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April 2022

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Follow Mayor Weiss on Twitter


Mayor Weiss is on Twitter! Residents are invited to follow and engage with the Mayor @MayorDavidWeiss. 

Be sure to also check out the City's other social media channels. Find a complete list at the Stay Connected page on the City's shakeronline.com website.



Shaker Heights named Tree City for 2021

Shaker Named Tree City USA, Receives Arbor Day Growth Award


The City has been designated as a “Tree City” by the Arbor Day Foundation for 2021, marking the 37th straight year the City has earned this distinction. In addition, the City was recognized with the Foundation's Growth Award.

Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation's oldest programs and recognizes communities that meet certain criteria for tree care. The Growth Award is bestowed on communities that have gone above and beyond this criteria, demonstrating a higher level of tree care.

Chief Sweeney

Fire Chief Honored with Distinguished Service Award


Shaker Heights Fire Chief Patrick Sweeney has been awarded the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame 2022 Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership to the fire service.

The annual awards ceremony recognizes members of the approximately 50,000 individuals serving in the fire service in Ohio. Watch a video about Chief Sweeney, produced by the awards committee.


Lee Road Action Plan photo

Help the City Reimagine Lee Road


The City has officially kicked off the planning process for Lee Road in Shaker Heights. The Lee Road Action Plan will create the vision to comprehensively transform the area south of Van Aken Boulevard into a thriving corridor and commercial district that is attractive, walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly.

We want YOUR ideas for Lee Road! Please take our six-question survey and answer four quick polls. Deadline is March 31. Learn more about this important City project at shakeronline.com/leeactionplan.

Preservation Month Photo Contest

Show Us What Shaker Means to You


The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission seeks submissions to its tenth annual Preservation Month Photo Contest. The contest was created in honor of National Preservation Month, which is celebrated each May by preservation organizations across the country. The community is invited to submit photos of what makes Shaker "Shaker." Submit photos on Instagram using the hashtag #PreserveSH22  through June 3.


COVID graphic

COVID-19 Resources


Visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage to find locations for vaccines and/or booster shots and where to obtain free at-home testing kits and more.

Please note that 
visitors are no longer required to wear masks in City buildings, including City Hall, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building and Thornton Park.


 
Natural Gas Aggregation Program

Save On Your Gas Bill


Gas prices are on the rise and you may get a lower rate by joining the City's natural gas aggregation program, which is for residents and small businesses located in Shaker Heights. Gas is supplied by Interstate Gas Supply (IGS). The current rate for natural gas supplied to participants in the program is $2.99 per MCF for the period April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2023. Learn more and join the program.

Sustainability Spotlight
Bring Your Own Bags recycling campaign

Don't Forget to BYOB!


 Cuyahoga County's plastic bag ban officially went into effect on January 16. Let's help as our local retailers transition away from plastic bags at checkout. BYO reusable bags as you shop in Shaker Heights. Thank you!





Shaker Youth LEEDS logo

Take the Shaker EcoChallenge


The Shaker Youth LEEDS Committee of the City's Sustainability Committee invites all resident to take the 2022 Shaker EcoChallenge. This fun, informative challenge will help you and your family develop new ways to live sustainably in Shaker Heights. Visit the EcoChallenge website to learn more and get started. 
Video

3 Ways to Live More Sustainably in Shaker


The City of Shaker Heights is committed to helping residents live a more sustainable lifestyle. Learn three ways residents are embracing sustainability in this video, which was produced as a companion to the 2021 spring issue of Shaker Life. 

Ways to Live Sustainably

Reminders

Construction Zone graphic

Construction Season is Underway 


Visit Construction Zone on the City's website to learn about construction projects impacting public infrastructure (e. g. streets, sewers, etc.) and City facilities. View the 2022 Shaker Heights Construction Map (PDF).

Spring Tree Maintenance Update

The City's Forestry Dept. has also started its spring tree maintenance program. This includes pruning, which is crucial to healthy tree growth. Learn more about the types of pruning crews perform throughout our neighborhoods.


Yard Waste season

Yard Waste Season Begins April 15


From mid-April to 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.

Recreation News

Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Parade Registration Now Open; Pool Passes On Sale


The City will hold its Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 30 at 9 am at City Hall. Immediately following the Ceremony, the Parade will begin at the intersection of Van Aken Boulevard and Lee Road and proceed east to the Van Aken District in the westbound lane of Van Aken Boulevard. Any person or group within the City, its residents, institutions and businesses located within the Shaker School tax district may participate in the Parade.

Registration is now open online and will remain open through April 29. Questions? Contact Eric Sarley, Community Events Coordinator, by email.

Pool Passes On Sale; Early-Bird Rate Ends April 4

Thornton Park Pool season passes are on sale now. Early bird pricing is available through April 4, so don't delay! Pool passes can be purchased online, by phone 
at 216-491-1295, or in person Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm)at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building or Thornton Park.

Business News
Me'Chele Frierson

Meet Me'Chele Frierson, Owner of
M Frierson Therapy


Me’Chele Frierson, LISW-S, a 13-year licensed psychotherapist whose practice, M Frierson Therapy is celebrating five years in business this March. Me’Chele moved to her Lee Road office four years ago where she has created a beautiful, welcoming space for her clients. After living in Ohio City for eleven years, she and her husband bought a home in Shaker’s Moreland neighborhood. They chose to move to Shaker because of the diverse community with strong historic Black roots and high-quality public education. It was also important to Me’Chele that she could live AND work in the same community.
 
Me’Chele works with people of all ages, including children and is especially passionate about serving individuals in marginalized communities to help address issues unique to these populations. She believes that “one’s mental/emotional health and ability to become self-aware are the key essentials to living a more realistic and healthy life.”
M Frierson Therapy is located at 3689 Lee Road, Suite 2A.

@shakeronline Highlights
Report a Concern

Report  A Concern


The City's website is filled with helpful information!

Missed garbage pick-up? Street light outage? Here's how to report a common concern.

Events
Arbor Day 2022 graphic

Arbor Day Bookmark Contest


April 1-29

Trees benefit everyone. They improve air quality, soak up storm water, cool our neighborhoods. Plus, they're beautiful! The City's Tree Advisory Board and the Shaker Heights Public Library invite children in grades K-6 to join the ninth annual Arbor Day Celebration by entering the Arbor Day Bookmark Contest and creating a bookmark that encourages people to plant trees. 

Children can stop by either branch of the Shaker Library to pick up the entry form (or download it here) and share their tree-mendous talents with the community. The winning bookmarks will be printed for the community to enjoy and everyone who enters will receive a live-root tree. Deadline April 29.


SAMS logo

An Intentional Meeting (AIM)


Dates through April


Get to know members of the Shaker Heights community by signing up for AIM (An intentional Meeting). This program, sponsored by Shaker African American Mothers Support (SAMS), is designed to bring together community members to have coffee, take a walk, and other simple ways to build relationships. Click here to sign up.


Edible Book Festival - James and the Giant Peach

Edible Book Festival at Loganberry Books


Through April 2

Loganberry Books invites all bibliophiles to compete in the Virtual Edible Book Festival by constructing completely edible creations inspired by books. Photograph the edible book (both by itself and with you in the photo) and use those photos to register via the online form. Entries will be accepted until 1pm EDT on Saturday, April 2. Winners will be announced Sunday, April 3.
Computer roundup graphic

Computer, Electronics and Small Appliance Roundup 


Saturdays, April 2 and 9
Sundays, April 3 and 10
8 am-4 pm

Recycle computer/electronic equipment and small appliances (no TVs). Accepted items: CPUs, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, terminals, modems, cables, software, tablets, cell phones, cell-phone accessories, VCR/DVD players, game consoles, and other small electronics. All small appliances are accepted. NO televisions please.

Location: Service Center, 15600 Chagrin Blvd.

David Pogue book How to Prepare for Climate Change

Book Discussion with David Pogue


Tuesday, April 5
7 pm

Meet author and Shaker Schools alum (SHHS '81) during a discussion/signing of his book "How to Prepare for Climate Change." Pogue is a six-time Emmy winner and New York Times bestselling author. This event is sponsored by the City of Shaker Heights' Sustainability Committee in partnership with the Shaker Library and Friends of the Shaker Library. Please register.

Location: Shaker Middle School Auditorium, 20600 Shaker Blvd.


Free tax prep at Shaker Library

Free Tax Prep for Seniors


Tuesdays, April 5, 12
9 am-4 pm

AARP tax volunteers will offer free individualized tax preparations for low-to-moderate-income taxpayers— especially those 60 and up — at the Shaker Main Library. Call 216-751-0171 to leave a message (include your phone number) and a volunteer will call to schedule your appointment.

Location: Main Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd.


Heritage Home virtual programming

Heritage Home Program Virtual Sessions for April


April 13: Information Session
April 20: Maintaining Your Home's Exterior
April 27: Information Session

All sessions take place Wednesdays at 6 pm via Zoom.  Please register. The Heritage Home Program can help homeowners determine what improvements will increase the value of their home and preserve the architectural features.

EV charging station

Drive Electric Earth Day


Saturday, April 23
9 am- 2 pm

Here's the perfect opportunity to learn more about driving electric vehicles. See many different models and talk to people that drive them every day. Register to attend, share your experience, show your own EV or help organizers plan the event.

Location: The Van Aken District


Paper Shredding event

Community Shredding


Saturday, April 23
8 am-4 pm


Residents may bring up to three bankers boxes of paper for shredding. No need to remove staples or other binding devices. Driver's license and proof of residency (e.g. current utility bill) required. Details

Location: Across the street from Service Center, 15600 Chagrin Blvd.


Household Hazard Waste Roundup graphic

Household Hazardous Waste Roundup


Saturdays, April 30 and May 7
Sundays, May 1 and 8

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.

Location: Service Center, 15600 Chagrin Blvd.

Grow Not Mow graphic

Volunteers Needed! Help Plant Natives on Pilot Grow Not Mow Site


Saturday, April 30
10 am-1 pm

The City's Stormwater & Green Space subcommittee is collaborating with the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Friends of Lower Lake for a planting day at the City's pilot Grow Not Mow site at South Park and Courtland boulevards. Volunteers are needed to help plant 60-plus buttonbush and silky dogwoods  along the Doan Brook. Learn more and register (required).

Location: Meet at the corner of South Park Blvd. and Courtland Blvd.

Save the Date

Shaker Lakes Annual Plant Sale

Nature Center Plant Sale

Plus, Save the Date for Nature at Night Fundraiser


Saturday, May 7
9:30 am-1 pm

Welcome spring with the 40th Annual Plant Sale at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes! Planting season is closer than you think and there is no better place to shop for a wide variety of native perennials as well as herbs, veggies, annual flowers and hanging baskets. Experts will be available throughout the day offering selection guidance.

Location: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd.

Save the Date! Tickets for the Nature Center's annual and popular Nature at Night benefit go on sale on April 1. Join friends and neighbors for magical evening, while raising funds to support the Nature Center's educational programming. Event is Saturday, June 4, 6:30 pm.


Heritage Home Program logo

Upcoming Heritage Home Program Virtual Informational Sessions in May



May 11: Information Session
May 18: Guide to Researching Your Home
May 25: Information Session

All sessions take place Wednesdays at 6 pm via Zoom.  Please register. The Heritage Home Program can help homeowners determine what improvements will increase the value of their home and preserve the architectural features.

In the News...

In the News graphic
  • Shaker Heights gears up for 'Chipotlane' restaurant in Van Aken District
  • Healthy canopy revisited: Shaker Heights plants another tree-growing grant application
  • Doggie daycare waitlists, more anxiety meds and busy vets: The puppy boom's lingering effects
  • Best Places to Live in Ohio: Shaker Heights Makes Top 3
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.


Kindergarten Kickoff
Kindergarten Kickoff is coming to Shaker Heights Schools on April 23 from 1-4 pm at Lomond Elementary! Mark your calendars for this fun, Districtwide event for all incoming Kindergarteners and their families!

Enrollment for 2023 is Now Open
Shaker Heights Schools enrollment is now open for the 2022-2023 school year! Enroll your student now through the District’s easy online enrollment process. Find out more at shaker.org/Enroll.

Celebrate Outstanding Shaker Graduates
On Tuesday, April 5 at 7 pm, the Shaker Schools Foundation presents Shaker Speaks: Off the Mic with Selena Simmons-Duffin, Class of 2004. She will give attendees the scoop on her experiences as an NPR health reporter throughout the pandemic. There is no cost to attend this Zoom presentation, but advance registration is required.

On Saturday, May 21, the Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame will honor the 2021 inductees with a special ceremony and dinner at Shaker Heights Country Club. Anyone may attend.
Read about their accomplishments and reserve your tickets now. Nominations for the 2022 class of inductees are underway and must be submitted by April 15. 

Shaker Life cover Fall 2014

Give a Shaker Life Subscription


Give the gift of Shaker to out-of-town friends and family by purchasing a subscription 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!

Crystal Jones and Matthew Wright, owners of MWW1
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.
City Hall Portico

Employment Opportunities


Looking for employment with the City?

Browse a list of available positions in the Jobs section of the City's website.

Copyright City of Shaker Heights. All Rights Reserved.
3400 Lee Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120 | 216-491-1400

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