CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Under way as of May 23 is The Passport program by Cleveland Independents-member restaurants that can help diners save money when ordering from a menu. The program offers guests the opportunity to obtain a free copy of The Deck, which includes approximately $500 in offers of $10 off food purchases of at least $30 at select member restaurants. Guests will be required to obtain The Passport at any Cleveland Independents-member restaurant and request a sticker as proof of dining at that establishment. Eight stickers must be obtained between May 23 and mid-July to qualify for The Deck. At the end of July, one lucky guest will be selected at random to receive five $100 Cleveland Independents’ gift cards. Cleveland Independents’ gift cards are unique in that they are redeemable at any member restaurant and work like cash. The gift cards have a five-year expiration. “This is an exciting way for everyone to explore the outstanding culinary diversity that Northeast Ohio has to offer,” said Laurie Torres, president of the organization and owner of Mallorca, in a release “Our members are located as far west as Sandusky and far east as Mentor. “The Passport allows everyone to not only sample what our members have to offer, but also to get a free copy of The Deck. It’s the ultimate summer dining package.” For a complete listing of Cleveland Independents members and information on The Deck, visit clevelandindependents.com. Native plant sale: Friends of Heights Parks will hold its annual native plant sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31 at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd. in Cleveland Heights. The sale will include plants from four regional providers: Avonlea Gardens & Inn; Meadow City; Native Roots, Inc.; and Plant it Native. Those with questions can visit info@FriendsofHeightsParks.org. The Isleys are coming: Cain Park has announced that the Isley Brothers will be performing at the outdoor theater at 8 p.m. Aug. 2. Now consisting of Ronald and Ernie Isley, the family act dates to 1959 when they first hot with “Shout.” To purchase tickets, visit here. Shaker Reads Summer Challenge: The Shaker Reads Summer Reading Challenge will take place from June 1 to Aug. 1. Join the Shaker Library for the opportunity to win books, coupons to local businesses, library swag, and chances to win a prize basket. Read about how to play and view the prizes and sponsors here. Violence prevention: Cuyahoga County has announced that it has created the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and that it is now searching for a visionary and experienced leader to develop and guide violence prevention and intervention initiatives. “Too many families in Cuyahoga County have been devastated by violence, and we cannot accept it as normal,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, in a release. “This office will bring leadership, coordination, and accountability to our violence prevention work. It’s about saving lives, supporting victims, and making every neighborhood a place where people can live in peace.” According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, more than 4,000 people have died in Cuyahoga County since 2001 because of gun violence. The Office of Violence Prevention will take a public health approach to violence, addressing the root causes, such as poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity, while also investing in community-based solutions that interrupt cycles of violence. The office will bring together municipal leaders, community partners, public health experts, youth advocates, and law enforcement with one purpose: to stop violence before it starts. The new office will be part of the county’s Department of Public Safety and Justice Services. “Public-private partnerships are essential to the success of our Office of Violence Prevention,” said Brandy Carney, who is director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Safety and Justice Services. “By working together across sectors, we can expand resources, create innovative solutions, and build safer, more supportive communities.” The county is now accepting applications for a new Violence Prevention Administrator. The ideal candidate will have experience in violence prevention or public health, a deep understanding of the communities most affected by violence, and a commitment to building collaborative, effective strategies that create lasting change. This individual will serve as a connector between the county and its communities, ensuring that prevention efforts meet the needs of residents and municipalities and are shaped by those most affected. To apply, visit cuyahogacounty.gov. The Yard: The Yard Outdoor Bar is now open for its fifth year at StoneWater Golf Club, 1 Club Drive in Highland Heights. For those who have not been there, The Yard is located in the “back yard” of the Rustic Grill restaurant at StoneWater, before the 10th tee. It is an outdoor bar and oasis that has scheduled for the summer a full lineup of live music and food. The Yard is open from 5-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. The live music plays from 7-10 p.m. Included are food trucks, special tastings, and more. There is space for children to play and The Yard is even open to dogs. “The Yard is a fan favorite spot at StoneWater, so we’re very excited to open it once again,” said StoneWater Director of Marketing and Business Development Lindsey Neidus, in a release. “As we enter our fifth year, we continue to add new foods, bands, and activities. “We have expanded on a new area called The Cottage -- Scoops & Suds, which will now function as an ice cream stand, as well as a beer outpost. The Yard truly gets better and better every year, and guests are going to love what we have in store this summer.” Honor for Beachwood High senior: Beachwood High School senior Chengyu Li has been named one of 621 semifinalists in the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of just 20 students selected for the program from Ohio. A nomination to this program is among the highest honors a graduating high school senior can receive. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in school and community activities. Li, who was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar in the fall, has participated in a wide range of extracurriculars at BHS. Her involvement includes Art Club, Marching Band, Jazz Band, softball, The Beachcomber newspaper, Science Olympiad, Math Club, Model United Nations, Women in STEM, Bison Buddies, Computer Science Club, and Student Council. Her accomplishments span numerous fields, as she earned national and regional awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing competition, competed at the Science Olympiad state tournament, served as the Driver for the Bison Robotics team that qualified for the World Championships, received all-state orchestra honors, and is a Softball Scholar-Athlete. Li plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall and major in urban science and planning with computer science and comparative media studies. She also plans to minor in music. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will review the applications of all semifinalists based on the same criteria used by the review committee and select up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by an executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize some of the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and service to school and community. It has been expanded several times to widen the range of disciplines and activities for which students are recognized. JCU commencement: On May 18, Lisa Damour returned to John Carroll University to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025, bringing her 11 years of teaching at the university full circle. Nationally recognized as an expert on adolescent development, Damour is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, a contributor to The New York Times and CBS News, co-host of the popular podcast “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting,” and an advisor to organizations ranging from the American Psychological Association to UNICEF. Damour’s commencement remarks were deeply personal -- rooted in psychological science and the Jesuit tradition that shaped her years at John Carroll. “There are few moments in life as dedicated to thinking about the future -- and your wishes for it -- as your own college graduation,” she began, before inviting graduates to consider their hopes, not through the lens of comparison or achievement, but through the values of purpose, integrity, and well-being. Her address challenged common graduation tropes about chasing happiness or success. “Psychologists don’t recommend the dogged pursuit of happiness,” she said. “It’s such an unpredictable and fleeting emotion.” Instead, she focused on what she called “the psychology of well-being,” identifying four foundations: purpose, good relationships, conscientiousness, and competence. These values, Damour noted, are central to a Jesuit education. “All of which is to say that the psychological science of well-being and the very values at the heart of your Jesuit education here at John Carroll University have been natural teammates all along,” she told the graduates. “Every moment that you were invited to seek and stand for justice, to find strength and joy in community and companionship, or to strive for excellence, especially with the good of others in mind, you were laying the foundation of your own well-being.” Damour’s advice to graduates was tangible, highlighting healthy ways to cope with adversity. “The list of what counts as healthy coping is very long,” she said. “ It includes -- but is hardly limited to-- talking about what you are feeling, getting some exercise, hanging out with friends, spending time in nature, having a good cry, fixing the problem if you can, praying, finding a brief, enjoyable distraction, helping others, getting a good night’s sleep, and listening to music.” As the Class of 2025 prepared to leave campus and begin their next chapters, Damour offered one final wish. “Class of 2025, I wish you not just happiness, but robust well-being in your next chapters.” To watch a short clip of Damour’s advice to the graduating class, visit here. Juneteenth in Cleveland Heights: Cleveland Heights will celebrate Juneteenth on June 14 at Cain Park. The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include musical performances, a vendor marketplace, historical presentations, educational exhibits, a children’s activity area, drum and dance workshops, and a liberation art gallery. The city asks that those who want to be a part of the event consider being a volunteer worker. For more information and to sign up for a volunteer shift, visit Djapo.com. Join Friends of Doan Brook Gorge: Did you know that the Friends of the Doan Brook Gorge does habitat stewardship during the week in addition to monthly Saturday volunteer days? You can join the crew working to remove invasive species and add native plants in the area bounded by Coventry Road, MLK J. Drive, North Park Boulevard, and Fairhill Road by signing up here. Huntington Disease Hope Walk: The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host its 2025 HDSA Team Hope Walk & 5K June 22 at Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo. Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure Check-in for the event starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m.. The walk will start at 9 a.m.. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families. Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event and takes place in more than 100 cities across the U.S. It has raised more than $28 million for HD since its inception in 2007. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission. For more information about the event, contact Meghann Quinlan at mle8137@gmail.com. Online registration and donation information can be found here HDSA’s Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences and Teva Pharmaceuticals. If you would like your item included in Press Run, send me an email, at least 12 days prior to an event, at jeff.piorkowski@att.net. Read more from the Sun Press.