Parma & Cleveland: Holiday Crafts, Community Recognition, and More!
As the holiday season swiftly approaches, Cleveland and its surrounding communities are buzzing with engaging opportunities, from creative workshops connecting art and nature to programs celebrating local educational heroes. Get ready to explore unique ways to engage with your community and make the most of what our vibrant area has to offer this autumn.
Craft Your Holidays: Macramé Workshop at West Creek Reservation
The Cleveland Metroparks invites adults and young adults (age 12 and older) to immerse themselves in a festive “Macramé for the Holidays” program. Scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., this hands-on workshop takes place at the West Creek Reservation’s Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma.
Connect with Nature Through Art
Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist Mayim Hamblen highlights the program’s unique approach: “This program focuses on finding creative ways to connect with nature through art.” Participants will learn simple knots to create nature-inspired macramé decorations, choosing between candy canes, leaves, or snowflakes. Beyond the craft, the event offers a chance to explore the science behind snowflakes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world without requiring a hike.
This macramé session is the first of its kind for the Metroparks, building on a history of creative programs like embroidery, upcycling, mosaic trivets, and watercolor painting. “We aim to help people form lifelong relationships with the outdoors,” Hamblen added, emphasizing how art can go hand in hand with sustainability and conservation.
The cost for this creative experience is $10 per person, and registration is required by October 31st. Secure your spot and make a unique decoration for your home or tree this holiday season.
Recognizing Excellence: State Rep. Brennan’s Student and Educator Program
State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) has launched a commendable “Student and Educator of the Month” program to honor outstanding individuals within his 14th district. This initiative seeks to shine a light on the great things happening daily in local schools.
Nominate a Local Hero
Residents of Brennan’s district—which includes Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Clark-Fulton, and South Hills neighborhoods—are encouraged to nominate a deserving K-12 student or educator. This can include teachers, counselors, teacher’s assistants, intervention specialists, or paraprofessionals. As a social studies teacher for three decades himself, Rep. Brennan understands the dedication and impact educators and students have.
Each month, Brennan’s office will select a winning student and educator who will receive an official commendation from his office and a gift card to a local business. “These individuals are worthy of recognition by the community. I want to play a part in making that happen,” said Brennan.
For nominations, visit tinyurl.com/brennanstudent for students or tinyurl.com/brennanteacher for educators. For questions, call 614-466-3485 or email Rep14@OhioHouse.gov.
Upcoming Community Engagements & Deadlines
Beyond these two highlighted programs, there are other ways to engage and celebrate within our local communities:
- Halloween in Brooklyn: Share photos of your haunted houses! The city is collecting pictures by October 29th to share on social media. While there’s no official contest, it’s a fun way to show off your spooky spirit. Email photos to halloween@brooklynohio.gov.
- Sun Postings Community Column: Share your family news, organization events, church happenings, awards, honors, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and more for the Sun Postings column. This column covers Brooklyn, Independence, Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills. Submit information at least 10 days before your requested publication date to John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net.
Key Local Opportunities At A Glance
| Opportunity | Key Dates/Deadlines | Who’s Invited/Eligible | How to Participate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macramé for the Holidays | Program: Nov. 1 (10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Register by: Oct. 31 |
Adults & Young Adults (12+) | Register online (Cost: $10) |
| Student & Educator of the Month Program | Nominations: Ongoing | K-12 students & educators in 14th District (Parma, Parma Hts, parts of Cleveland) | Nominate via online forms |
| Brooklyn Haunted House Showcase | Submit photos by: Oct. 29 | Brooklyn residents | Email photos to halloween@brooklynohio.gov |
| Sun Postings Community News | Submit info: 10 days prior to desired publication | Residents of Brooklyn, Independence, Parma, Parma Hts, Seven Hills | Email info to ndiffrence@att.net |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cost for the “Macramé for the Holidays” program?
The program costs $10 per person, and registration is required by October 31st. - Who can attend the Macramé workshop?
The event is open to adults and young adults aged 12 and older who enjoy creating. - Which areas are covered by State Rep. Brennan’s Student and Educator of the Month program?
The program covers K-12 students and educators in Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Clark-Fulton, and South Hills neighborhoods. - What do winners of the Student and Educator program receive?
Winners receive an official commendation from Rep. Brennan’s office and a gift card to a local business. - How can Brooklyn residents share their haunted house photos?
Residents can email their photos to halloween@brooklynohio.gov by October 29th.
Whether you’re looking to unleash your creativity, recognize local talent, or simply share community news, there are plenty of ways to get involved and enrich our Cleveland-area neighborhoods this season.
Parma Cleveland Metroparks Holiday Macrame
