GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

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Fun Activities To Do This Fall With Your Children

Do you need activities this fall to enjoy some time with your children away from the everyday homework of the week? There are many activities that you can enjoy with your children this fall that will be free, or inexpensive,  but enjoyable, and most importantly a time for bonding and exercising.

The Akron Summit Metro Parks have activities that you can enjoy this fall with the whole family. Their website lists a calendar for the whole month full of activities that are sure to get you excited.  Visit them at https://www.summitmetroparks.org/ProgramsAndEvents.aspx to plan your activities this fall.

Feeling a bit studious? The University of Michigan Health System website outlines the many benefits reading does to the development of your child.  Reading is a major step in the education of a child, and it is a major skill they need to have for their success at school and later in life. Why not visit the Akron-Summit County Public Library this fall and enjoy one of the many programs they have available for the whole family? The many programs range from reading times for the children, to movies, workshops and more.  You can visit them at http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=ASCPL

Enjoying a  visit to the Akron Art Museum this fall should head the list of  activities that will enhance your child’s view of art locally and around the world.  The Akron Art Museum is a great place to enjoy an afternoon looking at art, that otherwise your children will never see at a school setting. Weekend’s sports play a big and important part in our children’s physical development. Why not their intellectual development as well? Visit their website to view hours, special events, and programs https://akronartmuseum.org/

When was the last time you visited the Akron Zoo? The changes they have done to the zoo  through out the years are pretty amazing.  It is a lovely place to be, and if you have small children, they are sure to enjoy it thoroughly. But most importantly, your visit to the Akron Zoo can be an afternoon only without fighting  the big crowds of a larger one.Visit their website to find out more about special events, rates, and hours of operation. https://www.akronzoo.org/

The Magical Theater company of Barberton Ohio is a professional theatre company for Young audiences and families, that your children will surely enjoy.  The tickets are not free, but children seem to find the experience a bit magical.  You can visit their webpage to find more information if you are interested at http://www.magicaltheatre.org/

One of the things we want to reiterate is that spending quality time with your children does not need to take place outside the home. Playing a game inside, or catching a ball on your backyard with your children can be remembered forever. If you still want to leave the home, grab a lunch, ride your bike to the park, and have a fun afternoon with them.

 

8 Big-Ticket Home Items To Do Right Now

Right now it is the perfect time to do those home renovation projects you were unable to do because of the high cost of materials and labor involved. With interest rates at a historic low, now is the perfect time to borrow the cash you need to take care of those big-ticket items in and around the home. If you are thinking about borrowing cash from a bank, there are some banks right now offering rates as low as 2.49% for a personal loan. You know it depends on good credit history, and the amount you want to borrow, but the rates are nothing to frown upon right now.

Investing in your home is smart and the return on investment will be recovered if you plan ahead and invest in the right project.  Fixing big home ticket items tends to be postponed because of the investment of time and money required to accomplish them. Now that you can borrow at low rates, the time issue is the only problem for you. Here 8 big-ticket items you must fix or replace right now.

  1. Roofs: The extreme weather conditions in Northeast Ohio, make the life span of roofs between 20-25 years.  Leaky or wet roofs cost more to replace, that’s why it is important to do it in a timely manner.  Up until recently, there was one option for roofs if you need them replaced.  Now, you have options and money savings if you plan ahead.
  2. Basement Waterproofing: The life expectancy is 10+ Years. Like the roofs in homes, the basement waterproofing system in the home does not last forever.  The sealant applied during construction can stop working allowing water to seep into the basement of the home and damage the basement flooring and the foundation’s integrity.  The time the basement waterproofing lasts depends on the system and the type of sealants and workmanship they used during the construction of the home.
  3. HVAC System: The life expectancy of any system depends on how heavily it is used. For an HVAC system, the life span is about 15-20 years.  Some parts will go bad before then, and you need to replace them. Plus, you need to have yearly maintenance to the HVAC system so it can work properly. But, with the increase and dangerous temperatures we are experiencing globally, an HVAC system seems to be a necessity for every homeowner.
  4. Hot Water Heater:  Although a water heater is not as expensive as fixing the roof, or the basement waterproofing of the home, it is important as well.  A water heater can last up to 12 years or more.  You need to make sure it is working properly every year, or you will find a flooded basement when it finally stops working.
  5. Window Replacement: The home’s original windows will not last forever. The life expectancy can be up to 30 years but can be replaced before that if you have issues. If you notice places where heat and cool air are escaping, you might need to replace them right away.  You can caulk around the windows if you think that’s the problem, but if the windows are more than 20 years old, replacing them might be the only option you have.
  6. Home appliances: The most reasonable lifespan for many appliances is around 15 years, but it varies considerably.  The refrigerator might last less because of the many electronics and other components it has than the stovetop. And, the dishwasher can last you up to 10 years maximum.  There are different brand names for washers and dryers that can last you more than 20 years, but that’s the exception right now.
  7. Redoing Your Kitchen:  If you are replacing your appliances because they stopped working, you might want to consider updating your kitchen as a whole.  A kitchen counter, cabinets, and backsplash can last you more than 30 years. But, the age, wear, and tear can clearly show in an old kitchen and make the home look old and outdated.
  8. Floors: Carpets can have a lifespan of 15 years, but they should be replaced when it shows the wear and tear in any high traffic areas. On the other hand, linoleum, hardwood floors, and laminate flooring can last more than 15 years if that’s your preference. Plus, having hardwood flooring or laminated flooring keeps many allergens from staying on/under the carpet.

Right now, borrowing money with these low rates is a good incentive to fix your home and replace your home appliances. But regardless of such incentive, there are many situations when home projects cannot wait any longer. Roofs, basement waterproofing, and a water heater are examples of home projects you have to do when you need them regardless of the interest rate at that moment.  But, you can always plan ahead and replace or fix anything right now that you might need to replace in the next couple of years.

Kids In School? Time For Beginner Tennis

When kids are back in school, or go for the first time, parents often find themselves with more time on their hands than they are used to. It can be a great time to take up a new hobby, ideally something that involves a level of fitness, fun and competition.  Tennis is a perfect option if you are looking for this kind of new group activity.

In the GR8TR Akron area there are a lot of indoor tennis clubs.  LaTuchie in Stow, Ohio has a starter program in the fall which is fun, affordable and the perfect level for someone looking for something new, or returning to tennis after not playing for a long time.

Tennis Fundamentals Flier — Fall 2018 has information on these packages which scale up as a beginning player improves.

LaTuchie Tennis Center is located at 3200 Darrow Road, Stow, Ohio 44224 and their phone number is 330.688.6085

They have six indoor courts you can play on year round, and four outdoor Har-Tru (green clay) courts outside available weather permitting.

 

Christy Lamagna on Living a Strategic, Fulfilling Life

I met Christy Lamagna through our mutual friend, Phil Gerbyshak. She is so much fun to talk to and really wants to help people. It is apparent as soon as you start talking with her. Below she was kind enough to answer some interview questions for our readers on her experience of using strategy to improve event outcomes and life outcomes.

 You are currently working on a book on helping people be more strategic in their lives.  What inspired that and what kinds of advice will be in it? 

So much of what goes into a successful event applies to living a fulfilling life. The book gives readers an understanding of basic human psychology and behavior to position yourself for success when negotiating, job interviews, talking to a spouse or anyone for that matter. Once I made that connection I started sharing my theory and saw it help transform lives. When I realized what I’d stumbled upon, I couldn’t keep it to myself.

You have been a long time strategist for big events.  Over time you have begun applying the same strategic thinking to your life.  Give our readers some examples of this cross over. 

Events are like life. You have people who show up and actively participate, people who show up and just take space, and some who blow it off. We all know people who fall into each of those categories when it comes to how they live their lives. From the planner’s perspective, an event can be planned focusing on just the logistics which are an endless list of “to-do” items that take up time and tend to the need directly in front of you.

Strategic events start with a well-defined, thought out goal in mind. A plan is created and every detail is specifically designed to support that goal. Most of us go through life crossing things off lists and are too busy to get any work done. Events, when planned without focus are much like life without a goal; lots of time and money are spent but there is nothing substantial or significant to show for it. Applying strategy to life results in goals being achieved, relationships strengthening, financial health improving and an overall sense of purpose and mission.

How do you suggest people stay motivated for continued growth and success? 

Success fuels success. By creating a goal and achieving milestones along the way momentum builds and new habits are formed. Once a person realizes how much easier it is to exist in a life that has intention there’s no going back. Don’t let the word “strategic” fool you into thinking the process is difficult. The truth is, a strategic plan eliminating time wasting tasks, removes people who drain energy from your world, creates opportunities and makes it easier to exist. It’s so freeing!

Can you share an example of someone who got more strategic and has a good rags to riches story who you know. 

A coaching client was living the epitome of a life mired in logistics. Her employer was content to pile on work beyond what was reasonable, and she kept taking it on. She was resentful and her unhappiness was obvious. Requests for additional staff were denied and she was passed over for promotions due to a bad attitude. She felt helpless. Her boss was tired of listening to her complain and her negative attitude made her unpopular. When we discussed approaching her boss with a way to help him more and offer ways to make his life easier, she balked.

Why take on more work and why reward him for treating her so poorly? We discussed one of the key pillars of strategic planning; knowing what your audience wants and delivering it. When you give people what they want they will give you what you want. Instead of complaining to her boss, she solicited projects. Instead of being unhappy she started dressing for the job she wanted and intentionally spread cheer. She is now being recommended for the promotion, has a new boss who appreciates her, has others commenting on her new attitude and she’s eliminated many of the time-wasting tasks she was burdened with. It took nothing but strategic thinking and a plan. Everything changed and all for the better. Anyone can do this!

What do you suggest is part of someone’s daily routine no matter what their goals are? 

You have to remember that if you are not the answer to the question “what’s in it for me?” you aren’t going to get what you need. You also have to remember that people’s actions are not about you. If you internalize other people’s actions and opinions you’re forever their slave. Focus on your goals and how you can work with other people to achieve your goal.

Is there any technology you recommend to help people make meaningful changes? 

It depends on the goal. For some having an app that tracks spend is invaluable. Sometimes an app that tallies calories consumed and burned is helpful. Most of the time it’s about declaring your goal, having an accountability partner and a calendar to mark milestone due dates. It doesn’t take a superior mind, huge bank account, fancy technology or a tremendous amount of time. If anything life lived strategically will give you more time, money, and happiness.

Tell our readers how to find out more about you. 

Whether you’re an executive trying to create systems and infrastructure or shift corporate culture, someone returning to the professional world after a long hiatus, someone changing careers, vying for a promotion or who has any goals that feel too formidable to be possible, strategic thinking and planning will help. I offer webinars, coaching, corporate consulting and a host of other services to fit every budget. People can find me at [email protected]

About Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM

Christy is an award-winning Master Strategist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and intellectual philanthropist. For two decades, Christy’s strategic planning process has changed the business trajectory of corporations and the lives of people from all industries and walks of life.

Known for her approachability, teaching skills, sense of humor, vast expertise on achieving business and personal goals, expanding networks and marketing plans, Christy is one of the most sought after strategy experts in business, coaching and speaking circles.

Professional Presence in the Workplace: Christine Zust

Christine Zust is an experienced professional who is an expert on facilitating meetings, getting things done and on helping people present a better professional image.  I interviewed Christine about her book and advice on how to help people be more successful and avoid pitfalls, which are becoming more treacherous every day.

Christine, you have written a book about professional presence. Who is the book geared towards? What problems did you see, and how does your book address them?

My book, Everything I Do Positions Me: The Simple Path to Professional Success, was the culmination of what I experienced firsthand throughout my career. It was designed with three distinct primary target markets in mind for the following reasons:

  • Young professionals who are new to the workplace. They often have no formal understanding of what it means to be a professional or how to act in a professional manner. This book provides a primer on professional presence.
  • Experienced workers who want to reach that next level in their career. Often people who have been in the workplace for 10, even 20, years, find themselves “stuck” where they are. They may have applied for promotions several times and been turned down or may not have been asked to serve on special sub-committees or task forces. They may be at a point in their career where they need to evaluate themselves. This book helps them do that.
  • People returning to the workplace after a hiatus. This person could be someone who has been unemployed for several years or who put their career on hold to rear their children, take care of an aging parent, settle a parent’s estate, or resume their life after a challenging life event and are now ready to return to the workplace. This book provides advice and tools to help them ease back into the marketplace.

A strength of this book is that it was written as a resource guide and is very practical and easy to use. It includes simple strategies for success, along with models and ready-made templates.

What kinds of things should college students be doing to improve their positioning all through college?

Since the workplace is much more competitive today, here are a few specific suggestions:

  • Get to know professors. In addition to the required college courses is a core curriculum within every major. Whatever the field of study, professors know what is happening in the marketplace. They also know companies and organizations that may be looking for interns or part-time employees. Beyond just “showing up” in class, students benefit greatly by building relationships with their professors.
  • Complete multiple internships. Many college degree programs require students to complete one internship before graduating. The star students, the ones who really stand out, are those who pursue multiple internships. A few years ago, I met a marketing scholarship recipient who, by her senior year, had completed four internships, each one in a different area of marketing. It positioned her, in my mind, as someone who was a hard worker, diligent, and eager to work and learn more about her chosen field.
  • Get real world experience in one’s chosen field. A typical interview question is “What experience do you have in…” Many students are paying their way through college, often with minimum wage jobs. To stand out in a sea of competitors, students must find paid work in their field of study. For finance majors, for instance, it’s best to find a paid job in an organization that provides them with that experience. By the time they are graduated and enter the workforce, they already will have acquired valuable experience.
  • Think big. Whether it’s an internship or paid work, students need to think big and broad. Beyond finding work in their hometown, other opportunities may await them with prestigious professional sports teams, national media outlets, or top corporations.
  • Join professional organizations. Most college majors offer student organizations that are affiliated with professional organizations. By getting involved, students will meet professionals who are already working in their chosen field and who could potentially serve as mentors or even open doors to employment.

In the book, you reference a phrase called “Power Positioning.” What is that?

I define power positioning as “The art of putting yourself in a place that you want to be, which maximizes your talents, skills, and contacts. In other words, it reminds us that we truly control our own destiny, and that we can develop a strategic action plan to position ourselves as the true professionals we desire to become. Professionals often look at the goal of where they want to be without listing the important steps they need to take to get there. I use a simple model to get people thinking about their own positioning by asking three simple questions:

  • Where are you currently positioned? (Self-assessment)
  • Where do you want to be positioned? (Your ultimate positioning goal)
  • What action steps will you need to take to get you to your ultimate goal?

To get from where you are today to where you want to be in the future, you need to do the hard work by defining what specific steps you need to take to achieve your desired results. It looks simple on paper, yet success requires countless hours invested in creating and executing a strategic action plan.

How has the explosion of online and social media affected a potential employer’s process for hiring?

We live in a much more transparent world today, where potential employers can simply look you up on Google to learn more about you. Most likely, they will first review your LinkedIn page, since it is the most recognizable networking site for professionals, to check employment history, job responsibilities, volunteer experience, membership in organizations, articles or posts, and interests. They can also check other forms of social media like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and many others to glimpse an individual’s personal life. Sometimes the best way to get your foot in the door is to strategically position yourself online as a talented, qualified worker.

Remember that current employers also review employees’ social media platforms. How do you remain employed? Don’t talk negatively about your current employer on any social media platform. Individuals who talk poorly about their boss or co-workers may end up in the national news…not in a favorable light, and without a job.

What can professionals do to avoid negative backlash on social media?

This has been and continues to be a hot topic…how to avoid sabotaging your career success through social media. Here is a short “What to do/What to avoid” checklist that professionals of all ages can follow:

What to do:

  • Think before you post. Choose your words and tone very carefully.
  • Have something important to say. Useless information clogs social media space. Make what you say count.
  • Avoid strong opinions on controversial topics. Unless you are a political pundit or social commentator, remain neutral and be careful about sharing strong opinions. You could alienate friends or lose followers.
  • Post appropriate visual content. Remember, employers and prospective employers view your social media content. (Extra tip: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, until someone posts it online. If you have friends who love to take group photos and post them online, ask that they check with you first before posting).

What to avoid:

  • Stop whining online. It positions you as a negative person.
  • Avoid hard selling. Social media is a platform for sharing, not selling. Cut the hype.
  • Posts are not intimate conversations. You may think you’re speaking with one person; in reality, you are speaking to potentially thousands of people through your posts.

Can you give us an example of someone who did a major positioning overhaul and got great results?

There are several standout professionals whose careers I have watched over the years. Here are some commonalities these people share:

  • Set a goal. The goal needs to be a clear one. If you want to lead a department or an organization some day, you first must get experience and work your way up in the organization. If there is no room at the top for you in that organization at that time, then move to another organization that offers you a higher position. Keep moving up until you achieve the goal of leading a department or an organization.
  • Find one or several mentors. Those people who have had the greatest career success are those who have tapped into the wisdom and sage advice of mentors. Mentors offer a unique perspective, especially when they have achieved the kind of success that you desire. Mentors offer unlimited access to ideas, opinions, advice, and can often assist in furthering your career.
  • Assume greater responsibilities. Those who stand out are those who, at pivotal points in their careers, decided to take a giant leap to take on a higher level of work. This could include working on larger projects, supervising more people, or expanding to a national or international market. The caveat, of course, is you must do an excellent job!
  • Become more visible. People who rise to leadership positions are also actively involved in their professional organizations and in the community.
    The more people who see the good work you do, the better your chances are of getting someone’s attention…a future employer or a community board, perhaps?
  • Expand your network of contacts. Technology makes it easy to connect with people and expand your base of contacts. If a potential employer is searching for a dynamic, well-connected vice president of marketing, and reviews your LinkedIn site only to learn that you are connected to only 45 people, you will not get the job. Cast your net wide, and diversify your network.
  • Remain humble. Sometimes success is accompanied by an inflated ego. Truly successful professionals are people who, amidst their great achievements, honors, and recognitions, have remained humble, willing to help others along the way.

Image by Toby Shingleton

How can people find your book and find out more about you?

The link to my book, Everything I Do Positions Me, The Simple Path to Professional Success can be found only through the Zust & Company website: http://zustco.com/christine_zust_books.html

Through my website, http://www.zustco.com, you can find information about my keynote presentations, training programs, and coaching services. You can also find a link to the archives of my monthly newsletter, Q-Tips: http://zustco.com/christine_zust_Q_tips.html

In addition, here are other important links:

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-zust-6019373/

Twitter: @ChristineZust

Email: [email protected]

Office phone: (440) 777-8373

Creativity in the Workplace – Jennifer Yaros

Today we are talking to an expert on creativity in the workplace. Jennifer Yaros conducts workshops and has a book coming out about the topic and we got a chance to discuss how improving creativity at work can help boost productivity.

1) Tell me what you mean when you say “Creativity” in the workplace.

Creative thinking is essential for problem solving whether it is process improvement or product development. Companies are always looking for better, faster, and cheaper ways to do things. To stay ahead of the competition a company needs creative thinking and innovative solutions.

Creativity in the workplace shows up in:

  • finding new ways to creatively solve more business problems
  • injecting new ideas into your business
  • developing new products and service offerings
  • developing future leaders with a creativity and innovation mindset

2) What benefits can an employer expect if they invest in improving creativity with their team?

Having a creative and innovative culture in the workplace helps your company to stay ahead of the competition and to keep employees engaged. When employees see their ideas matter and their solutions valued, they are happier and more loyal. When they see trying something new is embraced, it is difficult to stay in a rut doing the same old thing.

3) How do you maintain creativity long term in the workplace?

It is not enough to simply say your company values creativity. You must actively promote, develop, and nurture it. One of the biggest ways to encourage creative ideas is to encourage employees to Fail Like a Genius™. This is a three-step process I created to help companies and individuals understand, accept, and deal with “failures.” The key for the company is to not punish individuals if their creative idea or solution does not work. The company can help them to Fail Like a Genius by:

1) Embracing failure. Give yourself permission to fail.

2) Learn from failure. Diagnose the cause of the failure and make adjustment.

3) Reassess failure. Determine if you just need a different audience or a different use.

4) What are some common creativity killers at work?

A big “creativity killer” is stress. Your brain creates neurotransmitters and certain neurotransmitters have been proven to promote creative thinking and others are prohibitive to creative thinking. When you are stressed your brain generates the neurotransmitters cortisol and adrenaline which activates the fight or flight impulse. This is detrimental for creative thinking. Other producers of cortisol and inhibitors of creativity are depression and sadness. To combat this, companies can encourage employees to take period breaks to walk or mediate. Exercise and mediation trigger the brain to produce serotonin which signals calm and is necessary for the brain to create ideas. Other “creative” neurotransmitters are dopamine and endorphins, so there is a direct correlation to excitement and happiness and creativity.

I could talk forever about creativity killers and how to combat them, but I will restrict myself to one more. Ego. I devote an entire section of my workshops and book in overcoming ego to improve creative thinking. Sometimes it’s too much ego and sometimes it’s not enough ego. Going back to what I mentioned previously about failure, that is all about ego. It is our ego that makes us afraid to fail and when we are afraid to fail, we do not try new things or take risks. We do not speak because we are afraid of looking stupid or being judged. It is our ego that creates roadblocks telling us that something is not possible instead of seeing an opportunity for trying something different. It is our ego that says, “I can’t” instead of “How can I?” Our ego also tells us that we are better than others and we miss out of collaborating. Letting go of ego allows us to work with others and double our creative ideas. It allows us to listen and learn new things.

5) What is something a management team could do today to immediately boost creativity?

Give employees the time for creative thinking. Allow them to walk around the building or play a game of ping-pong. Stepping away from work gives the analytical side of the brain a rest and allows the creative side of the brain to be heard. (This is why people often have their best ideas while driving or just before sleep. The analytical side is noise and it needs to be quite for the creative side to be heard).

I helped one company by facilitating a creativity workshop immediately before their annual strategic meeting. The CEO was tired of solving the same problems with the same ideas. By holding the creativity workshop before the meeting, the department heads were more open to exploring alternative solutions to the problems and their excitement had the creative ideas flowing.

6) You have a book coming out soon – what is it about and who is it for?

The book is titled Conditioning Your Mind to Fuel Creativity. I discuss the importance of creativity and the ways it is used in personal- and business-life. I cover the three key areas you must pay attention to order to improve your creative thinking – your body and senses, your thinking, and your ego.

The biggest differentiator of my book with other books about creativity out there are the exercises and tools that I provide. These are things a person can do and use immediately to start improving their creative thinking. Creativity is something that must be practiced in order to improve. It’s just like improving at a sport, language, or musical instrument. You MUST practice. The exercises and tools I provide are a fun and effective way to practice and apply various aspects of creative thinking.

7) How do people find out more about you, your book and your workshops?

They can get more information on the BrainSpark website – www.brainspark-creativity.com

I also have several social media sites for news.

Facebook BrainSpark Page – https://www.facebook.com/JenniferYarosBrainSpark

My LinkedIn Page – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferyaros/

My Twitter Page – https://twitter.com/JenniferYaros

 

 

 

5 Free Things To Do In Dayton Ohio

Every city has fun, free activities if you know where to go.  The city of Dayton, Ohio is no different. Dayton, Ohio is the sixth largest city in the state. They boast many attractions. But, what about those attractions to do when one is on a shoestring vacation budget. There are many free things to do while vacationing in Dayton, Ohio. Here are five free things to do.

National Museum of US Air Force

The National Museum of Us Air Force is a fun activity to do for the entire family. This activity will give guests an insight on the history of the United States Air Force. There are plenty of exhibits. The children will not become bored with it. The museum attracts many visitors each year.

America’s Packard Museum

This museum displays many of the Packard vehicle models. This is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys looking at classic vehicles. The Packard was once the nations most sought after luxury vehicle. The Packard Museum is open seven days per week. Their hours are Noon until five o’clock.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

The Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is a safe place to visit. They have plenty of trees. There are many old grave sites to see at this location. The grounds are monitored by closed-circuit television cameras. These will pick up sound and visuals. The caretakers and administrators are trying to preserve the grounds.

Possum Creek Metro Park

This is a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. There are nature trails and many other fantastic views. When at the Possum Creek Metro Park there are picnic tables, grills, and much more. There are many who live in Dayton, Ohio who will visit this park on a regular basis.

Tree Tower

Tree Tower is an exciting adventure. The children enjoy this one. Adults do, as well. In the midst of the trees on the premises of the park, there is a tower for anyone to climb.

Admission to these five activities is free. They are activities the whole family can enjoy. Whether you live in Dayton, Ohio or are just visiting Dayton, Ohio there are many more activities that are free to do. There are plenty of activities that will run under five dollars. Doing a simple internet search will assist you in finding activities to do while on vacation or on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Orchard Park Academy

Did you know that parents in the west Cleveland K to 8 school system have more free public school options than they might realize?  Charter schools are public 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.

The Orchard Park Academy is located at 14440 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH 44111 and their phone number is 440-340-3202.  It serves students who would be traditionally enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.

The Orchard Park Academy is a small elementary charter school located on the near west side of Cleveland, Ohio.  Orchard Park places high importance on safety and civility.  They feel these are crucial elements to having a good learning environment and building character.  The students are held to high academic and social standards as evidenced by their performance on the Ohio Achievement Assessments and the cooperative culture of the school.

Come in and take a tour:  Call 440-340-3202

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

Charter schools provide an option when 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 The Orchard Park Academy School to schedule a tour and meet some of the staff and make a good decision.

Call (440) 340-3202 or go here to submit a request for more information.  The Orchard Park Academy takes applications for enrollment all year long so do not wait.

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.