City ENews graphic

December 2025

Logo for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Lower Lake dam maintenance

In mid-December, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will make repairs to Lower Lake dam. They will install about 100 tons of rock along 226 feet of the embankment on both sides of the spillway. Approximate duration is 3-5 days. This work is unrelated to any proposals now being explored for the replacement or removal of this dam. Read more.

ODNR presentation on the dam

Residents interested in learning more about conditions at Lower Lake dam can watch a recording of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' presentation to a joint session of the City Councils of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights that took place on November 18.

Graphic for Shaker Shares food distribution program

Shaker Shares ends November 30

The City has partnered with Hunger Network to raise funds to help nearby hunger centers, including the Shaker Heights Community Hunger Center, meet increased demand. The City  matched the first $20,000 donated. Read more.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, please visit the City's website for a list of local resources that might be helpful. 

Graphic for new round of Community Empowerment Grants

Dec. 31 deadline for Community Empowerment Grant applications

Community Empowerment Grants of up to $2,500 are available for initiatives that foster engagement and belonging in Shaker. Recently funded programs include Skatefest; youth lacrosse clinics; and a community design workshop. Learn more.

2025 Heritage Tree Award winners

2025 Heritage Tree Awards

The City’s Tree Advisory Board (TAB) recently honored two recipients with the 2025 Heritage Tree Award. The Wang family and the Yoho family - of the Lomond and Sussex neighborhoods, respectively - were presented with plaques by Mayor David Weiss and members of TAB, including Board Chair Nancy Moore and Assistant Director of Public Works Charles Orlowski.

Photo for City's deer management program

Deer management program scheduled for December, January

For the upcoming season (during December), in addition to culling, the City is joining other Eastside suburban communities in managing the white-tailed deer population through fertility control. For one night in January 2026, female deer will be anesthetized, sterilized and tagged. More information.

Photo to promote free smoke detector installation

Free smoke alarm & installation

Smoke alarms save lives. Residents who need a smoke alarm can sign up with the American Red Cross to get a free alarm installed by the Shaker Heights Fire Dept. Fill out this form to get started. Residents who have already purchased smoke alarms but would like help installing them, can call the Fire Dept. at 216-491-1200 to schedule an appointment. 

Graphic for Olivia's Dream holiday toy drive

Olivia's Dream Toy Drive

The Shaker Heights Fire Department is proud to partner with Olivia’s Dream again this year to provide toys to area children in need for the holidays. Those who would like to participate may drop off new, unwrapped toys at the front door of Fire Station 1, 17000 Chagrin Blvd. (push the buzzer for service), now through Thursday, December 11, seven days a week, between 8:30 am and 5 pm.

Photo of City Hall Portico for Budget Meeting announcement

2026 Budget Meetings

The City’s annual series of budget meetings is underway and you’re invited. Attend in person at City Hall or by Zoom the last two meetings of the year to discuss:

  •  General Fund Operating Budget, Capital Budget & All Other Funds Budget Monday, December 1, 7 pm
  • Operating & Capital Budget Adoption Monday, December 15, 7 pm. Learn more.

City Events

Mayor Weiss talkig with residents

Chat with the Mayor

Saturday, December 6, 11 am-12 pm

Stop by the Van Aken District Market Hall for of the Mayor’s Chat. Talk with Mayor Weiss about neighborhood issues  or any  City project currently in progress. 

 Save the Date                    

Graphic for Computer Round Up

Computer Round-Up

Saturday and Sunday, January 10-11, 8 am-4 pm

Accepted computer/electronic equipment: CPUs, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, terminals, modems, cables, software, tablets, cell phones, cell-phone accessories, VCR/DVD players, game consoles, and other small electronics. NO televisions.  More information.

Photo of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for MLK weekend events

2026 MLK Celebration

Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18

Under the theme Building the Beloved Community for Such a Time as This, celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the following events:

  • January 17, 10 am-12 pm: Donation Drive at Shaker Heights Middle School (20600 Shaker Blvd.)
  • January 18, 1:30-3:30 pm: Community Conversation & Meal at St. Dominic School (19000 Van Aken Blvd.) Please register.

Presented by the Shaker Heights Public Library in collaboration with the City, the Shaker Heights City School District, Shaker Heights PTO, and Shaker Schools Foundation.  More details to come.

Recreation News

Public skating session at Thornton Park Ice Arena

Public skating at Thornton Ice Arena

Public skating is open to Shaker Heights residents and non-residents of all ages and experience levels, with sessions offered throughout the week, plus extra sessions available during the holiday weeks. For residents, daily admission is free for toddlers (ages 0-2), $4 for youth (ages 3-12) and seniors (ages 65+), and $6 for teens/adults (ages 13-64). Skate rental is available for an additional $3. Browse a detailed Ice Arena schedule.

Business News 

American Express Small Business Saturday logo

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 29

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and celebrate the season by supporting the small businesses that make Shaker Heights unique. November 29 is Small Business Saturday, a national event that encourages supporting local small businesses during the holiday season. Shop Shaker this holiday season!

Reminders

Graphic for winter weather reminders

Winter weather reminders

It’s just a matter of time before substantial snow arrives. Reminder: Parking is not allowed on residential streets when snow exceeds two inches. This snow parking ban lets our crews safely and efficiently clear the roadways. Visit the website for additional information on snow/ice policies. 

Holiday Trash pick-up graphic

Holiday trash delays

For the Thanksgiving holiday, there is a one-day trash delay Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28.

There is also a one-day trash delay Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26.

View the Holiday Trash Pick-up Schedule

ReadyNotify graphic

Register for ReadyNotify 

Be prepared for severe weather, other emergencies or closures of main roads. Sign up for ReadyNotify, Cuyahoga County's mass notification system to receive alerts by text, email and/or phone call. Get started at our Stay Connected webpage (ReadyNotify section) or call 216-443-6700, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

Community Events

Larchmere Holiday Stroll

November 28 & 29, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, November 30, 12-5 pm—Annual merchant kickoff to the holiday season with special deals, author meet-and-greets, etc. More information. 

Sparkle on Shaker Square

Friday, November 28, 4-7 pm—Enjoy a Shaker Square lighting ceremony, live holiday music & entertainment, cookie decorating and more.  More information.

Home Repair Resource Center: Insulating & Winterizing Your Home

Monday, December 8, 7-9 pm—Experts from Berry Insulation will be on hand to demonstrate how to caulk, weatherstrip and insulate the right way. More information.

Shaker Library: Winter Season Greeting Cards - Green Edition

Wednesday, December 10, 6-7:30 pm—Create beautiful “green” greeting cards for different festive occasions using pressed flowers, leaves, pinecones, etc.  More information. 

Winter Solstice Luminary Walk and Holiday Market

Friday, December 12, 5:30-8:30 pm—Stroll the illuminated All Peoples’ Trail at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Find holiday items in the Gift Shop.  More information.

Holiday Art Market at Van Aken Market Hall

Saturday, December 13, 12-9 pm—Support local artists during this one-day holiday event, as part of the Chill & Toast festivities. More information

Recycling & Composting

Recycling logo

Compost food waste this holiday season

No need to toss holiday scraps and leftovers in the trash. Compost them with the City's free drop-off composting program in partnership with Rust Belt Riders. Learn more and sign up.

Recycling check in

Only the following items are accepted via the City’s recycling program:

  • Plastic bottles, jugs & tubs (e.g. dairy tubs)
  • Glass bottles & jars (place metal lids larger than two inches in diameter directly in your recycling bucket)
  • Aluminum cups and plastic cups (except NO party cups, like SOLO or similar brands; NO lids or straws)
  • Metal & aluminum cans (do not crush)
  • Paper & cardboard (boxes must be broken down)

Please rinse, replace lids (except for glass jars) and toss recyclables together in your recycling bucket. Learn more about recycling in Shaker Heights.

In the News 

Newspaper graphic
  • Shaker council puts finishing touches on new landscaping regulations
  • Shaker's own children's author on the move this week with 'Stella & Roger'
  • Joint city councils confer with ODNR on fate of Lower Shaker Lake and dam

From the Schools

Shaker Schools logo

Below find important school-related updates. Sign up for the Shaker Schools weekly enews.

Fall Donor Appreciation Report

The Shaker Schools Foundation is pleased to release the Fall 2025 Donor Appreciation Report, “Educate, Empower, Explore & Engage.” This year’s publication reflects the far-reaching impact of donor support across classrooms, programs, and student experiences. This would not be possible without donors! This release coincides with opening the Advancing Shaker Annual Appeal and encourages you to partner with the Foundation in expanding opportunities for all Shaker students. Donate today!

District Operating Levy Passes

Thank you to the Shaker Heights community for passing the operating levy on the Nov. 4 ballot! Ongoing community support gives the District the ability to provide a world-class education to its students. The District would also like to congratulate the new members of the Board of Education, and thank all candidates who ran for their ongoing engagement and support of the Shaker Heights Schools.

Support Shaker Students in the Arts

December is full of opportunities to support Shaker Heights students in the Performing Arts Department. See below for upcoming events:

  • Grade 6 Band Concert: Thursday, December 4 from 7-8:30 p.m.
  • SHHS Improv Club Show: Friday, December 5 from 7-8 p.m.
  • Grade 6 Orchestra Concert: Wednesday, December 10 from 7-9 p.m.
  • SHHS Orchestra Concert: Monday, December 15 from 7-9 p.m.
  • SHHS Winter Alumni Choir Concert: Tuesday, December 16 from 7-9 p.m.
  • SHHS Band Concert I: Wednesday, December 17 from 7-9 p.m.
  • SHHS Band Concert II: Thursday, December 18 from 7-9 p.m.

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3400 Lee Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120 | 216-491-1400

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