered by: persists at nearly 9% and the child health insurance, low-cost housing, poverty level in Cleveland stands at and education programs so mothers 21.6%, Maggie’s Place is playing an can reach their short-term and long- Harpist Jay Mecaskey important role in the lives of new term goals.

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Page 4 The Parma Observer Vol 05, Issue 1 January, 2013

Parma Health Three New VPs Join Parma Hospital's Administrative Team by CJ Sheppard Parma Community General Hos- pital welcomes a new Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, a new Vice President of Physician Align- ment and Business Development and a new Chief Nursing Officer. David A. Cook, CPA, takes the helm from Barry L. Franklin, who retired after 30 years as Parma Hos- pital’s Chief Financial Officer. Cook has 28 years of management experience, serving most recently as a VP of Finance for University Hospitals Health System’s community hospitals. He has worked in financial management at hospitals throughout the region, from David Cook Mike Mainwaring Sharon Thomas MetroHealth Medical Center in the 1980s and St. Luke’s Medical Center in the ‘90s to 14 years in various financial ried, with three children, and lives in gic planning and physician integration. ing and physician satisfaction scores, capacities at EMH Regional Healthcare Strongsville. He also has oversight of Marketing and reduced Emergency Department diver- System in Elyria, where he served as Michael Mainwaring, with 18 years Diagnostic Imaging and serves as chief sion time and boosted patient safety Chief Financial Officer for four years. of experience in healthcare administra- operating officer of Powers Professional metrics. She also served as acting CEO Cook has a bachelor’s degree tion, joins the administrative team to Corporation, the hospital’s employed for a period during a medical leave for in economics and accounting from lead medical staff development, market physician group, as well as PRL, its the administrator. Her nursing back- Ohio Wesleyan University. He is mar- assessment, practice valuation, strate- property corporation. Mainwaring ground, as both a manager and staff previously served as a vice president of and charge nurse, is in critical care. Business Development for the Cleveland Thomas has a bachelor of science New Outpatient Center Opens On Clinic and held leadership positions at in nursing from Kent State University Parma Hospital Campus Southwest General Health Center. and an MBA/master’s of Health Care Mainwaring has a Master of Busi- Administration from Cleveland State by CJ Sheppard ness Administration degree from the University. She has been a clinical Parma Community General Hospital has opened a new Outpatient Center on University of Pittsburgh, with a concen- instructor in nursing program for both its campus, with its own parking lot and convenient scheduling. tration in Healthcare Administration. Bryant & Stratton College and ATS Located in the former SurgiCenter opposite Medical Arts Center 4, the Out- He received his undergraduate degree Institute of Technology. Thomas lives patient Center at 6305 Powers Blvd. combines a variety of outpatient services in a in Biology from Washington and Jef- in North Olmsted with her daughter more accessible location instead of having to come to the main hospital for: ferson College in Washington, Pa. He and two sons. • Diagnostic Radiology is a Fellow in the American College of “I am excited by these excellent • Digital and 3D Tomosynthesis Healthcare Executives and received the additions to my team and the Parma • Dexa Bone Densitometry Regent’s Award for the Young Execu- Hospital family,” said Parma Hospi- • Ultrasound tive of the year in 2000. He is also a tal President & CEO Terrence G. Deis. • CT Scan member of the Healthcare Executive “Dave comes to us with a wealth of • PET Scan Association of Northeast Ohio and knowledge and experience, having • Outpatient Lab serves on the Board for the American served as a finance executive in both • The Spine/Pain Program Red Cross of Medina County. Main- an independent hospital environment • Preadmission Testing waring is a resident of Medina, where as well as within a large regional health For patient convenience, the Outpatient Center offers early morning, evening, he lives with his wife and two sons. system. He will be a great asset to our and Saturday appointments. The Center’s hours are Monday through Friday from Sharon K. Thomas, RN, BSN, organization. 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. MBA has joined the leadership team as “Mike has a long history of work- “We know that our patients love the easy access and one-stop shopping for the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), ing with area independent physicians,” outpatient healthcare at our WellPointe Pavilion in Broadview Heights,” said Kathi replacing the retiring Pamela Falasco. Deis added. “We expect that he will O’Connor, vice president of operations and outpatient services. “We brought that Thomas comes to Parma Hospital from make an immediate impact on our concept to our main campus, where patients can park close to the door, walk just a St. Vincent Charity Hospital, where she ability to align even more closely with few steps into the lobby to be greeted and registered, and have all of their tests and spent 11 years as its CNO. During her our current high-quality medical staff, procedures done in one area.” tenure, she improved patient, nurs- continued on page 5 Appointments can be made by calling 440-743-2054.

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Parma Schools

father-son initiative seeking to support men who desire to be the very best dad they can be. Throughout the year, Com- munity Ambassadors will host monthly events that will give opportunity for fathers and sons to engage in fun, free activities (like paper airplane contests) that encourage relationship and growth. The first HEROES event will be held on Friday, January 18th, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at Parmatown Mall. Also, Com- control over the things that happen munity Ambassadors will be holding a Asset Corner #37 to them. A sense of personal power Ministerial Round Table at the Parma by Gene Lovasy #39 Sense of Purpose – Young gives young people the confidence Area Family Collaborative offices on January’s Asset Category: Posi- person reports that “my life has pur- to embrace positive attitudes and Wednesday, February 6, at 8:30 AM. tive Identity Help young people bring pose.” (57%*) behaviors, and walk away from risky These meetings serve to engage area out their best The way people feel #40 Positive View of Personal situations and behaviors. Caring adults church leaders in an effort to dialogue about themselves can fluctuate with Future – Young person is optimis- provide opportunities for young peo- on community issues and to collaborate circumstances. Depending on what’s tic about her or his personal future. ple to make their own decisions. resources that may effectively address happening, you may feel confident (72%*) Tips for building this asset: the community’s most pressing needs. or unsure, optimistic or pessimistic, (* The percent of youth who expe- Young people who have a strong l A free youth leadership devel- in control or not in control. What’s rience or have this asset in their lives. sense of their own power believe that opment program is being conducted important is what a person’s identity is Data based on an aggregate Search when good things happen to them, out of the Parma Area Family Col- like most of the time. People who have Institute sample of 148,189 students they had some control over the out- laborative by our local MyCom staff a strong, positive sense of self maintain surveyed in 2003. The sample included come. If things go wrong, help young representatives. Meetings are currently these qualities even when difficulties students in 202 cities in 27 states.) people focus on the positive steps they taking place from 3 to 5:00 p.m., every arise. They continue to be hopeful and This month’s column will focus can take to remedy the situation. Help Tuesday & Thursday at Parma Sr. H.S. optimistic, and believe they can make on Asset #37 Personal Power: them see how they can make a dif- Call Jean Micklewright at 440.336.0275 a difference. Having personal power means ference in their lives and the lives of or Kathy Hall at 440.842.7043 for Research shows the more young understanding and accepting the things others. details. people have a sense of power, purpose, we can and can’t control. You can find Also try this l Visiting this web page, http:// worth, and promise, the more likely a new job, work out a conflict, or move In your home and family: Teach www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Pro- they are to grow up healthy. Search to a new location if you choose. When your child practical skills, such as how gramGuides.aspx will give you links Institutehas identified these four assets young people feel empowered, they to change a tire, cook a meal, and sew to every library branches’ calendar in the Positive Identity category that feel more confident to make their own on a button. Well-prepared young peo- and printable Winter Quarter Pro- are crucial for helping young people: choices—to get good grades, participate ple are more likely to feel a sense of gram Guide. The County Library has #37 Personal Power – Young per- in activities they enjoy, and take action personal power. embraced Developmental Assets and son feels he or she has control over to find solutions to problems. In your neighborhood and com- is a truly wonderful resource for our “things that happen to me.” (42%*) Here are the facts: munity: Support young people’s efforts families. Give ‘em a visit. #38 Self-esteem – Young person Young people are more likely to to be industrious. For example, buy Share your asset building ideas reports having high self-esteem. (48*) grow up healthy if they feel a sense of lemonade from their lemonade stand, and/or thoughts about the develop- read their homemade newspaper, mental asset concept by visiting the and attend a play they put on in their “asset corner” facebook page. I’m Joint Replacement, Major garage. looking forward to hearing from you. In your school or youth program: Visit www2.parmacityschools. Challenge the young people in your org/assets or www.search-institute. Weight Loss Among Solutions class or program to come up with a org/assets for more information about creative way to raise money for an the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas For Healthy New Year underprivileged family or a charity for helping young people build them. in your area. Then put the plan into Or go here http://www.parentfurther. by CJ Sheppard Certified by the Joint Commission, the action. Serving others helps young com/ for great asset-based parenting Start the new year focusing on Joint Camp team works with patients people realize they can make a differ- tips, tricks, activities and ideas. good health. Parma Hospital has in advance of surgery to ensure that ence in the world, which gives them an upcoming sessions for individuals they are prepared for the road ahead. enormous sense of personal power. contemplating joint replacement sur- Call 440-743-4024 to register for ses- ASSET RELATED NEWS HELP WANTED! gery, as well as for those seeking to sions on January 7 or 21, from 2 to 4 l Don’t forget about Community Being busy is a good thing. lose weight, either through metabolic p.m. in Parma Hospital’s Auditorium. Ambassadors (www.ComAmb.org) & weight loss or bariatric surgery. Joint Camp also will be held on Febru- We are expanding our catering Parma Hts. Baptist Church collaborat- Joint Camp ensures optimal out- ary 4 and 18 and March 4 and 18. company and are in need of the ing to provide free homework help now comes for anyone considering joint For those looking for a physician- following part-time to possible for kids in grades K - 12. Assistance is replacement surgery, such as a total supervised weight loss program with full time positions: being provided every Wednesday eve- hip, knee or shoulder replacement, proven results, look no further than Prep cook and prep staff ning, from 7:15 to 8:15 pm, at the CA with one of the highly skilled ortho- the Metabolic Clinic at Parma Hospi- Dishwashers location in Parmatown Mall next to pedic surgeons at Parma Hospital. tal. New Direction gives you the tools Servers Payless Shoes. For additional infor- to manage weight loss and carve out a Looking for motivated self-starters mation contact, Jeff Van Putten at New Outpatient Center healthier future. Attend an orientation who can work flexible hours, and in a 440.886.6100 or [email protected]. class on January 2 or February 6 at the coordinated group. Opens On Parma l More news from Community Metabolic Clinic, MAC 2, Suite 303. Hospital Campus Ambassadors…..In 2013, Community Contact: 216.799.8844 Call 440-743-2995 for more informa- Ambassadors is launching HEROES, a and have your resume ready. continued from page 4 tion. while also recruiting additional quality For people whose dieting and physicians.” exercise activities have not effectively "Correct the Cause and the Pain goes away Naturally!" Finally, on the most recent addi- managed their excess weight, bariat- tion of a new Chief Nursing Officer, ric surgery provides an effective and Dr. Robb J. Baker, D.C. Deis said: “Sharon is an experienced proven method for weight loss when 5810 Pearl Rd. nurse executive with a strong repu- other methods have failed. Come to a Parma, Ohio 44130 tation for improving the patient free informative program, Weight Loss experience and employee engagement. Solutions, on either January 15 or Feb- 440-888-6979 We expect she will have an immedi- ruary 19 at 7 p.m. in Parma Hospital’s http://docbaker.net ate dramatic and positive effect on our Auditorium. Register by calling 440- organization and our community.” 743-2900. Honesty, Integrity, Honor, and Clinical Excellence

Join the Discussion at: www.parmaobserver.com Page 6 The Parma Observer Vol 05, Issue 1 January, 2013

Inspiration

birth, with the evil King Herod the Celebrate The New Year With Mary First who sought to protect his dynasty against any future coups. In secular by Kathryn Yates season doesn’t end the day after Christ- time, he seemed to succeed. The Hero- For some, nothing rings more hol- mas with an Americanized version of dian dynasty reigned for quite a while lowly than the ringing in of a new year. Boxing Day, or even on January 2nd, (34 BCE to 92 CE) despite heinous acts Who hasn’t grappled with the meaning when many return to work. of bloodshed that included the killings of yet another cork-popping, ball-drop- Consider Liturgical time as an of his wife and two sons - King Herod ping, Cinderella hour Yippee! all to alternative to our own secular and himself having died a horrible death mark the passage of time? Even more rather banal ordinary time and its’ in 4 BCE covered in worms from what perplexing is the next day’s celebration attendant traditions. Beginning in scholars believed to be scabies. Suc- in which, again, nothing has occurred Advent, the Blessed Virgin becomes ceeded by three sons who ruled his except more passage of time in the endangered with impending ston- kingdom as a tetrarchy, it is thought that framework of “new time” – an excellent ing when she reveals her pregnancy to his son, Herod Antipas, was the ruler day to do absolutely nothing construc- Joseph who then sought a quiet divorce of Galilee at the time of Christ’s teach- tive, like watch football. The pagan god from his engagement. Many Catholics ing and death. The dynasty ended with Janus is often referred to at this time today still confuse the feast day of the the death of Herod’s great-grandson, because he had two heads enabling him Immaculate Conception on Decem- Agrippa II, in 92 CE. to see both the past and the future and ber the 8th as the day commemorating Having been elected to the position Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. the first calendar month of the New Year Mary’s conception of Jesus, which it is of “King of the Jews” by the Roman Sen- Charles Borromeo Parish was named after him. And indeed, that not. It is the Immaculate Conception ate in 39 to 40 BC, Herod (a self-styled is what many attempt to do in our soci- of Mary by her mother, St. Anne, that is Jew, not considered to be a true Jew by ety today. Built into this cork-popping, actually celebrated, a distinctly Catho- the Pharisaic tradition) ordered the kill- football watching, goodie-eating spell culture more than any Christian would lic belief. As a side note, one priest ing of all male infants under the age of of leisure and kissing, psychics will be like to admit. But there is more to this stated recently: There is no such thing two in the little town of Bethlehem upon called upon to give their projections, as time of year than the accumulation of as an “immaculate reception” – there hearing through the Magi that another well as the economists, and the old year traditions, steeped in entertainment is nothing clean about catching a pig’s “King of the Jews” was to be born in his will be recapped in all its awfulness and and pleasure. There is, we intellectual- skin covered in blood, sweat, and dirt! kingdom. Disputed by historians today, glory. We are reminded of Janus in our ize, the reason for the season, and that Tragedy follows the glory of Christ’s as Josephus Flavius the historian didn’t mention the massacre in his accounts, the reality of the event is preserved in Empowerment Rally Matthew’s writings and the number murdered is placed at approximately up against bullying and drugs and School. With much help from the com- by Jennifer Smolinski twenty infants in the city of Bethlehem Midtown Towers Apartments encourage involvement in positive pro- munity we were able to raise $876.00 with more in the surrounding vicinity. with Forest City Enterprises hosted grams around the community. which was donated to Robby’s Voice. The Catholic Church commemorates and Empowerment Rally on Saturday, The event was held at the new Robby's Voice is a Non-profit this day as the Feast of the Holy Inno- November 17, 2012. This rally was held Parma Area Family Collaborative build- organization designed to educate the cents on December 28th. to empower our community to speak ing which is the old Hanna Elementary public on drug awareness and preven- This year, one cannot help but to tion. http://www.robbysvoice.com/ draw parallels of the massacre of twenty This event also aided All Faiths children gunned down in Sandy Hook, What's Right? What's Wrong? Pantry http://allfaithspantry.org/ and Connecticut on December 14th, 2012 by Daniel Taddeo loving, pleasing); and of good report Cub Scout Pack 24 with canned food with that of the Holy Innocents. The evil Relationships: Relationships are (beneficial, prudent, suitable). and peanut butter totaling 364 items. of King Herod seems to surface in the connections between people, places, Avoiding the negative aspects of Activities included: bracelet mak- acts of a lone gunman over 2000 years and things and how they relate to one conduct is a great enhancement to ing with B-W University, fingerprinting later. The intercession of the Blessed another. They can be voluntary or building meaningful relationships. In and Photo I.D.'s for the children with Virgin is needed more than ever in our involuntary, positive or negative, con- Ephesians 4:31-32 we read, “Let all bit- Parma Auxiliary Police, Cub Scouts culture. On May 13, 1846, the third ses- structive or destructive. terness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil practiced knot tying with attendees, sion of the Sixth Provincial Council There are good relationships but no speaking be put away from you, with all and COX Communication was our DJ. held in Baltimore decreed the Blessed perfect ones because there are no per- malice. And be kind to one another, ten- Sponsors and Supporters included: Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, to fect people. The challenge is to nurture derhearted, forgiving one another, even ABC Rental, ABLE, Adams Building be the Patroness of the United States the best relationships possible with fam- as God in Christ forgave you.” Should Company, Advanced Asphalt Paving, of America. On May 8th, 2012, Cath- ily members, friends and coworkers. we not adhere to this instruction, we not Inc., All Faiths Pantry, All Trade Con- olic churches in America celebrated I want to focus here on people rela- only hurt ourselves and others, but also tracting Inc., American International her Immaculate Conception, though tionships that are voluntary, positive we displease God. Construction, Baldwin-Wallace Uni- church attendance did not reflect the and constructive. What are the ingredi- As important as it is to have a lov- versity Public Relations Center, Carpet numbers of registered Catholics. It was a ents of such relationships? What follows ing relationship with people, it is even Advantage, Characters Sports Bar and Holy Day of Obligation, as is New Year’s is my attempt to answer this question. more critical that every individual Grill, Community Business Schools Part- Day – the feast of the Solemnity of Mary Six guiding principles in estab- experience a personal relationship with nership, COX Communications, Inc., celebrated every January 1st. lishing healthy relationships appear in the God of Scripture. Better to have a Cub Scout Pack 24, Cuyahoga Public In Liturgical time, the Christmas the Bible in the fourth chapter of Phi- personal relationship with Him than Library, Drug Awareness & Prevention, Season begins with the first Sunday in lippians, where we are encouraged to to attend church and not have it. Of For Rent Media Solutions, Franco’s Pizza, Advent, a time of trial and tribulation as meditate on any virtue and anything course, having it and attending church Parma Area Family Collaborative, Parma witnessed through the events surround- praiseworthy, including the follow- would be even more beneficial. City Schools, Parma Auxiliary Police, ing the Nativity, culminates in the birth ing: whatever things are true (accurate, Cultivating voluntary, positive, Parma Fire, Parma Police Department, of Christ on December 25th, and ends factual, genuine); noble (honorable, constructive personal relationships Phil Vedda & Sons, Robby’s Voice, Stan- with the Feast of the Three Kings, usu- sincere, trustworthy); just (honest, helps make the impossible possible. cato’s, State Farm Insurance, Subway, ally celebrated January 6th. There are impartial, lawful); pure (moral, sin- Life is all about relationships. 107.3 The Wave, West Creek Preservation three Holy Days of Obligation in this less, uncorrupted); lovely (enjoyable, & 40 Developmental Assets. period, a very intense and rich period of Midtown would like to thank all of Catholic teaching and a time for intense the supporters and sponsors who aided CHALASINSKI INSURANCE GROUP LLC prayer as well. Liturgical time is some- in preperation and execution of the event. SR-22 Bond thing to reflect on – it puts our history With your help we had over 100 attend- Auto, Home, Renter, Commercial, Life Insurance into perspective, and with practice, ees at the Empowerment Rally. We are Senior Security grounds us in our faith, giving meaning pleased to call it a success. This event was “MOWIMY PO POLSKU” to time. Without it, you may as well be a open to the public and we will continue to football, or a glittery ball that is watched www.ThomasChalasinski.com make improvements for next year’s rally. world-wide as it descends at the stroke www.ChalasinskiInsuranceGroup.com We look forward to seeing you next year of midnight...both are as hollow as the and continuing our movement against Call Me Today & Save 440.838.5383 word "holiday" suggests. drugs and bullying year round.

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Parma’s City Beat Worldstock's City Beat by Wayne Mesker education, counseling and outreach to Due to my interest & involvement all school-age children and to "at-risk" in community issues, politics & larger youth. It would include members of social issues, I have three recent events government, law enforcement, media, and an important “Initiative” to report educators, social work/ psychology and about, so welcome to Worldstock's City the community. I had an initial meet- Beat. ing with State Rep. Nick J. Celebrezze early last March and he promised to Steve Gall help, but that's as far as we got. Chil- On Sunday, Dec. 9th , I attended dren "live what they learn" and we need the swearing-in ceremony for Steven E. to Reach Our Children now before it's Gall as Judge of the Cuyahoga County too late. Common Pleas Court , held in the It's going to take a village to "Reach Council Chambers at Parma City Hall. Our Children." I’m hoping that we will Cited as being calm and stead- Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Steven Gall stands with those whom he cred- be able to start by holding a “Commu- fast in his handling of pressure and its with helping him to persuade voters to vote him into office in November of 2012. nity Forum” in Parma sometime in high profile cases during his career as the near future to initiate a dialogue a prosecutor, Judge Gall was described A return to the value system "our" between committed individuals to by friends & colleagues as a dedicated, Parma City Council parents, teachers and society taught us begin formulating a plan. caring and compassionate individual On Monday, Dec. 17th , I attended in the 1950s and '60s. https://www.facebook.com/ who will be an asset to the Court. After the Parma City Council meeting in This initiative would encompass events/230083400457761/ taking the oath of office, he was visibly order to hear from Roy Williams. Roy is moved to tears as he spoke about the the V.P. of new Parmatown Mall own- campaign and the election, thanking ers, Phillips Edison. Although they are all that had a hand in his victor . headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company also has Ohio offices in Friends of Parma Theater Cincinnati. Mr. Williams himself is On Saturday, Dec. 15th, I rode a an Ohioan, having grown up in Root- bus to the Gordon Square Arts District stown. The company is very excited to in Cleveland with our citizens commit- be here and looking forward to being tee from Friends Of Parma Theater to an "active" partner in our community. tour their Capitol Theatre and to have A future interview with Mr. Williams a conversation with Detroit Shoreway will be forthcoming. Community Development Organiza- We also were treated to an information executive director Jeff Ramsey. tive presentation by Frank Greenland, Mr. Ramsey was very hospitable who is the Director of Watershed Pro- and helpful as he welcomed our group grams of Northeast Ohio Regional into his offices in the renovated Gor- Sewer District. Mr. Greenland don Square Arcade building. He did answered questions by Councilwomen his best to answer all of our questions Mary Galinas, Debbie Lime and Coun- Common Pleas Judge Steven Gall stands with former Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and offer advice on where to seek fur- cil President Sean Brennan. Bill Mason. ther help and answers. Thanks to Mr. "One Heartbeat" ROCKS (Reach- Ramsey and thanks to Ward 2 Coun- ing Our Children with Kindness & Changes Coming To GED Test In 2014 cilwoman Debbie Lime for arranging Sensitivity) no longer be offered on paper. Also, the trip and meeting . Just after the tragedy in Chardon by Valerie Jerome the format is to change from mul- You can keep up with Friends Of last year, an idea came to me to enlist tiple choice to fill-in-the-blank, short Parma Theater on Facebook at https:// people to form a plan: There are big changes coming to answer and extended response ques- www.facebook.com/FriendsOfParma- "One Heartbeat" ROCKS the GED (General Educational Devel- tions. Theater or on our developing website, (Reaching Our Children with opment) test in 2014: the price is set But, that’s not all. The current test www.friendsofparmatheater.com. Kindness & Sensitivity) to triple in cost from $40 to $120; the test will be computer-based and will is scheduled to end on December 31, Free Adult Education Classes 2013. If the test-taker has not passed one or more parts of the test, beginning 7335 Ridge Road, Parma by Valerie Jerome Orientation: 9 a.m., Monday, January 1, 2014, the examinee will need Orientation: 9:30 a.m., Monday, GED Preparatory Classes January 14 to take the entire new test. Prior scores January 14 Employment Connection - Brookpark Class: 9-11:30 a.m., Monday will not be counted. Class: 9:30 a.m. – noon, Monday and 11699 Brookpark Road, Parma and Friday The Parma City Schools Adult Wednesday Orientation: 8:30 a.m., Cuyahoga County Public Library Education Services Department offers ESOL Classes (English for Speakers second Thursday of each month Parma-South Branch free test preparation classes at 20 sites of Other Languages) Class: 9 a.m. – Noon or 1– 4 p.m., 7335 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129 located throughout Greater Cleveland. Employment Connection - Brookpark Tuesday and Friday Orientation: Noon, Monday, In Parma and Parma Heights, 11699 Brookpark Road, Parma GED-IT: January 14 classes are held at Cuyahoga Com- Orientation: 1 p.m., second Thursday Wednesday, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Class: Noon-2:30 p.m., Monday munity College Western Campus, of each month Valley Forge High School, 9999 Inde- and Wednesday Valley Forge High School and Class: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. pendence Blvd., Parma Heights Cuyahoga County Public Library Cuyahoga County Library Parma- – Noon or 1 – 4 p.m. Orientation: 6:30 p.m., Parma Heights Branch South Branch. Students must attend Valley Forge High School Tuesday, January 8 6206 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, an orientation session to register for 9999 Independence Blvd., Class: 6:30 – 9 p.m., Tuesday Orientation: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, class. Parma Heights, OH 44130 and Thursday January 15 For more class and test informa- Orientation: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, GED-IT: Class: 9:30 a.m. –noon, Tuesday tion, please visit the Adult Education January 8 Wednesday, 6:30 – 9 p.m., and Thursday Department at www.parmacityschools. Class: 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesday Tri-C Western Campus C118 Cuyahoga County Public Library org or call 440-885-8797. 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma, and Thursday Parma-Ridge Branch Orientation: 9 a.m., ESOL-IT 5850 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129 Saturday, January 12 Class: 6:30 – 9 p.m., Wednesday Orientation: Call 440-885-8797 to register for class. For more infor- Class: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday Cuyahoga County Public Library ESOL-IT: mation, please visit Adult Education Cuyahoga County Library Parma-Snow Branch 9:30 a.m. – Noon, Wednesday Services at parmacityschools.org or call Parma-South Branch 1700 Snow Road, Parma Students must attend an orientation 440-885-8797.

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Perspective Part One The Elephant In The Room (That Everyone Ignores)

by Lee Kamps health insurance program designed That means that whoever meets the form eligibility and benefits all across the I am sure that most people have to provide the poor and indigent with eligibility criteria can qualify for Med- nation; Medicaid is jointly administered heard that expression used to describe medical care. It was passed at the same icaid. While Medicare is an insurance and funded by the federal government and a problem or an issue that seems large time as Medicare on July 30 1965. Like program, Medicaid is a welfare pro- the individual states. Therefore Medicaid and difficult to face or solve as “an ele- Medicare, Medicaid became effective gram that is funded completely from eligibility as well as benefits can vary con- phant in the room”. That describes the on July 1 1966. Unlike Medicare which general revenues. Unlike Medicare siderably among the individual states. situation involving Medicaid. is earned by participation in the work which is administered by the Social During the next year, there will be Medicaid is the federal and state force, Medicaid is a true entitlement. Security Administration and has uni- a lot of talk and discussion on the role of Medicaid as the Affordable Care Act Forget Diamonds, Santa Baby-- (”Obamacare”) takes effect on January 1 2014. A key provision of the act is the A Decent Job Is This Girl's Best Friend expansion of Medicaid to cover more peo- by Brigitte Gerard So I’m not too sympathetic to people for the dignity, comfort and status ple, especially those who are uninsured. I don’t share the common “gim- who rely on the government to pay people achieve by working. Wash- Right now in order to qualify for Medic- mee” mentality, which rewards lots theirs, feed their kids for them, give ington wants to punish business aid, one must be either over age 65, totally of people who don’t produce much them a phone and free service, free people with a confiscatory tax code, and permanently disabled, legally blind, with their lives, except for illegitimate medical care, especially when those crippling the very people who can pregnant, caring for dependent children or children. I don’t want government people display an entitled attitude, help me help myself remain indepen- a child under age 18 and have income and assistance; I want a stable, full-time job aren’t looking for a job and are produc- dent and free. resources below the standard for eligibility. that pays a living wage. I want indepen- ing more children they can’t support. Jacqueline Novogratz is a woman This leaves out many single adults dence, self-reliance, resourcefulness, Yeah, I know a lot of those people get who understands how to help people as well as adults who do not have minor and confidence. They are the mark of a job because they can’t read, write help themselves. She is the founder children since if they are not disabled, free and strong people, who exhibit or speak English properly or do basic and CEO of Acumen Fund, which not legally blind or under age 65; at the and exercise them. math. The government pays for free helps people in the developing world present those individuals cannot qualify Government assistance in most training for those people to acquire rise above poverty by making small for Medicaid no matter how low their cases isn’t a realistic way to cultivate those skills so they can get a job, even loans to them for starting businesses, income may be. In addition the Medic- these characteristics. It’s more likely though the government had already enabling them to provide goods and aid eligibility limit of income for a single that people on assistance become dis- provided a free education to them as services and create wealth with and for adult in Ohio is only $631 per month satisfied, demanding, lazy, envious, children to get those skills. each other. This isn’t a freebie. Acumen (67% of the federal poverty level). jealous and covetous, and that they Our government is like Santa Claus: Fund requires sustainable business In 2014 under the ACA, the require- stay on assistance as a way of life for generous (and paternalistic, another plans and repayment schedules from ment for eligibility for Medicaid will be generations. Sure, some people break forgotten word) with its gifts. And yes, its loan recipients. Using market ori- based only on income and resources. free of that, but they’re rare. gifts are things that are not earned. ented approaches (capitalism, in other The income limit for Medicaid eligi- I want a job that enhances my auton- These governmental gifts are not unlike words), the fund has created more than bility will be increased to 133% of the omy. Anyone remember that word? I’m the presents a kept woman (yet another 20,000 jobs and has changed lives in federal poverty level. For a single adult, an independent, colorful woman, but archaic term) receives from a man with Africa and Asia, especially for women. that translates to a monthly income working several part time jobs is exhaust- whom she has a secret relationship. Here in America, we have under $1264 per month, literally a dou- ing and leaves very little time for taking Ho, ho, ho, indeed. decades of housing projects, illit- bling of the income level for Medicaid care of a household, spending time with Our government is subsidizing eracy, innumeracy, illegitimacy, eligibility right now in Ohio. Obviously my son and our friends and engaging my and perpetuating poverty. At the same unemployment, hopelessness, anger this increase in the income for Medicaid self-reliance and resourcefulness. It saps time, it’s punishing people who create and envy. Thank, but no thanks, eligibility will make many more people my confidence and makes it hard for me jobs and business opportunities. These Santa. I’d rather have a decent job eligible for Medicaid. This will increase to grab hold of personal and professional are the people who can help me get than what you’re offering. the amount of money necessary to cover opportunities I would otherwise jump on. back into the middle class, where work Gimmee liberty or gimmee all those people who will be on Medicaid. If I don’t work, I can’t pay my rent. is valued not only for its own sake, but death. However under the ACA, the federal government will pick up 100% of the cost to the states of expanding the Medicaid eligibility initially. But the federal share will decrease gradually until the states will be picking up more of the costs by 2018. When the Supreme Court made its decision upholding the ACA, the decision left it up to the states whether or not to go along with the Medicaid expansion under the act. Currently Ohio has not yet made any decision whether or not to go along with the Medicaid expansion. If Ohio does not go along with the Medic- aid expansion, it stands to lose millions of federal dollars that would be available to fund the Medicaid program as well as having more of its citizens uninsured. Uninsured people cause health care costs for the rest of us to increase since hospitals and medical practices pass through those costs for uncompensated care to those who have the ability to pay. The source for the information is through the official Medicaid website http://www.medicaid.gov/AffordableC- areAct/Affordable-Care-Act.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicaid . Next month I will have more to say about how Medicaid dollars are being spent in part two.

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Perspective Why Meat, Animal Product Consumption Causes Most Suffering Worldwide by Lucy Mckernan 8) All living creatures suffer escape Karma. If you purchase prod- includes animal products. No vegan apologist am I! because flora worldwide has declined ucts made from animals, or engage in The only thing you'll have to sac- It's time to say it like it is: meat precipitously; our rainforests have been activities that harm them, including rifice? The myth that eating animal and other animal products (eggs, all clear cut to grow livestock feed. Birds are but not limited to: eggs, dairy, meat, products – perpetuated by their pro- dairy, fish) is THE LEADING CAUSE at least 10 percent declined. We've never fur, gelatin, leather, fish, medical and/ ducers – is somehow healthier, when OF SUFFERING ON THIS, MY, OUR seen this fast a rate of species extinction or cosmetics tested on animals, wool, mounting, overwhelming evidence PLANET. Here's why: at any time in history. Birds, deer, fish silk, feathers of any kind, pay to go to continues to turn up everywhere you 1) In the U.S. alone, 10 billion ani- and all that creeps, flies and swims suf- circuses, water "sport" shows with sea look. Isn’t it ironic to think that all mals suffer and die horribly annually fer, and so will we; so are we. creatures, any zoo or show of any kind this untold suffering was for nothing? for food consumption; the numbers 9) The web of life means that all we that uses or exploits animals, you have No one needs meat, eggs or dairy. If worldwide are staggering. If it's true do comes back to us. If you choose to harmed them, and you cannot hope to you would like to learn the truth about that "the moral progress of a nation can eat meat and ignore the plight of other escape harm unless you now go vegan. animal products, I recommend the be judged by the way it treats its ani- humans and animals on this planet, 11) Eating a plant-based diet an film Forks Over Knives or Peaceable mals," we're going to be screwed; oh, you are no better than the 1% ultra rich single-handedly do away with coro- Kingdom as well as Peaceable King- wait, we already are. who lords it over the rest of us finan- nary heart disease, diabetes, many dom: The Journey Home. Another 2) It has been cross-culturally cially, because you are doing greater forms of cancer, premature death, great source for medical health via a established and confirmed: CO2 emis- harm. depression and anxiety, and a host of vegan diet would have to be any issue sions/greenhouse gases from livestock 10) Karma is a cross-cultural other medical conditions plaguing of Physicians for Responsible Medicine are TWENTY-FIVE TIMES greater belief and phenomenon; you cannot those practicing the western diet which magazine. than all other sources; and animal farming now officially is considered to be the leading cause of CO2 emissions; Doro Pesch: 30 Years & Still Banging Heads the only way around this is a plant- by Bryan N Griffin Jr and backing vocals. Joe Taylor plays based, vegan diet. 2013 will mark the 30th anniver- guitars and back up vocals. Johnny 3) The amount of fresh water and sary of German metal vocalist Doro Dee does drums. Oliver Politai per- crops to feed livestock used for meat far Pesch. During her tenure, she has forms on keyboards and guitars. Bas exceeds that required to feed the world, performed with the band, Warlock Maas (seriously, that is his real name) and offer the over 1B without water the (Personally, one of my all-time favorite also shreads on the axe, meaning he H20 they need for health and safety. metal bands). It started in 1983 with plays guitar. Human starvation and waterborne dis- BURNING THE WITCHES. Three Doro will be performing in Cleve- ease would be eliminated if everyone other albums followed, which were land at Peabody's on Sunday, February practiced vegan diet. HELLBOUND, TRUE AS STEEL, and 10th, with another female led heavy 4) Soil and crops are completely TRIUMPH AND AGONY. After 1988, metal band, called Sister Sin, a Swed- degraded around the world for soy, she broke up and went on her own, and ish group featuring Liv Jagrell behind corn, etc. crops to feed livestock. called her act, DORO. the mike. Peabody's is located in 5) Eating meat may well be one of Doro is one of the pioneers of Downtown Cleveland, near Cleve- the reasons for so many conflicts over female driven heavy metal, along but it is a damn good album. The land State University on the corner "illegal" immigrants in America. The with Lita Ford, former guitarist record starts with the longer title track, of Euclid Avenue and East 21st, just film Fast Food Nation spells it out: of an all-female hard rock group, Raise Your First In The Air. From behind Rascal House Pizza (excel- immigrants work in the most danger- called The Runaways (featuring Joan first to last track, it kicks some serious lent pizza joint). Tickets are $15 if you ous, deadly jobs anywhere, and are Jett). Unlike Ford, though, Doro lasted metal derriere, with a couple of ballads plan ahead, or $18 on the day of the routinely exploited by our government the longest. Since that time, Doro has in between, like It Still Hurts, featuring show. Doors open up at 7pm. Shows for meat packing and slaughtering. inspired other women to get into the Lemmy from punk metal band, Moto- usually start and 8pm. 6) Meat and other animal products heavy metal music business. She is rhead. http://www.sistersin.com/ http:// consumption exacerbate the wealth loved by many all over the world with Doro's current band line-up con- www.doromusic.de/ http://www.pea- gap worldwide. such songs as Fur Immer, All We Are, sists of Nick Douglas at bass, keyboards, bodys.com/ 7) Fish is no longer safe, not even and many others. Doro has performed fish harvested in deep, cold ocean at the world famous Wacken Open Air waters because of mercury and other Festival in Germany numerous times. contaminants. Over-harvesting of fish In November of last year, Doro in the Pacific Northwest caused a mor- put out her most recent album, RAISE atorium there on the market. YOUR FIRST. Pardon my German,

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Caregiver’s Kitchen Caregiver's Kitchen: Gentle Help For Loss by Patty Knox about their life and all the times you now, so make it top priority to take all business as usual routines. True Those who have lost a loved one had together. It would be unnatural the time to write down everything you friends will understand. The oth- and are marking the first Christmas not to be distracted from the normal remember. Trust me, now is the best ers will have to deal with it. You have without their cherished family mem- tempo of daily life. It is a good time to time. It will honor the life of the one a right to do what you have to do, for ber know that it is hard to find joy in pay tribute by going through old pho- who has passed into eternity. your own sanity’s sake. I let two Christ- the Christmas carols they hear. The tographs, writing down recollections Now, for you. If, as a caregiver, you mases go by with no decorations in my multicolored lights seem to mock grief. of things the person said, a timeline of have lost the one you have been car- own home after each of my parents There was nothing Merry about this your relationship with that unique per- ing for, you are not immune --even died, because it felt right to observe a Christmas. son noting corresponding approximate if it is your profession as a nurse aide Blue Christmas without them. Give Take heart. There are many others dates of shared experiences, highlights -- from feeling the impact of the loss. yourself time. who know how you feel. It is a sad fact of your times together, and what he or Especially if it was someone related to Blue moods call out for comfort of life that the older we get, the more she meant to you personally. As time you, it is important to take time out to food. Warm, consoling, friendly family relatives and friends we know who have goes on, those memories will become absorb the loss. You can’t expect to go recipes. Baked anything. Cabbage and died. When it is someone especially less painful and more sweet, until they on as if nothing has happened. Most noodles. Soups, stews, homemade maca- close to you, a parent, sibling or good will bring a smile to your face. But your people have the problem with their roni and cheese made with cream, butter friend, it is natural to pause and think memory will never be better than it is employers not allowing enough time and twice as much grated cheddar cheese for bereavement days off after a key as the recipe calls for. Virtually anything person in your life has died. Make no white: pasta, homemade bread, baked mistake, the grieving process cannot be potatoes, gooey melted mozzarella, as rushed. It takes its time, whether you much French vanilla ice cream as you like it or not. You have to go through want. Throw a pot chuck roast seasoned mourning your loss, and every person with salt, pepper and a little Worches- is different. The notorious five stages tershire sauce together with carrots, of grief, in whatever order they present potatoes and onions in a pot with about themselves, are a common part of the an inch of water in the bottom, tightly human experience. Allow yourself to seal with foil and bake it for a couple grieve. What you resist, persists. hours at 325 degrees until it comes apart Because of recent events on a with a fork. Almost no effort, which is all national scale, for the first time in the energy you have right now. Bake your modern history we, as a country, are favorite cookie, if you’re up to it. If not, mourning the loss of twenty little chil- there’s always Malley’s milk chocolate, dren. The slaughter of the innocents. my personal coping device. What is hardest is that we may never Take out the photographs of your know why. One cannot make sense of loved one, when you’re ready, try to some tragedies. At least when Herod pinpoint the year, the occasion, the killed every baby boy under the age of memory you have of that time, and two years old throughout his kingdom, write it down. Revisit those memories as to make sure to kill the promised Mes- often as you like. When they cause you siah who had been born, it had a certain more joy than pain, when they bring logic. It seemed a sure way to accom- a smile to your face instead of tears to plish his goal. But God sent a messenger your eyes, you will know that you have angel who compelled Joseph to escape gotten through the worst part of grief. to Egypt, and Joseph obeyed, which glo- Psalm 51: 12 says it best, as the psalmist rified God. Still, the slaughter left many begs the Lord: “Restore unto me the joy Hebrew families in mourning. of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy Allow yourself a “time out” from willing spirit.” He can, and he will.

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Parma Observer

pendently and is well on her road to Art Therapy At Pleasant Lake Villa: recovery. She’s still working on her art and has returned to another favor- Inspiring Hope And Promoting Healing ite hobby — racing her 1993 Ford Mustang. She’s planning to return to by Jennifer Keirn Pleasant Lake Villa soon as a volunteer Exceptional patient care and rich in the art therapy program. quality of life are the hallmarks of life “Georgeta has been given a gift,” at Pleasant Lake Villa, a skilled nursing says Judy. “We became a family. That’s facility that consistently earns the high- what distinguishes it from other pro- est ranking of five stars from the Centers grams.” for Medicare and Medicaid Services The Value of Art Therapy (CMS). One of the ways that Pleas- • A 1997 study of elderly nursing ant Lake Villa creates this top-ranked home residents who participated in a environment is through a unique art pottery class showed a boost in self- therapy program that inspires hope and esteem and a reduction in anxiety. promotes healing through painting, (Source: Art Therapy: The Journal of drawing and crafting. the Art Therapy Association) When Judy Presley arrived at Pleas- • Cancer patients who participated ant Lake Villa in February 2012, she’d in four months of art therapy reported already endured multiple hospitaliza- less tiredness, anxiety, depression and tions and eight surgeries for treatment other quality-of-life factors. (Source: of a diabetic ulcer on her foot. She feared American Journal of Pain and Symp- the possibility of an amputation and was say they are artists.” during World War II. She comes to tom Management) losing hope in her prospect of recovery. Dennis Kancler has noticed a sig- class as often as possible, sometimes • Patients with dementia have been That’s until Judy was fortunate enough nificant change in his mother Virginia twice a day. Georgeta’s studio is filled shown to improve in reminiscence to take a room just across the hall from since she began participating in the with the artwork of Pleasant Lake through art therapy that might not be Pleasant Lake Villa’s art studio, where art therapy program. “My mother has Villa residents, including painted and possible verbally. (Source: Art Ther- art therapist Georgeta Enesel gently so much creativity that we never saw sketched portraits, abstract art, crafted apy: The Journal of the Art Therapy encouraged her to try an art class. “That until she came to Georgeta’s class,” angels and circular mandalas. Every Association) class was the start of making me feel like • Observation of a group of elderly I wanted to go on and I wanted to heal,” patients in a long term care facility says Judy. “Georgeta was the person who demonstrated the ability of art therapy started that feeling for me.” to help patients cope with the chal- The art therapy program that lenges of aging. (Source: Geriatric Georgeta leads for Pleasant Lake Villa Nursing) residents is much more than just • A case study of a stroke patient classes. Her approach encourages inde- who participated in 10 weeks of art pendence, stimulates the mind and therapy showed increases in visual per- gives residents a chance to express ception and cognition, as well as motor themselves creatively when verbal activity and function. (Source: Art communication becomes difficult. Therapy: The Journal of the Art Ther- “Where the mind goes, the body apy Association) follows,” says Georgeta, who came to • Art therapy dates back to the the United States 10 years ago after 30 1940s and today is used widely in years as an art teacher in Romania. “It schools, mental health facilities, pris- stimulates their emotions and gives ons, long term care facilities and in them a chance to be part of the com- treatment of a wide variety of illnesses munity. Each of their personalities and disabilities. comes through in their art.” Many residents are hesitant when says Dennis. “Once she started the year, Pleasant Lake Villa residents enter Georgeta first invites them to class. program, I’ve never seen her happier.” their artwork in the Cuyahoga County “They say, ‘no, I am not an artist.’ They Virginia mixed media artwork reflects Fair’s art competition, and many come are afraid,” she says. “But step-by-step her rich memories of a full life, includ- home with blue ribbons. they get involved and become proud to ing her years as a dancer in the USO “Even if they don’t have a professional technique, the art is coming from the soul, from the heart, through the fingers to the paper,” Georgeta says. “They have a feeling that ‘I did that!’" Georgeta is full of stories of other patients at Pleasant Lake Villa who have benefited from her art therapy program. Patients who once watched her classes passively are now active participants. One 91-year-old patient with dementia regained the ability to write through painting. Patients with macular degeneration and even blind- ness have found new ways to express themselves. Judith is now living inde-

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Parma Observer Friends Of Parma Theater Begin First Of Many Fact Finding Tours continued from page 1 We in Parma are far more fortu- the earliest days of the Capitol Theatre, nate; we have a great neighborhood as well as detailed descriptions of how in the Polish Village District in the the theater was systematically restored Ridge and Snow Rd. area, with an his- and redesigned. toric theater that we hope to acquire We proceeded to tour the fantasti- and transform into what we believe cally restored, renovated and preserved will be an equally successful anchor Gordon Square Arcade building, where of what should be an emerging Arts the Detroit Shoreway Community community right here in Parma, which Development Organization maintains the citizens of the seventh largest city their offices. In a conference room there, in the state most certainly deserve, our group had what I would describe as and will have it if they want it. Fur- an incredibly informative meeting with ther missions are planned, and since Executive Director Jeff Ramsey, where so many communities have risen to he patiently listened to our story, offered the challenge of redeveloping their many insightful, very useful suggestions neighborhood assets, we have only to as to how we might approach our chal- blueprint for how we should proceed charts, and stunning photographs of listen to their advice and study what lenges and opportunities concerning as time goes forward- all this while the success that has been enjoyed by this they have achieved in order for us to what we are trying to achieve, and pro- drinking fine coffee with delicious pas- dedicated group committed to foster- navigate a meaningful path to success. vided what I would consider a working tries, surrounded by impressive graphs, ing positive group in their community. Want to help? You are cordially invited What struck me most was the photos to join us. of the neighborhood of West 65th. and Detroit in 1979 when the group was formed. The tops of some of the build- ings were damaged to the point where it appeared to be as in photos of war- torn places. I have to dig deep into my memory from that time, and then looking around at what they have accomplished in this same neighborhood, realize what is Audience members were beginning to file in for a morning matinee showing of the possible. A fact finding mission bus tour on December 15th. with film "A Christmas Story" (filmed in Cleveland) while our tour was being conducted. members of the Friends of the Parma Theater. Excellence You Can Trust for Skilled Rehabilitation Services

Nursing Home Rating Report is incorporating data reported through 11/1/2012. Visit www.medicare.gov/NHCompare for more information. Another reason to choose

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