Columbus has a vibrant home school community

As more people become disenchanted with the public school system throughout Central Ohio, home schooling has become a very popular and affordable educational alternative, in the Columbus Ohio area.  Central Ohio offers a variety of private and charter school choice options.  While charter schools are often FREE (because they get some funding from the state and through property taxes that would normally go to your local school district), private schools can be cost prohibitive, especially with the depressed economy.

My son has friends, in the Columbus area, who are home schooled and after talking about their positive experiences with home schooling, we decided to investigate and see if home schooling is right for us.  We were very surprised to learn about the abundant Columbus area home school co-ops, classes and activities throughout Central Ohio. I have discovered information from a variety of sources and thought I’d share what I have learned, to make it easier for anyone else considering home schooling, in the Columbus Ohio area.

Add Your Home School Coop, Class or Activity for FREE

If you know of any Columbus area home school classes, co-ops or activities, not listed here, please feel free to CONTACT PETRA with the details, and I’d be happy to include that information here.  Below is a listing of various home school co-ops, classes and activities, in the Central Ohio area.  I hope you find this information helpful, in your home school journey.

CANAL WINCHESTER HOME SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The HomeSchool Gym

The Home School Gym Canal Winchester location will meet at, The Grace Bible Church, 424 Gender Road, Canal Winchester, Ohio on Tuesdays.  The HomeSchool Gym was founded by Chris Quickert,  in order to provide a safe and positive physical education experience for homeschooled children. We use a variety of games and activities that are both fun and educational. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere, in which children of varying ages, can come together and learn physical skills that will lead them to a lifetime of health, fitness and fun.  For schedule info and to register for classes: VISIT:  homeschoolgym.com/

COLUMBUS OHIO HOME SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

CAPA- The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts

EDUCATION THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT - Light the spark of learning in your students with CAPA’s educational performances, making history and science come alive on stage!  As part of its regular theatre season, CAPA offers select student matinee performances each year. These shows are an enjoyable way for students and teachers to experience a performance and learn about the works and artists who present them. Some performances include advance program materials and/or artist-hosted master classes. Select artists also make in-school appearances for master classes and/or demonstrations.  Capa.com/about-capa/education

Central Ohio Avengers - Christian Home School Basketball

Christian Home School Basketball league with boy and girl teams for ages 10 thru 18.  Contact Frank Beaver at 614-570-0702 or visit: Centralohioavengers.com/

Community Music Centers

Community Music Centers, featuring The Columbus Children’s Show Choir, The Sing & Sign Chorus and The Columbus Community String Orchestra, is a community outreach program, offering affordable and sometimes FREE music, language, art, and typing programs at eight convenient locations in the central Ohio area.  Communitymusiccenters.freehosting.net

COSI - Center of Science and Industry

COSI offers a variety of science education oriented home school workshops, during the day.  Workshops include pre- and post-visit lessons for use at home, to further your child’s science inquiry. Participants socialize with other young scientists while exploring science careers, too!  REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.cosi.org/educators

Central Ohio Christian Home School Chorus

Here at COCHC we have a tremendous desire for each child to a receive a great Christian choral music education.  We long for each child to learn to read music, develop their God-given musical voice, learn to sing in a group setting for a variety of audiences, and glorify their Heavenly Father while doing it!  Central Ohio Christian Homeschool Chorus was founded in the Fall of 2009 as a way to bless home school families in our area with an excellent choral/general music education.  In each class we work on many areas of music education including rhythm, pitch, excellent singing technique, reading music, and just an overall enjoyment of singing about God and for God.  At the beginning of every semester each family receives a rehearsal CD and a COCHC folder in which to keep track of everything that we have learned as well as each week’s take home page.  This gives each family the information that they would need to show a local school district or assessment administrator about their child’s music education.  WEBSITE: Central Ohio Christian Home School Chorus

Columbus Art Mobile Classes

Composed of a staff of local artisans operating on a volunteer basis, the Artmobile gives kids the opportunity to learn the basics of studio arts- everything from charcoal and pastel drawing to ceramics to mixed media projects. In addition to hands-on art classes, local artists from the Columbus community would also visit to speak about their chosen profession, giving an insight to what life is like for a painter, a sculptor, a glass artist, etc.  For art class info visit:  Columbusartmobile.com

Columbus Metro Parks

The Columbus Metro Park system offers a variety of nature oriented FREE home school programs, during the day, in parks throughout Central Ohio. REGISTER ONLINE AT:   www.metroparks.net

Columbus Parks and Recreation

The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department offers home school gym and art classes during the day, in various recreation centers around Columbus and some are even FREE.  WEBSITE: Parks.columbus.gov/homepage.aspx

Columbus Zoo - Home School Adventure Series

The Columbus Zoo is excited to continue to offer a series of guided adventure programs for home school students.  Join us to discover the fascinating lives of animals at the Zoo and around the world.  Guided adventure programs may include live animals, bio-facts, hands-on activities, and/or a tour of the Zoo. WEBSITE: ColumbusZoo.org

Generation Joshua - Central Ohio Chapter

The Vision of Generation Joshua is to assist parents to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders and citizens, equipped to positively influence the political processes of today and tomorrow. To accomplish these goals, Generation Joshua provides training opportunities for teenagers ages 11-18, throughout the US.  Our goal is to use these opportunities to challenge teens to stand up for what is right, to grow in their own beliefs, and to learn about how they can make a difference in their communities and nation.   The Columbus Chapter of Generation Joshua will meet throughout the year, on the second Friday of every month from 1-3pm, at the Fishinger & Kenny Roads church of Christ. Contact Kathy Schwartz schoolmom22@gmail.com for details. Website:  www.Generationjoshua.org

Levite School of Music - GROUP LESSONS FOR YOUR COOP

Levite School of Music offers private voice, guitar, piano/keyboard, recorder, saxophone and song writing lessons as well as reasonably priced summer music camps and group music lessons for your home school coop, in Central Ohio.  The Levite School of Music can provide reasonably priced group music  lessons, for your Columbus area home school coop, at your location and will bring the musical instruments for kids to play.

Levite School of Music is committed to bringing the finest music education to your children and assisting in drawing out the many creative talents that will build confidence and prepare your child for a successful future.   Karen Leigh, the Director of Levite School of Music, LLC and Levite Summer Music Camps, has taught vocal and instrumental music in private schools, for more than 17 years.  She received her Bachelor of Music Education K thru 12 degree, from the Ohio State University.  As music teachers and professional musicians, we have seen first hand the benefits that music education provides for children both socially and academically. An educational curriculum that includes music has been found to enhance a child’s ability to learn other subjects. Recent studies show that any music instruction even for as little as a year improves a child’s memory skills permanently. Contact Karen at (614) 216.3151 or visit: Leviteschoolofmusic.com

Our Lady’s Mantle Catholic Home Schooling in Central Ohio

We are a Catholic homeschooling group with activities centered in the West Columbus area. Our goals for this group are to develop relationships between families, support the Church, and to build our community. We welcome all Catholic families of ages to join us. WEBSITE: www.educatingforheaven.com/support-groups/our-ladys-mantle/

Opus Domini Catholic Home School Group

Sell Your Westerville Home and Save With Low Real Estate Commission

Are you planning to sell your home in Westerville Ohio? Then you’ll want to take advantage of this low, discounted flexible real estate listing commission deal.  As a Westerville resident and experienced REALTOR®,  I’m offering to sell your home in Westerville for 1% listing commission, if you buy your next home through me.*  If you just need to sell, but don’t plan on buying another home, then I’m offering to sell your home for 2% listing commission.*

Call Petra today at 614-895-0496, to take advantage of this amazing low discount commission.

Get Reduced Discounted Real Estate Listing Commission with Full Service and MLS Listing

Your home will be listed for sale on the Columbus MLS, Realtor.com and many other popular real estate listing search websites.  Learn more about my extensive marketing plan to sell your home at:   Columbuscastles.com/sellers_marketing

Why Am I Offering Such Low Commission to Sell Your Westerville Area Home?

As a Westerville resident and experienced REALTOR®, my goal is to sell even more homes and condos in the Westerville area.  While I sell homes all over Columbus Ohio, the closer to home I work = less time I spend traveling = more time I have to sell more homes.  Having lived in Westerville Ohio for over 9 years now, I know and love Westerville.  So it’s only natural that I’d love to sell more homes in Westerville.

I understand the challenging real estate market and down economy means less profit for sellers and I’m doing my part to make it more affordable to sell your home.

Other REALTORS®  may offer reduced, flat fee or discounted real estate listing commission to sell your home, but they may not have the experience or track record to successfully sell your home.  In this challenging real estate market you need an experienced REALTOR®, with the ability to provide comprehensive marketing that works.  Learn more about my marketing plan to sell your home:  Columbuscastles.com/sellers_marketing

Having sold over $54 Million in real estate all over Central Ohio, you can count on my experience to achieve a successful sale of your home in Westerville too.

Westerville area homes & condos sold by Petra:

5243 Longshadow Drive, Westerville Ohio 43081 (Little Turtle area)
3728 Kellen Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Strawberry Farms area)
613 Valley Forge Court, Westerville, OH 43081 (Freedom Colony area)
8161 Saybrook Drive, Westerville, OH 43082 (Harvest Wind area)
1011 Autumn Lake Court, Westerville, OH 43081 (Autumn Woods area)
6822 Collingwood Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Sherbrook area)
703 Mohican Way, Westerville, OH 43081 (Woodlake Colony area)
6469 Scioto Court, Westerville, OH 43082 (Highland Lakes area)
8001 Danbridge Way, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Eagle Trace area)
462 Burns Drive, Westerville, OH 43082 (County Line Acres)
8099 Dunaway Lane, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Barrington Estates)
403 Westgreen Lane, Westerville, OH 43082 (Estates at Polaris Condos)
5726 Pinewild Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Highland Lakes area)
5985 Doral Court, Westerville, OH 43082 (Highland Lakes area)
415 Tottenham Blvd., Westerville, OH 43082 (Walnut Bend)
5971 Mealla Road, Westerville, OH 43081 (Upper Albany West)
5622 Quail Hollow Way, Westerville, Ohio 43082 (Highland Lakes area)
255 Plum Street, Westerville, OH 43081 (Uptown Westerville)
1166 Libbet Place South, Westerville, OH 43081 (Annehurst area)
142 S. Summit Street, Westerville, OH 43081 (Uptown Westerville)
683 Brook Run Court, Westerville, OH 43081 (Brook Run/Innis Woods area)
6569 Oak Shadow Drive, Westerville, OH 43082 (Northpointe)
765 Collingwood Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (Springcrest Estates)
6278 Albany Brooke Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (New Albany Reserve Condos)
4919 Smoketalk Lane, Westerville, OH 43081 (Little Turtle Condominiums)
5412 Woodville Court, Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Home in Westerville Schools - Blendon Estates area)
3360 Arnett Court, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (Blendon Township/Huber Ridge area)
6365 W. Montford Road, Westerville, OH 43081 (Blendon Township/Huber Ridge area)
3231 Parklane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43231 (Home in Westerville Schools/Parkridge area)
5763 Covington Meadows Drive, Westerville, OH 43082 (Covington Meadows MI Home)
5160 Flintrock, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (The Glade - Little Turtle area)
4606 San Andres Place, Columbus, OH 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Tanager Woods)
5507 Oslo Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (Home in Blendon Township - Huber Ridge area)
923 Philadelphia Drive, Westerville, OH 43081 (Carriage Oaks Condos)
3967 Freedom Ridge Court, Gahanna, OH 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)
3812 Tanager Drive, Columbus, OH 43230 (Home in Westerville Schools - Tanager Woods area)
966 Dark Shadow Court, Westerville, OH 43081 (Shadow Wood Farms/Innis Woods area)
6030 Poplar Ridge Drive, Westerville, OH 43081 (Grand Reserve at New Albany Crossing Condos)
6006 Poplar Ridge Drive, Westerville, OH 43081 (Grand Reserve at New Albany Crossing Condos)
4180 Eagle Head Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Blendon Estates - Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)
971 Timberbank Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (Springborough)
6366 Saddle Lane West, Westerville, Ohio 43081 (Westerville Schools home in Blendon Township)
4782 Richland Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43230 (Westerville Schools home in Gahanna)

*Some restrictions apply.  Contact Petra Hinterschied, Experienced Realtor and Your Westerville Real Estate Expert with any questions about selling your home.  Petra’s exclusive Westerville real estate deal, with amazing low discounted commission to sell your Westerville home applies to homes or condos,  in Westerville, Worthington, Columbus or Olentangy schools with 43081, 43082, 43035, 43240 and 43230 zip codes.

One of my favorite events is coming to Columbus again January 17-22, 2011,  The 4th Restaurant Week Columbus.  Columbus and Central Ohio has a quite a variety of wonderful restaurants and this is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant or one of your favorites at a discounted price, while benefiting the Mid Ohio Food Bank at the same time!  Many of my favorite restaurants are participating in this special event, offering three course meals from $15-35 per person.

Eat Out and Feel Good About It!

Temporarily, put aside those New Year’s resolutions of losing weight to help out the local Columbus economy and charity!!  The theme for Restaurant Week Winter 2011 is Eat, Drink and Be Charitable.  Not only will you enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, you’ll be supporting the local restaurant industry and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank which will receive a $5,000 donation, on behalf of participating restaurants and (614) Magazine. This is the 4th Restaurant Week Columbus event.  The previous 3 events have generated nearly $1.5 million in sales for participating restaurants and over $20,000 being donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

Restaurant Week Stimulates Columbus Economy

Forget government stimulus programs . . . .  eating out stimulates the local Columbus economy immediately.  Kent Peters of Black Creek Bistro says “When dining, 90% (of the sale) goes back to the immediate economy.” and “Eating locally keeps it in Columbus and supporting your own community.  Restaurant Week is all about Columbus and the local businesses.”

Restaurant Week Columbus “RWC” Sneak Peek Event

A RWC Sneak Peek event will also be held on Thursday, January 13, 2011, from 6-8pm at the new Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.  This event  features a first look at RWC menus and tastings of Trinchero wines, Columbus Brewing Company beers and Maker’s Mark cocktails.

Over 50 Restaurants Participate in RWC

There are over 50 restaurants participating in this 4th RWC event.  This event is so popular, they recommend reservations because restaurants may quickly book up. This is a great week to experience places you’ve been meaning to try. I’m excited because many of my favorite restaurants are participating.  Here’s list of restaurants participating in the 4th Restaurant Week Columbus:

Aab India - Indian Restaurant in Grandview
Basil - Asian Restaurant North Campus
Bel Lago Waterfront Bistro (Beautiful outdoor dining on the Hoover Resevoir in Westerville Ohio)
Black Creek Bistro - Olde Town East
BonVie - French Restaurant at Easton Town Center
Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill - Olentangy River Road by Lennox Shopping Center
Cabo Cocina - Southwest Fusion Restaurant in Dublin
Cameron’s American Bistro - Worthington
Cimi’s Bistro - at the Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City
Columbus Brewing Company in German Village
Columbus Fish Market - Seafood Restaurant in North Columbus and Worthington Ohio
Figlio -Italian Restaurant on the Strip in Grandview
Flatiron Bar & Diner - Downtown Columbus
Giorgio Italian Restaurant - Clintonville
Haiku - Japanese Restaurant in Short North Arts District
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in the Short North Arts District, Dublin, Worthington and North Columbus
J. Gilbert’s Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood - Worthington
Kogen’s Asian Cuisine & Sushi on Sawmill Parkway in Powell
LaFogata - Mexican Restaurant in Short North area
Latitude 41 - Downtown Columbus
Lemongrass Fusion Bistro - Short North
Level Dining Lounge - Modern American Restaurant in the Short North Arts District
Lindeys - Upscale Restaurant in German Village
Luce Enoteca - Powell
M - Downtown in Miranova overlooking Scioto River
Martini Modern Italian - Short North
Matt The Millers Tavern - in Muirfield - Dublin Ohio
Mezzo Italian Kitchen and Wine - Italian Restaurant at Creekside in Gahanna
Michael O’Toole’s - Nationwide Arena District
Mitchell’s Steakhouse - in Worthington and Downtown Columbus
Moretti’s of Arlington - Family Owned Italian Restaurant in Upper Arlington
Mortons Steakhouse in Downtown Columbus
Oscars Restaurant & Bar - Dublin
Polaris Grill
Refectory - Bethel Road in Northwest Columbus
Rigsby’s Kitchen - Short North
Rosendales Modern Bistro - Upscale Restaurant in Short North Arts District
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Worthington Ohio
Sage American Bistro - Contemporary cuisine on the Ohio State University Campus
Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - at Easton Town Center
Spagio - Italian Restaurant in Grandview
Sushi Rock - Short North
The Clarmont - German Village
The Melting Post - Fondue Restaurant at Easton Town Center
The Olde Mohawk - German Village
The River Club - Waterfront dining overlooking Downtown Columbus
The Rossi - Bar and Kitchen in the Short North Arts District
The Top Steakhouse - East Columbus
Trattoria Roma - Italian Restaurant in Grandview
Tucci’s - California Bistro in Downtown Dublin
Vino Vino Restaurant & Winebar - Grandview
Vittoria Ristorante - Italian Restaurant in Powell Ohio
Vonn Jazz - Worthington
Worthington Inn - High Street in Downtown Worthington

I hope you take the opportunity to try one of these wonderful restaurants during Restaurant Week Columbus and support our local restaurants and the Mid Ohio Food Bank.  To learn more and view the specially priced menus visit:  http://www.restaurantweekcolumbus.com/

Beautifully Updated Westerville Ranch Home For Sale With a Walkout Basement

Westerville area real estate deal:  4606 San Andres Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, is a beautifully updated 3 bedroom 2 bath, ranch home in Westerville Schools, with a walkout basement, on a cul de sac lot backing to a wooded ravine. This Westerville area home is listed for sale at $139,900.

***SOLD FOR 99% OF THE LIST PRICE***

4606 San Andres Place - Westerville Schools Ranch Home for Sale - With Walkout Basement

The seller has taken great pride in this home and completed $17,000 in updates since 2006 including: brand new kitchen with maple cabinets and Silestone quartz counters, 200 AMP electric service, laminate wood floors, exterior doors and paint, gutter guards with lifetime warranty. There’s a wonderful 2 story deck conveniently located off the kitchen - perfect for cookouts.

This home is nicely landscaped and offers great outdoor entertaining space on the deck, patio and large fire pit in a wooded setting.

Plus you’ll enjoy gatherings in the spacious approx. 17 X 26 foot walkout basement recreation family room featuring a bar, built in book cases, fresh neutral painted walls and berber carpet, with access to the back patio overlooking the woods.

4606 San Andres Place, is located in Tanager Woods a great community in the Westerville School District, conveniently located close to Easton Town Center and easy freeway access, featuring walking and biking trails and a community play ground.

NEED HELP WITH DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?

There are still some local Ohio down payment assistance and grant programs that offer no money down, lower down payment and discounted interest rate options.  Call me at 614-746-2115, to see if you qualify.

NOTE:  SELLER WILL PAY UP TO $3,000 TOWARD BUYERS CLOSING COSTS AT LIST PRICE.

To view more details and pictures of this Westerville Schools home, visit:  http://www.columbuscastles.com/petras-featured-homes/featured?id=2100408

To learn more about the Westerville Ohio real estate market and community visit: ColumbusCastles.com/communities_Westerville

View the video of this Westerville Schools home:

4606 San Andres Place is also on the Columbus Ohio MLS

When searching for real estate listings using the Columbus Ohio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) searches on the internet, you can find 4606 San Andres Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230,  by MLS number 210040859.

EXCELLENT RATED WESTERVILLE SCHOOLS

Kids living in this home would attend the following schools, in the excellent rated Westerville Schools District:

Wilder Elementary
Blendon Middle School
Westerville North High School

Search all real estate listings in Westerville Schools and throughout Central Ohio using Petra’s FREE Columbus MLS Search:

ColumbusCastles.com/search-columbus-mls

2010 COLUMBUS AND CENTRAL OHIO SUBURB BEGGAR’S NIGHT AND TRICK OR TREAT DATES:

If you live in or around the Columbus Ohio area, I’m providing the dates for 2010 Beggars Night or Trick or Treat in Columbus and all the surrounding suburbs. Halloween is a fun time of year for many kids in Central Ohio.  I know my son always looks forward to Trick or Treating to stock up on his favorite candy.

Since Halloween, October 31, 2010, falls on a Sunday this year, you’ll find Columbus and many central Ohio communities have scheduled beggars night/trick or treating, ranging from October 28 - October 31st.  The cool thing is you can easily plan to trick or treat in a couple different Central Ohio suburbs on different nights.  I’m noticing more Central Ohio churches are hosting  family friendly “Trunk or Treat” options too.

Franklin County Trick or Treat Dates

• Bexley: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
• Blendon Township (Westerville): 6:00-8:00 - October 28
• Canal Winchester: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
• Clintonville: 6-8pm - October 28
• Columbus: 6-8pm - October 28
• Dublin: 6-8 pm - October 28
• Gahanna: 6-8pm - October 28
• Grandview Heights:  6-8pm - October 31
• Grove City: 6-8pm October 28
• Groveport: 5:30-7:30 pm - October 28
• Hilliard: 6-8 pm - October 28
• Jefferson Township (Gahanna): 6-8pm - October 28
• Village of Lockbourne: 5:30-7 pm - October 28
• Madison Township: 6-8 pm - October 31
• New Albany: 6-8 pm - October 28
• Obetz: 6:00-8:00 - October 31
• Reynoldsburg: 6-8pm - October 28
• Upper Arlington: 6-8pm - October 28
• Westerville: 6-8pm - October 28
• Whitehall: 6-8pm - October 28
• Worthington: 6-8pm - October 31

Delaware County Trick or Treat Dates

• Delaware: 6:00-8:00 - October 31
• Galena: 6:00-7:15 - October 30
• Genoa Township (Westerville) 6-8 pm - October 28
• Lewis Center: 6-8pm - October 31
• Orange Township: 6-8pm - October 31
• Powell: 6-8pm - October 31

Fairfield County Trick or Treat Dates

• Pickerington: 6-8 pm - October 28

Licking County Trick or Treat Dates

• Granville: 5:30-7 pm - October 28
• Pataskala: 6-7:30 pm - October 28

I hope you have found this information helpful for planning your 2010 Halloween activities in the Columbus Ohio area.  If you see any mistakes or want to add to this list, please contact Petra with information.   I have tried to double check these dates on various community websites, but I cannot guarantee it’s accuracy.  Happy Halloween!

Westerville Ohio Electric Pushes Smart Meters

First of all, I realize this is a really long article because the issues surrounding smart meters and the Westerville smart grid, are very complex. The push for smart meters in Westerville, has some very controversial consequences, that I URGE all Westerville residents to educate themselves about what impact smart meters will really have on our lives.  The information being provided by the Westerville Electric Division and Westerville City Council is very vague, biased and lacking, to say the least.

If you are a Westerville resident, please consider contacting Westerville City Council, to share your opinion about the smart meter project.

WESTERVILLE SMART METER OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 10, 2010

According to the City of Westerville web site, an Advanced Metering Open House will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 5 -7 p.m., Council Chambers, Westerville Municipal Building, 21 S. State. St.  This is supposed to be an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share their concerns.  While I encourage as many Westerville residents as possible to attend this meeting, be forewarned, that Westerville City Council is biased toward this project and any information they provide must be thoroughly investigated to make an informed opinion.

AEP Already Installing Smart Meters in Columbus Ohio

I understand that AEP (SEE:  https://www.aepohio.com/save/SmartMeters/FAQ.aspx#10) has already begun installing smart meters in other Central Ohio Communities, without giving consumers a choice and without thoroughly educating consumers about the future impact of smart meters, on their lives.  So this article will also benefit Central Ohio residents, outside of Westerville.

June 25, 2010 Letter From Westerville Electric

As a resident of Westerville, I recently became aware of a plan by the City of Westerville, to install Electric Smart Meters in Westerville homes and like many residents, I have some concerns.  According to a June 25, 2010, letter regarding Advanced Metering Initiative (AMI), from Andrew Boatright, PE, Electric Utility Manager, Westerville has been approved for a $4.3 million federal grant, from Federal stimulus money, to install AMI for electric services.

While this letter is the first time I’ve been officially notified, I have since learned Westerville has been planning this Smart Grid, project for quite some time.  This letter invited residents to share their opinions at the July 6, 2010, Westerville City Council meeting, which I attended. It was very informative, not so much because of the information that Westerville City employees shared with the residents because I consider that to be more propaganda than education, but more so because many of the residents who spoke out against the smart meters, raised some very valid concerns, that I think more residents need to be aware of.

THIS WHOLE SMART METER PROJECT HAS CONVINCED ME THAT I PERSONALLY NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB OF KEEPING UP WITH WHAT MY LOCAL WESTERVILLE GOVERNMENT IS DOING.  Obviously we can’t just trust that they are always making the best decisions for the people of Westerville.

Westerville City Council gave each resident up to three minutes to express their opinion and concerns. As you might imagine, three minutes isn’t near long enough to discuss such an important matter that will, eventually significantly affect our lifestyle.  So I’m writing this article to share what I and other residents have learned about smart meters.

What is a smart meter?

According to Wikipedia, “a smart meter is an advanced meter (usually an electrical meter) that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional meter; and optionally, but generally, communicates that information via some network back to the local utility for monitoring and billing purposes.”

Consumers will also have the ability to go online and see real time data about your energy usage.

Purpose of Smart Meters:  AC 78/85 Degrees

On the surface, the main purpose seems to be to get consumers to cut back on their energy usage.  Although, some think there may be a more sinister motive (GOVERNMENT CONTROL). One manufacturer of digital smart meters, MID,  recommends you set your air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees, when you’re home, and up to 85 degrees, if you’re going to be gone for more than a few hours. It’s important to note that this information does not seem to be shared with the consumer by the utility company, until after the smart meter is installed, although with some further online investigation, the consumer can learn this detail.

QUESTION: Do we really need a smart meter to tell us how to cut back our energy usage?  Couldn’t residents choose to do this already, without a smart meter and get the same results?

(Westerville officials and residents - please feel free to comment to any questions you see in this post, at the bottom of this page.  You are also welcome to email me at petra@columbuscastles.com with any other questions you’d like me to add to this post because I’ll be sharing this with Westerville City Council)

According to a Wall Street Journal Article entitled “Smart Meter, Dumb Idea?” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050416142448555.html#printMode) a Texas man says:

“There’s no mystery about how you save energy,” says the 71 year old retired furniture salesman. “You turn down the air conditioner and shut off some lights.  I don’t need an expensive meter to do that.”

I agree with this man because my family has already taken several steps to save energy costs in our home, long before the government was offering bailouts as an incentive.  Following are some of the steps we have taken to save on energy costs:  using fluorescent bulbs in most of our light fixtures, replaced our old windows with more energy efficient ones, installed insulating shades on some windows and closing them during the day to block out the hot sun,  installed ceiling fans to cut down on air conditioning usage, added insulation to our attic, turning lights off when we leave a room, etc. In response to high utility bills, this summer, we have also increased our thermostat from 74 degrees to 76 degrees.  We have made the FREE market decision to spend our hard earned money to help save our utility costs, yet we still see them rising.

Here are more recommendations to control your energy costs from MID, smart meter manufacturer: http://www.mid.org/news/why_high_bill.pdf:

1. AVOID INDOOR HEAT BUILD-UP - Your AC runs less if you don’t let heat build up in your home. Draw shades and curtains, run major appliances ONLY AFTER 9PM and avoid using the oven or cook top.  (Note - some sources say peak hours are 5-7 pm, others say 5-9pm - we’ll discuss peak hours later)
2. Don’t store your extra fridge or freezer in the garage - it’s too hot.
3. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs.
4. Do a FREE online energy check up to learn more ways to save energy, on the manufacturers site of course: mid.org

CHALLENGE TO CITY OF WESTERVILLE:

In preparation of living with smart meter technology, I challenge the City of Westerville to immediately adjust the “work” environment of ALL Westerville City Offices by setting your air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees during the day and 85 degrees, after hours.  If our government expects residents to cut back on energy usage in their home, I think you should set the example and start first.  Think of how much tax dollars this could save Westerville residents, if the City of Westerville would start practicing the GREEN practices they wish to foist on us!  According to MID - every degree higher lowers your energy use about three percent.

QUESTION: Could someone, with the City of  Westerville, please share what temperature the thermostat in Westerville City Offices is normally set at?  Also, what temperature the AC is set on, in the City Council Public Meeting Room? When I was there for the July 6, 2010, City Council Meeting - it sure felt a lot cooler than 78 degrees.  So I truly would like to know.

ANSWER:  Another person who attended the Westerville City Council meeting on July 6, 2010, says he looked at the thermostat and the air conditioning was set at 73 degrees.  I personally find it hypocritical that our government expects consumers to use less energy, when they themselves are energy hogs!

(Also out of curiosity, since AEP is forcing smart meters on a lot of Central Ohioans, I wonder what they keep their office thermostat set at?)  Anybody know?  It’s time that these utility officials and our government practice what they are preaching!!!

Westerville Promotes AMI (Smart Meters)

According to the June 25, 2010, letter from Andy Boatright, with Westerville Electric, benefits include:

• “Enhanced customer service. For electric services, advanced meters will allow for immediate detection of outages. Residents will not need to call the Electric Division to report outages, which promotes rapid response. For water services, problems like leaks or an unusual spike in usage can be detected early, potentially saving money and/or preventing damage to the home.”
• “Energy  efficiency. The initial stages will streamline operations for our utility services, helping to reduce energy usage, conserve resources and manage peak demand periods. Longer term, residents will have more visibility into - and control over - water and electricity usage in their own homes.”

PETRA’S RESPONSE TO BENEFITS TOUTED BY WESTERVILLE:

Westerville Electric customer service experiences:

• I have lived in many areas of Central Ohio and comparatively, my experience with Westerville Electric service has been, by far the best.  Whenever there is a power outage, I typically promptly call Westerville Electric and within a few hours the problem is fixed.  When Central Ohio has had major storms knocking out electricity, Westerville has typically restored power, within a few hours, while other communities have been without power for days.  While I think the enhanced customer service sounds like a benefit, I personally have never had a problem, in the 9 years I have lived in Westerville, that would cause me to say something needs to be done to improve service.  Other residents who spoke out against the smart meter project at the July 6, 2010, Westerville City Council meeting had similar experiences.  So to me and other Westerville residents, we don’t see smart meters being a huge improvement to our service.

Energy Efficiency:

• I agree that smart meters would streamline the utility services operations because they would no longer need to send live human beings to our homes to read our electric meters - smart meters can do it remotely.  Quick disconnection of a customer’s service (for non-payment or when moving  out of a property) and reconnection are also something that can be done remotely.  If the smart meters are indeed accurate - then this is probably the most valuable benefit.  Obviously this would save the electric company man hours, gas and vehicle costs, which would help to reduce energy usage and could mean savings to the consumer, if the electric company chose to pass those savings on to the consumer.
• However, the comments “manage peak demand periods” are vague.  How would smart meters help Westerville Electric to manage peak demand periods?  What actions would smart meters enable Westerville Electric to take?  We can look at other communities that already have smart meters and other sources, to speculate that some sort of “CONTROL” of consumer energy usage would take place.
• “Longer term, residents will have more visibility into - and control over - water and electricity usage in their own homes.”  Really???  Based upon other utility company practices and articles I have read about smart meters, the “ultimate” control is held by the utility company - who is ultimately controlled by THE GOVERNMENT.  Yes, there are huge implications here.  I understand the “visibility” to mean that consumers will be able to go online and view real time utility usage data - sounds real exciting to me.  Like I have nothing better to do with my time than to constantly look up how much energy I’m using.

QUESTION:  We must ask ourselves: Do these benefits outweigh the possible unintended consequences, loss of liberty, immediate and future costs of the smart grid system and the huge security/privacy issues?

HANDLING PEAK DEMAND PERIODS:

PEAK HOURS listed on various websites range from 5-7 or 5-9 pm (obviously this is the time period most people are coming home from work then preparing dinner for their family, doing laundry, watching TV, cleaning/vacuuming, etc.)  Utility companies are recommending consumers AVOID USING ELECTRIC APPLIANCES during peak times.   If you take this seriously, this obviously would mean a major change in life style for most people.

Utility companies say that consumers can reduce their electric bills by choosing to avoid using electric appliances during the “higher priced” peak hours. Utility companies argue that they will then have lower costs because the grid will need fewer power plants, as demand levels out.

QUESTION:  If a lot of people try to avoid using electrical appliances during these peak times, wouldn’t the peak time then change?  Say everyone, in an effort to avoid the 5-7 or 5-9 pm peak time, starts doing their cooking, laundry, running their dishwasher, etc. from 8-9 or 9-10 pm.  Wouldn’t that cause a new peak time?

QUESTION: Since we know that government often passes laws that create very different results than they intended, we should ask ourselves:  What are some of the unintended consequences on our lives, culture, families, etc. caused by avoiding energy use during peak times?

Higher Electricity Rates During Peak Periods:

Eventually, utility companies plan to charge consumers a higher rate for their electricity usage during peak time periods, to discourage heavy use during peak times like on hot summer days.  However, a July 6, 2010, article in the Columbus Dispatch states “Programs that focus on energy efficiency and conservation also produced more savings than those that sought to move energy use to off-peak hours.”

During the July 6, 2010, Westerville City Council meeting, Andrew Boatright stated that peak energy usage only accounted for 3% of the total energy usage.  Yet, in a phone conversation I had, with Andrew Boatright, he stated that the eventual goal of smart meters would allow Westerville electric to control your air conditioning thermostat. Of course, Westerville would offer a lower electric rate rate to consumers who, in turn would allow them to control their thermostat, while those who don’t comply, would be punished with higher rates. I asked Andy to repeat this concept to me, because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I just couldn’t believe that our government actually wants the ability to control our thermostat and they seem to think it’s ok? At first I thought this idea was crazy and far fetched; kinda like something from the “Twilight Zone.”  However, as I did more online research, it turns out this is truly part of the goal for utility companies and our government.

QUESTION:  Do you think this is really about controlling our peak energy usage?

QUESTION:  What about restaurants and other retail establishments that are busy during peak times?  Will they be forced to pay higher electric rates too, which they will then have to pass on to their patrons, by increasing their costs of food and goods?  I can see some major unintended consequences here.  What about you?

Government Wants To Control Your Thermostat And More

“Would you sign up for a discount with your power company in exchange for surrendering control of your thermostat?” According to an MSNBC article, “Maryland residents received fliers offering annual discounts up to $100 in exchange for allowing their power company, PEPCO, to occasionally shut off their air conditioning units during hot days, when demand is high.  Pepco says consumers will hardly notice the change, and the two-way communication between utility and appliances will go a long way toward preventing brownouts.”

Another utility company would like the ability to control air conditioners so they can take turns coming on and off, reducing the drag on the electric system.

I believe all this is just the beginning of what government and utility companies will be able to do, through these smart meters.  Utility companies and ultimately our government could utilize the power of smart meters to:

• control any appliance that the smart meter is networked with in our homes, whenever they choose to
• turn off your power in an instant, with the flick of a switch

QUESTION: Do you think it is “CONSTITUTIONAL” for the government or a utility company to be able to control your thermostat or other appliances in your home, through these smart meters?  Do you even care if it’s Constitutional?

WESTERVILLE GOING INTO DEBT TO COMPLETE SMART METER PROJECT

According to the June 25, 2010, letter from Andrew Boatright PE, the Westerville Electric Division will finance the remaining estimated $2.7 million for the smart meter project, over 20 years.  Many residents who spoke out against smart meters are concerned about Westerville taking on more debt in a recession and very uncertain future economy, plus ever rising taxes.  Many feel since this is a new technology, that there will most likely be unforeseen expenses that would increase the cost to complete or expand the project.  All of the expenses for this project ultimately fall on the backs of the residents of Westerville.

FEDERAL GRANT ONLY PAYS 50% OF WESTERVILLE SMART METER PROJECT COSTS

Update from a July 15, 2010, letter I received from Mike Heyeck, Chair of the Westerville City Council which states “The federal grant pays 50 percent of project costs and is not designated to cover specific components of the project.”  While I personally still don’t have a clear understanding of the total costs of everything surrounding the smart meter project and related electric infrastructure updates required to support them, this means that at least $4.3 million is going to have to be paid by Westerville residents since the Federal Stimulus money grant only covers $4.3 million.  However, I have read about other costs related to upgrading the electric infrastructure to support the Westerville Smart Grid of $10.7 Million.  Whatever the amount, I have concerns about Westerville spending money on a project that is not absolutely necessary, during a recession that has no end in sight.  These are all costs that will ultimately be paid by Westerville residents, when there are no guaranteed savings promised, by installing the smart meters.

QUESTION:  Is $2.7 Million the total expenses that will be needed to complete the smart meter  project or are there additional costs, for other parts of the project?

QUESTION: I read about other costs related to upgrading the electric infrastructure to support the Westerville Smart Grid ($10.7 Million total).  What is all that for?  Does Westerville already have this money or will we be going into more debt, to pay any of that?

QUESTION:  What are the total costs, including the infrastructure needed to support smart meters, like the Community Data Center and other projects that are being done to prepare for smart meters?

QUESTION:  What other expenses does Westerville foresee? I hope Westerville Electric has taken an honest look at all the future expenses and will share them with residents.

QUESTION: How much money does Westerville already have in it’s budget to put toward these projects?

QUESTION:  How much money is Westerville going to have to borrow for the whole smart meter project?

QUESTION: Is it really wise, to go into debt during a recession, with an uncertain economic future?

QUESTION:  Many Westerville residents are concerned about the high taxes here.  Will this Smart Grid Project cause our taxes to go up even further?

WAIT UNTIL SMART METERS ARE PROVEN TO SAVE MONEY

Smart meter technology is still in it’s infancy, so there are many unknowns about what impact they will have on the consumer and if they’ll really save energy costs.  Many of the residents who spoke against smart meters at the July 6, 2010, Westerville City Council meeting suggested Westerville wait until this new technology is actually proven to save money. Some resident’s also expressed concern about government strings attached to taking the stimulus money.  Since we have seen our Federal government come back later and change the terms of banks who took bailout money, who’s to say the government wouldn’t do the same with this smart meter project?

Due to  Obama’s Federal Stimulus Bill, $3.4 billion in smart grid grants are being awarded to 98 communities across America.  Millions of smart meters will be installed in homes, however, full functionality won’t be possible until consumers pay for and install other devices, in home displays and home area networks, that allow the smart meter to communicate with and control various appliances in your home.  Until these devices are tested and proven, how do we know all of this is worth the money?

QUESTION: How much do these in home display and communication devices cost?  How reliable are they? Who will pay to maintain them?

TEST SMART METERS FIRST BEFORE INSTALLING THEM IN THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal: Concerns about smart meters in various states caused Connecticut Light & Power Co., “to do a pilot program first to test customer acceptance of smart meters and variable pricing. Some 3,000 customers have volunteered and the utility intends to see whether people cut energy use during times that prices rise. Some consumers will have “energy orbs” in their homes that change color, a visible indication of how prices are changing, as a way to stimulate behavior changes.”

“Proponents of smart meters say that when these meters are teamed up with an in home display that shows current energy usage, as well as a communicating thermostat and software that harvest and analyze that information,  consumers can see how much consumption drives cost and will consume less as a result.”

While I personally think doing a pilot program is a good idea to test this theory, one thing to keep in mind is the people who are volunteering for the project may be more energy conscious than the average consumer - which will affect their test results.  I do still think it’s wise to test a new idea on a few, before forcing the meters on the whole city of Westerville.  I’d like to see real data on before and after smart meter comparisons, that proves smart meters actually save money on utility bills.

However, what I prefer even more is allowing residents to vote on the smart meter project, before Westerville moves forward.  This really seems to be the only fair thing to do.

QUESTION:  Could Westerville do a pilot program and initially install the smart meters in homes of volunteers only and publish the results, before moving forward with installing smart meters in the whole community?

QUESTION:  Why not let Westerville residents vote on the smart meters, before moving forward with this project?

GOOGLE ALREADY HAS SMART METER TECHNOLOGY

If a Westerville resident really wanted to know how much energy each of their appliances uses, they could buy a smart meter from Google, which would allow them to go online and view their usage information.  This would be a more FREE market approach, to allow the consumers who care about such information, to buy their own smart meter.

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS REVOLT

According to an article in the NY times.com, “customers in California are in open revolt. Some consumers argue that their smart meters are logging far more kilowatt hours than they believe they are using. Many also find it unfair that they have to begin paying for the smart meters through higher rates, when the promised savings could be years away.”

As a result of these complaints, on March 30, 2010, California Public Utilities Commission hired an independent firm at a cost of $1.4 million to test and validate meter and billing accuracy.

QUESTION: Can Westerville afford to risk a potential resident backlash against smart meters?

SMART METERS AFFECT PERSONAL FREEDOM

Many of the concerns Westerville residents expressed, at the July 6, 2010, City Council meeting were related to feeling a loss of personal freedom, to live in our own homes, without the government knowing our every move.  Smart meters would expose many details about how we live our daily lives to anyone who has access to our utility usage data.  Even worse, the government actually wants the ability to control how and when we use the energy in our homes.

SMART GRID PRIVACY AND SECURITY CONCERNS

Will saving the planet mean inviting “BIG BROTHER” into the home?  Have we really thought through all the implications of government having access to data about our energy usage? Consider the following quotes from MSNBC’s The Red Tape Chronicles:

Polonetsky, director of  The Future of Privacy Forum, states: “Knowing what’s going on in people’s homes . . . this strikes at some of our most core values.”  It’s really hard to predict the “unintended consequences” to the privacy in our own homes.

Larry Ponemon, a privacy auditor who runs The Ponemon Institute, says:  “Most people don’t think about the issues until they become a victim of privacy abuse,” he said. “I see the privacy issues here as potentially serious. I’m not sure if I trust the utilities. It’s hard to know how that information would be appended to other information and be used against consumers.”  “Once a company monetizes data it collects, even if the amount is small, it is very reluctant to give it up,” he said. Many companies he audits have robust privacy policies but end up using information in ways that frustrate or cost consumers, he said, “They talk a good game, but I’m sure (utility companies) will find ways to use the data, and not necessarily to benefit people but to harm people.”

“Data creep will inevitably happen. Already some consumers are getting statements that compare their use to neighbor’s usage — and “over usage” premium pricing isn’t far behind.  But what if the comparisons aren’t fair?  Most families would want to be compared to similar families - how much power do three teen-ager daughter households use?”

(PLEASE ALSO SEE THE COMMENT AT THE VERY END OF THIS ARTICLE ABOUT WHAT DAMAGE HACKERS COULD CAUSE -“Experts said that once in the system, a hacker could gain control of thousands, even millions, of meters and shut them off simultaneously.”)

MORE QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS about smart meters, shared by Westerville residents who spoke at the July 6, 2010, City Council Meeting.

QUESTION: Are these smart meters made in China?  Tax payers don’t like the idea of stimulus money going to stimulate the economy of China, when America’s economy is struggling.

QUESTION: Since we’re in a recession, has the City of Westerville made any cut backs in spending to avoid the need for raising taxes, in the near future?

QUESTION:  What will the electric rate be with new smart meters for residents WHO OPT OUT OF Westerville Electric controlling their thermostat?  I realize that rates are ever changing, but hypothetically speaking, if we had smart meters right now, what would the rate be?

QUESTION:  What will the electric rate be with new smart meters for residents WHO OPT INTO Westerville Electric controlling their thermostat?

QUESTION:  Since Westerville Electric has to finance some of the costs for the smart meters, I’m assuming that will be built into the cost of our electricity?  So I wonder how much higher our electric rates will be with smart meters, than what we currently pay?

QUESTION:  When would we see rates go down as a result of the costs Westerville Electric is saving by not having meter readers come out to our homes anymore?

QUESTION:  Security experts say smart meters and the smart grid system can be hacked, possibly causing major blackouts. Is it possible to secure smart meters?

AL GORE IS BEHIND SMART METER PUSH

According to a New York Times Article- http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/business/energy-environment/03gore.html - “Al Gore is poised to become the world’s first carbon billionaire,” profiteering from government policies he supports that would direct billions of dollars to the business ventures he has invested in.”

Al Gore has invested millions into Silver Spring Networks a company that makes smart meters, just before the stimulus money came out.  The deal appeared to be a big payoff because the Energy Department announced $3.4 billion in smart grid grants, from the federal stimulus money. More than $560 million went to utilities with which Silver Spring has contracts.

You have to wonder how many other “politically” connected people are using inside tips to make millions off of the GREEN movement and government policies?

QUESTION:  Could any of this be about our government picking the winners and losers? Giving inside information about future government funding so “politically connected” people and campaign contributors can invest ahead of time?

WESTERVILLE RESIDENT TIES SMART METERS TO CAP AND TRADE:

This is all part of President Barack Obama’s Cap and Trade plan as he has said “Under his Cap and Trade Plan - electricity rates would necessarily sky rocket.”

ALSO SEE AN ARTICLE ABOUT: Christopher C. Horner shares that ugly truth in his latest book, Power Grab: How Obama’s Green Policies Will Steal Your Freedom and Bankrupt America.

GREEN ENERGY MEANS HIGHER UTILITY COSTS

Utility companies also say smart meters are a crucial part of remaking the electric system to handle intermittent power sources like wind turbines and solar cells. As our government increases regulation and penalties to discourage coal production, they will create an “artificial” shortage, thereby increasing our utility costs.  Common sense tells me, since GREEN energy sources are not dependable and very expensive to produce, this can only mean higher energy costs to the consumer.

According to the US Department of Energy, when subsidies are allocated according to how much electricity is generated, it costs

• $.44 per megawatt for coal
• $.25 per megawatt for oil and gas
• $1.59 for nuclear
• $23.37 for wind
• $24.34 for solar

QUESTION:  Can you imagine the “UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES” of higher utility bills on our economy? What it would do to the job market? What it would do to the cost of goods and services?

Higher utility costs means everything we buy will cost more, so we won’t be able to buy as much.  Americans would have less money to spend on goods and services because we are instead spending it on our utilities.  So the utility companies, their investors and political insiders will get rich, while many other businesses will struggle to stay in business.

Sobering analysis from the Heritage Foundation: “We’re hearing a lot these days from the nation’s capital about the coming “clean energy economy” and all the green jobs we’ll get out of it. If truth-in-advertising laws applied to politics, however, you’d have to replace the word “clean” with “costlier” - which is why this agenda is actually very bad news for jobs and the economy.

Take wind energy, perhaps the most politically correct energy source right now. The president has repeatedly visited wind turbine factories, boasting about the green jobs at each. Washington has heavily subsidized wind energy along with solar and other alternatives, and is now considering a law that would force electric utilities to use more of them.

Yet wind power is tremendously expensive. That’s why it needs billions in federal handouts in the first place. These handouts siphon tax dollars and jobs away from other parts of the economy. And the costlier electricity that results destroys additional jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector.

The president frequently mentions Spain as a model. Yes, Spain already has a clean energy economy, with thousands of wind turbines and solar panels covering the landscape. It also has 19 percent unemployment, nearly twice the U.S. level.

A study conducted by Gabriel Calzada, economics professor at the King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, estimates that for each green job created, 2.2 other jobs are killed.

Spain’s clean energy economy is not without its successes - if you include American pork. In 2009, Spanish energy company Iberdrola received $546 million in stimulus money from the U.S. Treasury. It expects to get an additional $470 million this year to install more windmills in America.

American ingenuity can create great things, including energy breakthroughs - but not when politicians and bureaucrats are telling the private sector what to do. Too much of the clean energy agenda involves Washington experts picking winners and losers among energy lobbyists. The rest of us have to live with their costly mistakes.” http://www.heritage.org/Research/Commentary/2010/04/In-Green-Spain-Unemployment-Nearly-Twice-Our-Woeful-10-Percent-Rate

Video of Lord Christopher Monckton speaking on October 14th, 2009 at a climate skeptic event sponsored by the Minnesota Free Market Institute about the global warming and climate change controversy.

Related articles:

Smart Meters and the smart grid will steal your freedom to choose -  http://ncwatch.typepad.com/media/2010/06/smartmeters-and-the-smart-grid-wlill-steal-your-freedom-.html

Smart Meters Steal Your Privacy - http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/no-more-privacy-smart-meters-are-surveillance-devices-that-monitor-the-behavior-in-your-home-every-single-minute-of-every-single-day

Wall Street Journal “Smart Meter, Dumb Idea? - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050416142448555.html#printMode

California residents experience higher utility bills and many problems with smart meters:
http://www.turn.org/article.php?list=type&type=160

Columbus Dispatch: “Smart meters no foolproof way to save” -  http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/07/06/smart-meters-not-foolproof-way-to-save.html

MSNBC “What will talking power meters say about you? -  http://redtape.msnbc.com/2009/10/would-you-sign-up-for-a-discount-with-your-power-company-in-exchange-for-surrendering-control-of-your-thermostat-what-if-it.html

NY Times - ‘Smart’ Electric Utility Meters, Intended to Create Savings, Instead Prompt Revolt - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/us/14meters.html

California Public Utilities Commission Selects Independent Evaluator for PG&E Smart Meter Complaints - http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/NEWS_RELEASE/115561.htm

How Obama’s Policies Will Bankrupt America:  http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=36854

LIFE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING:  Is this the ultimate goal of global warming followers and government?  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/09/AR2010070902341_pf.html

Heritage Foundation - What Obama Didn’t Say: http://blog.heritage.org/2010/06/03/what-obama-didnt-say/

Considerations for Christians

If you’re a Christian, we must always go back to discern what God’s word says about what is going on in our culture and remember where our future hope lies.  While we should not purposefully pollute and destroy God’s creation, as a Christian, we know that this earth was never meant to last forever. The Bible, God’s Word, says the earth is in a state of decay.  The global warming and GREEN movements are all part of an ever increasing pressure, a man made religion, to try and stop this decay. Many are deceived into worshiping the earth (creation), rather than the CREATOR, who promises to someday destroy it all and create a new Heaven and Earth where righteousness will reign.

ROMANS 8:  THE EARTH IS DECAYING BUT WE HAVE HOPE IN FUTURE GLORY

¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

2 Peter 3 EARTH WILL BE DESTROYED BUT WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH

⁹The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

¹¹Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹²as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

MARK 13: EARTH EXPERIENCES BIRTH PAINS

⁵Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. ⁷When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁸Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

ROMANS 1: MAN WORSHIPS AND SERVES CREATED THINGS RATHER THAN THE CREATOR

¹⁸The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

²¹For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ²³and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.

HOW TO AVOID THE DESTRUCTION OF THE EARTH?

Our only hope to avoid the coming destruction of the earth, is to be prepared before it happens.  How do you prepare?  Accept God’s FREE gift of salvation, by receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.  I realize this is not a popular view in today’s, I can believe whatever I want culture.  However, since it’s FREE you have nothing to lose, right?  Visit:  How to Go to Heaven to learn more.

There were a few Central Ohio school levies on the ballot on November 3, 2009.  School levies typically result in higher real estate property taxes, so you should be aware if you are looking to buy a home in any of these school districts.

Southwestern City Schools levy (Southwestern Schools serve Grove City and Southwestern Columbus)

Yes Votes = 19,591  (51%)
No Votes = 19,178 (49%)

Reynoldsburg Schools levy

Yes Votes = 5,420 (48%)
No Votes = 5,827 (52%)

Westerville Schools levy

Yes Votes = 9,876 (52%)
No Votes = 8,973 (48%

Worthington Schools levy

Yes Votes = 11,435 (59%)
No Votes =  7,936 (41%)

If you’d like to get an estimate on real estate property taxes you can go to the Franklin County Auditor’s website and use the tax estimator tool:  http://franklincountyoh.metacama.com/globalTaxEstimator.jsp.

If you’re interested in buying a home anywhere in Central Ohio, please contact Petra at 614-895-0496.  I am an Accredited Buyer Agent Representative who’s been a Realtor® in Columbus since 2001, with over $50 Million in real estate sales throughout Central Ohio and currently with RE/MAX Connection Realtors®, in Gahanna Ohio.

I’ll work hard to help you find your ideal home and negotiate the lowest possible price, while representing your best interests throughout the process.  Best of all, my services as your personal buyer’s agent are FREE to you!  I appreciate the opportunity to help you buy your ideal home or condo in Central Ohio.

2009 COLUMBUS AND CENTRAL OHIO SUBURB BEGGAR’S NIGHT AND TRICK OR TREAT DATES:

If you live in or around the Columbus Ohio area, I’m providing the dates for 2009 Beggars Night or Trick or Treat in Columbus and all the surrounding suburbs. Halloween is a fun time of year for many kids in Central Ohio.  I know my son always looks forward to Trick or Treating to stock up on his favorite candy (since we don’t buy any candy in our home).

Since Halloween, October 31, 2009, falls on a Saturday this year, you’ll find Columbus and many central Ohio communities have scheduled beggars night/trick or treating, for October 29 instead.

Franklin County Trick or Treat Dates

• Bexley: 5:30-7:30 pm - Oct. 29
• Columbus: 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Canal Winchester: 5:30-7:30 pm - Oct. 29
• Dublin: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29
• Gahanna: 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Grandview Heights:  6-8pm - Oct. 31
• Grove City: 6-8pm Oct. 29
• Groveport: 5:30-7 pm - Oct. 29
• Hilliard: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29
• Jefferson Township (Gahanna): 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Village of Lockbourne: 6-7:30 pm - Oct. 29
• Madison Township: 5:30-7 pm - Oct. 29
• New Albany: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29
• Reynoldsburg: 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Upper Arlington: 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Westerville: 6-8pm - Oct. 31
• Whitehall: 6-8pm - Oct. 29
• Worthington: 6-8pm - Oct. 29

Delaware County Trick or Treat Dates

• Galena: 6-7:15 p.m. - Oct. 31
• Genoa Township (Westerville) 6-8 pm - Oct. 31
• Lewis Center: 6-8pm - Oct. 31
• Orange Township: 6-8pm - Oct. 31
• Powell: 6-8pm - Oct. 31

Fairfield County Trick or Treat Dates

• Lithopolis: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29
• Pickerington: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29

Licking County Trick or Treat Dates

• Granville: 5:30-7 pm - Oct. 29
• Pataskala: 6-8 pm - Oct. 29

I hope you have found this information helpful for planning your Halloween activities in the Columbus area.  If you see any mistakes or want to add to this list, please contact Petra with information.   Happy Halloween!

I had to go to my dog’s vet, Lifetime Pet Wellness Center, at 454 Lazelle Road, Columbus, Ohio 43240 yesterday to pick up some supplements to help with a digestion problem he’s been having.  I noticed a brochure entitled Lifetime Pet Wellness Center Pet Salon.  I was curious what they considered a “pet salon” so I began reading some of the services they offer.

There are the typical grooming, bath,  dematting, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, etc.  What really caught my eye though were the spa services.  Here’s what the **Spa Package** includes:

Blueberry Facial - tearless shampoo that brightens your pets face and leaves a fresh scent.  Uses aromatherapy that is calming as well.

Upgraded Shampoo of your choice
Whitening - Brightens whites and all other colors as well
Oatmeal - Best for sensitive flaky skin
Herbal: All natural shampoo for any coat

Conditioner - great for dry skin and coat.  Also great as a detangler

Revitalizing Spray - finishing spray that seals and protects your pets coat.

I thought this was so funny, so I asked the lady at the counter if people really do all this for their pets.  She very enthusiastically explained yes because it’s just so wonderful for the dogs.  She went on to describe how the blueberry facial makes their face smell so good and brightens their fur and the dogs really seem to like the smell too.  She said it was like aromatherapy for the dogs because she thought it helped to relax them. Inside I’m thinking - do people really do all this for their dogs?

While I’m sure I’d personally love it if my dog could smell like blueberries - I know for sure that my crazy dog is more into smelling stinky.  He actually just got groomed today and got his doggy bath and the groomer then sprays some clean smelling finishing spray on him - so he typically smells good for maybe two days.  Well usually the first thing he does after getting groomed is to come inside the house and roll around all over the floor - like he’s trying to wipe the clean smell off or something.  Well today right after he got groomed, he wanted me to let him out in the back yard.  He was out there for a while and I didn’t think anything of it.  When I let him back in the house, he smelled horrible - he had rolled in God knows what and now he stinks!!  So unfortunately for me, my crazy dog would rather stink than smell good.

So while I realize grooming has many other benefits - I’m a bit frustrated that my dog doesn’t enjoy his clean smelling self.

We really love our vet at the Lifetime Pet Wellness Center because they tend to take as non invasive approach as possible including prescribing natural remedies instead of drugs, whenever possible.  I always appreciate this approach because many drugs have side effects and I’ve found that many natural alternatives are effective with less side effects.  The Lifetime Pet Wellness is conveniently located on 454 Lazelle Road really close to the Polaris Mall, within about 15 minutes of the Worthington, Polaris (Lewis Center), Westerville and North Columbus area .   You can reach them at 614-888-2100.

Being a dog lover (yes I still love my dog in spite of his quirky behavior) I can totally understand how hard it is to find a good vet.  If you’ve recently moved to the Columbus area, have a dog or cat and are looking for a good vet, I highly recommend them.

A friend sent me this special song - kind of a tribute to man’s best friend.  I hope you enjoy it.

I keep thinking I should include a helpful tip about house hunting that most people don’t even think about.  We have shoes for runnning, walking, relaxing, hunting, working, going to the beach and well you get the picture by now.  

I was out showing condos in Powell, Lewis Center, Dublin, Westerville and New Albany today and several of the condos had notes requesting we remove our shoes.  Some of the condos were new builds, some were newer and some were, well not so new looking anymore.  But still the request to remove our shoes seemed to be common.   While I certainly think it’s a great idea to remove your shoes for showings, to help keep floors clean, it certainly can slow down the process of looking at homes.   

The buyers I was showing condos to were an older couple relocating to Columbus Ohio from the Knoxville Tennessee area and they found it quite inconvenient to constantly untie their sneakers and remove them.  But being from a more polite and compliant generation, they complied with the requests. Then it got a little more interesting when one condo actually had some hospital scrub type slippers that could fit over your shoes.  The buyers thought this might be easier than having to untie their sneakers and then put them back on again.  Well, imagine standing in the doorway,  balancing on one foot while trying to stretch these one size fits all slippers over your sneakers.  I consider myself to be somewhat coordinated - I say this because people are always commenting on how gifted I am at doing so many things while driving (you know as a REALTOR® I can’t just drive, I often find myself talking, eating, writing, mapping, etc. all while driving.  Of course, I usually count on the lucky buyer sitting in the passenger seat to help keep an eye on the road to make sure it doesn’t somehow dissapear on us.  But as coordinated as I am, I still find it challenging to stretch those slippers over my average size shoes.

So . . . In an effort to make house hunting in Columbus Ohio easier for buyers, I’m recommending you consider what shoes you’re going to wear before the hunt.  Just like any adventure, the shoes you choose to wear can certainly enhance the experience.  Just what would the ideal house hunting shoes be like, you might ask?  Simple . . . something that can easily be slipped off and back on again - without untying, yet comfortable enough to climb stairs and treck to and from the house hunting vehicle.  Some suggestions include: clogs, sandals and loafers.  

P.S. Happy House Hunting