Michelle Simakis, Patch Staff
- Cleveland Heights, OH
I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism and experience working at <i>The Plain Dealer </i>and <i>The Columbus Dispatch. </i>I lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., for four years, where I taught seventh-grade English and social studies through the Teach For America organization, and later, worked for Creative Artists Agency, a talent agency based in Los Angeles. I also tutored third-graders and freelanced for an education publication. I moved back to Ohio in August 2010 to be closer to my family and pursue a full-time job in journalism.
<b>Your Beliefs</b>
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
<b>Politics </b>
I am liberal, but I like to hear why people have opinions different from my own. Some members of my family watch Rachel Maddow, while others tune to Fox News, so sometimes Thanksgiving can get lively.<br><br><b>Religion</b>
I am not religious, but I am interested in learning about other people's beliefs.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Cleveland Heights residents care deeply about what's happening in their community, especially in their schools and public libraries. Several non-profit groups such as Reaching Heights, FutureHeights, Home Repair Resource Center and the Heights Independent Business Alliance exist to protect and promote the issues that matter to residents most, including arts in the schools, housing and local business development.
Posting Activity
Cleveland Heights|News|
Top Story of 2012: Marcus Thomas Staffer Becomes Kidney Donor For Coworker
Cleveland Heights resident Jim Sollisch was one of 11 people who offered to donate a kidney to Marcus Thomas partner and chief idea officer Joanne Kim.
Cleveland Heights|News|
No. 2 Top Story of 2012: Lindsay Children Recount Life, Love of Parents Elise and Gregory
The 62-year-old high-school sweethearts died of carbon monoxide poisoning in November. The Lindsay children say "neither of them would have wanted to survive the other."
Cleveland Heights|News|
Main Street U: Social Media Training for Local Businesses
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cleveland Heights Youth Football Team Will Compete in Sixth Grade National Championship
The team, which includes fifth- and sixth-graders, finished undefeated this season. They are asking for your support to help them compete in the national championship in Florida.
Cleveland Heights|News|
New Editors Will Take Over Cleveland Heights Patch
My last day as editor of Cleveland Heights Patch is today, Nov. 30.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cleveland Heights Author Hosting Book Signing Tonight
Nivi Engineer will talk about her new book, "The Indian Girl's Definitive Guide to Staying Single." She'll also read excerpts from her book at the Coventry Village Library Dec. 11.
Shaker Heights, OH|News|
Shaker Heights High Students to Perform 'As You Like It'
The school will pay homage to Shakespeare and to the city's centennial celebration.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Plain Dealer: Dog Found With Bullet Wounds, Chained to Tree in Forest Hill Park
A professional dog walker found the injured dog and called for help.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Photo: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at AutoZone in Cleveland Heights
Mayor Ed Kelley, Vice Mayor Dennis Wilcox and Councilman Jason Stein cut the ribbon at AutoZone's grand opening Nov. 18.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Man Accused of Shooting at Ex-Girlfriend's Car, Setting House on Fire Arrested in Georgia
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Jason Tait in Atlanta, according to Cleveland Heights Police.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Families Prepared, Delivered Hot Meals to Police Officers, Firefighters Working Thanksgiving
Families from Aish HaTorah prepared dinner for local departments for the second year.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cleveland Heights High Football Player Shelton Gibson Selected For Army All-American Bowl
Gibson will be honored at a special assembly at Cleveland Heights High School Thursday, Nov. 29.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cedar Fairmount Holiday Walk To Feature Store Specials, Festivities
The walk starts at 4 p.m. Friday in the Cleveland Heights business district.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cleveland Heights Native To Lead Jewish Humanitarian Organization
Alan Gill has been named CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Two Men Report Armed Robbery on Lancashire: Police Blotter
A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, and police are still investigating.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Cash Mob Hitting Revive in Cleveland Heights Friday
Show your support for the Lee Road store this Friday.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Updated: CH-UH Hires Interim Boulevard Elementary School Principal
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District has not said what will happen to former principal Katrinka Dean, who just started the job in August.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Vacant Home Discussion Set For Tonight
The meeting, set for 7 p.m. at Ensemble Theatre, is open to all, but the discussion will focus on vacant homes in the Grant Deming Forest Hill Historic District and the Cain Park neighborhoods.
Cleveland Heights|News|
Mac's Backs Celebrates 30 Years on Coventry This Saturday
The bookstore has roots in Kent and Chagrin Falls, but has been a Coventry staple since 1982.