Community Corner

People of the Year: Shaker Historical Society Executive Director Ann Cicarella

Here's a look at one of the names submitted for our People of the Year contest

It had been years since Kim Metheny visited the Shaker Historical Society, but once she returned in July, she was struck by the renovations.

However, she wasn't necessarily surprised. Her MethenyWeir Painted Finishes business had recently provided some custom work to the home of Ann Cicarella, the executive director of the Shaker Historical Society.

Having worked in Cicarella's home, Metheny immediately made the connection between the director's personal designs and landscaping and the new-look historical museum. The experience also made her want to nominate Cicarella as one of Shaker Heights Patch's 2012 People of the Year.

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"I loved her landscaping and sense of design," Metheny said. "Everyone in Shaker loves her for that."

Cicarella has owned her own landscape design contracting firm for years, and has been recognized for her work through awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and more. In 2012, the historical society revamped the interior of its South Park Boulevard site for exhibitions related to the city's yearlong centennial celebration.

Find out what's happening in Shaker Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cicarella and her staff produced The Van Sweringen Legacy: Shaker Heights, The Rapid, & Terminal Tower  and The Selling of Peaceful Shaker Village: Shaker Heights 1905-1930 exhibits.

"I hadn't been in a long time, but she made some amazing renovations to the home," Metheny said. "It looks so much better. Their graphic work is so much better ... She's doing it voluntarily."

Cicarella was appointed director in 2010 after holding that position for an interim basis.

She is also known as the founder of University Hospital’s Rainbow Kid’s Cards Fundraiser.

"She's real kind and giving," Metheny said. "She looks at the bigger picture, has a great business sense, but also has exquisite taste.

"She's very devoted to Shaker."

Also on Patch — People of the Year: Shaker Superintendent Mark Freeman


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