🌱 Animal Shelter Valentine's Fundraiser + Veterans Winter Sleepout

Hi all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Strongsville Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 39 Low: 33.

Business owners and marketers in Strongsville: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Strongsville:

1. Homelessness continues to be a pressing problem in many communities across the United States, especially among veterans returning from duty without money or homes. The VFW Post 3345 will host a winter "sleepout" this Saturday, Feb. 11 to raise awareness of the challenges homeless veterans face. The cost to participate is one new or gently used sleeping bag, and participants are encouraged to gather sponsors to donate to RWV's Hearth & Home for Veterans Program on their behalf. (City of Strongsville Government via Facebook)
2. If your special someone loves animals, the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter has the perfect Valentine's Day gift. The shelter is hosting its second annual Dog-o-Gram Fundraiser. For $75, you can send a loved one a personalized card, a bottle of wine, chocolates, an animal shelter tee, and a personalized gift from one of the shelter's dogs. The box is delivered directly to your loved one's door by an adoptable CCAS puppy. (Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter)
3. Do you have a large, fenced-in backyard perfect for furry friends? You might have just found your side hustle. The Sniffspot app has taken off in Cleveland and the surrounding area. The app works like Airbnb; instead of renting a room for travelers, you rent your yard for dog owners. Depending on location and need, Sniffspot users can make up to $20 an hour per dog. (Subscription: cleveland.com)

Today in Strongsville:

• Valentine Coffee Flights And Handmade Cards At Cool Beans Cafe (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Strongsville City Schools junior and senior students who recently competed in the DECA District Competition. As part of the event, both individual students and teams of students took a 100-question marketing test and presented a role-play presentation in front of a judge. An incredible 51 Strongsville students placed in the top three in their specific categories, qualifying them for the state competition in March! (Strongsville City Schools via Facebook)
• The Strongsville Police Department announced that one of its former officers, Jim Kraemer, passed away on Sunday. Jim served the City of Strongsville from 1984 until 2004. Condolences go out to his family and friends. (Strongsville Police Department via Facebook)
• Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services is now hiring. If you're interested in becoming a clerical specialist, this is the job for you. Positions come with great benefits, tuition reimbursement, and more. Visit the hiring page for further information and to apply. (Cuyahoga County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you around.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.