Sustainable Heights Network

Events of Interest

2012-01-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

Thursday, January 26
7PM Bicycle Dreams-Film to benefit Heights Bicycle Coalition and Bike Cleveland. At the Big Dog Theatre, 2781 Euclid Hts Blvd., Cleveland Hts. $11.00 Advance Online tix purchase or $15 at the door.

Sunday, January 29
1-3 PM Neighborhood Stabilization Program Open Homes Sponsored by the City of Cleveland Heights.
1:30 PM Citizens Study Group: Schools Sustainability - Meet at Studio Techne, 12210 Euclid Ave. Architect/Consultant Marc Ciccarelli will discuss CHUH Schools master facilities plan. Contact organizer Sam Bell, 371-8150 (M-F 8am-6pm) for more information

Let's grow community gardening! January 24

2012-01-19T11:03:00.000-05:00

You are invited to a public informational meeting about the Sustainable Heights Network’s initiative to promote community gardening in the Heights. This meeting is open to all with an interest in starting a community garden in their neighborhood.

Tuesday, January 24, at 7:00 pm, at the CHUH Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

The goal of the initiative is to locate sites that could be used for community gardens and to provide a mechanism for people interested in community gardening to connect with each other and to gain access to resources that support new community gardens.

Everyone interested in seeing community gardening thrive in the Heights is encouraged to attend!
Please RSVP here

2nd Annual Seed Swap January 21st

2012-01-17T15:58:00.002-05:00

what: Food Not Lawns, Cleveland second annual seed swap and meet-up
when: January 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
where: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Hts.,OH 44122
why: to swap seeds you've saved or have left over (or barter something else for seeds), answer the question "why save seeds?", meet and greet others interested in: permaculture, gardening, local food, sustainability, community, native plants, creating habitat, food forest and more... we will have literature and presentations (including, Beyond Pesticides,Ohio, The Charmed Kitchen, Food Not Lawns, Cleveland (of course) and more.
Refreshments ( please consider bringing something to share - there will also be a collection box for non-perishable food donations).

How to bring seeds:
Bring packaged seeds or pack them in small envelopes or small ziplock jewelry -type bags (We'll have some available). Include as much info as possible regarding plant species, year collected/saved, source of origin, if known, growing specifications and anything in particular that deemed those seeds worth saving (drought/pest resistant, large, lovely etc. fruit, highly productive, easily grown ...whatever fits on a label.

Please come even if you don't have seeds! There are bound to be extras to share/swap
Thanks and hope to see you there.
For more info. contact Mari at : beanpie55@att.net and visit foodnotlawnscleveland@yahoogroups.com

When Sat Jan 21 11am – 3pm Eastern Time
Where First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH (map)

Fair Farm Bill Campaign Kickoff

2012-01-10T17:28:00.004-05:00

Care about small farmers? How about healthy, sustainable food? Then please join us for the…

Fair Farm Bill Campaign Kickoff Meeting

Tuesday January 17th, 2012

7:30-8:30pm

Cleveland Heights Library

2345 Lee Road

Guest Speaker: Nick Swetye, City Fresh

Food and Water Watch is launching this local campaign right here in Cleveland! Right now, our country’s food system is broken. A few large companies, like Cargill and Monsanto, control every part of our food system, risking public health, driving out small and mid-sized farmers, and hurting the environment. The good news is that we can make our food system work better for small farmers and our communities, and give consumers access to safer, more sustainable food. This winter, Senator Brown has the opportunity to level the playing field for small farmers through the Farm Bill. Senator Brown is on the Agricultural Committee and we need to show him that Ohioans want him to stand up for small farmers, and local, sustainable food. RSVP at bit.ly/FairFarmBillRSVP and come to the Fair Farm Bill Campaign Kickoff Meeting to learn how you can help!

All are welcome – bring your friends! To learn more about how you can get involved before the meeting, please contact Tia Lebherz at tia@greencorps.org and visit http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/fair-farm **Refreshments provided**

Your chance to have a lasting (50+ years) and sustainable local impact.

2011-12-14T20:08:00.003-05:00

Update: Jan 1, 2012
Join the conversation about this issue and opportunity at The Civic Commons - CLICK HERE

By Sam Bell, Network Member and E4S "Champion of Sustainability"

The Cleveland Heights University Heights Board of Education has begun planning the next fifty years of school and administrative buildings programs. It is anticipated that a number of existing buildings will be closed, renovated, rebuilt, or replaced at a cost likely to run into several tens of millions of dollars. The process has already begun, and is gaining momentum. While sustainability has been identified as a key concern, no one individual has been given responsibility as a Director of Sustainability. I worry lest "sustainability" become just a fashionable buzz-word to which everyone pays lip-service but for which no one person is actually responsible or accountable.

Please consider one of these action alternatives:

Call or write Mr Steve Shergalis [s_shergalis@chuh.org or 371-7171 ] to ask him to identify and name a local resident to the position of District Director of Sustainability. [Note: There is currently no such position. One will have to be created. Anyone qualified for this job will easily produce annual savings far in excess of salary, benefits and other costs. I believe we have an ample local talent pool. A community resident who is already attuned to our particular values will be up-to-speed from day one.]
Attend the next scheduled planning meeting on Wednesday, January 11
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Heights High Social Room. Check out the Facilities Master Plan
Contact your favorite School Board member(s) to ask that she or he make certain that this process is handled properly in order to avoid the kinds of painful and expensive missteps. Email the Board of Education

Giant Eagle recycling small electronics

2011-12-13T10:40:00.002-05:00

Giant Eagle has rolled out a recycling program for small electronics. Beginning December 19, 2011, all of its Northeast Ohio stores will have a locked drop off bin for recycling cell phones, digital cameras, mp3 players, ipods, empty ink cartridges, and GPS systems. The items are recycled stateside through OPRA (Office Products Recycling Associates) and Clover Technologies. Items are either refurbished for reuse or demanufactured and recycled. 100% of the profits from this program are donated to local food banks in the Greater Cleveland area.

Check with your neighborhood store for more information.
Courtesy CCSWD

Bioneers Blitz

2011-12-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

RESHAPING BIONEERS CLEVELAND
Bioneers Blitz — Saturday, Dec. 10, 1- 4:30 pm — First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21800 Shaker Blvd. Shaker Heights

See five of the outstanding speakers from the 2011 National Bioneers conference via DVD. Popcorn provided. No charge, donations accepted.

Co-sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth, First Unitarian Church.
Speakers: Rebecca Moore, Google Earth-Eye View: Mapping a Future Environment of Hope
Karen Brown, Revolutionizing K-12 Education with Sustainability in Mind
Paul Stamets, Solutions from the Underground: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World
Mary Ellen Tucker, The Power of Story
Amory Lovins, Reinventing Fire

BioneersCleveland.org

Reaching Heights Annual Meeting

2011-12-05T07:34:00.001-05:00

Thursday, December 8
7 PM
Delisle Center for Educational Options (the former Taylor Academy) at 14780 Superior Rd. in Cleveland Heights

As part of Reaching Heights’ Thank-A-Teacher program, there will be presentations by parents who will recognize and thank teachers who have made a difference in their children’s lives. There will also be a presentation detailing the work going on at the new Delisle Center from Jeffrey Johnston, CH-UH Director of Student Services, and Brian Williams, the Delisle Center’s Building Coordinator. Light refreshments will be served. INFO

Donate needed learning materials

2011-12-01T08:45:00.001-05:00

Toy and Learning Material Drive

December 5 -15
Sponsored by Go Public!
Kids can't learn if they don't know how to play and they can't thrive without the right toys. After the huge success of the "Go Public!" book drive last spring, we are launching a TOY & LEARNING MATERIAL DRIVE for the elementary school community. CLICK HERE for more info
Go Public! is a grassroots movement to foster stronger ties between the Cleveland Heights/University Heights community and our public schools.

Go Public! is seeking volunteers, as well. Help build this important bridge between the community and our public schools.

Community Gardening Event December 6

2011-11-28T09:21:00.001-05:00

Join the over 4000 Cuyahoga County residents that grow fruits and vegetables in community gardens!

Vacant land in your city can be put to use when family, friends, and neighbors come together to grow fresh food!

The Ohio State University Extension’s Urban Agriculture Program can help you start a community garden in your area!

To learn more about this program and about mini-grant opportunities for new gardens, come to an information session: RSVP here

Tuesday, December 6th
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Heights Library
Lee Road Branch
2345 Lee Road,
Cleveland Hts.

Fundraising 101 Workshop

2011-11-27T15:12:00.001-05:00

Fundraising Workshop with Andy Robinson: Big Gifts For Small Groups
Monday, December 5, 9 am to 4 pm
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Eighty-five percent of charitable funds come from individual donors, not foundations or corporations. Learn how to build a fundraising program that honors your mission. Topics covered include:

• Why people give
• The basic principles of fundraising
• Identifying prospective donors
• “The ask” — face to face solicitation
• Alternate strategies: house parties, raising major gifts by mail

Registration: Fee is $20 per person, which includes materials, coffee and lunch. Multiple participants from each organization are encouraged for maximum impact. Space is limited. Please register by Thursday, December 1, by calling the Nature Center at (216) 321-5935, ext. 235. To download a pdf of the flyer, click here.

Andy Robinson provides training and consulting for nonprofits in fundraising, grant seeking, board development, marketing, earned income, planning, leadership development, and facilitation. He specializes in the needs of groups working for human rights, social justice, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and community development. Andy is the author of five books, including Grassroots Grants and Selling Social Change, and How to Raise $500 to $5000 From Almost Anyone. When he’s not on the road, he lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

Our schools: Their use and future

2011-11-17T16:48:00.001-05:00

The architectural fabric of our neighborhoods and the full and efficient use of our public buildings, including our public schools, is an important aspect of a sustainable community.

The CHUH School District is deep into a process of evaluating its buildings: their use, their functions, and their design for educational, as well as community, use.They seek your input. Please attend their next public meeting on November 30 if you want to be part of the solution and would like to help shape the future of our neighborhood schools. INFO HERE

News and resources

2011-11-10T15:48:00.001-05:00

TRANSPORTATION: Heights bicycle map now available

HISTORY: This Sunday, November 13, John D. Rockefeller, The Life & The Legend

WATER: Wednesday, November 16: A Portrait of Your Watershed, Doan Brook Partnership Annual Meeting and Celebration

FOOD: Heights Emergency Food Center always accepting donations. 381-0707. Serving Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid, and Lyndhurst.

Thank you to over 350 of you who participated in Sustainable Heights No Impact Week Experiment and events. We hope to make the program an annual event.

We've heard from many citizens that two sustainability issues are of priority interest: community gardening and community recycling. The Sustainable Heights Network will be hosting a meeting soon for you to take part in helping organize the community around these important issues. Your interest and expertise greatly appreciated. Details will be posted soon.

Thank you

2011-10-27T08:56:00.004-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the No Impact Week Challenge. We had over 200 registered participants, and over 150 people attended five events, making this Sustainable Heights 2nd Annual Sustainability Week a great success.

But the proof of success also lies in the actions you took as a result of the week. If you haven't already, please fill out the end of the week survey for the No Impact Project. It will allow them to evaluate the program, and also allow Sustainable Heights to evaluate its work, too.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sustainableheights2

Couldn't get around to doing the No Impact challenge? Go to the No Impact Project any time to sign up.

Come by the Open House on Sunday

2011-10-22T11:37:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to stop by the Sustainable Heights No Impact Week Open House at the Heights Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights tomorrow, Sunday, October 23 between 1-3 PM to share your No Impact Week experience with us. We'll have refreshments, and would love to meet you all.

We had over 200 residents sign up for the daily challenges (and they were definitely challenges for soms!) and over 150 people attend the week's events, making this the biggest event little Sustainable Heights Network has ever produced. Congratulations on your participation.

This may be the official end of No Impact Week, but this is just the beginning of a more sustainable Heights.

Old House Energy Audit Demo

2011-10-22T08:21:00.002-04:00

Thank you! Registration for today's Old House Energy Audit Demo, sponsored by GoodCents, is now closed.
Schedule your own audit for $50! Here's how the program works.

And when you schedule, mention the Home Repair Resource Center because they will receive a donation from GoodCents!

No Impact Week Day 7 - Give Back

2011-10-22T07:50:00.001-04:00

Meals on Wheels always needs volunteers
Photo courtesy Heights Observer

Saturday,October 22: Give Back Day

Give Back Day is here, and that means you’ve confronted every no impact living challenge we’ve thrown at you, from cutting back on consumption to being mindful of water use. Now it’s time to celebrate! Tomorrow is Giving Back Day. By giving back, you slow down and appreciate what you have. The conversation and community that you will experience will give you that all-important, essential nutrient: happiness. Ultimately, you will not only be giving back - you'll be getting back! Watch this video for a little reminder as to why it’s all worth it (http://bit.ly/rsyfHn)

HeightsEmergency Food Center: Theneed has never been greater. If you are able to help one day a month, ordonate food/cash, please contact the Center at 216.381.0707 during our hours ofoperation.

HomeRepair Resource Center: Help the HRRC keep Cleveland Heights in goodrepair. Call 381-6100 www.hrrc-ch.org

HeightsLibraries: Heather Howiler,Volunteer Coordinator 216-932-3600 ext. #287 / hhowiler@heightslibrary.org HeightsLibrary.org

Lake ErieInk: A writing center for youth in Coventry Village. Email ProgramDirector Amy Rosenbluth at arosenbluth@lakeerieink.org for info. lakeerieink.org

ClevelandUnderdog Rescue: Fosterhomes needed. clevelandunderdog.orgclevelandunderdogrescue@gmail.com

Meals onWheels University Heights: You can make a difference in just one dayper week. Call: 216-991-6376 or email us at: info@mealsonwheelsshaker.org

ReachingHeights: Bridgethe gap between community and schools. Volunteer as a Many Villages tutor,distribute their newsletter, and more. 216 932 5110 rh@reachingheights.org

Deliverthe Heights Observer: Community news, written by the community, forthe community. Serving Cleveland Heights and University Heights. One hour monthly, or just one time. CallFutureHeights 320-1423 or email info@futureheights.org heightsobserver.org

ClevelandSight Center at Coventry School From personal and radio readers, to vision screening, and more, there isa volunteer opportunity waiting for you. Ifyou would like to help please e-mail orphone Alicia Howerton at 216-658-4587.

If you have a resource to add to this list please email it to us. We're going to have permanent community volunteer resource page soon.

Change yourself. Change the world during the 2nd annual SHN Sustainability Week

2011-09-29T09:48:00.001-04:00

A message for Sustainable Heights No Impact Week'ers

from Colin "No Impact Man" Beavan

Join Sustainable Heights Network for No Impact Week, a personal one week carbon cleanse experiment that could change your life, your community, and even the planet.

Live a greener and more connected lifestyle -- for just one week. Take 8 daily challenges to eat locally, lower your energy use, and meet your neighbors. Free and open to all Heights area residents—young and old--and all Greater Clevelanders, too! Join a global movement that asks you to spend a week reviewing what you choose to consume, and how you might change your habits. Here's what you do:

1) Sign Up!

It takes 5 seconds. Go it alone, get your whole family involved, or put together a team (don't forget to create a snappy name) and register everyone online to receive the fun and engaging How-To Manual: www.noimpactproject.org/experiment/sustainableheights

2) Ready, set, go
Start your experiment on Sunday, October 16 (or any day you like) and receive daily emails chock full of encouragement and event postings.

Worried you can't do it all?
Each day has its own unique activity so you can participate every day or only some – any level of participation is better than none at all. Do as many days as you can, but like most challenges in life, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it! More FAQS

3) Fill in your No Impact Week with some fabulous events
Attend a No Impact Week event! There is indeed something for everyone. and some require registration..CHECK IT OUT HERE

4) Share your experience with others-a variety of ways
Share your No Impact journey with fellow travelers! Contribute your thoughts/photos/videos to the conversation at our Facebook.com/sustainableheightsnoimpactweek page and follow our featured bloggers at Blogs.HeightsObserver.org

And don't forget to come to a very low impact open house at the Heights Main Library, 2345 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, on Sunday, the 23rd from 1-3pm for all participants and enthusiasts at the end of the week--share your challenges and successes with us and meet others who participated.

Sign up to participate in No Impact Week today. You'll be glad you did.

No Impact Week is hosted by the Sustainable Heights Network, organized in 2010 to promote sustainability through the power of community networking in Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Ohio. The No Impact Week is a program of the No Impact Project, the nonprofit founded by Colin Beavan after his yearlong no impact experiment. Learn more at noimpactproject.org.

Thank You Sponsors!

Additional support from The Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition, The City of Cleveland Heights, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, Go Public!, Home Repair Resource Center, Heights Community Congress

Get your house ready for the winter

2011-09-14T14:47:00.005-04:00

If you're looking to save money on energy bills this winter and want to do it yourself, network partner Home Repair Resource Center has useful workshops for you.

CAULKING and WINTERIZATION
Monday, September 19th, 7 - 9 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Markuz, Kilroy Home Insulation
Learn how to seal those cracks and gaps that let warm air escape and cold air enter. We'll demonstrate strategies for winterizing doors, making windows air-tight, and eliminating hidden heat leaks.

INSULATION
Monday, September 26th, 7 - 9 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Markuz, Kilroy Home Insulation
You'll learn how to work with various types of insulation and where each is most appropriate, as well as which do-self projects can give you effective results.

The classes are open to all Cleveland Heights residents. Reservations are a must! Call 381-6100, ext. 16, to save your space.

Want to view an energy audit? Curious as to what can be done to make your house more energy efficient? Good Cents will host an old house energy audit event during No Impact Week. Date and time to be determined. We'll email you when we've got it scheduled. Email us your interest

Preservation = Sustainability. Public Meeting 9/27

2011-09-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

The Shaker Farm Historic District in Cleveland Heights is being considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The district is roughly bounded by properties along Fairmont Boulevard to the south, Fairfax Road to the north, Roxboro Middle School to the west and Ashton Road to the east.

For information on the proposed historic listing, a public hearing will be held to present a brief history of the district and the nomination process.

Tuesday, September 27th, at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting Room A
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Main Library
2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights

Listing in the National Register provides the following benefits:

Consideration in planning for federally assisted projects;
Eligibility for federal tax benefits; and
Qualifications for federal grants-in-aid whenever funds are appropriated by Congress. None are currently available.

Owners of private property nominated to the National Register are given an opportunity to concur or object to the nomination in accord with the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 and federal regulation 36 CFR Part 60. Any owner or partial owner of private property who objects to listing must submit a notarized statement certifying that the party is the sole or partial owner of the property and is objecting. Address letters to Burt Logan, State Historic Preservation Officer, Ohio Historic Preservation Office, 800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43211-2474. Each owner or partial owner has one vote regardless of how many whole or partial properties that party owns. If a majority of the owners object to the listing of a particular district, the district will not be listed.

For Frequently Asked Questions about National Register listing, go to http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/faq.htm or contact Kara Hamley O’Donnell, the City’s Historic Preservation Planner, at kodonnell@clvhts.com or 216.291.4885.

Your week of carbon cleansing is coming soon

2011-09-05T14:02:00.000-04:00

Are you up for the challenge? Online registration for Sustainable Heights No Impact Week, from Octob er 16 - 23, is coming soon. The No Impact Week Experiment is based on the book and documentary by Colin Beavan, who challenged himself, and his wife and child, to a year of no impact living.

We hope you'll try a week of no impact living, along with your friends and the community, to see what a difference even small acts make in building a healthier, more sustainable, world.

Educators: Sign up your classes for No Impact Week and use these terrific lesson plans!

Mark your calendars

2011-08-25T21:00:00.011-04:00

School Garden Grants Available
Attention local educators: Have a school garden?
Planning on starting one? University Heights Whole Foods invites your application for this terrific grant program. Beginning August 17th, Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program will be accepting online applications for school garden grants! In partnership with FoodCorps, Whole Kids Foundation will grant 1000 schools $2000 each to build or expand their school garden. Applications accepted through December 31.

Citizens For Oakwood Meeting
Tuesday, August 30, at 7 PM, at Noble Road Presbyterian Church, 2780 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights
To discuss the South Euclid Referendum Campaign 2011 and updates about Oakwood development. Campaign volunteer opportunities available.

Bike Night At the Movies
Mark your calendars. Thursday, September 1 is rescheduled Bike Night at the Coventry PEACE Park movies. 9PM-Ride your bike to see "Breaking Away" with your neighbors in the fresh air of the end of summer! Bring a picnic, spread out your blanket, and enjoy the show.

Conservation and Climate Change Symposium

September 8 - 10, 2011

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The 8th annual Conservation Symposium explores the changes we can expect in our landscape and strategies for dealing with climate change, for example, through natural resources management. Keynote address on Sept. 9 by Dr. Stanley A. Temple, Beers-Bascom Professor Emeritus in Conservation in the University of Wisconsin's Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology is titled, "Aldo Leopold, Phenology and Climate Change." For 32 years, Temple occupied the faculty position once held by renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. Field Trips, Workshops, Walking Tours, Hikes, Lectures, Lake Erie Boat Float, and more! $15 Registration before September 2 ($20 after 9/02) For more Information, call (216) 231-1177 or 1-800-317-9155, ext. 3279

Ride For Miles
Ride For Miles the annual noncompetitive bicyle ride which raises funds for the JCU Biology Department's Miles Coburn Environmental Symposium, will be on Sunday, September 18 at 10 AM. The ride is about 15 miles, and 80% is on divided roads. Register Online.

These teen volunteers need something to plant

2011-08-08T07:26:00.002-04:00

Attention Networkers: Support the next volunteer planting at Forest Hill Park!
Friend a Forest - Fund a Frond
Fundraising goal: $200

Over the summer Forest Hill Park has provided nature experiences for diverse groups of children who have planted a variety of flowering native perennials in the park ...including, Iris versicolor (Blue flag iris), Matteuccia (Ostrich fern; not flowering), Eupatorium (Joe Pye Weed), Asclepias (Milkweed), Monarda (Bee-balm), and Lobelia. All are moisture loving plants that will henceforth beautify several moist meadow areas in the park. The plants have been provided through the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and through private donations and have been planted by children from East Cleveland and teens involved in the Metroparks Zoo Crew Program.

On August 10th we have one more planting planned for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Crew program. We need to raise about $150 to $200 to buy plants.We would like to plant Vernonia (Ironweed), Helenium (Sneezeweed), Eichinacea (Coneflower), Aster (Blue Wood Aster), and Cimicifuga (Black Cohosh).

You can help by donating $20 - $25 - or as much more as you like (plants run around $6 to $8 each). Checks should be made out to East Cleveland Parks Association. ECPA is 501(c)3; your donation is tax deductible. Mail to

Friend a Forest - Fund a Frond
(Plants for Forest Hill Park)
c/o Elsa Johnson
1718 Preyer Avenue
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118

Contact for more information: Forest HIll Park Volunteer Elsa Johnson, vicnelsa at earthlink dot net

Volunteers from ECPA are always willing and happy to walk through the park with you and explain the parks joys and problems. And sometimes you teach us too.

Thank you! Elsa

This week in Sustainable Heights

2011-07-25T08:56:00.002-04:00

Farm Market
Every Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church
3630 Fairmount Blvd.Cleveland Heights' only farmers market is now open every Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, from 4-7 pm. The market brings together healthy, locally-grown, sustainable produce and products, as well as people from all walks of life. Large tents provide a comfortable place to shop, to talk - even to eat dinner. Coordinator Stephanie Allen says, "We talk about the weather, food, children, vacations, what's in season and what people are doing for the weekend. It's amazing how food can bring together complete strangers who have been living beside each other for years, but have never met each other." Check it out for yourself - each week, vendors are bring in more varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, baked goods, fresh dairy products and more.

Volunteer for Books A-Go-Go
Every Thursday through August 11
4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where :CHUH Elementary Schools
Summer Volunteers Needed for Books-a-Go-Go. The Interfaith Council and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District have partnered to offer the Books-a-Go-Go Program, a summer event for families in each Cleveland Heights-University Heights elementary school. We are providing dinner and opening our school libraries to our students. You can support this wonderful activity by assisting with dinner and interacting with students in the library — playing games and reading books. You may choose to help only one time or many times throughout the summer. You can stay close to home or travel to another building.Please consider volunteering! If you are interested, please contact either Kelly Stukus or Reverend Karen Graham: Mrs. Kelly Stukus Coordinator of Elementary Literacy Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools 216-320-2223 or at k_stukus@chuh.org Reverend Karen Graham Church of the Redeemer 216-932-2065 or klbgraham@sbcglobal.net

Meet Your Cleveland Heights Police
Every Thursday 6 - 8 pm
Cleveland Hts. City Hall, 40 Severance Circle, Cleveland Heights
The Cleveland Heights Police Department meets with the public each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall. Residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department. Meet and interact directly with Cleveland Heights police officers.
ClevelandHeights.com

Blue Pike Farm Market
Thursdays 4-7 P.M. through October is held at beautiful, idyllic Blue Pike Farm on E. 72nd St
900 E. 72nd St. 1/2 mile South of I-90 (East Shoreway) at the E. 72nd exit.Fresh, local seasonal fruits and vegetables, BPF free range eggs, honey products, Middlefield cheese and more. Vendors include:
Blue Pike Farm,Kevin's Creative Cuisine,NEO Restoration Alliance's League Park Market Garden,The Charmed Kitchen,Seasonal fruit from Woolf Family Farms, Honey and honey comb from e.pluribus Apiary

We include the August newsletter from Blue Pike Farm. Enjoy!
When its happening, its happening at Blue Pike Farm and August is the month for happening happenings.

Tuesday, August 2nd and other dates: Food Preservation Workshops (See below for more dates and details). Register at Thecharmedkitchen.com

Thursday August 4th: Fourth Annual BBQ & Peach Festival 4-7 P.M. at the Farmers Market at Blue Pike Farm. If you've been holding off visiting the Blue Pike Farm Farm Market this summer, now is the time to give in to your basest urges for award winning BBQ ribs. Wild Bill's BBQ will be back to reprise his summer of 2010 success. Peaches from Woolfs Family Farms, Peach Cobbler from Lucy's Sweet Surrender, special treats from Kevin's Creative Cuisine and more. It promises to be the most exciting event of the summer on e. 72nd St., North of St. Clair.

August 20th BugFest 2011 at beautiful, pastoral idyllic Blue Pike Farm 9:00 A.M. - Noon. Free and open to the public.Do you know what's been bugging you this summer? Want to know what, if anything to do about it? Join us, fellow buggees at the 2nd Annual Bugfest at Blue Pike Farm Saturday August 20th beginning at 9:00 A.M. sharp. Romp with us through the beneficial bug habitat at Blue Pike Farm in search of creatures large and small.Dr. Mary Gardiner, PhD of the OHIO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER and several of her graduate students will conduct a morning workshop about good bugs and bad bugs in your garden. Dr. Gardiner will also present some preliminary findings on her team's research on predatory insect populations in urban gardens and farms, honey bee colony health and other concurrent research. Blue Pike Farm regularly collaborates in various research projects with O.S.U. and C.S.U. students and faculty.

Bring your favorite bug samples for identification, a magnifying glass and a bug net if you have one plus a comfortable chair too.

Reservations are limited and required. Write to blue.pike.farm@gmail with "bugfest reservation" in the subject line.

Blue Pike Farm is the first farm started in Cleveland in the 21st Century and is located at 900 E. 72nd St. in the hood at the gateway to the beautiful St. Clair / Superior neighborhood. Blue Pike Farm has been internationally recognized as the 'best' farm on E. 72nd St for 5 consecutive years.

FOOD PRESERVATION WORKSHOP DETAILS

Blue Pike Farm and The Charmed Kitchen are teaming up to present a series of food preservation workshops in August.

The three different sessions will be held on Tuesdays Aug 2, 9 and 16th from 6:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at beautiful, idyllic Blue Pike Farm at 900 E. 72nd St., Cleveland, OH. Each session will repeat on the following Saturday (6, 13, 20th) from 10:00 A.M.until 12:30.

All three sessions will cover the information you need to get the most out of your garden and summer produce specials. From canning basics to freezing, you’ll learn how to safely store many fruits and vegetables. You’ll also get recipes using fresh, frozen and canned produce. Learn how to make super salsa and pie fillings and much more. Each participant will take home a sample jar of the days product.

Pickle Barrel - (August 2nd & 6th) From old-fashioned crock pickles to pickled peaches this class will teach all you need to know to make tasty pickled products for home and gifts. You’ll get to taste several pickled products and learn how to use them in cooking. You’ll get recipes for cucumbers and other pickles. You also learn how to make tasty relishes including one that uses up all those green tomatoes. There will also be recipes for home.

Preserving Fruit and making Jams: (August 9th &13th) Preserving fruits and making homemade jams and jellies can be very rewarding and fun, too. You’ll learn the basics of preserving fruit and making jams, jellies, preserves, conserves and marmalades. There will be food to sample in class and everyone will have a jar of preserves to take home. Recipes included.

Totally Terrific Tomatoes: (August 16th & 20th) Tomatoes are powerhouses of nutrition and very versatile. Fresh, cooked or dried they can be used in salads, sauces, soups and more. In class we will learn how to make the most of this tasty food. You will also learn how to preserve fresh tomatoes by dehydrating, freezing and canning. Plenty to sample in class and recipes for home.

The each session is $30.00 with discounts for Blue Pike Farm 2011 CSA members and BPF email recipients.

To register use this link: The Charmed Kitchen, or contact Judy Strauss: 216 383 9511 or via email: judi_strauss <judi_strauss@att.net> Judi Strauss has been trained in food safety and food preservation and worked for the Ohio State University Extension Service in Cuyahoga County in the horticulture department. She also was the Home Ec. answer lady.She is an author of The Charmed Garden, an Introduction to Herb Gardening and The Charmed Kitchen a Guide to Cooking with Herbs and Spices. She is also the author of numerous cookbooks in the Little Red Cookbook Series, local lecturer and cooking instructor. She currently teaches classes for both adults and children throughout the region and conducts cooking camps for children in the summer months.

Blue Pike Farm is the first farm started in Cleveland in the 21st Century and grows seasonal fruit and vegetables without the use of petro-chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Food for the classes will be grown and harvested right at Blue Pike Farm.

Coventry Neighbors set up Facebook page

2011-07-06T16:04:00.005-04:00

Coventry Village Neighbors

Do you live in the Coventry Village neighborhood? Here's a new Facebook page to post your news, events, information, issues, and discussions.

Citizens for Oakwood petition

2011-06-14T21:34:00.002-04:00

Citizens For Oakwood has created an online petition "to send the message to our elected officials that paving over scarce never-developed land is NOT sustainable. Tell them we must stop ripping up green space to build shopping centers, and we want them to support sustainable land use."

When you sign the petition an email goes to 27 local policy makers at the city and county level.

Go to http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-ripping-up-green-space-to-build-shopping-centers-support-sustainable-land-use to sign.

Learn about the newest NTHP historic district in Cleveland Heights

2011-06-08T08:29:00.001-04:00

This week in Sustainable Heights

2011-06-05T23:38:00.005-04:00

Your help with this recycling project will be greatly appreciated
Jun 6 – 13, 2011
Heights High School, Cleveland Heights
Heights High Environmental Club needs assistance with this year's end of school recycling project. Volunteers will help take trash to bins, help sort things that are left in students' lockers at year's end for distribution to teachers, Goodwill, etc. Time/day flexible. Work not strenuous. Contact Club advisor Steve Warner at steven_warner@chuh.org for info/to sign up to help.

Strong housing makes strong neighborhoods
Home Repair Resource Center Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 8
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights
A celebration of HRRC's 40th Anniversary, with remarks from Diana Woodbridge, Founding Director; Kathryn Lad, Current Director; and Mike Gaynier, Board President. Keynote speaker: Chuck Miller, Doty & Miller Architects and chair of the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission, addressing "Housing Issues for the 21st Century: Looking Forward." Free and open to the public.

Meet your Cleveland Heights police
Thursday, June 2, 6 - 8 pm
Cleveland Hts. City Hall, 40 Severance Circle, Cleveland Heights
The Cleveland Heights Police Department meets with the public each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall. Residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department.

Integrating preservation and green building practices

2011-06-01T14:56:00.001-04:00

Interested in learning more about how to seamlessly integrate preservation and green building practices?

The National Park Service recently released The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines on Sustainability for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Developed by the National Park Service's Technical Preservation Services division, these are the first official federal guidelines for how to make changes to improve energy efficiency and preserve the character of historic buildings. The Guidelines on Sustainability stress the inherent sustainability of historic buildings and offer specific guidance on "recommended" rehabilitation treatments and "not recommended" treatments, which could negatively impact a building's historic character. Illustrations of both types of treatments are included. The Guidelines are designed to assist building owners in planning rehabilitation projects that will meet theStandards for Rehabilitation.

This Week in Sustainable Heights

2011-05-22T16:25:00.008-04:00

Creative Workforce Fellowship Workshop
Mon, May 23, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
CHUH LIbrary, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
Every day, artists are investing in the future of Cuyahoga County. They strengthen our economy, our education system and our community's quality of life. CPAC's Creative Workforce Fellowship invests directly in the future of these artists. Made possible by the generous support of Cuyahoga County citizens through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Fellowship is designed to strengthen the voices of 20 outstanding artists each year. This workshop is for artists applying for a 2012 Fellowship in dance, literary, music and theatre arts. CPAC staff will present all the necessary information about applying; 2010 Fellow, Sarah Willis will be there to give advice and answer questions about her experience with receiving the award. Location: Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library

Marsh Restoration Volunteers Needed
May 25 – 29, 2011
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland
Marsh Restoration Project Planting Week The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes continues the Marsh Restoration Project with Planting Week. Volunteers are at the ready to plant 3,000 grasses and wildflowers, 200 shrubs and 20 large trees, all native to this area. Sarah Cech, the Natural Resources Specialist and Green experts at the Nature Center, along with a corps of volunteers, have been working to remove the invasive non-native plants, in particular the narrow-leaved cattail, that have taken over the marsh. The cattails out-compete the native plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients and drastically reduce biological diversity. Now that the cattails have been removed, a variety of native plants will be introduced to re-establish the marsh. For information about volunteering, contact Brandon Henneman at (216) 321-5935, ext. 237, or email henneman@shakerlakes.org. This project is made possible by a two-year, $78,665 grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency through the Cuyahoga County Surface Water Improvement Fund.

Public Hearing - Rezoning Oakwood Club in South Euclid
Wed, May 25, 6pm – 8pm
South Euclid City Hall, 1349 South Green Rd., South Euclid
Oakwood Site Development Process The City Of South Euclid welcomes public input. Heights area residents with an interest in expressing their views about the rezoning of the Oakwood Club property to allow big box development on 40 acres of land, encouraged to attend. Public Hearing regarding recommendations from the Planning Commission to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of South Euclid, Ohio and so as to change the hereinafter described property (known as the Oakwood Country Club) from its existing class R-75 “One-Family Residential District” to C-2 “General Commercial District”; and declaring an emergency. Rezoning will allow the construction of a big box development called Oakwood Commons. Said legislation and Planning Commission recommendations are on file and available for public inspection at the Office of the Clerk at said address or on the City’s website at www.cityofsoutheuclid.com.

Meet Your Cleveland Heights Police
Thursday, May 26, 6 - 8 pm
Cleveland Hts. City Hall, 40 Severance Circle, Cleveland Heights
The Cleveland Heights Police Department meets with the public each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall. Residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department. Meet and interact directly with Cleveland Heights police officers.

2-Day Wilderness First Aid Training
Sat, May 28 and Sun., May 29th , 9am – 5pm
2600 South Park Boulevard, Cleveland
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
This 16-hour course in Wilderness First Aid is taught by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of the National Outdoor Leadership School. The interactive course is designed to provide outdoor leaders, guides and rangers with an introduction to First Aid and patient care in remote settings. Emphasis is placed on principles of treatment and decision-making, not the memorization of lists. All levels of training and experience are welcome. Fee: $240 per participant. To register, call 216-321-5935.

Garden Share - Plant Swap
Sat, May 28, 10:00am – 1:30pm
HRRC, 2520 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights, OH
ATTENTION ALL GARDENERS! On Saturday, May 28, 2011, from 10:00 am - 1:30 pm, the Home Repair Resource Center will be hosting our first annual plant and seed exchange. The exchange- any and all plants and seeds. This includes houseplants, annuals, perennials, vegetables and any other plant that has not been listed here. If you are bringing plants, please bring along a tarp or a large piece of cardboard that they can be placed on. Plants can be brought in bags, pots, or boxes-please water to remain healthy during the swap. Garden tools and implements- Please bring along any garden tools, implements , equipment and gardening books that you no longer have any use for (Tools must be in working order please). Mulch, fertilizer, soil anything you may have that you have no use for bring and exchange for plants or items you CAN use.
No reply to this posting is necessary, just show up to swap and enjoy!

Free Walking Tour - Shaker Farm Neighborhood of Cleveland Heights
Sat, May 28, 10am – 12pm
Mary Dunbar, resident and advocate for the nomination of the Shaker Farm neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places will provide a brief lecture on the neighborhood’s history, followed by a tour of the neighborhood to learn about its architectural significance. A program of Preservation Month activities sponsored by the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission, FutureHeights and the Cleveland Heights Historical Society. FREE but space for these events is limited and reservations are required. For reservations, call 216-320-1423 or e-mail info[at]futureheights[dot]org

Public Leadership in Sustainability Video

2011-05-19T18:23:00.003-04:00

Couldn't attend last week's networking? Watch it here.

Public Leadership in Sustainability Community Networking Event from Sustainable Hts Network on Vimeo.

Produced by Digizoom Media

Litter cleanup at Forest Hill a soggy success

2011-05-18T07:51:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday's litter cleanup of Dugway Brook and other parts of Forest Hill Park netted mounds of trash and a pile of tires.

Elsa Johnson, of the East Cleveland Parks Association citizen support of the park, sent along this description of the day and some great photos. The cleanup was co-sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the City of East Cleveland, and the City of Cleveland Heights. If you'd like to be involved in making the park better contact Elsa at vicnelsa[at]earthlink[dot]net.

Forest Hill Park History
East Cleveland Parks Association
Forest Hill Homeowners

If you came to the Board of Health sponsored Clean Up Day in Forest Hill Park, thank you so much. The total turn out was about 50 people, which seems like a lot, except its a big park and a lot of people can be working in it at the same time, oblivious to each other, like those metaphorical trains passing in the night.
If you missed it, eat your heart out. A good, mud-splattered time was had by all.

We (Cuahoga County Board of Health, ECPA, East Cleveland, and Cleveland Heights) had volunteers working in almost every section of the park, with special emphasis on the area in the valley where East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights abut and the two branches of Dugway Brook go underground into the culvert (if you ever need to dispose of a body this is the place to do it) (a little irony there).

Because of 'The Wet' it was hard to get back to this area, even with 4 wheel drive vehicles. ECPA, however, owns a Toro wagon/cart, which can go almost anywere, and several participants brought ATV's. They were able to get in there. This is what they brought out, besides 50 bags of trash: An oxygen cannister. A camp stove. About 20 tires. A transmission. ....Don't you find yourself wondering how or why someone got an oxygen cannister back there? Or a transmission. And the tires??? It's not like it is a really convenient place to dump.
The stove had been inside a hogan-like structure that someone had built and been living in sometime in the past. Although it was falling apart one could see that It was intricately constructed of branches laid vertically tepee-style (only rounded on top - hence hogan-like) - and then branches worked in a tight weave into the rounded walls horizontally. Then there was a thick layer of leaves. On top of that was a layer of heavy plastic covering it all. Inside, the floor had several layers of carpet (icky), and the camp stove. A really quite remarkable structure, exceedingly well camoflaged behind a hillock, hidden from sight. One wonders how many of us park users passed it while it was occupied and never suspected it was there?
Up next to Cleveland Height's parking lot off Forest Hill Boulevard (where there is still humus for the taking - but it has been so hard to get, as it is so soggyand compacted from the rain) volunteers worked on a dump of gadzillions of glass bottles. How did these get there? How long had they been there? What are the human stories that go with these 'artifacts'?
Down in my section, which involved clambering up and down the steep hills surrounding the parking lot in the lower valley (in the peninsula created by Superior, Terrace Road, and Forest Hill Boulevard) we collected 20 bags of trash. We also found: two 15 to 20 foot long 3 1/2 inch diameter metal pipes. A vehicle bumper. Two hubcaps. A man's cap. Disintegrating money (half of a five, all of a one; I kept the one). Two sections of chain link fence. Four rolls of unused (wet) toilet paper. Bedsheets. A landscape debris dump with bushels and bushels and bushels of catalpa pods (they are still there).
.........What do you suppose is the story behind those pipes?
There is much more to be done. For those of you who enjoy getting dirty, you will be happy to know there will be other opportunities.

This week in Sustainable Heights

2011-05-16T07:19:00.002-04:00

May 16-22
Cleveland Bicycle Week
Visit www.clevelandbicycleweek.org for events calendar then plan to ride!

Monday, May 16
Home Repair Resource Center Workshop: "Shingled Roofs & Flashing"
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Learn the right way to replace a shingled roof--minimizing leaking and ice build-up--and replace torn or missing shingles.
Open to Cleveland Heights residents. Reservations required; call (216) 381-9560. Modest materials fee charged (call for details or seewww.hrrc-ch.org).
Location: HRRC Teaching Center, 2520 Noble Rd., Cleveland Heights (two blocks north of Monticello)
Click here for more information

Wednesday, May 18
Bike or Walk to School Day
Sponsor: Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition
The Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition asks you to encourage your child to take part in "Bike or Walk to School Day" in Cleveland Heights and University Heights. The benefits of biking and walking are many, including increased fitness, higher energy and greater ability to focus on schoolwork. To help you get started, try covering the route to school ahead of time, noting presence of crossing guards. Organize a group of students from your neighborhood to walk or bike together. If your child is very young, walk or bike with him or her. You'll have fun too! http://bikesintheheights.org

Wednesday, May 18
Public Hearing - Comprehensive Plan Update Recommendations
6:00 PM
Changes to the City of South Euclid's Comprehensive Plan include recommendation of rezoning the Oakwood Club land to allow a 40 acre big box retail center to be built (the other 20 acres of the big box proposal to be located on the Cleveland Heights portion of the land)
South Euclid City Hall, 1349 South Green Road, South Euclid

Saturday, May 21
Walking Tour of the Historic Euclid Heights Allotment
10:00 AM
Coventry Village, Cleveland Heights
Free
Dr. Marian J. Morton, JCU history professor and CH historian leads the way. Tour through one of Cleveland Heights’ earliest neighborhoods. Rain or shine, dress appropriately. This event is part of Preservation Month and is cosponsored by the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission, FutureHeights and the Cleveland Heights Historical Society. Space for these events is limited and reservations are required. FREE. For reservations, call 216-320-1423 or e-mail info@futureheights.org.

Sunday, May 22
Miracles Happen 5K Run/Walk
11:15 AM
Nighttown Restaurant - 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights
To benefit the Miracle Fund

The third annual Miracles Happen 5K Run/Walk is set for Sunday, May 22 at Nighttown restaurant, 12387 Cedar Road, in Cleveland Heights. The event benefits the Miracle Fund, whose mission is to advance research for recurrent breast cancer -- focusing on new theories, trials and treatments aimed at managing the cancer and extending lives. The Miracle Fund was created in memory of Diana Hyland who lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer in 2008. Every dollar raised goes towards local research at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Family Fun Walk will begin at 12:15 p.m. Participants will follow the route through Cleveland Heights and return to Nighttown for the post-event gathering and awards. The entry fee is $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Participants age 14 and under are $10; age 2 and under are free. The entry fee includes light snacks, a T-shirt and water bottle. (T-shirts are available to the first 300 registrants.) For more information about the Run/Walk, visitwww.hmapromotions.net, call (216) 752-5151 or email hma@hacs.net.

Public Leadership in Sustainability event a huge success

2011-05-13T15:07:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all who attended the Sustainable Heights Network's May 10 networking event at Rockefeller's in Cleveland Heights. Our guests Bob Brown of the City of Cleveland Planning Commission, Nancy Levin of the CHUH Libraries, Doug Heuer, Superintendent of CHUH Schools, Mayor Susan Infeld of University Heights and Mayor Ed Kelley of Cleveland Heights gave our group of 75 networkers lots of great information about what our public institutions are doing to promote sustainability in the community and in their institutions, and create sustainable public policy.

We hope everyone connected with someone new to strengthen the fabric of Sustainable Heights.

And a huge thank you to Michael Adams and the staff of Rockefeller's Restaurant. Their hospitality, fabulous food and drinks, and gorgeous historic dining room and lounge will bring us back again and again. Our highest recommendation!

This week

2011-05-10T07:13:00.001-04:00

The Canary in the Coal Mine: Woman's Health, Reproductive Justice and Sustainability
Thursday, May 12
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sponsor: Preterm
12000 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland

Linda Robson, Preterm board member and founder of Case Western Reserve University's sustainability program, will present why sustainability is a reproductive justice issue, how environmental factors affect women's health, and how Preterm, an abortion clinic, incorporates sustainability into its mission to advance the well being of women, their families and communities. Following the presentation and discussion guests can take a guided tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the facility and sustainability efforts that make Preterm the first medical facility in the country to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) Silver certification for its existing building. Near Public Transportation, Handicapped Accessible
RSVP by May 6 to tthayer@preterm.org 216-991-4000 www.preterm.org

Meet Your Cleveland Heights Police
Thursday, May 12
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Sponsor: City of Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Hts. City Hall, 40 Severance Circle, Cleveland Heights

The Cleveland Heights Police Department meets with the public each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall. Residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department. Meet and interact directly with Cleveland Heights police officers.

CHUH School Buildings for the 21st Century-Public Input Session

Thursday, May 12
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Sponsor: CHUH Schools
Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights

Speak up if you have opinions about the disposition of our public school buildings. The school district is studying what they will do with our buildings: renovate? demolish? sell? replace? close? Participate in the conversation about what our school facilities should look like in the future to support 21st Century teaching and learning for our kids.

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge
Saturday, May 14
9:30am – 10:30am
Cleveland Heights Community Center, Cleveland Heights, OH
The Honorable Marcia L. Fudge will be coming to the Cleveland Heights Community Center (Monticello and Mayfield roads). The public is encouraged to attend this meeting, at which Congresswoman Fudge will discuss current issues and respond to questions.

Forest Hill Park and Dugway Brook Cleanup
Saturday, May 14
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sponsor: Cuyahoga Co. Board of Health
Forest Hill Park, Cleveland Heights
Meet at the Boathouse, off Lee Blvd., just north of Forest Hill Blvd. Help spring clean this jewel of a park. Info, call 201-2000, x1223, Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Coventry Elementary Adaptive Re-Use Informational Meeting

2011-05-03T07:56:00.002-04:00

Thursday, May 5

6:30pm – 6:30pm

2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH (map) (Please use the lower entrance off Euclid Heights)

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District will hold a special Community Meeting to present plans for the adaptive reuse of the former Coventry Elementary School building.

Stephen Shergalis, Director of Business Services for CH-UH schools, will discuss plans to put the former elementary building to use through a variety of tenant occupants. All community members are encouraged to attend and provide their input and comments. Current and future tenants--Ensemble Theater of Cleveland, Family Connections, and Cleveland Sight Center--also will be available for questions.

This week in Sustainable Heights

2011-05-01T07:51:00.005-04:00

Monday, May 2
Donita Anderson, Founder, North Union Farmers Market
Sponsor: Phoenix Coffee Forum
7pm – 8pm
Phoenix Coffee, 4441 Mayfield Road, South Euclid, OH

Donita Anderson is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the North Union Farmers Market, which opened on Shaker Square in July of 1995, pioneering the farmers market “movement” here in Northeast Ohio. Ms. Anderson was the winner of the Farmers Market Manager of the Year from the Networking Association for Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism (NAFDMA) in California. She has certified more than 150 farmers throughout the state of Ohio. The North Union Farmers Market was voted one of the top 20 markets by the American Farmland Trust, 2009. Donita will be sharing the story of how she was able to grow NE Ohio’s farmers markets, the challenges to her organization, and exciting opportunities in the future. All forums feature lively round table type discussion, and are free and open to the public.Info: Phone: (216) 381-5705. Started in 2010 as a way to bring real Clevelanders together for real conversations, this series of free round table discussions hosted by Phoenix Coffee are in an open salon style with a moderator. Topics range from cutting-edge city initiatives, to education, technology and the arts. www.phoenixcoffee.com

Tuesday, May 3
Great Past, Great Future, Great Lakes
Sponsor: University of Chicago Alumni
University of Chicago Alumni invites you to hear a distinguished alumni panel discuss their involvement in sustainable business and the future of the sustainability movement in the region. Be sure to bring business cards to network. Guests: Pat Conway, Great Lakes Brewery, and David Kreuger, Baldwin-Wallace College. $15/person includes presentation, reception, and one drink ticket for wine or beer. RSVP atalumniandfriends.uchicago.edu/events or 773-702-5646.

Tuesday, May 3
Metroparks Strategic Planning Public Input: Round II
6:30pm – 8:30pm
North Chagrin Nature Center, Mayfield Village, OH (map)
Help guide the Metroparks strategic vision for the next ten years.
More Info

Thursday, May 5
Meet Your Police-Cleveland Heights
Sponsor: City of Cleveland Heights
6pm – 8pm
Cleveland Hts. City Hall, 40 Severance Circle, Cleveland Heights
The Cleveland Heights Police Department meets with the public each Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall. Residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department. Meet and interact directly with Cleveland Heights police officers.

Saturday, May 7
5th Annual Blue Pike Farm Open House
Sponsor: Blue Pike Farm
10am – 2pm
900 East 72nd St., Cleveland, OH (map)
The 5th Annual Blue Pike Farm Open House Saturday May 7th 10:00 A.M - 2:00 P.M. (Its Derby Day) 900 E. 72nd St. 1/2 mile South of the Shoreway ( I-90) at the E. 72nd St exit. The Kentucky Derby Day may be the the most exciting 2 minutes in sports, but Cleveland's Blue Pike Farm is the most exciting, beautiful, and idyllic farm on E. 72nd St. in Cleveland’s St.Clair Superior Neighborhood. Stop by for a self directed tour, started fruit and vegetable plants, organic gardening supplies and advice, custom crafted wood cutting boards and FREE mint for your Juleps (while supplies last). We’ll have 3 varieties to choose from. Blue Pike Farm is a cutting edge fresh food facility in Cleveland's urban core and pioneers urban growing techniques and field trials for inner city growers.. Also joining us on Saturday will be Lynn Rodemann and Heather Gmucs from Devil's Back Bone Market Garden who will be selling annual herbs, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Laser Sales. Harvey’s Incredi-Soil Compost Mix, organic products from BioGreen LLC, hand tools and more. Kevin’s Creative Cuisine: Jumbo cookies, banana bread, and other assorted goodies will be available for purchase. Hand made cutting boards crafted from locally harvested Cleveland trees and handcrafted by local artist Ayman Alkayali the proprietor of the Algebra Tea House in Little Italy.http://bluepikefarm.com/ 216.373.9461 or blue.pike.farm[at]gmail[dot]com

Forest Hill Park Cleanup Day-May 14

2011-04-28T21:43:00.001-04:00

Enjoy helping clean up one of our area's most prized treasures

Lend a hand and support Forest Hill Park

This week in Sustainable Heights

2011-04-24T20:03:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, April 26
FutureHeights Speaker Series
Howard Thompson, Director Economic Development, City of Cleveland Heights
The Tavern Company, 2260 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
7:00 PM
FutureNow committee of FutureHeights, is hosting Howard Thompson, Economic Development Director, City of Cleveland Heights at 7:00 pm at The Tavern Company, 2260 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Come learn about economic development plans for your community and post your questions. Network with your neighbors. Free and open to all. Courtesy RSVP at 320-1423 or email info@futureheights.org

Wednesday, April 27
The Future of Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Facilities
Informational Meeting
Monticello Middle School, 3665 Monticello Blvd.
7:00 PM
Bring your paper and pencil and come to this meeting to get caught up on the work of the CHUH Schools Facilities Committee, whose charge is to make recommendations involving renovation, demolition and replacement, or closing of school buildings. During this April 27 meeting, the School Facilities Committee’s Options subcommittee will present its findings and recommendations. The architecture/design firm Fielding Nair International also will present. The firm was retained by the district administration to provide advice to the Options subcommittee.and will be speaking to 21st-century learning, and how our current building configurations do not support such instruction. A critical piece of their presentation will involve their ideas around a community engagement process. Also during the meeting, the Finance subcommittee will present its findings on the cost to achieve recommended configurations and possible options for funding. All community members are encouraged to attend. Contact Steve Shergalis, director of business services, at s_shergalis@chuh.org with comments and questions. Please Note: A May 12 Public Hearing will be held to allow public comment to these findings.

Thursday, April 28
Meet Your Police
Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights City Hall, 40 Severance Circle
6-8 PM
Every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the lower level of Cleveland Heights City Hall, residents can talk in an informal setting on any topic with a ranking member of the Department. It will provide the opportunity for community residents to meet and interact directly with their police officers. Cleveland Heights City Council and the Police Department realize that community relations and problem solving in our city requires two-way communication between our citizens and their police force. The ''Meet Your Police'' program will help to strengthen that partnership.

Thursday, April 28
100 Years and Counting: Picturing the Past and Future of CHUH Schools
Cleveland Heights Community Center, corner Monticello and Mayfield
7pm
The history and architecture of Cleveland Heights schools for the past 100 years. Eric Silverman, host. Sponsored by the Cleveland Heights Historical Society and the Landmark Commission of Cleveland Heights. FREE. RSVP by 4/27. Reserve # of seats as capacity is limited. 321-9141 or email heightshistory[at]gmail[dot]com INFO HERE

Friday, April 29
Fabulous Lawns and Landscapes Without Chemicals
Cleveland Botanical Garden
8am – 12pm
Transitioning to cost-effective, organic landscape management
Fee: $25/member; $35/nonmember Beautiful and healthy lawns, landscapes, playing fields and public spaces do not need to rely on toxic pesticides and herbicides. Chip Osborne, CEO of Osborne Organics and nationally known horticulturalistt and trainer from Marblehead, MA addresses adopting safe and affordable natural turf care. Alec McClennan, President of Good Nature Organic Lawn Care describes new organic turf methods for homes and public spaces. Andy Pratt, Grounds Manager at Cleveland Botanical Garden, discusses integrated pest management for favorite perennials. Barry Zucker, Beyond Pesticides Ohio Executive Director, will discuss the broader implications of pesticide reduction to human and ecosystem health. Professional continuing education credits available. Parking and light morning refreshments included. Please register in advance at http://www.cbgarden.org/Events/LawnsLandscapeswithoutChemicals.html or by calling The Cleveland Botanical Garden at 216-721-1600x100

Sunday, May 1
Hunger For Music For Hunger-Benefit for the Heights Emergency Food Center
6pm – 9pm
Disciples Christian Church, 3663 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, OH
Price of admission: One nonperishable food item. Additional support raised through the sale of hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks. Childcare provided. Music, food, fellowship and fun in support of the Heights Hunger Center. info: 382-5344. Near public transportation. Handicap accessible.
HEFC provides 3 to 4 days of emergency groceries once each month. We serve the communities of: Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid and Lyndhurst.
There is also a need for volunteers, both to work in the Center and to sit on the Baord of Trustees. If you are able to help one day a month, please contact the Center at hefc@att.net or 216.381.0707 during our hours of operation. WEBSITE

Shop and Learn at Bremec's Garden Center in support of the Home Repair Resource Center every day until May 1st.
The public is invited to support Home Repair Resource Center when they shop and learn at Bremec on the Heights Garden Center. A portion of all sales made between April 17 and May 1 will be donated to HRRC when customers identify themselves as friends of HRRC.
Free workshops will be offered on April 30 and May 1 at 11AM and 2:00 PM at the garden center on pruning, gardening and harvesting rain.
Visit the HRRC webiste for specific schedule. www.hrrc-ch.org/Info
Call for info: 216-381-6100 Child Friendly, Near Public Transportation, Handicapped Accessible

Schools Facilities Committee will recommend the future our public school buildings-Get involved!

2011-04-19T17:17:00.002-04:00

Come to a meeting on April 27 at 7PM at Monticello Middle School to get caught up on the work of the CHUH Schools Facilities Committee. It is their charge to make recommendations involving renovation, demolition and replacement, or closing of school buildings.

During the April 27 meeting, the School Facilities Committee’s Options subcommittee will present its findings and recommendations. The architecture/design firm Fielding Nair International also will present. The firm was retained by the district administration to provide advice to the Options subcommittee. Steve Shergalis, district director of business services, said “[Fielding Nair] will be speaking to 21st-century learning, attempting to show how we are already integrating 21st-century learning into our schools, and how our current building configurations do not support such instruction. A critical piece of their presentation will involve their ideas around a community engagement process.”

Also during the meeting, the Finance subcommittee will present its findings on the cost to achieve recommended configurations and possible options for funding.

All community members are encouraged to attend. Contact Steve Shergalis, director of business services, at s_shergalis[at]chuh[dot]org with comments and questions.

A May 12 Public Hearing will be then be held to allow public comment at Heights High School Social Room at 7PM. There, your input will be heard. Now is the time to get involved if you want to help shape the future of our school facilities.

MORE INFO HERE

Hunger exisits in the Heights: Support the good work of the Heights Emergency Food Center.

2011-04-17T10:43:00.001-04:00

The Heights Emergency Food Center is having a fundraiser on Sunday, May 1: Hunger For Music For Hunger, from 6 -9 pm. Food, fellowship, live music and fun in support of one of the Heights' most vital lifelines for many. The need is great--show your support today!

Bring at least one nonperishable food item. They will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks to raise additional funds.

Need emergency food assistance? Click here for info.

Public Leadership in Sustainability: A Networking Event

2011-04-10T20:25:00.002-04:00

Tuesday, May 10
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Rockefeller's Restaurant, Cleveland Heights

Featuring:
Bob Brown, City of Cleveland Planning Commission
Insights From Sustainable Cleveland

Sustainability Spotlight on

Nancy Levin, Director, CHUH Library
Douglas Heuer, Superintendent, CHUH Schools
Mayor Susan Infeld, City of University Heights
Mayor Ed Kelley, City of Cleveland Heights

And action-based networking for community leaders, concerned citizens, elected officials, business professionals, and anyone wanting to be involved in making Cleveland Heights and University Heights thriving, sustainable communities; and meet others who feel the same. Fabulous free appetizers and cash bar. FREE and open to all. Capacity limited--so register today!

Near public transportation. Register Online at:www.sustainablehtsnetwork.eventbrite.com

Sponsored by the Sustainable Heights Network and Rockefeller's Restaurant

Transform your lawn into a sustainable oasis

2011-04-10T16:08:00.002-04:00

Fabulous Lawns and Landscapes Without Chemicals: Transitioning to Cost-Effective, Organic Landscape Management

Presented by the Cleveland Botanical Garden and Beyond Pesticides Ohio
Friday, April 29
8am-12pm
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106
Fee: $25/member; $35/nonmember
Includes parking and light refreshments
Please register in advance by calling 216-721-1600 x100 or online at www.cbgarden.org/Events/LawnsLandscapeswithoutchemicals.html

Speakers:

Chip Osborne, nationally known horticulturist and trainer from Marblehead, Massachusetts, has assisted cities, school and park districts, and businesses across the nation in adopting natural turf practices.
Alec McClennan, President, Good Nature Organic Lawn Care, on how to save money by going organic.
Andrew Pratt, Grounds Manager, Cleveland Botanical Garden, on how to maintain healthy plants.
Cynthia Druckenbrod, Director of Horticulture, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and Entomologist, on how to tell good bugs from the bad.
Barry Zucker, Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides Ohio, on why healthy lawns are good for people, pets, and the ecosystem. Beyond Pesticides Ohio is based in Cleveland Heights.
Beyond Pesticides Ohio, 216-371-3263, info@beyondpesticidesohio.org , www.beyondpesticidesohio.org

Book Drive for kids seeks donations and volunteers

2011-04-05T08:02:00.004-04:00

Sustainable communities invest in their children

Go Public! Great Schools Are Everybody’s Business
April/May Book Drive for Elementary Students

Just in time for spring cleaning and summer reading, “Go Public! Great Schools are Everybody’s Business,” is launching a book and magazine drive April 15 - May 15, 2011. Books and magazines for students K-5 will be collected in book boxes throughout the community.

Go Public! will work with teachers, reading specialists, PTA and families at every elementary school to collect and distribute books and magazines to students who will benefit most. Gently used books and magazines will be collected in marked boxes placed in CHUH schools, local coffee houses, grocery stores, and the Cleveland Heights Libraries on Lee, Cedar and Coventry.

Volunteers are needed for the book drive! If you are interested in volunteering for the book drive, would like a bin for your business or want to find out other ways you can get involved in Go Public! Great Schools are Everybody’s Business, call 371-3753 or e-mail: joanspoerl@sbcglobal.net.
The CH-UH summer reading lists are a great place to find a list of approrpiate books.
The list for grades K-2 is here, and the list for grades 3-5 is here.

If you don't have gently used books to donate but would still like to participate, you can donate books through an Usborne Books & More online book fair at www.ubah.com/BF45673. All proceeds will go to the school district to promote summer reading. Whether buying books for yourself, as gifts, or for the district, all purchases will contribute towards additional free books for the district.

For book fair donations to be sent directly to the district use the following mailing address when ordering: CH-UH City School District, Attn: Kelly Stukus, 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, OH 44118-3397.

Community forum on land use and Oakwood

2011-04-01T10:52:00.004-04:00

COMMUNITY FORUM: Land use and Oakwood

Terry Schwartz, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative

Ed Jerse, Cuyahoga County Director of Regional Collaboration
Hunter Morrison, NE Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium

Discussion of the issues and long-term implications of redevelopment projects such as that being proposed on the former Oakwood Club property. (Oakwood Commons development proposal coverage at the Heights Observer) Focusing on current and future land-use and development needs and priorities for Cleveland Heights, University Heights and South Euclid in the context of greater Cleveland.

Residents of South Euclid, Cleveland Heights and University Heights and any other interested citizens are encouraged to attend.
More Info

When: Thursday, April 7
Time: 7 PM
Where: Forest Hill Church3031 Monticello Blvd.
Cleveland Heights
FREE and open to the public.Sponsored by FutureHeights

Rezoning the Oakwood Club

2011-03-29T08:44:00.011-04:00

Can a big box development really create a sustainable future for our community? Will adding 325,000 square feet of additional national chain retailers and corporate grocery vendors on 144 acres of undeveloped land in shrinking inner suburbs create greater economic prosperity and better quality of life for its citizens?

Citizens For Oakwood says no. And they hope you will, too.

CFO is working to stop the rezoning of the 144 acres of the old Oakwood Country Club in Cleveland Heights and South Euclid. All of Oakwood is currently zoned for residential use only. Retail is planned for both the South Euclid and Cleveland Heights sections of Oakwood.

The rezoning request from First Interstate Properties for the South Euclid parcel is currently in front of the South Euclid Planning Commission. If you have an opinion please email it to them at planningcommission@seuclid.com soon, as they are slated to vote their recommendations to Council in mid-April.

Citizens For Oakwood's message:

1. STOP BIG BOX RETAIL AT OAKWOOD.
2. DEVELOP CEDAR CENTER NOW.
3. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.
4. PROTECT GREENSPACE.
5. TAKE ACTION TO SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.

CFO has attended Planning Commission meetings and heard the proposal being discussed. The developer is very clear that there will be Big Box and outlots (outlots can include drive-thru service) on the property. He describes the plan as almost identical to what his company built at:
Creekside Commons in Mentor: aerial photo. (The Borders is closing) Please note: Creekside Commons is 198,000 square feet. The proposed Oakwood Commons is 325,000 square feet.

This plan contradicts the 2000 SE Comprehensive Plan and the 2010 Plan Update recommendations.

Visit the CFO Facebook page, have your say, and help CFO defeat the rezoning of Oakwood.
--
Citizens for Oakwood is a project of Severance Neighborhood Organization a community-based 501(c)(3)non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the greater Severance area of Cleveland Heights, Ohio through efforts driven by citizen-volunteers to build community, beautify, and enhance the neighborhood's residential and commercial areas. Visitwww.heightsSNO.org.

Calculate your carbon footprint

2011-03-25T22:32:00.004-04:00

Calculate your carbon footprint at Carbon Footprint.com

Fello, Chiarelli, Bell and Harlan

2011-03-24T13:33:00.001-04:00

Watch short videos of our presenters at The Power of Networking event.

Reaching Heights benefit

2011-03-19T08:57:00.002-04:00

Looking for an extraordinary evening out that supports the community?
Join Reaching Heights and over 500 Heights music students at the Reaching Musical Heights Celebration at Severance Hall on April 11, 2011 at 7:30pm.

This community celebration of musical excellence, a benefit for Reaching Heights, has become one of the hottest tickets of the year!

All seats are $10 - $25 and may be purchased online at the Cleveland Orchestra box office or call 231-1111.
Purchase box seats and attend the pre-concert reception, reservations call 216.932.5110.

Food Not Lawns March Meetup/Workshop

2011-03-18T12:10:00.003-04:00

Sunday, March 27
2 - 5 pm
New venue! Nature Center at Shaker Lakes Pavilion
Save those newspapers,milk cartons, paper bags, take-out containers, yogurt containers, plastic produce bags, egg cartons etc. etc. for a workshop on inexpensive. low tech seed starting solutions, cold frames and green houses. Tips on making your own seed starting medium as well. Monthly meet-up and information sharing. Seed swaps, discussions, sharing, networking for all urban gardeners and those who want to learn. FREE and Open To All. Child Friendly, Near Public Transportation, Handicapped Accessible Contact: Mari Keating beanpie55 [at] att [dot] net

April events of interest

2011-03-18T08:09:00.006-04:00

EcoWatch Green Gala

Tickets are now available for EcoWatch's Green Gala with Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Captain Jacques Cousteau, on April 8 at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights at 7 p.m.

Continuing a Legacy: Building a Sustainable World in the 21st Century
Purchase tickets via PayPal at www.ecowatch.org, call 216-387-1609 or mail a check to the EcoWatch office at 720 Literary Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113.

Rain Barrel Workshops
Register today for one of these rain barrel workshops in April

Who The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes & Cleveland Botanical Garden
What: Rain Barrel Workshops
When: April 9th, 10:30am-11:30am ;

April 16th, 10am-11am; 1pm-2pm
Where: April 9th: Cleveland Botanical Garden at University Circle, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH
April 16th: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, OH

Did you know the typical household uses 172 gallons of water every day? In one year this could fill five swimming pools. Start saving money and water now by installing a Rain Barrel System on your home. Cost for the workshop is $65 for members, $75 for non-members. For more information or to register please call 216-321-5935 for the Nature Center workshops or call the Cleveland Botanical Garden at 216-721-1600 ext. 100 or register in advance at www.cbgarden.org/Call 216-321-5935 to register

Pestival

Thursday, April 14th, 2011Thursday, April 14th, 20116-7pm VIP Hour7-9pm General AdmissionThis wildly popular event celebrates creative cuisine made from garlic mustard, an edible, invasive plant pulled from our grounds each year and prepared by renowned local area chefs from Coquette Patisserie, fire food and drink, The Greenhouse Tavern, J.Pistone Market and Gathering Place, SASA, Sergio's/SARAVA, and Spice of Life Catering Co.

Beat the crowd and meet the chefs at our new VIP hour, priced at $75 per ticket that includes general admission. Nature Center members have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Members only pre-sale for both VIP ($75) and general admission tickets ($50) begins March 1st. Non-members may purchase remaining tickets beginning March 21st. Get your tickets early before they’re all sold out! Call 216-321-5935 ext. 235 to purchase.

The Lake Erie Wind Farm Project

2011-03-08T17:32:00.002-05:00

Dr. Lorry Wagner, President of the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo.org,) will discuss Lake Erie’s pilot project wind farm at the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area’s upcoming public meeting. The event is set for Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Cleveland Heights Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. Dr. Wagner’s talk is titled Offshore Wind Energy in Lake Erie. The public is invited to learn about the Northern Ohio regional initiative and the scope of both the pilot and subsequent projects – the anticipated first offshore, freshwater wind farm in North America.

A nuclear engineer with degrees from Purdue University and extensive experience in wind turbine technology, Dr. Wagner was named president of LEEDCo in May 2010. He previously served as president of Azure Energy LLC, a renewable energy development corporation in Solon, Ohio where he played a leading role in the installation of the wind turbine at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. He is an expert in maritime and subsurface issues, which are central to offshore wind turbine development.

The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation, an economic development corporation, is a private, nonprofit enterprise representing Northern Ohio’s public interests in offshore wind. Founded in 2009 as a result of the work of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force, LEEDCo leads Northern Ohio’s regional efforts to build, install, and deploy an initial 20 megawatt (MW) offshore wind pilot project near Cleveland in Lake Erie. The pilot project will serve as a roadmap for developing future offshore wind projects with a long-term vision of generating 1000MW of wind energy by 2020.

For more information about the March 16 meeting, call 216 781-0555 or visit www.LWVCuyahogaArea.org

First Interstate Properties exercises option to purchase CH portion of Oakwood Club-rezoning sought in South Euclid and Cleveland Heights

2011-03-04T07:31:00.007-05:00

Posted by request of the Severance Neighborhood Organization and Citizens for Oakwood.

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011

First Interstate announced tonight that they exercised the option to buy the CH portion of Oakwood. They have not yet closed on the property, however.

What can we do about Oakwood now?

Plenty.

The global investment firm (First Interstate Properties, Ltd.) still has to get rezoning approval from both cities.

The South Euclid Planning Commission is having a Public Hearing about the Oakwood proposal next Thursday, March 10th at 7 pm in Council Chambers located in South Euclid City Hall,1349 South Green Rd.

We must pack the house and tell them that for the welfare of our community, we do not want Oakwood to be developed.

We should encourage South Euclid to begin negotiating a community benefits agreement with this global investment firm that includes:

Money placed in escrow to develop the "park". The global investment firm is giving land that it cannot build on, and does not want to South Euclid. The global investment firm not have to pay taxes on this property. The cost of building and maintaining a "park" will be the responsibility of South Euclid. Installing restrooms will cost at least $75,000. One traffic light costs $100,000. How much will native plants and bioswales cost?
No tax abatements.
Money placed in escrow to compensate for watershed issues resulting from putting impervious buildings and parking lots on half of the property. (Did anyone around here have water in their basement on Monday morning? Greenspace helps manage watershed.)
Money donated to the Forest Hill Park Foundation, to compensate the community for loss of the largest greenspace in Cuyahoga County's inner ring suburb.
Right of first hire to South Euclid and Cleveland Heights residents.
Guaranteed living wage to employees working in Oakwood in any capacity.
Platinum LEED certified buildings and grounds.
Money should be placed in escrow to pay for the demolition of the Walmart in Cleveland Heights if a Walmart Supercenter is built in Oakwood. The developer confirmed this is a possibility.

Back of the envelope calculations for the cost of this community benefits agreement? $50 million.
Oakwood is not a done deal. Based on what has happened in other communities, this could go on for years.

The steering committee for Citizens for Oakwood is prepared to continue to work for as long as it takes to create a public passive park. This goal is much harder to reach now than it was yesterday, but it is still possible.

We will never give up as long as there is any possiblity of reaching this goal.

We must stop the rezoning.

Please forward this to everyone you know.

See you next Thursday at South Euclid City Hall at 7pm at the public hearing!

Please encourage high schoolers and young people to attend. This is a great civics lesson!

Citizens for Oakwood is a project of Severance Neighborhood Organization a community-based 501(c)(3)non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the greater Severance area of Cleveland Heights, Ohio through efforts driven by citizen-volunteers to build community, beautify, and enhance the neighborhood's residential and commercial areas.

Visit www.heightsSNO.org and please become a member!

First Sustainable Heights networking event attended by over 70

2011-03-03T09:11:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Holly Harlan of Entrepreneurs For Sustainability for speaking at the premier Sustainable Heights Networking event on March 2. Attended by over 70 business owners, concerned citizens, and policy makers, the event showcased how power networking creates important opportunities for communities looking to move to that next step of sustainability. Sam Bell of the Lusty Wrench, Tom Fello of tommy's, and Andrew Chiarelli of Motorcars in the Heights talked about their sustainable business practices.

Our sincere thanks to Said Oauddaadaa and Danielle Ruppert, proprietors of Menu 6 and Bodega, whose generous donation of their facility and delicious food made this event the standard for future networking events.

Stay tuned for information on our next event, scheduled for early May.

Backyard Livestock: Exploring the Opportunities

2011-03-01T17:14:00.001-05:00

Join the Local Food Cleveland Network on Monday, March 7th at the Great Lakes Brewing Company as we explore the opportunities for keeping small backyard livestock in urban and suburban neighborhoods.

If you you're curious about getting started with backyard livestock this event will help you take your next step. If you are backyard livestock veteran, you'll have the opportunity to connect and learn with others who are doing the same.INFO and REGISTER
Sponsored by Local Food Cleveland Network and E4S

Cleveland Heights is tops in walkability

2011-03-01T16:37:00.001-05:00

A new neighborhood-quality metric is commanding the attention of home buyers, according to such influential publications as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and–The Heights Observer
Read Mary Dunbar's latest story in the Heights Observer.

Food Not Lawns Meetup

2011-02-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

Sunday, February 27, 2pm – 5pm

CHUH Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
Last month's inaugural event was a big hit when 25 passionate gardeners showed up to start a Food Not Lawns Cleveland movement. New monthly (4th Sunday of the month) meet-up and information sharing. Seed swaps, discussions, sharing, networking for all urban gardeners and those who want to learn. FREE and Open To All.

Child Friendly, Near Public Transportation, Handicapped Accessible. Contact: Mari Keating beanpie55 [at] att [dot] net

Great schools are everybody's business

2011-02-23T22:47:00.003-05:00

Sustainable and resilient communities have strong community/school ties. Citizen activist Joan Spoerl is spearheading a movement to connect citizens with the public schools in Cleveland Heights and University Heights called "Go Public!".

The group is open to all. Their next meeting is Sunday, February 27 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm at the CHUH Main Library, 2345 Lee Road, in Cleveland Heights.

If you have the desire to connect with and advocate for our public schools please come to this meeting. Your participation is crucial to the success of this effort. Info call Joan Spoerl: 216-371-3753.

Won't you be my neighbor?

2011-02-16T13:53:00.003-05:00

Gary Murphy of Cleveland Heights would like to invite local participation at Neighborgoods.net, a free item sharing service, that has recently expanded to our area. It's a great way to save money on things you may need to use, and meet your neighbors.

NeighborGoods.net is the leading social platform for peer-to-peer borrowing and lending. Need a ladder? Borrow it from your neighbor. Have a bike collecting dust in your closet? Lend it out and make a new friend. By sharing with your neighbors, you can save money while reducing waste and strengthen your local community in the process. Best of all, NeighborGoods provides all the tools neighbors need to share safely and confidently in a trusted local community.

Go to www.Neighborgoods.net and type in your zip code to get started.

South Euclid stunner: Seeking tax gifts from CH-UH schools

2011-02-14T10:40:00.002-05:00

South Euclid stunner: Seeking tax gifts from CH-UH schools
Check out the new Heights Observer blogsite.

Attention local businesses, policy makers, students, citizens, groups, nonprofits and anyone interested in building a more resilient Heights

2011-02-04T08:23:00.005-05:00

Sustainable Heights Networking Night
Join the movement!
Wednesday, March 2

We've invited Holly Harlan, founder of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability, to show us how to power network E4S style. She'll also tell the E4S success story, we'll meet some local sustainability champions, and we'll learn about the upside of networking for a more sustainable Heights. Terrific free tapas and cash bar. Bring your information and business cards to share with others. Registration requested. Click Here to Register (sushtsnetwork.eventbrite.com) and for more info.

Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Sustainable Heights Network and Bodega. Capacity limited so early registration is encouraged.

ReImagining Cleveland Vacant Land Use Forum

2011-02-02T15:42:00.003-05:00

Cleveland State University and Neighborhood Progress Inc. invite you to join us on Thursday, February 17th to celebrate the success of ReImagining Cleveland. Hear from grassroots leaders, the City of Cleveland, and regional experts in Vacant Land Reuse planning and policy. Also, join us for a reception and the ReImagining Cleveland Photo-Documentation Exhibition opening. Several local experts and organizations will be on hand to answer all of your questions and let you know how you can get involved! More info.

Maxine Goodman College of Urban Affairs

1717 Euclid Ave.

Registration requested.

Events of Interest

2011-01-23T17:05:00.001-05:00

Thursday, January 27
Event: Metroparks Strategic Planning Public Meeting
Submitted by the Severance Neighborhood Organization
Tell Metroparks to include Oakwood as part of their strategic plan. Metroparks is in the process of holding public hearings for its 10-year strategic plan, called Cleveland Metroparks 2020: the Emerald Necklace Centennial Plan. They are holding a series of public meetings in January and a series in March. The Metroparks Strategic Planning Meeting in our area will be held this Thursday, January 27, from 6:30-8:30pm in the North Chagrin Nature Center (on Route 91 at White Road, appx. 2 miles north of Wilson Mills) and is open to all.

3037 SOM Center Road
North Chagrin Reservation
Mayfield Village

This is an opportunity to convey your interest in Metroparks taking an active role in the future of the development of the Oakwood Club property as a public park. This 144 acre property is the last big greenspace left in the old inner-ring suburbs. All homeowners in Cuyahoga County are taxed $52 per $100,000 valuation of their homes to Metroparks; would you like to have part of the Emerald Necklace closer to your home? According to the Metroparks website, you can register your comments any time during the 2 hour period, as "the meetings will be an open-house format and the public can rotate through a series of information and comment stations at their own pace." Info: 216.635.3200 (Metroparks), Citizens for Oakwood

Saturday, January 29
Event: World Wetlands Day Celebration at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Submitted by the Heights Observer

Come explore the Nature Center’s wetlands on January 29th as we work to restore our marsh to its native roots and water cleansing function. Activities include a guided hike and planting native plant seeds in the marsh. Donations accepted to support marsh restoration.

When: Saturday, January 29, 10am to 12pm
Where: 2600 South Park Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio
More Info: www.shakerlakes.org, 216-321-5935

State Rep. Boyd Announces $2,000 Award for Spring Litter Clean-Up Award to Help Clean-Up Efforts in Forest Hill Park

2011-01-21T07:52:00.004-05:00

COLUMBUS - State Representative Barbara Boyd (D-Cleveland) announced today that Forest Hill Park will receive a $2,000 grant to aid in clean-up efforts.

“Community clean-up projects not only help beautification efforts but also foster the development of volunteerism,” Rep Boyd said. “Our communities are the foundation of our lives, and this clean-up grant will help our environment, add value to our neighborhoods, and enhance local pride.”

The grant comes from the Ohio Department Natural Resources in conjunction with the Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention. The money will support litter clean-up activities and will involve the work of volunteers. The official clean-up day will be May14, 2011.

Funding for the ODNR Litter Cleanup Grant program comes from tipping fees, which are levied upon waste received at waste processing facilities. In this case, the facilities are construction and demolition debris landfills.

East Cleveland Parks Association

City of Cleveland Heights

SmartHome Cleveland

2011-01-20T17:02:00.001-05:00

This summer, visitors to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will be invited to tour a home that could represent the future of energy-efficient housing. The SmartHome Cleveland will be constructed on Museum grounds and is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Climate Change, which will be on display July 23 through Dec. 31, 2011 in the Museum’s Kahn Hall.

Designed by Cleveland Heights resident Chuck Miller of Doty and Miller Architects, SmartHome will be on display from June to September 2011. At the close of the exhibit, the house will be moved to a nearby lot on Wade Park Avenue in University Circle and become available for purchase as a residential home for a Cleveland family.

Click here for more information.

Bicycle Coalition meeting, community gardening event, Heights Observer invite

2011-01-14T07:46:00.008-05:00

Receive this information by email. Sign up for our newsletter. Opt out at any time.EVENT: Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition meeting

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Jimmy O’Neill’s Tavern
2195 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights

Meet other cyclists, hear what the CHBC has accomplished in 2010, and join the discussion about what the Coalition will work towards in the future. The input of the cycling community is important as we develop plans for 2011. The Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition has two primary goals: 1) Empower the cycling community by creating a unified voice advocating for a more bicycle friendly city; 2) Encourage all citizens to ride bicycles. Register on our website to RSVP:http://bikesintheheights.org/

EVENT: Suburban Community Gardening Program and mini-grant opportunities for new gardens
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Heights Library– Lee Road Branch
2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights

Join the over 4000 Cuyahoga County Residents that grow fruits and vegetables in community gardens! Reclaim vacant land in your city for productive use while bringing your community closer together. The Ohio State University Extension’s Urban AgricultureProgram can help you start a community garden in your area! To learn more about the Suburban Community Gardening Programand mini-grant opportunities for new gardens, come to our information session.

RSVP to Amanda: 216-429-8200, ext. 250

www.cuyahoga.osu.edu

INVITATION: Access to information helps keeps our community strong. You, too, can be a part of the Heights Observer citizen news.

The Heights Observer, written by the community for the community, invites your press releases, news, articles, and neighborhood information for its monthly print edition, distributed throughout Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and website at www.heightsobserver.org. Easy online submission, and open to anyone who would like to participate. Easy, online submission. Join the Observer family of over 350 volunteers by sending us your stories and photos today! Start here

Info and assistance: 216.320.1423

Best Suburb dinners and Seed Swap

2011-01-12T13:23:00.001-05:00

Event: An Invitation to all Cleveland Heights residents: Join in a unique opportunity for community engagement.

Join other residents from across our diverse community for a Best Suburb Dinner to share a meal, get to know each other and discuss what we value most about our community.

Three dinners are scheduled for

Saturday, January 22 hosted by Sue Wolpert
Saturday, January 29 hosted by Jen Wintner
Saturday, February 12 host to be announced

Please fill out the attached form if you would like to attend. Let us know all of the dates you are available because we want to select a diverse group of people for each date. You will receive a follow up e-mail confirming which date you should attend, who the host of that event is, and where it will be. If you have already received an invitation through Step It Up, and have replied, follow up e-mails will be coming out shortly.

So what happens at a Best Suburb Dinner? A host will open their home and provide the main course. You bring a dish to pass, stories, even photos, of Cleveland Heights at its best. The dinners will provide an opportunity to share experiences from the past and ideas for the future.

Space is limited, R.S.V.P. promptly to ensure a place at the table email Marissa Williams, marissawilliams2@gmail.com, or call (216) 533-6046.

Dinners are sponsored by Step It Up: A diverse group of Cleveland Heights citizens committed to engage leaders and residents in creating new solutions and building confidence to ensure that Cleveland Heights is the best suburb in the nation.

Event: For those who would like to participate in building the Sustainable Heights Network:

The Sustainable Heights Network is planning on having Holly Harlan, President and Founder of E4S Entrepreneurs For Sustainability, speak to us sometime in the next few months about network organizing (date and time TBA). The best way for folks to learn about network organizing is to experience it and the January 18 Networking Event is a great example with a topic of relevance. We hope to see you there.

2011 - The Year of Energy Efficiency!

E4S Third Tuesday Network Event

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Location: Great Lakes Brewing Company Tasting Room

Price: Free

Info and Register for this Event

E4S is a growing network of leaders from all sectors, implementing sustainable business practices and creating a culture of sustainability in Northeast Ohio.

Event: Seed Swap
Sunday, January 30

Cleveland Heights resident Mari Keating is hosting a Seed Swap on Sunday, January 30, from 2-5 pm at the Main Branch of the CHUH Public Library, 2345 Lee Road. This will be a great opportunity to not only exchange garden seeds with your neighbors but also to network with others interested in suburban gardening and agriculture in the Heights. For more info contact Mari through the Network:sustainablehts@gmail.com

Sustainability Audit, Oakwood development, and commission openings

2011-01-03T08:05:00.003-05:00

Zoning in Cleveland Heights

Camiros, Ltd., will present their findings and recommendations to supplement the City of Cleveland Heights Zoning Code on Monday, January 10, at 7:30 pm at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, Mayfield Road at Monticello. Open to all.

The report addresses the following aspects of Cleveland Heights’ Zoning Ordinance and how they could be made more sustainable:general zoning, residential district standards, commercial and mixed-use district standards, accessory structures and uses, principal uses, parking standards, landscape and water conservation, and large-scale development processes.

To view full report , which includes discussion of and recommendations for wind turbines, bee-keeping, rain gardens, chicken coops, live-work dwellings, and urban agriculture, among others, click here. For more information, please call Karen Knittel, Cleveland Heights Planning and Development Department, at 216- 291-4855 or email kknittel@clvhts.com.

Oakwood Country Club Development Proposal
First Interstate Properties of Lyndhurst, developer of Legacy Village, has purchased the South Euclid portion of the Oakwood Country Club and has an option to purchase the remaining Cleveland Heights portion. Their proposed development includes retail and residential. The developer, Mitchell Schneider, indicates his desire to

"...bring in retailers with a commitment to sustainable design and LEED-certified “green” building techniques, including innovative stormwater management. “We expect to set a new standard in Northeast Ohio for sustainable, green commercial development,” Schneider said. “This is in keeping with the goals of both South Euclid and Cleveland Heights to enhance their communitiesʼ commitment to green living.” (Heights Observer press release)

The Severance Neighborhood Organization (SNO) and Citizens for Oakwood would like the property to remain green and to become a park.
Please see the current Heights Observer for SNO's update on their efforts, a press release from First Interstate on their intentions, and go to the Citizens for Oakwood Facebook page for up to date info.

1/3/11: SNO and the Citizens for Oakwood encourage all those with an interest in supporting their efforts to attend tonight's Cleveland Heights City Council meeting. 7:30 pm in Cleveland Heights City Hall Council Chambers, 40 Severance Circle.

Serve your community
The City of Cleveland Heights seeks qualified residents to serve on the Planning Commission and the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) (the group that oversees the Community Development Block Grant process). More Info.

Gearity Walk To School Day

2010-11-02T07:24:00.003-04:00

Students from Gearity School participated in the Heights International Walk to School Day on October 6. Physical Education teacher Fiona Connor-Kuntz says some families continue to walk to school on Wednesdays.

Take the Sustainability Week survey.

2010-10-20T15:03:00.001-04:00

Did you attend any Sustainability Week events? We'd like your input. Take a brief survey here. Thank you.

Sustainability Week

2010-07-27T10:08:00.004-04:00

Sustainability Week, a week long series of sustainability events from October 2-October 10, 2010 hosted by the Sustainable Heights Network, celebrates the work undertaken by the people, the community, and the organizations of Cleveland Heights and University Heights to improve their quality of life - and inspiring others to get involved.

The week will include a variety of public events showcasing the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social well-being for a strong community today-and tomorrow. The Network hopes the week's events will broaden the important local conversation about what sustainability means to our community, how we fit into a larger regional and global effort, and how we can work together to identify, conserve and use our valuable resources wisely.

Add an event for ten people or a hundred. Or, if you already have something on your calendar, post it on ours, too. Have a small event you'd like to tag onto another? Contact us and we'll help.

Join the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, the Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition, Council Gardens Organic Gardening program, the City of Cleveland Heights, Sustainable Heights Open Green Map, and FutureHeights, among others, in creating a week of education, fun, and valuable connections for the entire community.

If your organization, group, or individual would like to add an event highlighting sustainable activities, practices, workshops, speakers, services and/or products in Cleveland Heights or University Heights to the Sustainability Week calendar, please submit your event by September 15, 2010.
SUBMIT EVENT TO CALENDAR

Questions? sustainablehts (at) gmail.com

This event made possible through the generous support of The Heights Interfaith Council , Forest Hill Church, and the volunteer effort of these Network members: Cynthia Johnston, Deanna Bremer Fisher, Ditte Wolin, Elaine Price, Fran Mentch, Gene Stromberg, Jackie Feldman, Janet Kious, Judith VanKleef, Karen Knittel, Kemp Jaycox, Laura Travers, Mark Chupp, Mary Dunbar, Sarah Wean, Spencer Caress, Steve Presser, Sue Wolpert, Victoria Mills, the City of Cleveland Heights, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Council Gardens, Severance Neighborhood Organization, FutureHeights, the Heights Observer, Cleveland Heights Bicycle Coalition