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May 2021

COVID-19 graphic

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates


The good news: New cases of COVID-19 are slowing, thanks in large part to rising vaccination rates among Ohioans. Please visit the City's COVID-19 and Vaccine Information pages for the latest information, including updates to the COVID-19 testing schedule at the Shaker Heights Fire Department.



Memorial Day observation

Memorial Day Ceremony


On Memorial Day, May 31, an in-person ceremony will be held at 9 am on the front lawn of City Hall to memorialize the nation's fallen heroes, and to honor local heroes serving in all branches of the military. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the risks of large gatherings, the City has opted to postpone the annual parade until Labor Day. Additional information will be posted on the parade webpage when it becomes available.


Block parties

Block Party Guidelines


The City will permit block parties to be held this summer based on current virus trends. All block parties must follow the required safety protocols that have been established. Block parties must be registered with the City due to safety issues concerning police and fire routes. Residents can apply for a permit by completing the Block Party Registration form. Block parties should be reserved at least two weeks in advance of the event. For additional questions, contact Erin Rose.

Note: In the event that there is a significant uptick in the spread of the virus over the summer, the City may consider suspending block parties in the interest of public safety.


GFOA Financial Reporting Award

City Earns Top Recognition for
Financial Reporting


The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the City of Shaker Heights the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The City earned the recognition for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. This is the 14th straight year the City has earned this award.


Construction Update graphic

Warrensville Center Rd. Improvement Project Starts Soon


In mid-May, the City will start a major infrastructure improvement project on Warrensville Center Rd. The project includes repaving Warrensville Center from Farnsleigh Rd. to Fairmount Circle and reconfiguring the intersection of Warrensville Center and Shaker Blvd. This reconfiguration is designed to make the intersection safer for motorists, while also enhancing connections for pedestrians and bicyclists. Residents are invited to a public meeting on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 pm via Zoom to learn more. Click here for meeting information and additional details.


Reminder: Keep up with this and other City construction projects on Construction Zone. 

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority logo

Bus Route Changes for Shaker


In June, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will launch NEXT GEN RTA, a series of updates to the regional bus network designed to increase frequency and connectivity for riders. Please note the following changes for Shaker bus routes:

  • Route #14 will now serve Cleveland State University and will also add stops east of Shaker, including at Ahuja Medical Center and Orange Place/Pinecrest. A new route #14A will provide service south on Warrensville Center Rd. 

  • Route #34 will now add service to Tri-C’s Eastern Campus on Richmond Rd.

Rapid service will not change. Visit the RTA’s website for more information.


2021 Preservation Month Photo Contest

Preservation Month Photo Contest Call for Entries

Through June 11

Submit your high-resolution photos on Instagram using the hashtag #PreserveSH21. The contest encourages residents and visitors to submit images that showcase what makes Shaker “Shaker.” Learn more at bit.ly/preserve-21.
Shaker Youth LEEDs logo

Shaker Youth LEED Committee Hosting EcoChallenge


The Shaker Heights Youth LEED Committee is hosting a city-wide sustainability challenge that will include tasks ranging from public transportation use to integration of household composting, all of which are aimed at providing more sustainable and environmentally conscious living habits. A prize will be awarded to the first place winner. The EcoChallenge continues through May 25. Follow the group on Instagram.


Van Aken median

New Trees for Van Aken Median


The City of Shaker Heights was awarded a $50,000 grant from Cuyahoga County's Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program, which seeks to help communities restore the County's tree canopy. The City will use the grant to plant almost 150 trees in open green space in the Rapid median on Van Aken Blvd., specifically between Parkland/Lynnfield roads and S. Woodland Rd. 


Bike Month 2021

May is Bike Month


Shaker Heights City Council has proclaimed May as Bike Month in the City, in order to help promote the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more residents to try bicycling in the community. Sponsored by the
League of American Bicyclists, May has been nationally designated as bike month for 63 years.

Looking for places to ride? Check out the City website's Bikes & Hikes section for more information. Or join Bike Shaker on Sunday, May 16, 11 am-1 pm for the Welcome to Shaker Heights History Ride. Learn more and register.

Sustainability Video


The City of Shaker Heights is committed to helping residents live a more sustainable lifestyle. Through electric vehicle charging stations, residential solar panels and a  composting program with Rust Belt Riders, there are plenty of ways to live sustainably in Shaker. Click the photo below to watch the our new video featuring these programs.

Read more about sustainability in Shaker in the 2021 spring issue of Shaker Life.
Sustainability video graphic
Reminders
Memorial Day trash delay graphic

Memorial Day Trash Delay


Monday, May 31

Reminder: Due to the Memorial Day holiday, Monday-Friday trash pick-ups will be delayed by one day. Monday’s route will be covered on Tuesday; Tuesday’s route on Wednesday, etc. Thank you!



Yard waste bags

Yard Waste Bag Guidelines


Through mid-October, please use brown yard waste bags (available at area stores) for all yard waste, except brush. There is a 40-pound weight limit per bag and maximum of 10 bags per pick-up.
  • Place bags on the tree lawn by 7:30 am the same day as your scheduled refuse collection. 
  • Bags containing non-organic contaminants (i.e. gardening related plastic, dog poop bags) and those filled with dirt will not be collected.
  • Place brush (large branches and cuttings from shrubs) directly on your tree lawn for collection.

During this season, two separate crews collect rubbish and yard waste. The EPA prohibits collection of yard waste with rubbish. For more information, click here.


Events
Food distribution events graphic

May Food Distribution Events


There are a number of ongoing food distribution events throughout the City to assist those in need. For May dates, times and additional information, visit the City's Food Assistance page.




Trash the Trash with Shaker Scouts

Trash the Trash with Shaker Scouts

Saturday, May 1
9 am-3 pm

The Scouts BSA units of Shaker Heights, Cub Packs 1, 61, 945 and 988, Scout Troops 15 and 662, invite you to participate in cleaning Shaker’s parks, lakes, schools and common areas as part of this international Scouting conservation effort. Neighborhood groups, conservation organizations, civic groups, and Shaker residents are asked to join in by removing the trash and beautifying the streets and neighborhoods where you live.

After sprucing up Shaker, come back to the Shaker Scouting Facebook page, find the event thread, then post the number of bags of garbage you've collected. The final tally of bags of trash removed from our City will be posted. The Public Works Department will have collection sites available to place gathered trash.


Computer Roundup graphic

Hazardous Household
Waste Roundup


Saturdays, May 1 and 8
Sundays, May 2 and 9
8 am-4 pm

Safely dispose of oil or solvent-based paints, sealers, primers, varnishes, polyurethanes, shellacs, spray paints, automotive fluids, kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, paint thinners, mineral spirits, turpentine, caustic household cleaners, adhesives, roof tar, driveway sealer, and mercury. NO latex paint or materials from businesses will be accepted.

**Note** Please maintain social distancing when dropping off your items for disposal.

Debby Irving and Shay Bouley virtual discussion

'Tell Me the Truth: Exploring the Heart of Cross-Racial Conversation'


Tuesday, May 4
7 pm

This free online discussion will feature blogger/activist Shay Stewart-Bouley and author/activist Debby Irving. Bouley blogs for Black Girl in Maine and leads a civil rights organization in Boston. Irving, the author of "Waking Up White," has also created many 21-Day Challenges to help build personal muscle for racial equity. Please register.


Heritage Home Program logo

Heritage Home Program
Virtual Sessions


Wednesday, May 12
6 pm

Join the Cleveland Restoration Society on Zoom or over the phone to learn about the Heritage Home Program and the services they provide. The live presentation will  explain how the program works to assist homeowners with home repair projects. There will be time for questions at the end.
Registration is free and required.


Verb Ballets Contemporary Creations

Verb Ballets Virtual Performance: Contemporary Creations


Friday, May 14
7 pm

Verb Ballets dancers will captivate fans with a powerful virtual program featuring contemporary works by nationally recognized choreographers who will premiere a new captivating company work. General admission: $25; Student $10. Following the premiere performance, the show will be available via Verb’s streaming services for 48 hours.
Aging in Place logo

'Aging in Place: Know Your Housing Options' Virtual Workshops


Monday, May 17-Thursday, May 20

Sponsored by ESOP, this is a four-part series of free, virtual workshops to help you age in place. Register by calling 216-373-1789 or emailing bholmes@benrose.org



From the Schools
Shaker Schools logo

Each issue of this ENews highlights an important school-related topic. To stay informed about all the school news and events, sign up for the District's monthly ENews.

Student Art Fair at Van Aken District May 15

Enroll Art students from Shaker Heights High School will host the 2012 Student Art Fair on Saturday, May 15 from 11 am-4 pm at the Van Aken District. Student artwork - including jewelry, ceramics, photography, graphic T-shirts and other handcrafted items - will be displayed and available for purchase (cash/check only). Stop by and support Shaker's art students!

Enroll Online for 2021-22 at Shaker Heights Schools
Enroll your incoming kindergarten student or new student now for fall 2021! Learn more and enroll online.

Introducing Opportunity Scholarships for Shaker Students
In keeping with the District's focus on equity and access to opportunity for our students, the Shaker Schools Foundation is launching opportunity scholarships that will allow more Shaker students to participate in enrichment activities and youth sports outside of the District's offerings. Beyond the Desk Enrichment Scholarships provide financial assistance for students to participate in classes, camps, visual or performing arts groups, while Level the Playing Field Scholarships provide financial assistance for students to participate in youth team sports affiliated with the Shaker Heights Recreation Department. To contribute to these donor-supported funds or learn more, visit the Foundation's website.

Save the Date

Nature at Night fundraising event

Annual Nature Center
at Shaker Lakes Fundraiser


Saturday, June 5

Save the date for Nature at Night, the first summer party of the year. This beloved annual benefit is back! Attend a virtual happy hour, donate, and share in the efforts to grow educational and environmental initiatives and help finish building the outdoor classroom. More details.

Shaker Life cover

Subscribe to Shaker Life


Give the gift of Shaker to out-of-town friends and family by purchasing subscriptions to the quarterly magazine, Shaker Life. A one-year subscription is $21. For questions call Kim Golem at 216-491-1419.

Note: Shaker residents receive a complimentary copy of the magazine each quarter. If you haven't received your copy, contact us at the phone number listed above.

Shaker Heights YouTube Channel


Subscribe to the City's YouTube Channel to watch our series of #Shaker365 videos, featuring some of the people, places and things that showcase the Shaker community. You can also view monthly reports from the Mayor, and more. Take a look and subscribe!

Screenshot from Onaway school vignette
Cuyahoga Recycles logo

Recycling in Shaker Heights


ONLY five core items belong in your recycling bucket:
  • Plastic bottles & jugs
  • Metal & aluminum cans
  • Cartons
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Paper & cardboard
Rinse and replace the caps and place loose items in your recycling bucket. Please don't bag your recyclables! Learn more about the dos and don'ts of recycling at Cuyahoga Recycles.

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3400 Lee Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120 | 216-491-1400

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