May 2020

COVID-19: Latest Updates & Resources

Visit the City’s Coronavirus page for the latest updates from Mayor David Weiss, resources for residents (including seniors) and businesses, information about food drives and distribution and more.

Recreation Programs & Events

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and for the health and safety of residents and staff, many Recreation Department programs and events for May have been canceled or suspended. This includes the annual Ice Show (May 1-2), the Memorial Day Parade (May 25), block parties scheduled for May, and Horseshoe Lake Park pavilion reservations for May. View the complete list of Recreation cancellations, closures and suspensions for May. City staff is currently reviewing options regarding summer camps and the pool. Stay tuned for more information.

Virtual Memorial Day Celebration

The traditional Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade has been canceled, but the City will mark this occasion with a virtual celebration honoring those who gave their lives for our country. Details will be posted on Facebook and on the website.

Learn How You Can Help

There are many ways to help during this crisis. To learn more, sign up to receive the City's periodic Volunteer ENews or visit the Volunteer/Donate page on the CIty's website. Questions? Email Colin Compton.

City Pilots Revamped Side Lot Program

Love your Shaker Heights home, but dream of having a bigger yard? If you live next door to an eligible City-owned lot, then you have the opportunity to make that dream come true.

Thanks to recent updates to the City's Side Lot Program, it’s now easier than ever to purchase one of the eligible City-owned lots available as side yards to neighboring property owners.

These updates, adopted by City Council in early 2020 and now being piloted by the City, include streamlining the purchase process for City-owned side lots, making lots more affordable by reducing the cost to $1, and eliminating the requirement to make capital improvements on the lot. Learn more at the City's Vacant Lots page or call Kamla Lewis at 216-491-1374.

Citizens Police Academy Currently Accepting Applications

The application for the annual Citizens Police Academy is now open and continues through August 24, 2020. 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 the program runs 10 consecutive weeks on Thursday evenings from 7-10 pm. Learn more and apply.

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

Sign Up to Receive Newsletter for Home-Based Businesses

Are you operating a home-based business or planning to start one in the future? An important step in the process is becoming familiar with the City’s zoning regulations. You can also sign up for periodic news and updates to stay abreast of the local business scene.

Reminders

Volunteers replacing elastic on face masks

Elastic Donations Needed for Face Masks

The work of the City’s Community Emergency Response Team continues as there is still a need to replace elastic on N95 masks for use by first responders.

We are asking for your help! Residents who have
1/4-inch braided elastic at home that they are able to donate for this effort are urged to drop it off at Fire Station 1 at 17000 Chagrin Blvd. Or call Lou Bottone at 216-570-9786. Please include your name with your donation so we can be sure to thank you.

Be Counted! Submit Your Census Form

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census deadline has been extended until October 31, 2020. There are three ways to respond to the Census: by mail (if you are a household receiving a form), online or by phone. To participate online go to https://my2020census.gov/. By phone, call 844-330-2020.

Beware Census Scams

Please note, the U.S. Census Bureau will NOT contact you via email; ask for your social security, credit card or bank account number; or threaten to arrest you for not completing the Census. Learn more about avoiding Census frauds and scams.

Memorial Day Trash Delay

Monday to Friday trash pickups during the week of the Memorial Day holiday (May 25) will be delayed by one day. This means Monday's route will be serviced on Tuesday; Tuesday's route on Wednesday; Wednesday's route on Thursday; Thursday's route on Friday; and Friday's route on Saturday.

Social Distancing and Face Masks

As you venture outdoors this spring, please don't slack on prevention protocols. Please remember to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth and remain six feet away from individuals who are not members of your household. The Cleveland Metroparks recently released a video offering additional tips on effective social distancing while in public spaces.

Yard Waste Bag Season Underway

From now through mid-October, the City requests that residents use brown yard waste bags (available at area stores) for all yard waste, except brush. Place your bag on your 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) will not be collected. View the complete guidelines.

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.

Events

Food Distribution Events for May

Mobile Pantry at First Baptist Church

Sunday, May 2
10 am-12 pm

Please bring valid ID and your own reusable bags. The Mobile Pantry returns on June 6, July 11 and August 1.

Location: 3630 Fairmount Blvd.

Shaker Hunger Center

Monday, May 18; Wednesday, May 20; and Wednesday, May 27
10 am-1 pm

Location: Shaker Community Church (20120 Lomond Blvd.)

Reminder: Little Free Pantries Open 24/7

These small food pantries are open 24/7 at:

Christ Episcopal Church (3445 Warrensville Center Rd.) Pantry is at the northeast corner of the building.
Heights Christian Church (17300 Van Aken Blvd.) Pantry is located on Winslow Road side of building.

Find additional food assistance resources at the City's website.

Household Hazardous Waste Roundup

Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3 & 9-10
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.

Location: Service Center (15600 Chagrin Blvd.)

Connect with Shaker Rec Online

Looking for new virtual activities to bide your time? The Recreation Department has a variety of crafting videos and other fun projects on the City's YouTube Channel. Like and follow the Recreation Department's Facebook page and Instagram pages for photos, videos and other items of interest.

Looking for more things to do? Visit the City's website for ideas.

Doan Brook Tree Cookie Auction

Through May 13

The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership is now auctioning off 26 tree cookies from the 300-year-old "Moses Cleveland" white oak that was felled in last fall's microburst. The cookies were sanded by seventh grade students at Hawken School and minimally finished with a coating of linseed oil on both sides. They vary greatly in size, shape, and roughness and are first and foremost intended to be commemorative pieces of our local, ecological history. All proceeds from the auction will go toward future tree planting.

To participate, visit the DBWP Facebook page on weekdays from 2-5 pm now through May 13. Two cookies are auctioned each weekday. Participants can enter a bid amount in the comment section of the tree cookie post. View detailed instructions and rules.

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.

Enroll Your Child In Shaker Heights Schools

In response to the COVID-19 extended school closure, Shaker Heights Schools offers online-only enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year. Parents and guardians may submit all required forms electronically by computer or mobile phone. Learn more and enroll your student online.

Extended Closure Resources

On April 20, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine closed all K-12 schools for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Stay up-to-date on Shaker Heights Schools extended closure information and resources at shaker.org.

Help 'Connect Our Kids' for Online Learning

During this time of social distancing, it is important that Shaker students stay connected to their peers and teachers for online learning and social connection. However, not every Shaker family has reliable internet access. The Shaker Schools Foundation is partnering with the Shaker Heights City School District to address those technology gaps through a community outreach campaign, Connect Our Kids.To help cover the considerable cost involved in providing an equitable online educational experience for all Shaker students, please consider a tax-deductible donation in any amount. Thank you!

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.