GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

Columbus

Facts About Columbus Ohio

Columbus is a scenic city with plenty of hiking trails and parks to visit. Whetstone Park of Roses is made up of 13 acres featuring rose, herb, and perennial gardens. There are over 11,000 roses at the park and the roses look best between mid-June through mid-September. The Scioto Mile is another hot spot for those looking to get active or take a bike ride along the riverside.

Columbus is well known for its art scene in the Short North Arts District. During the summer months, the district hosts a Gallery Hop for viewers wanting to see all the spots. Non-traditional exhibits litter the city and street performances are around any corner. If you start feeling hungry, the area is known for creative restaurants like Brassica, Forno Kitchen, or Condado. Mikey’s Late Night Slice is a popular pizza destination based in the Short North. The food truck vendor serves a variety of guests of all ages and has something on the menu for everyone.

Any fitness fans may appreciate downtown Columbus’ commemoration of bodybuilder, actor and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with a bronze statue. Schwarzenegger won a bodybuilding contest in the state back in 1970 and promised to return to Ohio. He kept his promise by beginning the annual Arnold Sports Festival, which takes place at the Convention Center.

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) of Columbus is an innovative science museum combined with a research center. COSI operates the country’s largest educational outreach program. The museum features over 300 exhibits for viewers to interact with and the largest planetarium in Ohio. COSI sits beside the Scioto River and the grounds make the perfect place for a picnic.

Central High School

Did you know that young adults in the Columbus high school system you have more free public school options than you might realize?  Charter schools are public high schools that are free to students and give families an option to move to another school with the same standards as any public school.  Thousands of parents in Ohio have moved their children to charter schools to pursue better options for their kids to get a quality education when the traditional schools are not meeting their expectations.

Central High School is located at 840 W. State Street, Columbus Ohio 43222 and their phone number is  614-362-7530.  It serves students who would be traditionally enrolled in grades 9-12, aged 15-21. These students may have fallen behind in earning credits, have difficulty passing state required tests, are at risk of dropping out of school, or just need a new environment in which they can succeed.

Central High students do not enroll in a specific grade level but rather in the “Central High School.” The school attracts the population of students whose educational needs have not been met at any meaningful level. Central High is an alternative for the non-traditional student. The Central High model catches the students that are falling through the cracks and empowers the community with more contributing adult citizens.

Come in and take a tour:  Call  614-362-7530

There are a lot of reasons people choose a charter school over the traditional public schools.

Charter schools provide an option when high school students are unhappy in their current school or the school system is not performing to the standards expected.

Charter schools often have small class sizes, are very community focused and have experience educating students who have added challenges or special needs better than many larger schools.

Charter schools offer the same breakfast and lunch programs a traditional school does.  Charter schools offer bussing just like other public schools do.  And charter schools are held to the same standards for testing and student performance as the traditional public schools are.  The difference is a better environment for students who are struggling in traditional classrooms and need something more individualized for them.

Of course, every Charter School is different, and it is important to do your homework.  Some charter schools have not performed well but many have provided a quality, high performance environment for students looking for a free alternative to public schools.

The most important aspects of choosing the best school for your children is to meet the staff, see the facilities and look at your student’s individual performance in any school.  We strongly encourage all parents to call Central High School to schedule a tour and meet some of the staff and make a good decision.

Call  614-362-7530  or go here to submit a request for more information.  Central High School takes applications for enrollment all year long so do not wait.

Ohio National Parks

Summer Vacation time for many families across the country is coming to an end. Colleges, universities, private and public schools in many counties have set their calendar early this year. Classes for many students are scheduled to begin August15th. Scheduling the last trip for your family to enjoy before getting ready for school might seem a bit rushed, but if you live in Ohio and like nature, there are many places that you can visit for the weekend, have fun and most importantly spend time with the family.

  1. Hocking Hills State Park

An Ohio State Park with 2,000 acres to explore. The state encompasses 6 different areas with hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, and archery. The beautiful scenic view you will encounter hiking this beautiful national park is a perfect getaway for your entire family or it could be an incredible spot to celebrate an anniversary at any other time of the year. The park is open from dawn to dusk all year round, with a campground and cabins for you to stay.

Address: 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138

phone:(740) 385-6842

2. Cuyahoga National Park

A beautiful state park between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, this 50 plus square miles park with beautiful scenery can leave you wanting to explore for days. There are many activities that your family can enjoy while exploring the beauty of the park; hiking, fishing, jogging, and kayaking. Do you own a horse? This park has the trail for you to ride your horse and enjoy nature. Do you want to have a family picnic or party? No problem, the park has plenty of parking, picnic tables and a beautiful pavilion for you to enjoy.

Not all national parks charge a fee, and this beautiful park so close to home is a free experience for you.

If you are feeling more inclined to visit historical monuments, on the other hand, Ohio has an abundance of them with a nice history lesson for the whole family. Visit the National Park Service website to find the one closest to your home.

8 Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill this Winter

74 ℉ is a pretty good average temperature for September. Historically, October is 12℉ colder, and November’s average temperature is 50 ℉.  The winters in Northeast Ohio can be extreme, and the electric bills many homeowners receive during these months are pretty high.  During these months, there are many families that struggle to make these high electric bill payments and fall behind.  Then, late fees and higher rates make their ability to pay harder.  This cycle is repeated year after year.  If families start making payments but still have a balance on their bills, they cannot shop around for better electric suppliers and are stuck with suppliers offering high rates.

This winter, lower your electric bill by preparing your home for the frigid winter months.  These tips will help you have a lower bill without making you suffer the cold weather inside.

  1. Shop for a Better Electric Supplier-The Public Utility Commission in your state will have a website and a list of all the major electric and gas suppliers in the state.  Shop around and choose a supplier that will meet your needs.
    • TIP#1 Do not pay a fee to enroll, cancel your contract early, or a monthly fee. There are other suppliers offering electric and gas contracts without fees.
    • Tip #2 Do not enroll in a contract with a variable rate even if the price is lower. They can change the variable rate as they pleased in some cases. Choose the fixed rate every time.
    • TIP #3 Be careful and read all the fine print before switching or choosing a new electric supplier.
    • TIP#4 Keep all signed papers handy in case you need to check the terms of your contract later on.
    • TIP#5 Keep in mind the termination date of your contract.  Choose another supplier ahead of time if your contract is expiring and you will be shopping for a better rate. The change to another supplier is not instantaneous.

2.  Use smart Technology-Buy a Programmable or a smart WiFi thermostat to control the temperature of your home with little difficulty. According to the U.S. Department of energy, for every degree you lower the temperature of the home, you will be saving 1% on your electric bill in an 8-hour period.

3. Change Filters-Most heating and cooling technicians recommend changing the filter in your heating system every 3 to 6 months.  If the filter is full of dust sooner, you should replace it anyway regardless of the last time you changed it. The cleaner the filter is, the better it will perform.

4. Use energy-efficient appliances throughout the home-If you need to replace an appliance in your home, choosing an energy-efficient appliance that will save you money and be good for the environment. Also, make sure to clean the lint from the drier after every load, run the dishwasher when is fully loaded, clean the dust from the bottom of the refrigerator’s motor to keep it working efficiently.

5. Install ceiling fans for the second floor-Changing the thermostat to have a comfortable temperature on the second floor is wasteful. Instead, install ceiling fans in the bedrooms to keep them cool during the summer. It will take less electricity to cool the house, plus prolong the life of your AC system.

6. Turn Off the Lights, TV, and Computers-This is a relatively easy energy-saving tip we can all do.  If nobody is in a room, the lights have to be off. If nobody is watching the TV, the TV has to be off. It is very easy for many families to leave the TV on whether anyone is watching or not. Some houses look like every light in the house is on, even if no one is in the room. It can become a nice habit to have to ensure we are not wasting electricity.

7. Reduce the Temperature-By reducing the temperature one degree, we are saving energy, and saving money.  During the spring season and only if your children don’t suffer from allergies, open the windows to air out the home and cool it down.  It is also true for the autumn months.

8. Apply Window Plastic Seal-You can apply a black, clear, gray, or artistic window plastic seal to your windows and doors to prevent cool or hot air from escaping. In the winter, the sun will warm up the house without wasting too much electricity, and in the summer, the house will be cooler if cold air is not escaping through openings and cracks.

For many families, reducing their kilowatts usage is an environmental issue. For many others, it is a matter of saving money.  Regardless of the reason you want to lower the electric usage in your home, it is both financially smart, and environmentally conscious to reduce the kilowatts you use every month.

It’s Fall, Winterize Your Home

The temperatures in Northeast Ohio can be extreme during the winter. The changing weather and frigid temperatures can sometimes be felt inside the home. Electric bills can skyrocket during the January and February months, and during July and August, the cooling of the home can be an unpleasant bill to get.

If you have some draft coming from the windows or doors, winterizing them might be a good idea to save on those electric and gas bills. Even during the summer months, when temperatures can reach record highs, these 8 tips can save you on high cooling bills.

  1. Sealing cracks around the windows-If you have old windows or broken windows that need to be replaced, there is a high probability that the cold air is coming through the cracks. You might need to replace the seal around the windows or caulking small openings if you cannot replace all the windows at once.
  2. Sealing the doors-The caulk around the doors’ wood frame can become loose and you might have a small opening where the cold air is coming from. Caulking it to seal it is an easy chore to do and it might stop the heat from escaping and the cold from entering your home. If the gap is too big to caulk first, fill in the gap and then apply the sealant. A home improvement store has a huge inventory of calks, sealants, and products to fill in the cracks no matter how big they are.
  3. Sealing the windows-A heavy-duty tape use around the windows to prevent air from coming in or escaping is a cheap solution for many homeowners.  It is easy to apply and easy to remove.  If you feel a draft coming from the windows, applying this tape around the window panes might stop the draft altogether.
  4. Weather Strips for your main doors-Some homes have gaps at the bottom of outside doors that are big enough to feel drafts all year long. If you really want to stop the cold air from entering the home, applying a weather strip at the bottom of the door might do the trick. The weatherstrips in major home improvement stores are easy to install, adjustable, and come in different colors and width. They do not require you to be handy or spend a lot buying them.
  5. Heavy Drapes-Putting up heavy drapes or blinds in drafty rooms can stop the cold from coming into the room. If it is a sunny day, open the drapes or blinds and let the room warm up naturally.
  6. Window Plastic Seal-This is another inexpensive way to prevent cold air from coming into the home.  Applying an indoor or outdoor crystal clear film on the windows can save you a lot in your electric bill. The window plastic seal can be clear, black, gray, or have a different look if you wish.  You can even have an artistic window seal if that’s your preference. The windows do not have to be ugly to protect your home from the winter cold.
  7. Seal the cracks between the window panes-Heavy duty tape or removable caulk to seal the crack between the window panes is another solution that is cheap, and easy to do.
  8. Close and Lock all windows-Make sure all your windows are closed and locked well.  A tiny gap in one window can let a lot of heat escape. It can be difficult to spot if you do not make sure they are locked as well.

There are many ways you can save on your electric bill, and one of them is making sure your home is closed well during the winter and summer months. Keep in mind that a drafty window or door cannot only let cold air come into the home, but it can let it escape as well during the summer months. Plus, exposure to cold temperature, rain, and snow can deteriorate your windows and make their durability much shorter.

Columbus Sounds – Music in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is one of the fastest growing cities with a young, involved community. Businesses in the city are accepting and hidden gems are around every corner. For music lovers, Columbus is the place to be with big and small venues and a handful of record stores.

Skully’s Music-Diner is a mid-sized venue known for their dance nights and ladies nights. This venue books a wide variety of genres and artists from hip hop to rock. Skully’s offers classic diner food with a twist and a full bar. EDM acts are popular among Skully’s and this venue is the best place in town for dancing. This diner is a Columbus staple that never disappoints, whether you’re searching for food or a fun night out.

Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza offers live music suitable for young and old, with an exciting menu. This intimate venue gives the space a cozy feel and the speakeasy downstairs is the perfect place for quiet conversation. Best known for their blues and jazz acts, Natalie’s is great place to spend an evening with friends or a significant other. Try their pizza or a signature cocktail while enjoying their patio or watch performers in a close proximity.

Newport Music Hall holds a variety of bands in this medium sized venue, and it’s a guaranteed night of fun any day of the week. The Newport has hosted bands like The Maine, Future Islands and Slowdive recently and will host solo act Andy Grammer. The venue is nicely set up around a classic stage, with a large bar in the back. Newport holds 1,700 guests and set up spaciously. For a night of rock or alternative tunes, head to this venue for larger acts.

Express Live! has an outdoor arena and an indoor venue for some of the large touring acts coming to town. Depending on the artist playing, the outdoor stage can be roomy enough for dancing and lounging in the grass. Express Live! outdoor capacity is 5,200 and holds 2,200 inside. Express Live! never disappoints with their light shows and there’s no bad spot in the house. The venue has hosted exciting artists like Lorde, Lil Uzi Vert and Blink-182.

Ace of Cups is a small venue that holds local and smaller touring acts, dance parties and open mic nights. This bar offers functional pinball machines to play, has parking and a nice back patio. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit food truck is located at the back of the patio and is a local favorite for food on the weekends. For cheap drinks and interesting music, Ace of Cups is the best option.

The A&R Music Bar is a small venue next to Express Live! that holds small to medium acts. A&R’s walls are covered in posters of the bands who have been there in the past 30 years. The venue holds a full bar and serves Mikey’s Late Night Slice pizza, along with a large outdoor patio attached. Past acts for this small gem include Wild Child, The Wombats and Alex Cameron.

Besides being home to incredible venues, Columbus is home to many record stores, the perfect fix for any music junkie. Spend some time browsing their collections, and maybe find a new favorite.

Before catching a show at Skully’s stop in Magnolia Thunderpussy, an incredible music store that offers vinyls, CDs, DVDs and more. If you’re not in the Columbus area, explore their store online, where they offer pre-orders and new releases. The store has nearly every genre of music available, with an extensive rock/pop and metal selection. Some exciting new releases include Death Grips, The Allman Brothers and Marvel’s The Avengers soundtrack. Magnolia Thunderpussy shows off all they have to offer with walls covered in artist posters and tee shirts. Bright neon lights greet you at the door and a sign adorn with a orange cat listening to headphones, welcoming those who enter. It’s easy to lose yourself searching through titles, so plan to dedicate some time here.

Established in 1986, Used Kids Records has been a staple in the Columbus music culture for decades. The shop repairs stereos, buys and sells records while offering new and used vinyls and CDs. Used Kids also holds release parties for local bands and holds small shows for local and touring acts with a small stage for in-store performances. The shop’s in-store events are tough to beat, not to mention the store’s wide variety of vinyls. The Used Kids staff is knowledgeable, kind and helpful when it comes to questions about inventory. This vinyl store has so much to offer and is a favorite among locals.

Spoonful Records is a little vinyl shop downtown with bright green walls, checkered floors and an exciting selection. This shop has so much character, it’d be a shame to skip out on. The vinyl records are categorized by genre and done so in an elegant way. The quirky decoration around the store gives off a cozy environment, willing you to stay longer. Spoonful offers a great selection of local music and new and used vinyls. This sweet shop is ideal for browsing and lingering with comfortable seating and pinball machines to play. Search through jazz or classic rock to find a new favorite at Spoonful.

Lost Weekend Records is a small business that hopes to keep the downtown area growing and thriving. Those who work there are always ready to offer a helping hand and strive to make the store better. Lost Weekend offers new and used vinyls, cassettes, CDs, VHS and books. The shop holds music and books by local artists and authors and holds in-store events, like book signings and in-store performances. This business strives to make those entering feel welcome and find the perfect music memorabilia. Get lost in Lost Weekends while perusing the extensive collection of vinyls.

No matter your taste in music, Columbus has a place for everyone. Next time you find yourself in town, take the time to see the musical side of the city.

LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.