Video © 2018 Stefan P. Stefaniuk
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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 & Festival On Saturday, Aug. 25
On August 25th, the Ukrainian Village Committee will hold its 9th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade in Parma’s Ukrainian Village. The Committee invites all to join them and celebrate this special occasion! The parade procession begins at 11 a.m. on Grantwood Drive, continues north along State Road, and ends at Ukrainian Heritage Park, located across the street from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (5720 State Road).
The Grand Marshal this year will be Oleh Mahlay. Mr. Mahlay is the artistic director and conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus – a world-renowned musical ensemble celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Mr. Mahlay was born and raised in Parma and has been an active member of the Ukrainian American community in Greater Cleveland. He is a teacher of the bandura (Ukraine’s national instrument), an accomplished composer, and has lectured about music throughout the world.
This year’s parade will showcase more than 40 marching units. Parade participants will include Ukrainian church communities, Parma area social clubs, local businesses, the mayor and city council representatives, city school officials, police honor guards, Veterans organizations, floats, and more! Spirited musical numbers will be performed by local high school marching bands.
After the parade, at Ukrainian Heritage Park, there will be a flag raising ceremony celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.
There will also be a festival at St. Josaphat’s astrodome for all to enjoy! Festival admission and parking are free. It begins at noon and will feature a beer garden, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, live music, the Kashtan Dance Ensemble, and the Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble. There will also be games for kids, a petting zoo, hay wagon rides, balloon twisting, face painting, and more!
Questions? Email the Ukrainian Village Committee at ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com.
Source: http://parmaobserver.com/read/2018/08/01/ukrainian-village-parade-festival-on-saturday-aug-25
Bike Parma Social Ride, Aug. 17
Join Bike Parma in their first social ride!
Meet on Friday, Aug. 17th at 6:15 p.m. by the nature center at West Creek Reservation.
Stops include Zero Zest, located in Parma’s Ukrainian Village, for ice cream, and The Little Birdie Wine Nest for Friday night wine tastings!
Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/events/275952086471716/
Parma Ward 3 Safety Meeting
Join Parma City Councilman Mark Casselberry for a Ward 3 Safety Meeting.
When: Tuesday, August 7, 2018.
Where: Michael A. Ries Park Pavilion.
About: Councilman Casselberry and Parma Police and Fire Departments will partner to discuss K9 Units, Fire Units, Trends in Criminal Activity, Financial Crimes Against the Elderly, and Child Safe Program and Gun Safety Locks.
Bring your lawn chairs, family, and neighbors (rain or shine).
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, call Mark Casselberry at (440) 842-6710.
Source: City of Parma Facebook Page
UKRAINIAN VILLAGE PARADE TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, AT 11 A.M. (STATE RD)
JOIN THE FESTIVITIES! 9TH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN VILLAGE PARADE IS AUGUST 25, 2018
When: August 25, 2018
10 a.m. groups gather at State Road School lot
11 a.m. parade step off on State Road
Where: The parade route is on State Road, beginning at the State Road School lot to
Ukrainian Heritage Park.
How do I take part: Click here to download the parade participation form.
Please return it to Ukrainian Village Committee via mail or email by July 31, 2018.
Email: ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com
Mail: PO Box 34084, Parma, Ohio 44134
Why: It’s a fun community event in the heart of Parma! Also you can win a prize! Once
again this year, we will be awarding a distinction to the most creative and colorful
participant in the parade. We encourage all participants to create floats, decorate cars,
and wear costumes and uniforms that are relevant to their specific organization or group.
Preparation: On Friday, August 17, 2018, a meeting will be held with representatives of
the participating parade units. The meeting will be at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral Annex Building at 7:00 p.m. At this time, unit representatives will receive detailed parade instructions including their assigned staging area.
Point of Contact: If you need to speak with us directly, call or text Roman (614) 425-1309.
Email: ukrainianvillageparade@gmail.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/UkrainianVillage
Thank you for supporting this major City of Parma annual event!
If you know of others who would like to participate in the parade, please share this letter
with them. And if your group is unable to participate, please come and join the festivities
on the parade route!
Very truly yours,
Zoriana Zobniw
Secretary of Ukrainian Village Committee
Ukrainian Village Highlighted in Cleveland Magazine’s ‘Rating the Suburbs’ Feature
Signature Event: Within sight of the majestic golden domes of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Parma holds its annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade and Festivities every August. Celebrating the 1991 establishment of Ukraine’s sovereign state, this revelry shows off elaborately decorated floats decked out in the traditional colors of blue and gold, a lineup of vintage and classic cars driving down State Road and a full array of treats such as chocolate babka and paczki.
Source: https://clevelandmagazine.com/at-home/rating-the-suburbs/articles/rating-the-suburbs-2018-parma
Ukrainian Village Parade 2017
To view photos from the parade, click on the links below:
Photos on the City of Parma Facebook page
Local Ukrainian American Air Force Veteran recognized as Veteran of the Day
#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
