Author: Stefan P. Stefaniuk

Ever since I can remember, I’ve enjoyed growing up in Parma, OH, and appreciated the great sights and sounds the Greater Cleveland area has to offer. After serving five years in the U.S. Navy while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA, I decided to return to my hometown in 2009, where I now live with my wife and four children. Between my active involvement with various neighborhood revitalization initiatives in the local area and graduate studies at the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, I’m constantly looking for ways to create a sustainable, positive impact in my community and I’m grateful to work with those passionate individuals who feel the same. Together, we will move the city forward for the benefit of current and future generations.

Ukrainian Village Parade 2017

Leave a comment

To view photos from the parade, click on the links below:

Photos on the City of Parma Facebook page

Photos on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA page

Photos by Alex Fedorchuk

Advertisements

Local Ukrainian American Air Force Veteran recognized as Veteran of the Day

Leave a comment

WilliamStefaniuk

#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran William Stefaniuk

Born in Ukraine, William immigrated to the United States in 1949 with his family. He enlisted as an Airman Basic when he was 19 years old and trained at the Department of Air Police Training. There he was assigned to the 3628th School Squadron, 3275th Technical School.

During his time in the Air Force, William served with the 6313th Air Base Wing at Kadena Air Force Base in Japan and at Loring Air Force Base. He worked as an Air Policeman and in administration. One of his hobbies was chess and in 1962 he was crowned the Loring Air Force Base Chess Champion.

After separating from the military, William, father of six children, worked as a public school teacher in Ohio.

In a 1959 Lackland Talespinner feature, William, while training at Lackland Air Force Base said, “My father brought us to America to find freedom and we have found it.”

Source: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/40471/air-force-veteran-william-stefaniuk/

Lackland Talespinner (c. 1959): William Stefaniuk – Ukrainian Refugee at Lackland 30 Apr 1959

Parma Young Professionals showcase Ukrainian Village murals

Leave a comment

Many beautiful murals can be seen throughout Ukrainian Village in Parma, Ohio.

“State Meats has served up Ukrainian sausages and other specialties for more than forty years.  So it seems the perfect place to display a mural welcoming all to Ukrainian Village.”

“Lviv International Food Store is home of delicious European food, drinks and dessert. It’s also home to some beautiful vinyl film wall art, provided by Brunswick company Inflatable Images.”

“The site of the old Parma Lock Service displays another view of Ukraine from Inflatable Images. These vinyl works were paid for with government-issued grants for city improvements.”

“Good Olde Daze has served Parma food and drinks for more than 25 years. Its scene of  the Ukranian city of Lviv is the final piece of the government-funded art on State Road. Former Mayor Dean DePiero said aesthetic improvements such as these capitalize on Parma’s strong ethnic heritage and make the city more attractive to people and businesses.”

Many others can also be seen when driving, walking, or riding your bike on State Rd.

Continue reading: https://parmayps.com/2017/07/30/take-the-parma-murals-tour/

Parma ranked third on list of ‘Overlooked Dream Cities’

Leave a comment

Parma is considered an overlooked dream city by consumer data company GoodCall. The company’s report described Parma as one of the safest cities in the country.

“…people are discovering what Parma residents already know – the city is a great place to live and work.”

Parma was one of only four Ohio cities to make the top 100.

Continue reading at: http://www.cleveland.com/parma/index.ssf/2017/03/parma_ranked_third_on_list_of.html