April 2020

Coronavirus: Latest Updates & Resources

Visit the City’s Coronavirus page for the latest updates from Mayor David Weiss, changes to City services, and resources for residents (including seniors) and businesses, and more.

Stay at Home Order Continues Through April 6

A stay-at-home order went into effect for the State of Ohio at 11:59 pm Monday, March 23 and continues until April 6. This requires residents to remain in their homes except to conduct certain essential activities.

In Need of Help?

The United Way of Greater Cleveland 211 Help Line is a valuable, 24-hour per day call center for individuals and families to get connected to resources to address social service and medical needs. Learn more.

Weekly Check-In for Senior Adults

The City of Shaker Heights has implemented a weekly call program to check in with senior adult residents to prevent social isolation and ensure their needs are met during the coronavirus crisis. If you are a senior, or know a senior adult that would like to be on the list, please let us know by leaving a message at 216-491-1360. Staff who are making the calls are familiar with senior adults through programs. The call is to check in and asked if their needs are met and to offer resources and information.

Volunteer During the Crisis

The City continues to monitor unmet needs in our community during this time of social distancing. In order to respond to these needs, we have created this form that residents can fill out to receive updates on volunteer opportunities including replacing elastic on N95 face masks and making cards for seniors. Once submitted, you will periodically receive information on ways that you can pitch-in to help as needs arise in the community. Questions? Email Colin Compton.

Drop Off Flood Damaged Items at Service Center Through April 3

In response to recent flooding in the City, the Service Center (15600 Chagrin Blvd.) will be open from 4-7 pm starting Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3. Please bring ID to show to the attendant through the window. Rules regarding once per quarter limits are suspended. Residents must be able to unload their cars themselves. Please observe social distancing protocol while you are at the Service Center.

Ohio Primary Election Extended Until April 28; Mail-In Ballots Only

Ohio residents can still vote in Ohio's primary election by absentee ballot through Tuesday, April 28. To obtain a printable absentee ballot request form, visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Requests for absentee ballots must be received by April 25. Ballots must be postmarked by April 27. Before mailing your ballot request form, go to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website to make sure your voter information is accurate.

Tax Deadline Extended to July 15

Please note: Ohio has extended the deadline for state income tax returns and payments for tax year 2019 to July 15, 2020. As a result, the deadline for local income tax returns and payments is also automatically extended to July 15, 2020. Learn more at https://www.ritaohio.com/

No request for extension or other filing is required to receive these extensions. No late filing or late payment penalties, or interest, will be imposed for the period of April 15, 2020 through July 15, 2020 for these extended filings and payments.

Call For Utility Box Competition Submissions Through May 1

Last year's Painting the Town utility box art project, sponsored by the Shaker Heights Arts Council (SHAC) and several of the CIty's neighborhood associations, was so successful, the organization is pleased to announce a similar project for 2020: Building Blocks. SHAC is looking for artists 21 years or older who live or work in Shaker Heights or the Shaker Heights School District. Designs and applications must be received no later than 5 pm on May 1.

April 1 is Census Day

Make sure you’re counted! The U.S. Census Bureau is urging residents to complete the Census online or by phone (or by mail if you are a household that received a printed form) by April 1. The previously scheduled Census Day event at Shaker Library has been canceled. For more information, visit the City's Census 2020 information page.

Preservation Month Photo Contest Call for Entries

Through May 31

The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission seeks submissions to its eighth 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. Submissions will be accepted via Instagram using the hashtag #PreserveSH20. The contest encourages residents and visitors to submit images that showcase what makes Shaker “Shaker.” Learn more at bit.ly/preserve20

Little Free Pantry Locations

Here's an opportunity to help your neighbors who may be food insecure. There are two Little Free Pantries in Shaker Heights. Both have seen increased usage in recent weeks and need to be regularly restocked. Items can be dropped of at any time by placing them in the pantry or in the nearby donation tubs at both locations.

Suggested items: canned fruits and veggies; applesauce cups; canned tuna or chicken; oatmeal packets; cereal; peanut butter; canned soup; pasta and pasta sauce; macaroni and cheese; rice. Essential toiletries also accepted. No perishable items, no glass (cans or plastic jars instead). Thank you for your generosity. For any pantry related questions, send an email.

Locations: Christ Episcopal Church (3445 Warrensville Center Rd.) Pantry is at the northeast corner of the building.

Heights Christian Church (17300 Van Aken Blvd.) Pantry located on Winslow Road side of building.

Citizens Police Academy Now Accepting Applications

The application for the annual Citizens Police Academy is now open. This 10-week program is sponsored by Shaker’s Police and Fire Departments and is open to Shaker Heights residents and those who work in the City full-time. The course is intended to raise citizen awareness of police procedures and programs. Students are provided with all necessary materials and there is no fee for the course. The tentative start date is Thursday, September 3 and will run 10 consecutive weeks on Thursday evenings from 7-10 pm. Learn more and apply.

Video

Shaker is the Place

Learn more about the people, places, and community events that make Shaker Heights so special in the City's new Shaker is the Place video. #Shaker365

Reminders

Last Call for Early Bird Pool Passes; Deadline is April 6

Spring has officially sprung, and hopefully, warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Reminder: The deadline to purchase your Thornton Park pool pass at the early bird rate is Monday, April 6. Get details.

Construction Zone

Keep up with City-related construction projects this spring on Construction Zone. Check in to find the latest updates on street resurfacing, streetscape improvements, and other upgrades to the public infrastructure. View Construction Zone.

Yard Waste Bag Season Begins April 15

From mid-April to mid-October, the City requests that residents use brown yard waste bags (available at area stores) for all yard waste, except brush.

Bags should be placed on the tree lawn by 7:30 am the same day as your scheduled refuse collection.
The City will collect a maximum of ten bags per pick-up.
There is a 40-pound weight limit per bag.
Bags containing non-organic contaminants (i.e. gardening related plastic, dog poop bags) will not be collected; bags filled with dirt will also not be collected.
Please 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.

Events

38th Annual Plant Sale - Online Only

Orders taken through April 17

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, this year's plant sale will take place ONLINE and is now underway. Choose from an ever-growing variety of hard-to-find native plants, perennials, edibles and annuals hand selected by a local team of experienced gardeners. Browse and shop online through April 17 for convenient home delivery.

Nature Center's Outdoor Classroom

Follow the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes on Facebook to tune into a variety of live Outdoor Classroom programming throughout April, including on April 1 and April 3.

Learn more about upcoming and recent wildlife activities.

Bringing Nature Home: Right Plant, Right Place

Saturday, April 4
1-2:30 pm via ZOOM

The Nature Center's Nick Mikash will help you plan a native habitat for your garden.

This event is sponsored by the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and will be held via ZOOM, an easy-to-use, free online video conferencing system. Free but registration is required.

Shaker Library Online Collection

Shaker Library offers a wide array of e-books, movies, music and children's videos available through the its digital collection. Take a virtual trip to faraway lands, try out new recipes or teach yourself a new language — it's all available through the Library.

Video Forum: The 2020 Census Confronting Facts and Impact

Sunday, April 5
9:30-11 am via ZOOM

Log on to learn more about the Census during a special video forum featuring panelists Betty J. Halliburton, U.S. Census; Kate Warren, Center for Community Solutions and Daniel Ortiz, Policy Matters Ohio. Sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland, and Hey, Shaker!

Cleveland Museum of Art Online Collection, Virtual Tours

Looking to brush up on your art history? The Cleveland Museum of Art’s website allows visitors to browse their expansive collection. The museum also features daily features of select artworks on their social media pages.

From the Schools

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.

SHS Extended Closure Resources

Shaker Heights Schools has created a special website section, Extended Closure Resources, to help students, staff and families stay up-to-date on the latest news and information from the District during this school closure, which Governor Mike DeWine has extended through at least Friday, May 1. The page has information on: Learning & Teaching Plans and Resources (including plans by building- and grade-level); Meal Distribution for Students, Technology Support Resources for Students, Staff and Families, Extended School Closure Communications, Extended School Closure Event and Travel Cancellations,Coronavirus Information and Shaker Heights Schools Extended School Closure Plan. Also, follow the District on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Nominations for Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame Due April 15

Do you know an outstanding Shaker graduate who deserves to be in the Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame? Anyone may nominate a Shaker graduate for this honor. Please submit your nominations by Wednesday, April 15, 2020. (View a list of current inductees.) Nominees must be available to accept this award in person, so they may share their inspiring stories with current Shaker students.

Save the Date

Mobile Pantry at First Baptist Church

May 2, June 6, July 11, and August 1
10 am-12 pm

The First Baptist Church Mobile Pantry, in conjunction with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, returns this summer with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Please bring valid ID and your own reusable bags.

Please contact the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to make sure event dates have not changed.

Location: First Baptist Church (3630 Fairmount Blvd.)

Shaker Heights YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the City's YouTube Channel to watch our new 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!

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.