June 2020

COVID-19: Latest Updates & Resources

Visit the City’s Coronavirus page for updates on resources for residents (including seniors) and businesses, information about food drives and distribution events, and more.

Recreation Department: Thornton Pool Closed for Summer

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and for the health and safety of residents and staff, Thornton Pool will be closed for the summer. Block parties have also been suspended for the summer in compliance with current guidance related to large gatherings and social distancing protocols. View the updated list of summer recreation activities to learn what will and will not take place.

Prevention Tips: Social Distancing, Face Coverings and Hand Washing

As you venture outdoors, please continue to practice virus prevention protocols. Please consider wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth in public places and remain six feet away from individuals who are not members of your household. Also, wash hands frequently, or use sanitizer when necessary.

Learn How You Can Help

There are many ways to help during the pandemic. 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.

Tuttle Road Market Hall Van Aken District

Tuttle Road Temporarily Closed to Vehicle Traffic to Create Expanded Patio Area

Effective Sunday, May 31 Tuttle Rd., between Meade and Walker roads, will be closed to vehicle traffic in order to create a larger patio area for eateries located in the Van Aken District. This will enable patrons to practice social distancing while in the district. Tuttle Rd. will remain closed at least through the summer months.

2020 Deer Questionnaire Now Online

Part of the City’s deer management program includes an occasional questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Even if you have completed the questionnaire in previous years, please do so again and share it with others who may wish to provide their input. View the 2020 Resident Deer Questionnaire and FAQ.

Rapid Service Disruption Starts June 28

From June 28 to August 8, eastbound and westbound Rapid service between Shaker Heights and Tower City will be replaced by 67R Blue-Green Line buses. This is so that the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) can complete a major track rehabilitation project west of the Buckeye/Woodhill station.

67R buses will stop at Blue and Green Line stations in Shaker Heights, with the exception of the seven Green Line stations between Shaker Square and Warrensville Center Rd. These are Coventry, Southington, South Park, Lee, Attleboro, Eaton, and Courtland. Temporary signage at the 67R bus stops adjacent to these stations will direct riders to the nearest location for boarding the 67R bus.

Rust Belt Riders Resumes Composting Pickup

Composting services by Rust Belt Riders have resumed. In addition to the residential pick-up program, drop-off and pick-up sites are located at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (2600 South Park Blvd.) and The Dealership (3558 Lee Rd.). Get more composting information.

Stearns Woodland Trail Closed for Renovations Through October

The Stearns Woodland Trail at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes closed on May 11 for the final phase of a renovation/restoration project. Among the upgrades will be a new entrance, a nature play area, a treehouse, and much more! Construction is scheduled to conclude in the fall. The All-People's Trail will remain open to the public. While on the trail, look for the Trail Ambassadors, donning green shirts, to answer your questions about nature, seasonal animals and plants.

Citizens Police Academy Currently Accepting Applications

The application for the annual Citizens Police Academy is now open and continues through August 24. 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. Participants are provided with all necessary materials and there is no fee for the course. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tentative start date is Thursday, September 3 and the program will run 10 consecutive weeks on Thursday evenings from 7-10 pm. Learn more and apply.

Shaker Library Phased Reopening

Shaker Library plans a phased reopening of its buildings and services beginning with opening the drive-up book drops at Main Library and Bertram Woods Branch. The walk-up book drop on the sidewalk at Main Library is still closed. Curbside service will begin June 1, from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Friday and Saturday. Sundays the library will be closed for deep cleaning. Learn more.

Board of Health's Annual Storm Sewer Outfall Inspections Underway

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) annually inspects and collects samples from storm sewer outfalls in 52 communities in Cuyahoga County, including in Shaker Heights. Please note that CCBH employees will wear bright yellow apparel with “CCBH” written on the back; inspectors will also be wearing hip waders or
knee-high boots. More details

Preservation Month Photo Contest Deadline Extended to June 21

The deadline to submit entries for the eighth annual Preservation Month Photo Contest has been extended until June 21. 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.

Learn More About the City Through Self-Guided Tours

Take in the architecture, history, and overall beauty of Shaker Heights by planning a self-guided tour of the City. Download PDFs for a variety of walking and/or driving/biking tours. Note: Please view the residences from the road or sidewalk; you do not have permission to enter private property. Also remember to observe social distancing protocols while out and about, including when touring by foot or bicycle.

Connect with Shaker Rec Online

Looking for new virtual activities? 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.

Reminders

Everyone Counts!
Complete Your 2020 Census Today

Have you completed the 2020 Census yet? If not, you have three options: by mail, phone, and for the first time ever, online. Participate online or call 844-330-2020.

Volunteers replacing elastic on face masks

Elastic Donations Needed for Face Masks

The work of the City’s Community Emergency Response Team continues. The team is still in need of
1/4-inch braided elastic. If you are able to donate elastic for this effort, please 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 the CERT team can thank you.

Place Yard Waste in Bags, Not in the Street

Lake Erie starts here ... The Public Works Department is reminding residents that yard waste should not be placed in the street where it can clog City sewers and pollute local waterways, including Lake Erie.

Instead, from April 15-October 15, yard waste should be placed in brown yard-waste bags (available from local retailers, including Shaker Hardware) for collection by City crews on your regular trash day. View the complete guidelines.

Events

Virtual Nature by Night Fundraiser

Saturday, May 30
7:30-9 pm

Enjoy the fun and excitement of the Nature by Night event - virtually! This year, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes' annual fundraiser will be accessible via Zoom. Because the event is free to attend, consider donating to support the mission of the Nature Center. More details.

Food Distribution Events for June

Farmers to Families Food Box

Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25
12-3 pm

Free fresh produce and dairy products. Due to the pandemic, farmers can't sell the fresh produce that would have gone to restaurants, schools, and other organizations. The USDA is buying these crops, the Cleveland Food Bank is packing them into boxes, and Fairhill Partners will distribute them to the community, curbside, at the barn. Distribution located at the stables, directly south of the main building. All are welcome. First come, first served. Rain or shine. This is a no-contact, curbside pickup event. Location: 12200 Fairhill Rd.

Mobile Pantry at First Baptist Church

Saturday, June 6
10 am-12 pm

Please bring valid ID and your own reusable bags. The Mobile Pantry returns on July 11 and August 1. Location: 3630 Fairmount Blvd.

Shaker Hunger Center

Mondays, June 15 and 22; Wednesdays, June 17 and 24
10 am-1 pm

Please bring valid ID and a recent utility bill. Please wear a mask. Location: Shaker Community Church (20120 Lomond Blvd.)

Note: Under the terms of its funding, Shaker Hunger Center is only able to serve residents in certain communities: Shaker Heights and Cuyahoga County suburbs to the north and east of Shaker Heights, except for Cleveland Heights and South Euclid. The Shaker Hunger Center cannot serve residents of the City of Cleveland or suburbs to the south of Shaker Heights. Residents outside of the Shaker Hunger Center's service area can find other distribution locations.

Unity in the Community

Mondays, June 1, 8 and 15
10 am-2 pm

Location: Heights Christian Church (17300 Van Aken 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.

Heritage Home Program Virtual Information Sessions

Thursdays, June 11 and 18
6 pm

The Cleveland Restoration Society's Heritage Home Program will offer two virtual "Rehab 101" sessions for DIY home repairs. Get tips and tricks to rehab your home at any stage. Please call 216-426-3116 or email to register.

Sunset Market Returns to the Van Aken District

Thursdays, June 11-September 24
4:30-7:30 pm

The North Union Farmers Market celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Shop for choice produce, meats, breads and dairy products, as well as a variety of arts and crafts. Note: Please observe social distancing guidelines while shopping.

Location: Van Aken District

18th Annual DadsDay Run Club Fundraiser

Sunday, June 21

Do your part to put in the miles to stay healthy and fit leading up to DadsDay weekend - all while practicing social distancing. Accept the challenge to run, walk or stroll to raise funds for Family Connections, whose service to families with young children is needed now more than ever. Registration details.

Virtual Composting Session

Thursday, June 25

You're invited to join Cuyahoga Recycles for "Get the Dirt on Backyard Composting." Register for this informative webinar where you'll learn how to start composting in your own backyard. We'll discuss how composting works, the benefits of compost, and how to set up a compost bin or pile to help manage your food scraps and yard waste while creating a valuable soil amendment.
Registration required at www.surveymonkey.com/r/compost20

Rain Barrel Workshop

Tuesday, June 30
6:30-8 pm

Help conserve water by using collected rainwater for your gardens, plants and more. Advance registration ends Friday, June 5 due to current group size restrictions, but please register to be added to the waiting list. If group restrictions are relaxed prior to the event, wait listers will be notified to register. This event is in collaboration with Doan Brook Watershed Partnership. Workshop fee, including parts, is $60.

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

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.

Provide Feedback on Extended Closure, Summer Plans, Fall Re-entry

The District has launched a feedback and comment form to gather stakeholder input on the current extended closure, summer enrichment and learning plans, and fall re-entry plans for the 2020-2021 school year. The form is also always available on the Extended Closure Resources webpage.

Raider Nation Jubilation: A Virtual Celebration of Students

This virtual awards ceremony takes the place of the Junior/Senior Honors and Awards Night that is typically held at the High School in May, and recognizes a wide range of accomplishments in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Art Exposed Online

Stroll through the virtual galleries of artwork for high school and middle school students, who display their talents in painting, drawing, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and digitally-assisted graphic design. Their work is on display now through June 30 at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/events.

Save the Date

Community Shredding Event

Saturday, July 18
9 am-1 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.

Location: Parking lot across from the Service Center.

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.