How do you make your Ohio business a "Green" business?

There are a number of steps involved. Some Include:

• Make sure you prevent pollution whenever possible through reducing waste, follow environmental regulations, and recycle as much as possible.
• Monitor and control all hazardous chemical use. Reduce their use and/or substitute when possible.
• Educate your employees about green/eco issues. Educate your customers when possible. Your employees may surprise you finding ways to prevent waste - saving you money!
• Conserve water, energy and all other resources whenever possible - this could save you money.
• Track all resources constantly looking for ways to save - this usually saves you money in the long run.
• Recycle, Recycle, Recycle.
• Insulate, Insulate, Insulate.

FROGS WANTED: Valley City, Ohio

The Valley City Frog Jump Festival Committee is looking for a few good frogs - and frog catchers. Pond owners with frogs and frog catchers that are fast on their feet are encouraged to participate. All frogs will be promptly returned to their respective ponds following the event. The event will take place on August 10th.

Contact Dave Raco at 330-483-4836 or email at ktraco@zoominternet.net.

The Folger Home: Summer Market, Avon Lake, Ohio

Spend a day at the lake at the Folger Home Summer Market at Avon Lake's Veteran's Memorial Park. The park is located at State Route 83 and Lake Rd. It will be held on July 26th, 2008 from 10am to 6pm.

Sweet Melissa's of Rocky River will host lunch and dinner for guests in the Lake House. Enjoy kettle corn and fresh squeezed lemonade from Woolsons of Mt. Vernon.

Enjoy the festivities and then take a walk on the beautiful beach, or just sit and enjoy the view.

For more information call 440-930-2190 or visit http://www.folgerhome.org

Historic Olmsted Falls, Ohio: Mill River Condominiums

Considering a condominium? Looking for a unique location with fantastic "neighborhood walking" opportunities? Look no further! The Mill River Condominium development in Olmsted Falls is an established development located along the Rocky River's east branch.

Your condominium is located within walking distance of the historic "Grand Pacific Junction" district, as well as other historical buildings. Restaurants, dining, shopping, riverfront parks, and more - just a bike ride away. Just minutes from Baldwin Wallace College's educational and cultural opportunities.


If you would like more information on housing in Olmsted Falls, Ohio contact Lee Hisey with the "Hisey Group, LLC" and Real Living Realty One at 440-315-6000.


Olmsted Falls, Ohio: Website
Grand Pacific Junction: Website

SMALLER HOUSES ARE COMING BACK IN THE U.S. !

Smaller homes are once again becoming popular. In 1974 the average home in the U.S. was 1,560 square feet. In 2007 the average home was 2,248 square feet. For almost 30 years homes continued to get larger - but not anymore. Beginning the second quarter of 2007 new homes began getting SMALLER!

Why are homes getting smaller? There could be a number of reasons.

Baby Boomers are getting older, their kids have left or are leaving home, and they don't need or want the space.

• Many young home buyers are looking closer to downtown and are interested in catching the wave of excitement that is once again building in many of our urban areas.
• People are increasingly concerned with the increase in energy prices. Heating and air conditioning are beginning to play a roll in decision making.
• Family units are getting smaller. Between 1970 and 2000 married couples with children shrank from 40% to 24% of households.
• Young couples may be less interested in having children.

How are home sizes being reduced? Fewer homes have dining rooms, formal living rooms are disappearing, and unused space is becoming storage space. Built-ins are making a comeback from book cases to window seats and corner cabinets. Modern closet organizers that use every inch of space are a hot item!

Read the following links for more info:

Money Magazine, May 14th, 2008: The Incredible Shrinking House

The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2007: Size of New Homes Shrink As Builders Battle Housing Slump

American Institute of Architects, First Quarter 2008: Home Sizes Shrink with Growing Concerns over the Economy and Energy Costs

Considering a smaller home? Is energy efficiency a concern for you? Ready to downsize? Contact Lee Hisey, Realtor and EcoBroker today at 440-315-6000. Lee is a partner in the Hisey Group, LLC a regional real estate team with Real Living Realty One. The Hisey Group serves Cleveland, Ohio's westside to the Lake Erie Islands - Ohio's North Coast.

Oberlin, Ohio's Farmers Market: 9am to 1pm Saturdays

Fresh Gooseberries and Future Fresh Egg Producers: Grafton Township, Ohio in Lorain County

Fresh Local Food is the Best Food !

Recycle an EXISTING Home or Commercial Business in Ohio!!

The ultimate recycling truly is refurbishing an existing home or business. You save space in a landfill, you use existing lumber, steel, etc and all of the energy and resources that were used to create those resources. You can upgrade an existing structure in a "Green" fashion by utilizing some simple principles.

1. Use sustainable products when possible.
2. Use energy star appliances.
3. Install energy efficient windows and doors.
4. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate !!
5. Replace old heating/ac systems and duct work with new high-efficiency systems.
6. Replace grass/lawn areas with rain gardens and clusters plants.
7. Utilize wildlife areas, native plantings, food producing plants.
8. Recycle products you remove from the site.
9. Maintain items/structures/features of historical significance.

By making your existing home, or a home or other building you purchase, energy efficient and environmentally friendly now - you will be increasing it's marketability later. There are some excellent books on the market that can give you guidance as well as local architects that are becoming experts at incorporating "Green" eco-friendly building features, and an increasing number of specialists in specific areas.

From beautiful old colonials and Victorians in cities like Elyria and Lorain, Ohio to older farm houses in Pittsfield and Grafton Township our communities are filled with wonderful older homes ready to be refurbished in environmentally responsible ways.

Events: Lorain County Historical Society, Elyria & Clague House Museum, Westlake

Ice Cream Social
Lorain County Historical Society
Hickories Museum on Sunday, July 13th, 1 to 5pm
509 Washington Ave, Elyria
Cost: $5 per person/includes ice cream, cake or pie.

Tour museum, view special exhibits. Live entertainment, games for children and other beverages and food. Call LCHS for details: 440-322-3341

Annual Antique and Craft Show
Westlake Historical Society
Clague House Museum on Sunday, July 13th, 9am to 4pm
1371 Clague Rd, Westlake
Donation of $4 accepted. Parking is free.

Crafters and antique dealers will have items for sale. Children can have their picture taken with an old fire engine. Homemade refreshments. For more info call: 440-471-4090

Events: Pittsfield Township Historical Society, Amherst Historical Society

Pittsfield Township Historical Society

July 10th, 7pm at the Pittsfield Township Hall
Marge Mulder will present program:
Nostalgia through postcards from early vintage postcards:
A reflection of our history and culture. For more info call: 440-775-4095


Amherst Historical Society

Tours every Sunday until September 28th except July 13th.
Tour begins at St. George Chapel at 2pm and again at 3pm.
$4 per person please. Children 14 and younger are free.
Tour, museum, art gallery, restaurant, and more.
For more info call: 440-988-7255

Clean Ohio Fund on Ballot November 4th

On November 4th Ohioans will have the opportunity to vote on the Clean Ohio Fund. A "Yes" vote will reauthorize this fund. The Clean Ohio Fund is a program that supports clean water programs, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, trails, industrial site clean-up, and farmland preservation. It directly supports efforts here - in Ohio - where we live.

The Clean Ohio Fund is funded through the sale of general revenue bonds - it does not raise Ohioans taxes.

Prior to voting, take the time to read some of these sites on fund basics, use of funds, groups applying for funds, etc:

Clean Ohio Fund (state links)
The Nature Conservancy
Clean Ohio Fund (state overview)
Morning Journal - Lorain Ford Plant Clean-up
Business Courier - Cincinnati Port Authority Support
Port Clinton News Herald - apply for funding
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation - Trail Funding
Star Beacon - Ashtabula County FirstEnergy Plant C Clean-up

Do a search for your own area of the state. This bond money supports many, many projects in many Ohio communities.

Save Gas - Vacation close to home!! Visit Ohio's Lake Erie Islands

Gasoline prices are climbing and personal time is getting increasingly scarce. Where can someone in Toledo, Columbus or Cleveland, Ohio go that puts them in a completely different environment for a reasonable price - and you can visit in just one weekend? Enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of the Lake Erie Islands and Ohio's "Vacation Land".

The area surrounding the islands includes Cedar Point in Sandusky with with numerous nearby water parks and attractions. Want a quiet and beautiful drive? - Visit Catawba Island and it's stone outcroppings and gorgeous Lake Erie and bay views.

There are numerous Lake Erie Islands to visit, to include North Bass Island with it's limited access wildlife areas and pristine beaches. There is Middle Bass Island, a growing island with an expanding state marina and campground, a small general store, two eateries, a bed and breakfast and numerous wildlife areas. Middle Bass Island is known as the "Quiet Island for Active People". And a short boat ride away (the Sonny S leaves every half hour during the day) is South Bass Island and the Village of Put-in-Bay. South Bass Island has the largest concentration of stores, restaurants and activities as well as another state park. They have regular live entertainment and Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. Rattlesnake Island is an exclusive family retreat. The island has a small restaurant with a private chef, 16 privately owned parcels - some with homes and some without, a club house, tennis courts, a combo golf course/airstrip, and a beautiful private marina. There are numerous other islands in Lake Erie both in the U.S. and Canada to visit.

You can get to the islands by private boat, private plane, the Jet Express or a Miller Boat Line Ferry. Check their schedules and make sure you catch the correct ferry - they don't all go to the same island. Many of the islands do not have ferry service, or only have limited service.

You will FEEL like you are a thousand miles away - but you're still in Ohio! Truly something for everyone - make the Lake Erie Islands your summer vacation destination.

If you are interested in purchasing Lake Erie Island property contact me at 440-315-6000 or lee.hisey@realliving.com. Lee Hisey, Realtor, a member of the Hisey Group with Real Living Realty One. http://www.HiseyGroup.com

Antlers and Wheels: Car Show, Wellington, Ohio

Looking for something different in Lorain County? We often forget about the abundance of activities and events in our rural southern areas. Bonnie Brae Farm Tours, Ltd.
Wellington, Ohio holds a number of events every year.

Antlers & Wheels Car Show 2008
Vintage auto show at Bonnie Brae Farms - July 26th. There will be cars parked throughout the elk farm. Ride into the fields to hand feed the elk, visit the gift shop, and try elk products at the hot dog stand.
Free parking and no admission charge.

Also catch their Ohio Outdoor Quilt Festival
August 9, 2008 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more info and events visit: Bonnie Brae Farm
27717 Quarry Road, Wellington, Ohio 44090
440-647-3232

Rotuno's Texas Style Barbeque

I've twice stopped at a new restaurant in Elyria's Gulf-Abbe neighborhood. It's called Rotuno's (owner Tim Rotuno's last name) and it's a BBQ place in an area that doesn't have any BBQ places. I always try to support local small business owners - and I think this one will be a keeper. I've had two of their sandwiches, and my father had their ribs - thumbs up on all three!

The restaurant is located at 515 N. Abbe Road in Elyria, across from the older drug mart plaza. They will be opening a drive-up window, however it is for pre-ordered food pick-up only. Rotunos has a nice eat-in area with a "Texas" feel. (I lived in Texas for 2 years) They slow smoke their meat, and it is excellent. Ribs, sliced and pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef brisket, and ham. They have regular and mustard slaw - great on the sandwiches. Sides include mac and cheese, baked beans, green beans, french fries, side salad, and buttered corn. They also have a selection of soups. Limited desert menu.

I only take the time to write about restaurants I like - this is a winner - unless you are a vegetarian. Let's support them so they stay around.

Oberlin, Ohio Summer Concert Series

There are still plenty of free concerts left in Oberlin's 16th Annual Summer Concert Series. Located at the beautiful intersection of State Rt 58 and State Rt 511, Oberlin is a beautiful place to spend a day or an evening. Performances are held at 7pm every Friday on Tappan Square at the Clark Bandstand.

July 11th - Battle of the Bands
Local bands compete for prize.
July 18th - Copperfoot
High Energy - original music and some covers. Entertainment by Mad Factory.
July 25th - Geeze Cats - Christmas in July
Swing. Christmas Bazaar & crafts booth for kids.
August 1st - Tie-Dye Harvest
Sounds of the 70's. Tie-Dye a shirt - bring one or purchase.
August 8th - Walkin' Cane & Kristine Jackson
Blues combo blending jazz, Rock & Roll and soul styles/music.
August 15th - E.T. King and The Determinations
Rhythm and Blues.

Go early and enjoy the botanical gardens, shops, restaurants and galleries of beautiful Oberlin, Ohio in Lorain County.

Black Swamp Conservancy: Lake Erie Islands Water Snake Preservation

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Conservation Easements:An easement is a restriction that a landowner can voluntarily place on their property. A land conservancy, such as Black Swamp, creates a customized legal agreement with the landowner that permanently protects it's conservation values. Donated easements are tax deductible, which is also quite nifty.

For the Lake Erie Water Snake:

Excavation
October 15th to April 15th is when the snakes hibernate. During this time, its best not to dig foundations, bury utility lines, remove tree stumps..., etc... within 226 feet of the shoreline.
Docks
Rock-filled timber or steel crib docks are preferred to sheet steel, but if you already have a sheet steel dock, drilling holes greater than 3.5 inches will provide escape cover for the snakes.
Tree Removal
Root mass should be left underground, so that hibernation locations are left undisturbed.
Mowing
Avoid mowing within 70 ft of the shoreline to protect habitat and water quality.
Herbicides
Herbicides and other chemicals are discouraged unless they are applied in a way that minimizes effects on non-target organisms. Avoid applying them near water unless it is aquatic-friendly.
Like any chemical: READ THE LABEL! Contrary to popular belief, MORE does not mean BETTER.
Shoreline Vegetation
Though minimal removal is sometimes necessary, and can be tolerated by the snakes, dense shrubs, brush, vines, and other forms of vegetation provide cover. It is best to leave natural vegetation in it's place.

Remember - every little bit helps!

Written by the wonderful Candace Hisey. Much of info provided by the Black Swamp Conservancy.