Non-profit & Groups

Boss Dog Brewing Company, at 2179 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, will host this year’s Mega Raffle Event to benefit The Officer Jason D. West Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships for Cleveland Heights Police Academy cadets. 

The family-friendly event is planned for Sunday, May 18, 5–8 p.m. The event is free and will include finger food and a chance to vie for silent-raffle prizes donated by area businesses.

Regular menu items, beer and other beverages from the bar will be available for purchase.

The memorial organization holds the Mega Raffle each year to raise money for the scholarship fund.

On the last Friday of every month, the food pantry at Church on the Heights opens its doors to families in need.

In March, the pantry supplied more than 2,000 pounds of pantry staples, meat, and fresh fruit and vegetables, serving 41 households and a total of 127 individuals.

Cleveland-based The Steak Club Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2018, plays a crucial role in sustaining this mission. With a commitment to feeding the hungry, the foundation provides essential funding; food donations of fresh produce, proteins, canned goods, and other staple items; and volunteer support to keep the pantry stocked and operational.

Cleveland Heights Chapter #5018 of AARP Inc. celebrated its 30th anniversary on Feb. 27 at the Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center (SAC). The event, chaired by Sherldean Davis and Muriel Craig, included games, a photo booth, a selfie station, an anniversary card signing, and refreshments.

The Cleveland Heights Chapter received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rep. Shontel M. Brown. Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren presented the chaper with a Proclamation of Congratulations. Kalitha Williams, AARP Ohio’s outreach and advocacy manager, and Robyn Kaltenbach, AARP Ohio’s associate state director for advocacy and community engagement, presented the chapter with a Certificate of Achievement.

Forest City Community Land Trust (CLT), a grassroots organization founded by Cleveland Heights community members, will host a panel discussion on Sunday, April 27, 2–4 p.m., at the Lee Road Library.

The event will be open to the public and invites community participation and discussion. The panel will discuss why a community land trust is needed in Cleveland Heights, how CLTs work to keep housing affordable, and what's in it for homeowners and renters alike. 

Panelists will include Josiah Quarles of Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless; Marge Misak, CLT consultant; Dennis Keating, professor emeritus, Levin School of Urban Affairs; and a representative from the Franklin County Land Bank.

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to notice and celebrate the Heights’ legacy urban forest.

Trees shade our homes and sidewalks, saving money on air conditioning and making neighborhoods more walkable. Large, healthy canopy trees clean the air of pollutants and have been shown to reduce air pollution, which, in turn, has been shown to reduce all kinds of health problems, such as asthma, strokes, and heart attacks–-and even some mental health problems. Of particular relevance to the Heights, trees mitigate stormwater runoff, resulting in less overflow into Lake Erie. Trees are the only part of a city’s infrastructure that increases in value with time.

Heights Tree People plants trees in Cleveland Heights and University Heights front yards for free.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, Resistance Fair 2025 attracted more than 1,500 people to the Cleveland Heights High School cafeteria. Organized by the Cleveland Heights Democrats, the event connected attendees with more than 45 activist and advocacy organizations from across Northeast Ohio, providing a vital opportunity for engagement and action.

People traveled from as far as Elyria, Madison, Medina, and Toledo to take part in event.

The fair, structured like a “trade show” for activism, enabled attendees to move from table to table, learning about different organizations and how they could get involved.

For 32 years, Friends of Cain Park (FOCP) has played an essential role in supporting Cleveland Heights' historic Cain Park. An all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3  organization, the FOCP Board of Directors raises funds and awareness to ensure the park remains a thriving hub for the visual and performing arts, for local residents as well as visitors. Incorporated in 1993, the Friends' mission is to promote, preserve, and enhance Cain Park as an artistic, historical, and educational resource for Northeast Ohio.  

FOCP is primarily funded through memberships, donations, and fundraising efforts, with membership numbers ranging from 100 to nearly 300 local residents. By selling memberships, organizing raffles, and offering support at events like the Cain Park Arts Festival, FOCP contributes vital resources for Cain Park’s upkeep and programming.

On Feb. 1, three elected Cleveland Heights officials affirmed a pledge to protect the rights, safety and dignity of people in our community and resist the Trump administration’s agenda.

CH City Council Members Gail Larson and Jim Petras and Mayor Kahlil Seren publicly signed the pledge as part of a national campaign organized by Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). They were among the 37 leaders who signed that day. Council Member Anthony Mattox Jr. reported he signed the pledge after the event. 

Petras stated, “I signed the pledge because it's important for us to speak up during this time when the values that we care about and the people who we love are under attack!”

About 60 people attended the cold but sunny morning rally in front of Cleveland Heights City Hall. The organizers and participants pledged to provide support to city leaders in upholding the pledge. Knowing there will be many opportunities ahead to put these commitments into action, they vowed to work alongside city leaders when those moments come. Sixty similar actions occurred across the country, with more occurring later.

Beth El-The Heights Synagogue, 3246 Desota Ave., will hold its second annual Trivia Night on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 7:15 p.m. Rabbi Michael Ungar will be the event’s MC. 

A fundraiser that is "more fun than funds," proceeds will fund a new Torah scroll, scribed by soferet Rabbi Rebecca Richamn, who lives in Cleveland Heights and is a member of Beth El. (Sofers—males with the skill to inscribe a Torah—are rare; female soferets even more so.)

Gather a table of eight or fewer participants, and register by e-mailing the names to Natalie Barratt, at nmbarr@gmail.com. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 10.

For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak, Church of the Saviour (COTS), located at 2537 Lee Road, has resumed its regular hosting of American Red Cross blood drives.

The church re-launched its efforts on Jan. 6, at the start of National Blood Drive Month, and on that first day received enough donations to save up to 75 lives.

Going forward, COTS will host two to four blood drives monthly, with the goal of becoming the largest blood-donation source site in the community.

The Crowdsourced Conversations community forum series explored four community-selected topics in 2024, and is looking ahead to 2025.

A program of FutureHeights, co-sponsored by community partners, the series puts the spotlight on residents’ voices by emphasizing action-oriented small-group discussions on topics voted on by residents. It is intended to inspire and empower residents to find ways to become more directly involved in their community in ways that feel meaningful, and meet other residents who hope to accomplish the same.

Voting to determine the 2025 topics is underway and will conclude on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Looking for unique, handmade gifts for the holidays? Look no further than the Cleveland Potters Co-op annual pottery sale, Dec. 6, 7, 8 and Dec. 14 and 15.

Taking place the first two weekends in December, the sale will feature one-of-a-kind art created by co-op members, including mugs, bowls, planters, trinkets and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet featured artists, learn about pottery classes taught by co-op members, and explore the studio space.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Coventry Village will host Winter Wonder—a festive day filled with fun activities, unique shopping experiences, arts, and culture.

Coventry Village has long been celebrated as a small-business destination, where buying local is part of the community spirit. On Dec. 14, a full schedule of free Winter Wonder activities promises additional fun for all ages, with live music, warm drinks, ice sculptors, and photos with Santa—all within a five-minute walk.

Discover holiday treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts at Steve Presser’s Big Fun Vintage Toys, Grog Shop’s Jingle Bell Shop, and a pop-up from Brittany’s Record Shop—all spotlighting cherished pieces of Coventry’s vibrant retail scene.

Shoppers can find something special for everyone on their list, from Made Cleveland (voted Cleveland Scene's best gift shop) to Passport to Peru, Mac’s Backs, and more, including gift cards, stocking stuffers, and sweet treats.

Church of the Saviour, located at 2537 Lee Road, will host its annual Advent Festival & Holiday Gift Market on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This free-of-charge, popular community event will be chock-full of family-friendly attractions. 

Live holiday music acts provide a festive backdrop to an extensive fair-trade and local gift market, featuring vendors such as the Interreligious Task Force on Central America, Women of the Cloud Forest, Amani Children's Foundation, and many more.

Crowdsourced Conversations wraps up 2024 with a 40% increase in community participation compared to 2023, and a 107% increase since the program began in 2022.

This forum series, a program of FutureHeights, planned in partnership this year with Home Repair Resource Center, Heights Libraries, Cleveland Heights Green Team, and Heights Bicycle Coalition as well as Heights community members, provides opportunities for residents to gather for action-oriented dialogue around topics they select. This community-building program provides a safe and welcoming space for Cleveland Heights and University Heights residents to come together and brainstorm ways to become more engaged in the community.

The Cleveland Heights Green Team, in partnership with the Heights Libraries and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, will collect campaign and other yard signs Nov. 5–24.

The signs will be transported to the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (CCSWD) facility, where arrangements will be made for their recycling. Unwanted yard signs are not recyclable via curbside recycling.

Sign materials such as plastic film, corrugated plastic and cardboard, and metal stands are recycled by Northcoast Recycling Specialists in Wickliffe. The plastic is marketed to compounders that convert the material into pellets for making items such as plastic bags and plastic toys.

On Dec. 14, join Coventry PEACE Campus (CPC) for a magical celebration of light, creativity, and community—a day filled with free activities, the beloved Lantern Procession, and more.

Due to the owner’s decision to close the Coventry PEACE Building, this year’s Lantern Festival will be CPC’s final public event. The group invites the community to join in celebrating the creativity, community, and joy CPC has shared within the building’s walls, while it looks to the future with hope and gratitude. 

On Friday, Nov. 22: CPC will host a Lantern Making Happy Hour at B Side Lounge.

On Saturday, Dec. 14: CPC will host a day of free activities, including:

• Coventry Village Holiday Festival
• Coventry School Alumni Reunion

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (FHC) has introduced a racial-equity initiative to address the financial burden of student-loan debt among Black women. The church is accepting applications on a rolling basis for its Racial Repair Education Debt Program, which will pay off undergraduate loans for eligible applicants.

The program will give priority to Black individuals who self-identify as female or non-binary, are residents of Cleveland Heights, and have graduated from a post-secondary institution. To request an application, make a contribution, or get more information, e-mail office@fhcpresb.org.

The program, which launched in September, marks a first-of-its-kind effort in Ohio that is drawing national attention.

Racial Equity Buddies (REB), a multifaith, multigenerational, multiracial group that organizes events, learning experiences, and community-building, invites community members to join in two November events.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12,6:30–8:30 p.m., at Forest Hill Church (3031 Monticello Blvd.), the group will host a community event focused on post-election healing, regardless of the results of the November election. The group is excited to welcome local award-winning poets Quartez Harris and Kortney Morrow, who will lead a poetry-writing session. Harris and Morrow will be joined by Chiq Montgomery, who will engage participants in artistic journaling. The evening will begin with a vegan meal and include music and time for connecting, as well.

According to data from Upstream, 561 billion disposable food items are used every year in the U.S., from which a staggering 79% comes from takeout and delivery. Take-out plastic and plastic accessories are used for a few minutes or not at all, and they never disappear. Most plastics are not recyclable, and end up littering the environment, filling landfills, contaminating water, or being incinerated into dangerous breakdown products and greenhouse gasses.

“We see the impact of single-use plastic pollution in every cleanup and green-space beautification we conduct in the Heights. Most of the waste we collect is discarded take-out single use plastics,” said Dr. Kathy Smachlo, a member of the Cleveland Heights Green Team (CHGT) and team liaison to Beyond Plastics, a national organization that works to end plastic pollution.

In October, the FutureHeights Neighborhood Mini-Grant Committee convened to consider applications for its fall round of awards. It granted funds, totaling $5,850, to seven groups, to support their neighborhood-level work in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

Coventry PEACE Campus (CPC) was awarded $1,000 for its “Lantern Festival.” The Lantern Festival brings community members to Coventry PEACE Campus to make art together before they parade into Coventry Village. CPC will use the funds to hire dancers, puppeteers, and musicians to accompany the procession. Funds will also contribute to advance workshops for a small group of arts interns from Heights High who will make individual lanterns for the procession. A dozen nonprofits in the PEACE Campus contribute to the event, providing financial support, food, supplies and music. The event is slated to take place on Dec. 14.

The Cleveland Heights Historical Society is a recipient of a State Historic Preservation Office's Public Education and Awareness Award for 2024.

Nominated specifically was the organization's “View from The Overlook” journal series, of which there have been 50 issues thus far; a 51st journal will soon be printed and sent to historical society members.

All 50 issues are accessible on at the historical society’s website: clevelandheightshistory.org.

On Oct. 8, Cleveland Heights City Council and the Heights Libraries Board of Directors held a joint meeting to discuss Coventry PEACE Campus (CPC)—the building and its tenants.

The library-owned building’s current tenants primarily comprise a mix of nonprofit and arts organizations. Nine tenants failed to renew their 18-month leases by the April 1, 2024, deadline; the library subsequently permitted them to renew for six months, June through December 2024, with a month-to-month renewal option thereafter, subject to termination by tenant or landlord with 60-days’ notice. Three new tenants signed new 18-month leases last spring, effective July 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2025.

At the meeting’s start, CH Council President Tony Cuda noted that those present had gathered “in the spirit of collaboration,” to discuss the future of CPC.

The Church of the Saviour (2537 Lee Road) will host its fall flea market Oct. 17–19.

All proceeds of this popular, bi-annual event benefit local and global missions of the church’s United Women in Faith.

In addition to the variety of flea-market items, plants, soup, and baked goods also will be available for purchase.

It will cost $10 to shop the first hour of the sale, Thursday, Oct. 17, 3–4 p.m. Admission thereafter is free:

The Heights’ tree canopy is facing unprecedented challenges. Aging heritage trees, severe weather events, and ongoing canopy loss are impacting the community’s environmental health and beauty. Residents can make a difference in their own front yards, however, by requesting a free tree from Heights Tree People (HTP). 

HTP supplies and plants trees in people’s front yards for free. The nonprofit group is now accepting tree requests for the fall 2024 planting season.

To request a tree, fill out a short form at www.heightstreepeople.com/request-a-tree.

On Aug. 29, FutureHeights hosted a Crowdsourced Conversation at Forest Hill Park, focused on the community's vision for public parks in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

The forum was informed by the responses of 300-plus residents who participated in a survey designed to assess frequency of and reasons for Heights residents' visits to local green spaces, including playgrounds, community pocket parks, and other gathering spaces.

According to the survey results, 66% of respondents felt satisfied or very satisfied with their park experiences, 70% indicated they felt safe or very safe in the parks, while 7% reported not visiting any city parks over the last year.

The Cleveland Heights Green Team (CHGT) will co-host a “freecycle” community swap meet on Saturday, Sept. 21, 1–4 p.m., at Shaker Heights’s Main Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd. This community-driven event encourages Heights residents to exchange gently used items, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

"We're thrilled to once again co-host this Freecycle event in partnership with the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and Shaker Heights Libraries," said Natalie Elwell, CHGT's co-founder. "It not only helps reduce waste and give new life to no longer needed household items, but also strengthens our community bonds. We encourage everyone to participate and take advantage of this chance to give and receive."

Coventry PEACE Park is getting a face-lift. More to the point, it’s being completely rebuilt, with new structures (a cardinal!), free Wi-Fi, new play areas that will include a climbing wall and a zipline, and more. To document the changes, Heights Libraries enlisted Height Middle School Shorts (HMSS)—and HMSS is looking for student interns.

Since its creation in the early '90s, the playground has been a gathering place for the entire community: it’s hosted theater productions, outdoor cinema, and lots of hanging out. 

“It’s hard to overstate the value of the PEACE Park to the Heights community,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. ”We’re not just rebuilding the playground; we’re creating the heart of the community for generations to come.”

The FutureHeights Neighborhood Mini-Grant program offers up to $1,000 in funding for citizen-led projects happening in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Its grant periods occur twice annually, once in the spring and once in the fall; the next application deadline is Sept. 15.

Qualifying projects comprise three key elements: 1) demonstration of a community-building effort amongst Heights neighbors or community members; 2) geographic location within Cleveland Heights or University Heights; and 3) involvement of at least three unrelated project leaders.  

Groups interested in applying for a Neighborhood Mini-Grant can access an electronic application on the FutureHeights website. Any group that may require assistance in completing its application online, or may not have access to the technology necessary to fill out an application online, should send an e-mail to swolf@futureheights.org or call the FutureHeights office at 216-320-1423.

The Officer Jason D. West Memorial Fund awarded tuition reimbursements to three Cleveland Heights Police Academy graduating cadets, class of June 2024. The total amount awarded was $12,500.

All three award recipients, Patrick M. Burke, Joseph El Biri and Daniel Martinez, have been hired by the Cleveland Heights Police Department.

“In both the written applications and in the interviews, the committee felt that these cadets exhibit many of the qualities that endeared Officer Jason West to the Cleveland Heights community and made him an exemplary police officer,” said Lita Gonzalez, the fund’s president. “We are especially pleased that they will be serving in the Cleveland Heights Police Department.”

On Saturday, Aug. 17, 3–6:30 p.m., the community is invited to join Moms Demand Action, Racial Equity Buddies, and Restorative Justice of Cleveland for a vital conversation on gun violence and its impact.

The program will also discuss potential measures to reduce and eliminate this scourge from our communities.

The event will be held at Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd. Light refreshments will be offered. After the presentations, there will be small-group discussions about restorative justice and gun violence.

On Wednesday, July 24, Heights Libraries will hold a moderated community listening session at which it invites community members to share opinions and ideas about the future of the Coventry PEACE building. The event will be held at Heights Libraries' Lee Road Branch, and will begin at 7 p.m.

 Advance registration is required. To register, click on this link.

 Heights Libraries has announced the following agenda:

1. PEACE building timeline
2. PEACE Building Survey results
3. Public comments
4. Next steps

This past school year, The MetroHealth System’s School Health Program (SHP) invited students from Heights High to help develop a project to address food insecurity in the Heights community. The result is a monthly fresh-produce distribution to be held at the high school throughout the summer.

Heights High is one of three schools to participate in MetroHealth’s SHP Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) food insecurity initiatives. Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Garrett Morgan High School and Lincoln-West School of Global Studies also unveiled projects to support their communities in late May.

None of the current nine tenants met the April 1, 2024, deadline to renew their leases for a new 18-month term. Their just-expired leases covered the 18-month period of Jan. 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Tenants were required to exercise their option to renew for another 18 months by providing written notice “at least 90 days prior to the end date”—i.e., April 1.

Three new tenants have signed leases for an 18-month term, July 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.

The Coventry PEACE Building needs $2.8 million in repairs. 

We may all be basking in the glow of summer, but Heights Athletic Boosters is already looking ahead to the start of the fall sports season. With a record-breaking football team about to return to the gridiron, and new coaches at the helm of several other fall sports teams, the possibilities are endless.

To kick off the season, Heights Athletic Boosters will host a carnival on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Heights High. While the cross-country team will be running miles from 7 a.m. that morning until 7 a.m. the next, in the team’s annual 24-hour relay, most events for the public will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

In a press release, Cleveland Heights City Council Vice President Davida Russell announced that she and Judge J.J. Costello will collaborate with the Legal Aid Society (LAS) of Cleveland to host a LAS Brief advice clinic on June 29, as part of the Russell’s ongoing Tenant Landlord Series. The event aims to offer tailored legal guidance and support to individuals facing civil legal issues.
 
The clinic will take place on Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the newly reopened Heights Libraries Noble Neighborhood Branch.

Heights Bicycle Coalition (HBC) and its community partners hosted and supported several events during National Bike Month in May, including Bike to Work Day fueling stations, the annual Ride of Silence, community forums, bike and pedestrian counts, and community rides. The city of Cleveland Heights issued a resolution declaring May as Mary Dunbar Bike Month.

With warmer weather and longer days, June is an excellent time to build on that momentum. HBC is hosting and supporting several events this month, and invites everyone to come out to ride.

After 18 years at Reaching Heights, and the last 10 as its executive director, Krista Hawthorne has embarked on her well-deserved retirement.

“Krista has led Reaching Heights with a clear and intuitive understanding of our role in our community and alongside our public schools," remarked Board President Josie Moore. “She brought a steady hand, kind heart, and thoughtful perspective to every service performed, relationship nurtured, and connection forged.”

“Krista is a champion for our schools, students and families,” said CH-UH school district Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby.

Reaching Heights is excited to introduce the newest addition to its leadership team, Erica C. Penick, who joins the organization as executive director.

Penick brings with her a wealth of experience and a commitment to equity, community, and service, and is no stranger to the world of nonprofit management and leadership. With a proven track record as a C-Suite professional and advisor, Penick has expertise in revenue generation, donor cultivation, funding alignment, strategy, branding, and communications.

Students from the middle grades have an opportunity to shine musically this summer by attending the Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp. This music-immersion week starts June 10 and ends with a public performance on June 15, when the inter-generational orchestra shares the music it's shaped during 11 rehearsals.

Instrumental music students completing grades six through eight this school year, who are residents of the CH-UH school district, are eligible to participate in this joyful and demanding week. Registration by May 15 is appreciated and recommended. Space is limited.

The camp experience has been carefully designed to emphasize collaboration and growth in the context of fun. Silly hats and theme days, popsicles, and recreation breaks add a light touch to the week.

Boss Dog Brewing Company, at 2179 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, will host this year’s Mega Raffle Event to benefit The Officer Jason D. West Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships for cadets in the Cleveland Heights Police Academy. 

The family-friendly event is planned for Sunday, May 19, 5–8 p.m., and will include games for kids and adults. The event is free. Attendees will partake of finger food and a chance to vie for silent-raffle prizes donated by area businesses.

Regular menu items, beer and other beverages from the bar will be available for purchase.

Gather Well Cleveland Heights is a new organization with a mission to build bridges and help establish more connections in the community. Its founders believe proximity is a start, but establishing true community relationships will be the key to strengthening Cleveland Heights further.

For Julie Walker, this idea sprang from a true passion for her community and years of service as a parent, teacher and volunteer. As a lifelong resident and current teacher and parent in the CH-UH school district, Walker has deep knowledge of this community's leaders and organizations, and wants to help community champions better work in partnership with one another rather than in isolation. She sees the incredible potential of the people and resources in the CH community, and wants to ensure they benefit residents in all corners of the city.

The renovations of two homes generously given to FutureHeights by the city of Cleveland Heights are almost complete.

Late last year, FutureHeights embarked on partnerships with Frank Kuhar of Revived Housing Partners and Michael Leonetti of Yosemite Construction to completely renovate the homes located at 2124 Rossmoor and 901 Englewood roads. Both contractors are local to Cleveland Heights: Kuhar lives in Cleveland Heights with his daughter, and Yosemite’s office is newly located on Taylor Road.

Both homes had been vacant for a number of years and required complete renovation. Each home has all new mechanicals, including new roofs, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems. The kitchens and bathrooms have been completely gutted and feature new cabinets, appliances, ceramic, and granite.

The Heights are about to get a little greener. On Feb. 28, Heights Tree People learned that the Ohio Division of Forestry had awarded an Urban Forestry Grant of $18,000 to the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that plants free front-yard trees in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. By doing so, the group is working to restore lost tree canopy.

The grant, which comes from federal Inflation Reduction Act funds, will pay for planting 50 trees each season for three planting seasons—that covers 18 months. The program focuses on urban areas that are disadvantaged as measured by the federal government’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool and the EPA’s Environmental Justice and Screening Mapping Tool (EJScreen).

“Cleveland Heights as a whole qualifies, and with this grant, Heights Tree People will make a special effort to plant in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city," said the group's president, Julie Gierke.

On April 27, Forest Hill Church invites the community to dive into the vibrant world of America's Indigenous Peoples! 

The church will host Robin Pease, artistic director of Kulture Kids and proud descendant of Indigenous Americans. as she brings Native American music, stories, and traditions to life in an immersive performance.

Doors to the event will open at 4 p.m., with the main program scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Forest Hill Church is located at 3031 Monticello Blvd., in Cleveland Heights.

Pease, who has a theater background from the Boston Conservatory and Case Western Reserve University, invites the audience to engage actively in the program, which offers an enlightening journey into the heart of indigenous heritage; one that honors and recognizes the enduring legacy and contributions of indigenous peoples, often marginalized and ignored.

Mark your calendars for International Compost Awareness Week, taking place May 5–11. 

University Heights will take part in this global effort, kicking off the week with a free Backyard Composting 101 seminar on May 5, 1:30 p.m., at the University Heights Branch Library. Registration begins on April 23, at heightslibrary.org.

Carin Miller, education specialist for the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, will present the one-hour seminar. "This program will provide you the information and basic tools you'll need to start a simple, hands-off backyard composting system,” said Miller.

The Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries (FFHL) has launched a “Match Madness” campaign to help pay for the basketball half-court in the new Coventry PEACE Park.

An anonymous donor will match up to $25,000 in donations received by FFHL between March 17 and April 8, coinciding with the men’s NCAA basketball tournament (aka "March Madness"). 

The half-court will feature a graphic representation of Dugway Brook, which flows beneath the playground, a basketball hoop, and a concrete retaining wall that can be used for developing other ball skills.

On March 27, Cilantro Taqueria in Coventry Village (at 2783 Euclid Heights Blvd.) will support FFHL’s Match Madness campaign by donating 20% of receipts from customers who mention “Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries” when ordering. These funds also will be matched by the donor.

Are you planning a “green” event in April in the Heights? If you are, or if you know of one, tell the Cleveland Heights Green Team (CHGT).

CHGT is compiling an Earth Month in the Heights Events Calendar. The purpose of this crowdsourced initiative is to inspire action and to remind everyone that every effort on behalf of the environment counts.

Submit information about an event here. CHGT will add it to the calendar and share it with the community, inviting everyone to participate.

The survey for 2024’s first Crowdsourced Conversations topic, Living Less Car-Centric in the Heights, launches March 1 and will remain live through March 31. The survey, and additional information, can be found at www.futureheights.org/cc24-less-car-centric.

Crowdsourced Conversations is a forum series hosted by FutureHeights with the support of partner organizations Home Repair Resource Center, Cleveland Heights Green Team, Heights Libraries, and Heights Biking Coalition, as well as many volunteers from across the community.

A community-building initiative, the series invites all Heights residents to the table to share their experiences, with the aim of finding ways to take meaningful action and supporting the ongoing work in our neighborhoods and across Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

On Presidents Day, Feb. 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m., the CH-UH Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland, in partnership with Heights Libraries, will present “A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy.”

Comprising a documentary video and subsequent discussion, the event will be held at the Lee Road Library, in meeting rooms A and B. 

The video presents an interview/discussion between politician and author Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and PBS correspondent Hari Sreenivasan.

The residents of Cleveland Heights and University Heights voted, Dec. 1 through Jan. 5, to determine four topics for the 2024 Crowdsourced Conversations forum series. From a list of more than 30 community-suggested possibilities, the top four vote-getters were: 

• Looking at Severance Town Center as a Case Study: How Can Heights Residents Become Meaningfully Involved
• Turning the Noble Neighborhood & Business District Into a Destination
• Our Public Parks
• Active Transportation Planning: Living Less Car-Centric in the Heights

Voting on the 2024 topics saw an increase of 229% over the previous year.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black culture which aims to eradicate discrimination and encourage racial equality. Again this year, as it has done for the past 13 years, Forest Hill Church (FHC) proudly presents a full month of Black History Celebration events.

This year’s theme is “Black Women: Crowned with Glory.” This year, FHC’s Black History Education Committee has chosen to recognize 10 exceptional Black womxn who exemplify the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness/generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

All events are free and open to the public—though some events offer sweets and treats for sale. 

Feb. 4: Family Fun Movie Night, 4–6 p.m. Join FHC for a free screening of “The Little Mermaid” (PG). Bring the whole family to enjoy this modern take on a childhood classic. Grab some popcorn and Kool-Aid for just a buck.

Are you filled with ideas and energy for improving our community? Can you give your time and talent to make the Heights an even better place in which to live?

FutureHeights (FH) is seeking candidates for its board of directors, to fill seats as current members’ terms expire. New board members will serve a three-year term. Applicants should be members of the Cleveland Heights or University Heights communities. Applicants should have a vested interest in the organization and the communities it serves, and have the time and talent to donate to the success of the organization and its programming.

Applications can be found at www.futureheights.org, and are due by Feb. 29. Interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter.

About FutureHeights

FH is a nonprofit community development corporation whose mission is to facilitate an equitable, prosperous, and vibrant future for Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

The Neighborhood Mini-Grant program administered by FutureHeights had its biggest year ever in 2023, awarding 21 projects a total of $15,392.

All community members are invited to a celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6–7:30 p.m., where award recipients will talk about their impactful community-building efforts and initiatives in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. The event will be hosted virtually via Zoom. 

To register, visit the FutureHeights website, www.futureheights.org/2023-neighborhood-mini-grant-celebration/.

The Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program offers up to $1,000 in funding for neighborhood-level projects.

Friends of Cain Park (FCP), an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports Cain Park by raising funds and awareness, is seeking new members to join its board of directors. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 28.

Since 1991, the Friends have provided more than $200,000 to help fund Cain Park’s programming, and promote and preserve the park as an historical, artistic and educational resource for Northeast Ohio. FCP funds live music and other performances, art festival awards, stipends for non-union actors, and park beautification projects.

Community members interested in furthering FCP’s mission are invited to apply to join its volunteer board. Each board member is asked to make an annual contribution in an amount of their choosing, because the board asks other individuals and foundations to support staff, programs and projects.

The Cleveland Heights Meals on Wheels program delivers two meals—one hot and one cold—four days a week to about 20 homebound senior citizens.

The organization is looking for additional volunteers to help one day a week, from approximately 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

To volunteer, or to request the meal service for yourself or a family member, contact the Cleveland Heights Office on Aging by phone (216-691-7342) or by e-mail (cneal@clevelandheights.gov).

The city’s Meals on Wheels program is operated by volunteers, with some staff support from the CH Office on Aging.

Beginning Jan. 17, Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC), located at 2520 Noble Road in Cleveland Heights, will offer its six-week Home How-To Electrical Series for Women.

The classes take place on Wednesday evenings, 7–9 p.m., and will cover the basics of electricity. The weekly classes run through Feb. 21.

The fee for this series is $150. Income-based discounts of 50 percent to 100 percent are available for those who qualify.

For more than a decade, Chris Garson has been a steadfast presence at Lake Erie Ink (LEI), driven by a passion for writing and a profound desire to foster literacy among young minds. His journey began with a chance encounter at a coffee shop, where he overheard a conversation about LEI’s mission to support youth in finding their voice through creative expression.

Initially drawn by his love for writing and the organization’s commitment to empowering youngsters through literacy, Garson’s role evolved over the years. He transitioned from volunteering in-person at Ink Spot to adapting to virtual spaces during the pandemic. Through Zoom classes and full-day events, he witnessed the incredible imagination and creativity of the 11- to 13-year-olds he mentored.

Reaching Heights is a vibrant, local nonprofit whose staff and volunteers are passionate about public education, racial equity, and supporting the Cleveland Heights-University Heights public schools. For the past 10 years, Reaching Heights has been led by Krista Hawthorne, who will retire at the end of this school year.

The Reaching Heights Board of Directors is now undertaking a search for a new executive director who will continue to build on Hawthorne’s excellent work. The successful candidate will be committed to the Heights public schools and community engagement.

To learn more about Reaching Heights and the job posting, visit www.reachingheights.org.

Dear Heights Observer Supporter,

One of my favorite roles is serving as the publisher of the Heights Observer. You may already know that the Heights Observer is an award-winning newspaper, but did you know we are in our 16th publishing year! The Heights Observer is a very good source of local news, views, events, and other information for residents of Cleveland Heights and University Heights. It is a well-run publication with editors and a sales team who are intentional in supporting writers and local businesses, along with a graphic design team that makes us look great. It takes a significant amount of time and dedication to produce a monthly print issue. I'm very proud of our staff and their commitment to creating a quality community paper.