Your Local Cleveland & Shaker Heights Community Update
Get ready for a bustling season in Cleveland and Shaker Heights! From festive ice skating shows and thoughtful caregiving conferences to vital community drives and unique local markets, there’s a wealth of activities and opportunities to engage, learn, and give back right in your neighborhood.
Holiday Cheer on Ice: Shaker Figure Skating Show
Mark your calendars for the annual Shaker Figure Skating Club’s Holiday Show on December 20, from 4:45-6:45 p.m. at Thornton Park Ice Arena in Shaker Heights. Enjoy dazzling solo, duet, and small group performances, complemented by a bake sale and basket raffle. Admission is free, welcoming everyone to this festive event.
Learn to Skate Competition
Before the Holiday Show, the 22nd Annual Chuck Rossbach Learn to Skate Competition will take place at Thornton Park Ice Arena from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on December 20. All Learn to Skate participants are invited to compete, with no advanced preparation needed. Every participant receives a medal and goody bag. Registration is open online until December 18.
Empowering Caregivers: Annual Conference
The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging presents its Annual Caregiving Conference, “From Story to Strategy: Empowering Caregivers, Shaping Policy,” on December 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cleveland. The event features nationally recognized voices like journalist Regina Brett and author Dasha Kiper, alongside a panel of local caregivers and policy experts. Tickets are $60 for professionals, with CE credits available. Register and gather insights at 11890 Fairhill Road.
Cleveland Independents: Giving Back Through Food
Cleveland Independents and its member restaurants are stepping up to support local food pantries through a donation matching initiative. This effort allows local eateries to give back to the communities that have supported them. Visit clevelandindependents.com for a current list of participating restaurants. Additionally, several restaurants, including Geraci’s-Pepper Pike, Lago – East Bank Flats, and Luna Bakery & Café locations, will accept canned good donations through November 20.
Community Highlights and Ways to Get Involved
Beachwood’s Shining Star: Mirica Woodley
Beachwood High School senior Mirica Woodley recently earned significant honors at the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Ohio scholarship program, including second runner-up and awards in the “Be Your Best Self” and “Scholastic” categories. Woodley, a National Merit Commended Scholar, plans to study international relations and pursue law after graduation.
Stay Active Indoors: Walking Buddies Club
The Shaker Heights Recreation Department, in partnership with Cleveland Heights and University Hospitals, is launching its new Indoor Walking Buddies Club. The official start is January 6, with walks held every other Tuesday until spring. This program offers a social way to stay active during colder months. For more details, call 216-491-1295.
Spread Holiday Cheer: Cuyahoga County Giving Programs
The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) invites residents to support children and families through two Holiday Giving Programs:
- Hope for the Holidays: Provides gifts for children and teens in foster care. Purchase from Amazon or Target wish lists, or donate gift cards. Drop-off gifts by December 5 at 4261 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland.
- Adopt-A-Family: “Adopt” a local kinship family for the season. Email DCFSOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov to be matched. Gifts, with a spending guideline of at least $75 per child and $75 for a family gift, are scheduled for drop-off on December 6.
For more information on both programs, contact the DCFS Outreach Team via email or call 216-881-4150.
Cleveland Heights ADU Discussions Continue
Residents of Cleveland Heights interested in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an option for aging-in-place and additional housing opportunities are invited to more pop-up meetings. Join the discussion on November 21 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Noble Neighborhood Library) and November 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cleveland Heights Community Center). The online ADU survey has been extended until November 30.
Cleveland Potters’ Co-op Annual Sale
Discover unique, handcrafted pottery at the Cleveland Potters’ Co-op Annual Open House/Pottery Sale. This event takes place over the first two weekends of December at 3175/3177 Kensington Road in Cleveland Heights. Hours are Dec. 5 (7-9 p.m.), Dec. 6 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Dec. 7 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), Dec. 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), and Dec. 14 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Admission is free, with refreshments and information on classes available.
Shaker Holiday Art Market
Support local and emerging artists at the Shaker Holiday Art Market, presented by the Shaker Arts Council and Craft Kindship on December 13, from noon to 9 p.m. at the Van Aken District Market Hall. Find unique glass, ceramics, jewelry, and other crafts, enjoy live metalworking demos, and bring the kids for a craft station. Twenty percent of proceeds benefit the Shaker Arts Council. Visit shakerartscouncil.org for details.
HRRC Initiatives: Food Drive & Housing Support
The Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) in Cleveland Heights is conducting a canned food drive until December 3. Drop off non-perishable items at their office (2520 Noble Road) during specified hours (Mon, Tue, Wed noon-6 p.m.; Thu, Fri 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Donations will benefit local Little Food Pantries.
Additionally, HRRC offers vital housing support with HUD-certified counselors. If you or someone you know is struggling with foreclosure, mortgages, rentals, utility assistance, or financial planning, contact Denise Wallace at 216-381-6100, ext. 14, or dblack@hrrc-ch.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Shaker Figure Skating Holiday Show?
The show is on December 20, from 4:45-6:45 p.m. at Thornton Park Ice Arena. - What is the cost for the Caregiving Conference?
Tickets are $60 for professionals, with continuing education credits available. - When is the deadline for canned food donations to Cleveland Independents restaurants?
Canned good donations are accepted through November 20 at participating restaurants. - How can I help with the Cuyahoga County Holiday Giving Programs?
You can purchase gifts from wish lists for Hope for the Holidays (deadline Dec. 5) or “adopt” a kinship family through Adopt-A-Family (gift drop-off Dec. 6). Contact DCFSOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov. - Are the Cleveland Heights ADU meetings the only way to provide feedback?
No, an online survey for ADUs is available and has been extended until November 30.
There’s a vibrant array of events and opportunities this season to connect with your community, support local causes, and enjoy festive activities. Don’t miss out on these chances to engage and make a difference right here in Cleveland and Shaker Heights.
Shaker Heights Holiday Skating Show and Competition
