April 27, 2022 | Volume 174 UPDATED
Welcome to the
City of Richmond Heights, Ohio
e-newsletter
MAYOR'S MESSAGE FOR "A BRIGHTER TOMORROW"
In the words of Henry Ford, "Coming Together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Watching our community become stronger is an amazing achievement each and every day as we work together toward common goals. As your Mayor, my goals are to excel in leading our community, find new, exciting ways to bring our community together, and continue to work with staff, residents, and businesses to deliver us success and "A Brighter Tomorrow"!

Yours truly,
Mayor Kim A. Thomas
April is National Minority Health Month, and this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) and its partners are highlighting the important role individuals and organizations can play in helping to reduce health disparities and improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

The theme for this year’s National Minority Health Month is Give Your Community a Boost! The theme focuses on the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as one of the strongest tools we can use to protect communities from COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected communities of color. CDC data show that some racial and ethnic minority groups — particularly Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native people are at increased risk of getting sick, having more severe illness, and dying from COVID-19. Give Your Community a Boost! also supports the many other efforts happening in communities across the country to advance health equity.
RHPD took a police report on April 18, 2022 involving someone posing from a bank and requesting the person send money to a Bitcoin account. This is a COMPLETE FRAUD. Banks do not operate that way. Please warn family members and friends. If someone makes an attempt, please call the police department at 216-486-1234 and report it.
NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) is a non-profit group of 240+ Ohio communities that negotiates lower utility rates. As Ohio’s largest governmental energy aggregator, NOPEC buys gas and electricity in bulk to help stabilize customers’ utility bills. In fact, over the past 20 years, NOPEC has saved Ohio consumers hundreds of millions of dollars on their energy costs. NOPEC has also awarded over $40 million in community energy-efficiency grants.
As a resident or small business in a NOPEC member community, you can take advantage of natural gas supply rates negotiated specifically for NOPEC customers. Residents in NOPEC member communities, like Richmond Heights, also benefit from exclusive money-saving and energy-saving programs. Some of these benefits include the NOPEC Energized Community Grant Program and Community Event Sponsorship Program. Plus, you can find valuable energy-saving tips to save even more on your utility bills at nopec.org.
For more information about NOPEC, to check NOPEC’s electric or natural gas rates, or to enroll, visit nopec.org or call the NOPEC Customer Care Center at 855-667-3201.
Sign up for NOPEC’s Energy Savings Center to receive energy saving tips, home maintenance reminders, and chances to win smart home technology. Enroll here: https://bit.ly/3EknhFv
Summer is right around the corner and our City's Service Department is busy preparing all our parks and the sprayground equipment located at Community Park for warm weather enjoyment. Although the pool will not be opening this summer, our sprayground will be open to all residents free of charge. Opening Day and hours for the sprayground will be posted soon on our website, website, Facebook, digital sign, e-newsletter, and additional media avenues. Stay tuned!
Now Hiring for full-time and part-time positions as well as Boards & Commissions:
The beautification of our special city is
a team effort.
Please do your part by avoiding littering. 
It is also against the law and
subject to a 
$500 penalty.
ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT THE CITY'S AGGREGATION PROGRAMS FOR ELECTRIC AND GAS?
Visit the "Popular Links" page on our City Website for links, phone numbers, and information on our aggregation programs as well as other utilities, storm water and sanitary sewers, Cuyahoga County and Regional connections, and so much more!
ARBOR DAY IS FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH
Celebrate with your "Tree City" in Community Park located at 27285 Highland Road at 1:00 p.m. for our annual tree planting and recognition ceremony. Richmond Heights has been a member of Tree City USA at the Arbor Day Foundation and recognized as a "Tree City" for over 23 years.

The Arbor Day Foundation is celebrating its 50th year and has planted and distributed nearly 500 million trees in more than 50 countries around the world to fight global issues facing humankind.
SHRED DAY &
RICHMOND HEIGHTS KIWANIS
FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE
GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK
THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH
9:00 a.m. - NOON
RICHMOND HEIGHTS CITY HALL

The Richmond Heights Kiwanis Club will be collecting food and cash donations for the Harvest for Hunger Food Drive. This is a drive-thru and drop-off paper and document shredding event. For everyone’s safety, please unload your bags and boxes out of your vehicle. There is a limit of five (5) bags or boxes per vehicle.

Richmond Heights Kiwanis Club members will be on hand to collect non-perishable food donations or cash or check donations to benefit the Cleveland Food Bank. A $1.00 donation can provide four or more meals to those in need. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF ITEMS PRIOR TO APRIL 30TH 

2022 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is
Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Richmond Heights Police Department
A majority of people who misuse a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Tack Back Day events are one way to dispose of unneeded medications. The next Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The City's Police Department has a drop-box located inside the lobby. To learn more and to find additional collection sites nearest to you, please visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday   
NEWS, EVENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
On Saturday, Mayor Thomas attended training with Tri-Community CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). who is the Community Emergency Response Team for Highland Heights, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village & now Richmond Heights. Under the direction of the Fire Chiefs, the team is responsible for providing support to first responders in the event of a disaster affecting our community. The team also provides support at community events, including first aid, assistance to Police, Fire and EMS, and community outreach in the form of disaster preparedness education. For more information, or if you would like to apply to be a member, send an email to Tricommunitycert@mayfieldvillage.com or visit their website at www.tricommunitycert.com.
Our Seniors had a blast at the Kiwanis Lodge dancing, singing, and jamming to some "Oldies but Goodies" with DJ Jammin' Joel on Monday, April 25th. You too can join in on the fun every 4th Monday of the Month. More details can be found in the "Seniors Corner" of this e-newsletter.
Visit your new local Richmond Heights Branch of Cuyahoga Libraries located at
449 Richmond Road and check out all they have to offer.
BRANCH HOURS
Mon – Thu 9 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Fri & Sat 9 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Sun 1 – 5 P.M.
Anticipated Construction Schedule as of March 2022 (Subject to Change)
Check out the Belle Oaks “Scope of Project” website here
  • Sitework/Mall Demolition: Commences in Spring 2022
  • Leasing Center: Construction begins June 2022; Opens February 2023
  • Phase I Apartment Buildings: Construction begins Spring 2022, Opens June 2024
  • Meijer’s Store: Construction begins February 2023, Store Opens May 2024
Legal Aid secures justice and resolves fundamental problems for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high quality legal services. Legal Aid is free - they never charge clients for services.
For the first time, the City of Richmond Heights has partnered with HERITAGE HOME PROGRAM to provide residents with FREE technical assistance and advice for repairs, remodeling, and low interest financing programs for homes 50 years or older. The program operates in all of Cleveland and 38 cities in Cuyahoga County. They estimate there are 2,062 homes in Richmond Heights that are eligible for their services. For more information, visit their website, call 216-426-3116 or email hhp@heritagehomeprogram.org
To promote and organize community educational programs and projects with an emphasis on environmentally friendly living. The Highland Heights Green Task Force is a 501(c)(3) non-profit who serves Greater Hillcrest Communities & beyond. Their campaign for 2022 is “Climate Change and What We Can Do”. Meetings are held at the Highland Heights Community Center located at 5827 Highland Road 1st Wed of the month at 7:00 p.m. Check out their events by clicking on the link above or here.
PANTRIES

RICHMOND HEIGHTS MOBILE PANTRY
EVERY 3rd THURSDAY FROM
 10:00 A.M. - NOON AT RICHMOND HEIGHTS UPPER SCHOOL
Enter from Richmond Road 
MACE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY EVERY 4th THURSDAY FROM 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. located at the M.A.C.E. Islamic Center, 26901 Chardon Rd. They distribute a variety of produce and food with a drive-through service.
Please wear a mask!
CC’S CUPBOARD PET FOOD PANTRY located inside the K-9 Kingdom, 26700 Highland Rd. the 1st Saturday of each month. Please use side door. They provide pet food & supplies to animal rescues and struggling pet owners. Imagine having to decide between feeding yourself, your children, or your pets. This should not be an issue. Sadly, it is a very real issue for many. That is how CC’s Cupboard came to be. Kelli, at K-9 Kingdom, donated a back room for the pantry and with help from friends and family alike, our non-profit was started.
SENIORS CORNER
FREE BINGO NOW ON MONDAY'S will take place at the Kiwanis Lodge from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. on the first, second, and third Monday of each month. Win Prizes! Call the Recreation Department at 216-383-6313 for more information. Sponsored by the Recreation Department.
NOW ON MONDAYS
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
JOIN DJ JAMMIN' JOEL on the 4th MONDAY of the month from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
at the Kiwanis Lodge.
He will be spinning old-time hits to dance or sing your socks off to. Light refreshments.
CPA has a new Program and Events Calendar on their website! Click on each Program for more information; all CPA Programs are open to the public regardless of residence or location. You can also view Programs by Day (Agenda) or Week by clicking the appropriate tab at the top right, and you can change the days or weeks by changing the date on the tabs on the top left!  Please note that this is a work in progress. We will do our best to make sure any changes are shown as soon as possible. If you have questions, call 440-473-5138, but be aware that if staff is at a program they may not be able to answer or call back right away.

Community lunch program locations:
  •  Mondays: Richmond Hts. Kiwanis Lodge & Lyndhurst CC
  • Tuesdays: Frozen entrée drive-through at Lyndhurst CC
  • Wednesdays: Highland Hts. CC ONLY (NEW SITE)
  • Fridays: Highland Hts. CC
The number for all Cafe’ Services reservations is 216-970-0347. You will still call 216-650-4029 for weekly meal/box orders and you will still call 440-473-5138 for program reservations/questions. Click on this link for current Cafe’ Services offerings or this link for April 2022 menu; Go directly to CPA’s website here to see all they have to offer our Seniors; View their April Newsletter here; or sign up for their monthly newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox here.
Age Well. Be Well. with University Hospitals
University Hospitals is dedicated to meeting the health and wellness needs of today's older adults.  In addition to the many specialized clinical services they offer, UH has established the Age Well. Be Well. free membership club to help keep adults 55+ active and socially engaged. Download their calendar for current health screenings and education opportunities. Once a member, they will send you the calendars as they are updated. If you are not yet a member, click here to register.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY SENIORS AND ADULT SERVICES The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) empowers seniors and adults with disabilities to age successfully, by providing resources and support that preserve their independence. DSAS is the mandated provider of Adult Protective Services (APS) in Cuyahoga County and provides home-based care services, benefits assistance, outreach, and senior center programming while advocating for the needs of the County's older adults. DSAS strives to keep seniors safe, supported, and independent, so they can live their best lives.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION (STC) Senior Transportation Connection (STC) provides coordinated, efficient, and affordable transportation to seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Cuyahoga County. STC serves individuals who have mobility challenges due to age, lack of access, disability, frailty, or inability to drive. More than 12,000 registered riders live in 36 zip codes covering 75% of Cuyahoga County. Two-thirds of passengers use a wheelchair, walker, or other aid to mobility. STC will take you to a medical appointment, including dialysis, rehabilitation and treatment, senior centers meals and programs, grocery shopping, personal service appointments, and social opportunities. We’ll take you places so you can remain independent, healthy, and connected to the community. Click here to learn more or call 216-265-1489 to register.
Check the City’s Event Calendar for detailed meeting information or the entire website at www.richmondheightsohio.org
FACE MASKS ARE NOW OPTIONAL, BUT ENCOURAGED, TO ENTER ANY CITY BUILDINGS
APRIL 26, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 3, 2022
Audit Committee
6:45 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Planning & Zoning Committees
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Service & Recreation Committees
8:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 10, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers
MAY 17, 2022
Recreation Board
6:00 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Safety Committee
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

Finance Committee
8:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 24, 2022
Committee of the whole
7:30 p.m. @ Council Chambers

City Council
8:15 p.m. @ Council Chambers

MAY 30, 2022
CITY OFFICES CLOSED
TO OBSERVE
MEMORIAL DAY


All current system users are encouraged to re-register on the new system (CodeRed) to enable the new functionality including targeted weather alerts.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Like and follow our Fire Department, Police Department and our Recreation Department on their Facebook pages for up to the minute news and events.

Connect with any department in the City
by following this link to an easy-to-fill-out form on the City Website.