Parma Heights highlights holiday events, senior meals and rising library use

Recreation and city officials told the Parma Heights City Council on Nov. 28 that seasonal programming and senior services are active and well-attended.

Recreation Director Allen said the city's tree-lighting event the prior evening drew "a little over 200 people," noting performances by Parma Park Elementary and Valley Forge choirs, a cast appearance from Cassidy Theatre and community participation. The director said the city provided an Advent calendar activity for attending children and that Breakfast with Santa, scheduled for Dec. 11, is sold out. Spring registration for youth baseball, softball, T-ball and soccer opens Feb. 1.

Mayor Marie Gallo updated council on community services: the previously adopted Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CBSG awards should arrive within a week; the decision on a Recreational Trails grant for the Nathan Hale Basin remains pending. She said the Senior Center served and delivered 1,220 meals over the last two weeks, arranged extra holiday deliveries and organized trips and events for seniors in partnership with local schools and organizations. "Library traffic at the Parma Heights Branch has increased 40%, circulation is up 17% and we're expanding programs," the mayor said, noting collaborations with the Cassidy Theatre and the recreation department.

Service Director Robert Sepik reported ongoing leaf collection and noted that a damaged sign at Kurtz Park will be replaced at the at-fault party's expense; he also commended staff who found and returned a wallet containing cash and identification to a resident.

Council members praised the recreation team for the tree-lighting. Councilwoman DeSouza called the event "wonderful" and "flawless," and Councilwoman Maruschak echoed the compliment.

The meeting's remaining business included routine legislative and procurement actions; council adjourned at 7:46 p.m.