Dear Resident,

I am proud to see how the community has come together in support of each other as we reach the end of the first week of the vitally important Stay at Home Order issued by Governor DeWine. Although there are certain exceptions in the Stay at Home Order, generally the community feels quieter — so thank you for staying at home and otherwise adhering to the Order if you must go out.

When you do have to go out, please practice stringent social distancing protocol. You need to be six feet apart, even if you are walking with a friend, or standing in line at the grocery store. By doing that, you are helping to protect your family and our First Responders who are working tirelessly through this crisis. I can’t stress the importance of “flattening the curve” enough so that the spread of the coronavirus doesn’t overwhelm our First Responders and our hospital systems. Please keep this in mind as we head into the weekend.

Not surprisingly, Shaker residents have risen to the challenges presented by this pandemic. I’ve seen countless examples of creativity and kindness and of neighbors caring for each other. City Hall employees and volunteers are also stepping up to fill needs wherever they arise.

As an example, volunteer members of the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have been hard at work on an urgent project. The CERT volunteers are replacing deteriorated elastic bands on several thousand much-needed N95 masks. Much of the new elastic was obtained through donations from residents as there is a shortage of elastic. These rejuvenated masks will provide critically important personal protective gear for our First Responders and others in our healthcare system throughout the County. We are very grateful for the CERT team’s efforts.

In addition, City staff has assembled a list of nearly 150 seniors who are particularly vulnerable to both the virus and the effects of social isolation. Each senior is receiving a weekly call from volunteers to check in on their health and any other needs. The City’s Recreation staff is also coordinating a group of children who are making cards for these seniors. They will be collected and then distributed to our seniors. We hope this will help our seniors feel loved and cared for. I am so impressed by this intergenerational connection in a time where social distancing is keeping us physically apart.  

We continue to address community needs with volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this form, and we will be in touch as needs continue to arise.

Again, thank you for complying with the Stay at Home Order and for diligently practicing social distancing. It is making a difference - as are all of your efforts to creatively connect with and support each other. As a reminder, if you need to get connected with various human services resources, please call United Way’s 211 Help Line.
 
We are in this with you; we are in this together!

Thank you.

David E. Weiss
Mayor