Cleveland, Ohio: Home and Garden Show

This year the Cleveland Home and Garden Show will be held from February 7th to the 15th, 2009. This years theme: "The Romance of France".

Please stop and visit the Ecobrokers at our table. I hope to be there multiple days. There will be a "Green" area where you can pick-up valuable information.

Watch for future postings with additional information!

http://www.HomeandFlower.com

Live Balled Christmas Tree: Planted to grow another day!

2008 Christmas Tree Front and Center

We purchased a balled Christmas Tree this year and I just planted it. I've done so in the past, then went for a period of time during which I was using cut trees. I've had around a 50% success rate.

Next year consider a live balled tree for the holidays.

Mortgage Industry: Loan Modifications

The mortgage industry has now completed approximately 950,000 modifications of mortgages in 2008.

Merry Christmas !!

Happy Holiday!!

Cleveland, Ohio: Chickens & Honey Bees Need Your Help !!!

Passing along some info - Thanks Carl !! ....

It's down to the homestretch for Cleveland's Ordinance 1562-08- Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees.
The city planning commission has forwarded the legislation for City Council's approval. However, the fate of the legislation is at this point uncertain.  The legislation needs 11 affirmative votes for passage. Your assistance could be crucial to the effort.
If you are in support of this effort we need your help.

Things you can do:

Cleveland residents can call, write or e-mail your council representative; or do all three. Here's the link to the council directory:

http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/CouncilMembers/tabid/59/Default.aspx

If you call, tell the person who answers that you are calling to ask for you representative's support of proposed legislation: Ordinance 1562-08- Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees.

Additionally,  ask your rep to help by trying to persuade their more reluctant colleagues to support the legislation too.

You rarely will actually speak to your representative, but the aide handling your call should note your support and collect the information about the call.

Writing an old fashioned snail mail letter may have the biggest impact of all, since phone calls and emails are so much easier. If you go this route come to the Rally (see info below) and bring a copy with you so we can present as many letters of support as possible to Councilman Cimperman. 

If you go the email route, please cc: blue.pike.farm so I can collect your efforts and pass them on to councilman Cimperman.

I'm sure you have plenty of good reasons of your own for supporting this legislation, but in case you need a crib sheet try these:

Economic security; in these lean times raising your own food, veggies, chickens for eggs or meat, bees for honey etc. help stretch your families food budget. Maybe you could make a $ or $$ by selling some to your neighbors.

Food security; raising your own food helps insulate you and your loved ones from the contaminants in the industrial food chain (see i.e. this one about antibiotics in the U.S. meat supply; A direct relationship exists between food consumption levels and poverty. Families with the financial resources to escape extreme poverty rarely suffer from chronic hunger; while poor families not only suffer the most from chronic hunger, but are also the segment of the population most at risk during food shortages and famines.

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1227951270212840.xml&coll=2&thispage=1
or this about food scarcity:   http://blog.cleveland.com/pdopinion/2008/11/remember_summers_world_food_cr.html#more 

Passage of the ordinance will help support local food initiatives.

Nothing could be safer than growing your own food, or purchasing locally grown foods.

Not a Cleveland resident? Even if you don't live in the city you could call / write and tell our city fathers how much you admire their progressive and forward thinking and how much you wish YOUR city's leaders would follow Cleveland's lead. Address these to Councilman Joe Cimperman:  ward13@clevelandcitycouncil.org

Circulate a petition

Make up your own. "We the undersigned support the Cleveland City Council effort to encourage local food security...yada, yada, yada..... by voting in favor of Ordinance 1562-08- Restrictions on the Keeping of Farm Animals and Bees."

Take the petition to your church, and the grocery store where you shop: Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and the Food Coop seem like no-brainer places to gather support for this cause. Maybe too your favorite local restaurant that supports the local food movement. Don't assume someone else will do this. Bee the change YOU want to bee! Get out and circulate. The exercise will do you good.

Bring your petitions to the Rally (see below).


Encourage your friends to lend their support. Community gardeners, "foodies" and even your in-laws can help.

For example, if you know a teacher, or know someone who knows a teacher or if you ever had a teacher yourself encourage them to get their students involved. Biology, Science, Gov't, Art or Ecology teachers could use this as a teachable moment. Art teachers could encourage their students of all ages to draw pictures of chickens in the city. More advanced students could create You Tube videos in support. Math teachers could construct lesson plans: I rooster + 6 hens equals how many chickens? Hmmmmm. Maybe that's not a math question after all. 

 And of course the History teachers could introduce the eternal question: Why did the chicken cross the Rubicon? Was it to get to Cleveland where it will (hopefully) be welcomed with open arms? (http://www.chickencrossing.org/forum/)

The possibilities are endless!!!!!! Just bring the finished work to the Rally (see below) so we can present all the collective efforts to councilman Cimperman.

-- 
Carl J. Skalak, Jr.

((216) 373-9461

OhioBio / Blue Pike Farm
900 E. 72nd St
Cleveland, OH 44103

Naturally grown vegetables
Organic products for consumers and market gardeners.

Another Green Home in Oberlin, Ohio

If you missed the TV story - here is the link.  Another Green Eco-Friendly home in Oberlin, Ohio.  If a developer was considering an all "Green" development, Oberlin would be a great location!!

http://www.newsnet5.com/money/18291568/detail.html#

Changes at Griffing Flying Services: Important info for Islanders/Sandusky/Port Clinton

Many of us rely on Griffing during the winter months to visit the islands or mainland.  There have been some changes.

All island flights have been moved to Port Clinton.  No flights will be offered to or from Sandusky, Ohio.  You can get additional information and changes at:  http://www.griffingflyingservice.com or 419-734-5400.

Grand Opening: "Nature Spot" at the French Creek Nature Center, Lorain County Metroparks

January 3, 10 am–2 pm

The Nature Spot is a new interactive learning area at the French Creek Nature Center. This is a place where visitors can learn about the plants and animals that use the local forest as their home. Children can climb the indoor tree house and enjoy games and puzzles. They can also watch birds from the tree house. The lower part of the tree house is an exploration area and a puppet area where children can learn about the forest through fun activities. While children play and learn, adults can watch birds and other wildlife in the lower observation area.

Celebrate The Nature Spot's grand opening:
Saturday, January 3, from 10 am–2 pm.
Visit the new room and also enjoy other family activities throughout the event.
Activities will include storytelling, music, crafts, movies, and more.
Refreshments will also be available.

Middle Bass Island: Another Exciting Addition to the Lake Erie Islands

South Bass Island is to the top left. The Village of Put In Bay on South Bass Island is visible. On one side of the marina is the old Lonz Winery building, now also part of the state park. The large building with the yellow roof is the condominiums at St Hazards. Part of the marina area will be home to the popular Middle Bass Island Yacht Club (MBIYC).

This marina should be spectacular - and it is opening in 2009. The Village of Put In Bay also has substantial dockage available. Part of the marina project includes campground improvements. Much of the soil removed from the marina is being used to raise the campground areas making them high and dry for future campers. Visitors can enjoy the various venues on MBI or take a boat/jet ski/or the Sonny S to enjoy all that South Bass Island has to offer. Bird watchers flock to the islands in the spring. The islands are part of a well traveled migratory route, and there are many parks and preserves, to include much of North Bass Island.

Planning your summer vacation time for 2009? - Plan a visit to the Lake Erie Islands.

photo compliments of George Weisenbach - THANKS GEORGE

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY A SAFE HOLIDAY

Keep Your Holidays Safe, Follow These Basic Tips -

Trees

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for a "Fire Resistant" label.

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness - make sure the needles are soft and don't fall off. Live trees need water, and lots of it. Cut about one inch off of the bottom of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Add water and check daily. Dry trees can burn in SECONDS!

Don't block your exit with your tree.

Remove live trees from your home as soon as possible. Most Christmas tree fires occur on or after New Year's Day.

Lights

• Check each set for damaged sockets or wires. Discard bad sets.
• Use UL approves light sets. Follow the manufacturer recommendations concerning the maximum number of light sets that can be connected together.
• Replace burnt out bulbs with bulbs of the same wattage as indicated on the tag attached to the light set.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. You could be electrocuted.
• Use only light sets and extension cords marked "for outdoor use" outside your home.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely with insulated staples or hooks. Use circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Decorations

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

Never use lighted candles on or near a tree or other evergreens.

Keep children and pets in mind when placing decorations on a tree.
Gifts

"Think big" when choosing toys for small children - small parts could be a choking hazard. Make sure gifts are appropriate for the child's age.

"Think easy" when choosing a gift for someone who may have arthritis or some other physical challenge.

Make sure there is a "fire-resistant" label on infant's sleepwear.

Consider giving a gift that that shows you care about someone. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers make great gifts.

Fireplaces and Heaters

• Before starting a fire in a fireplace, remove all decorations (including those stockings hung by the fireplace) and be sure the flu is open.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. They can burn extremely fast; throwing off sparks and can ignite creosote that has previously accumulated in the chimney.
• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace. Also consider using a fire-resistant carpet or a mat (ones made for fireplaces) on the floor in front of the fireplace.
• Keep all combustible materials, including wrapping paper away from heaters.
• When plugging in electric heaters, make sure that the outlet was designed to handle the load. Be safe; do not plug anything else into the socket with the heater.
• When using kerosene heaters, make sure you use the correct fuel only. The wrong fuel may cause a fire or explosion.

Be Prepared

• Check your smoke detectors monthly.
• Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year . Change your clock - change your smoke detector and CO batteries.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and in sleeping areas.
• Develop an escape plan with two ways out from each room.
• Practice your fire escape plan with your family.
• Always remember – if an emergency should occur dial 9-1-1 as soon as you have safely removed yourself from the situation.

Most importantly - when the holidays become stressful, remember the reason for the season. Think about everything you have to be thankful for. Take a moment to wish your local firefighters, police officers, and EMS responders a "Happy Holidays".

Help Make Your Ohio Home More Attractive to Buyers

More Ideas:

• It needs to smell good, but not over-powering.
• Basements can't smell like mildew.
• Fresh Paint - nice - not slapped on.  (neutral colors)
• Shampoo the carpets.
• Dark curtains and blinds should be open or removed.  Let in the light!! (unless you are covering a terrible view)
• Eliminate clutter.
• Low playing music is acceptable.  It should be light jazz or elevator music.  It may help to block noisy neighbors, a nearby factory or traffic noise.
• Fresh mulch.  No weeds.
• Think like a buyer.  If you can't - ask a friend to walk through and be painfully honest.

Ohio Quiz: State flower, bird, tree, animal, stone and wildflower??

State Flower: Red Carnation
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Buckeye
State Animal: White-Tailed Deer
State Stone: Flint
State Wildflower: Large White Trillium

Do You think Real Estate is going green, eco-friendly, sustainable in the future?

If you are involved in real estate and think it is going to change to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the future you should consider becoming an EcoBroker Certified professional.

What is EcoBroker®? The Green Designation™

EcoBroker is the premiere green designation program for real estate professionals.

EcoBroker Certified® professionals help clients market properties with green features, save money, and live comfortably, through energy efficiency and environmentally-sensitive choices. Founded in 2002, EcoBroker was the first and remains the largest green real estate training and communications program in the world. With members in all 50 United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and New Zealand, EcoBroker and its members serve real estate consumers, communities, and the environment with an unparalleled level of care, commitment, and follow-up. EcoBroker training and communications provide professionals with the resources to be constructive green ambassadors in an ever-changing business and consumer world.

EcoBroker offers education and tools to real estate professionals that in turn helps consumers take advantage of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design in real estate properties. Through EcoBroker’s unique energy and environmental curriculum, real estate professionals acquire the knowledge and resources to become Certified EcoBrokers. These real estate professionals assist clients in their pursuit of properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment (reducing carbon footprints).

In order to earn the EcoBroker Designation, licensed real estate agents must fulfill a straight-forward set of requirements. The most important requirement of EcoBroker Certification is that you complete their energy, environmental, and marketing training program. See the introduction to education courses.

As a certified EcoBroker I can offer you a $20 discount off of your course. Simply type EBC11952 into the "code box" to receive your EcoBroker course discount.

The Lorain County Historical Society "Holiday Homes Tour"

The Holiday Homes Tour
Lorain County Historical Society
Sunday, December 14th, 2008
3 pm to 7 pm
$10 per person/$12.50 day of tour
Purchase tickets at The Hickories, 509 Washington Ave
Elyria, Ohio 44035

Tour 6 architecturally interesting vintage buildings.

Lorain County Metro Parks: Lights on the Lake at Lakeview Park

Lakeview Park, 1800 West Erie Ave, Lorain, Ohio
For more information contact: 440-245-1193

Starting Monday, December 8th through Tuesday, December 30th (closed December 25th)
Holiday lighting along Lake Erie. Rose Cafe will be open Mondays through Wednesdays from 5 to 8pm. Refreshments (small fee), crafts the kids can enjoy, and holiday music. Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit.

Columbia, Carlisle, and York Historical Society Christmas Parties

Columbia Historical Society
Christmas party will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 1pm. It will be held at the Town Hall.

Carlisle Historical Society
Annual Christmas Dinner will be held at the Carlisle Cafe on December 9th at 6pm. Call 458-6971 for additional information.

York Historical Society
The Christmas Party will be held on December 5th at the York Town Hall.

Why List Your Northern Ohio Home with Howard Hanna?

Look at the numbers. There is never a guarantee - but you are going to get more exposure with a Howard Hanna Realtor:

• Approximately 2,500 Sales Associates in Northeast Ohio
• 4,132 Sales Associates Company Wide
• 74 Sales Offices in Northeast Ohio
• 152 Sales Offices Company Wide
• 15,000 Listings Currently in Northeast Ohio
• Over 44,000 Sales Company Wide
• Over 1,100 Open Houses in Northeast Ohio in One Weekend

No other broker comes close within our market area. Call me today at 440-315-6000 to get additional information. For powerful visibility of your home - LeeHisey@howardhanna.com