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Outdoor Projects To Get Done Now

Akron area home maintenance is important and a lot of things are easier to do in the Summer.

Summer is slipping by and it is time to start getting some outdoor projects done before the Fall.  Here is a list of things to check out on your house while the weather is still good and it is easier to get these things done.

Gutter Guards – Definitely before the leaves start falling you want to consider gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out of your spouting.  You can replace gutters with built in gutter guarded spouting or you can buy sheets of screen to lay over your gutters to keep the big stuff out.

Tree Trimming – Now it the right time to spot dead parts of trees and hire a tree trimmer to come in and take those branches out for you.

Window sills and frames – Before the cold comes back you can get window rot and damage fixed to better insulate your home.  This could be as inexpensive as adding some caulking to whole home window replacements which can be pricey.

Porch or deck repair – do you have some boards or banners that are loose, or soft?  These rotting or damaged parts of your porch or deck can be replaced and then have the whole thing power washed and re-stained to all match.

Roof shingles can also be loose or missing which could cause water damage.  Having someone patch one area of your roof to prevent later damage which would be much more costly.

Power washing your home is a way to brighten it up and keep it fresh as well as remove things like mold or splatters which could lead to permanent stains.

Cement repair is another thing to consider.  If your driveway is getting uneven you can call a cement leveler and have them inject cement under areas of your cement pads to raise them up and level them out.

I know I like to have a priority list for our home of upcoming projects so we keep the house well maintained and keep improving parts of it as we have the time and money.  You should also have a mental list of what needs done and take advantage of good times to do them.  A well maintained home will often help you avoid more costly repairs in the future.

6 Family Activities After Dusk

Summer is when the sun goes down later at night, and often kids are in bed around dusk.  But it is a great time to stay outside and enjoy the evening if your kids can stay up.  Here are 6 ideas of things you can do at dusk together as a family.

  1. Camp Fire – fire rings are common now and having a camp fire in your back yard is a great way to talk and have fun.  Each city has different fire codes and you should find out what yours are, but in many cases as long as it is contained you can have a great little fire.  Cook smores, learn fire building techniques, fire safety, and just catch up with each other.
  2. Minor League Baseball – Akron Rubberducks – check their schedule, sometimes they have fireworks.
  3. Night Hike – Take flashlights and explore a well marked, safe path at night to get a whole new perspective on nature.
  4. Drive In Theater – Yes, they are still around.  Not better quality picture, not better sounds, but a wholly different movie experience your kids need to try at least once.  Here is the one between Kent and Ravenna.
  5. Carnivals and Festivals – Do a quick search and you will find local fairgrounds and downtowns full of festivals and carnivals all Summer long.
  6. Free Park Concerts – Want to expose your family to some culture?  Me either – but we still have fun going to park concerts and you cannot lose when they are free.

The Ledges, Hudson & Peninsula Ohio

Many cities around the country have great parks that make you truly feel like you are in the middle of no where.  Akron is no exception.  There are many great parks a short drive from downtown Akron.  One park we refer to many people is The Ledges, located in Peninsula Ohio very close to Hudson.

These are not just woods to hike in.  The rock formations, cliffs and even a cave do not seem like they should be native to fairly flat Ohio.

There are several large picnic shelters that can be reserved for large groups.  Here is the one shelter on Google Maps which is very close to the most scenic trails.

The Overlook often has a group of people show up on a nice evening to watch the sun set.  It is a great view and a short walk back to your car, which is important as the park technically closes at dusk.

The path does a loop around many rock formations and cliffs, and is only a few miles long but stunning.  Across the street and down just a bit further from the Ledges entrance is another set of trails that are much longer if you want to get more exerciser.  While not full of rocks and cliffs, it is a more challenging trail and has a scenic lake and a lot of up and down areas of the trail that will give you a great workout.

Cement Leveling in Akron Ohio

Ohio is full of wonderful trees and seasons that go from one extreme to another.  This frequently means that cement in driveways and sidewalks becomes uneven and slopped the wrong way over time.  This may not seem like a big deal unless the slopped cement is pushing water against the foundation of your home or not allowing water to run off in the right direction.

Over time, water that does not drain away from your foundation because of slopped cement or any other type of poor drainage will erode the integrity of your home’s foundation and cause water leaks in your basement.  Akron homes with leaky basements have a lower home value and can have a host of other expensive issues such as bowed foundation walls or black mold in the basement walls.

While basement waterproofing can be expensive, it is also possible that your home only needs better drainage to move water away from the home instead of into the home foundation, damaging the stability of the house.

How do you know if you need full basement waterproofing or just cement leveling (Also known as Concrete Leveling)?  Of course, most reputable Akron basement waterproofing companies will provide a free quote and advise you on what you need.  Keep in mind that if you are sure you only need cement leveled, you can call a cement leveling company and they will be able to fix your problem for a fraction of the cost.  However, if you have let the problem go for a long time keep in mind the foundation will most likely need repaired as well.  The quicker you address your water drainage issue, the less likely it will be a costly repair.

A dry, nice basement in your home improved the health of the air, the usability of the space and the value of your Akron home.  Take any leak in your basement seriously early on so that you can minimize your repair expense while maximizing your enjoyment of your home.

Replacing Heater and Air Conditioner

If your heater and air conditioner is working, but is old, how do you know it is time to replace it?

For several years, we knew our heater and air conditioner was old and inefficient, but because they worked, we did not replace them.  However, we also avoided using the air conditioning in the Akron heat because it was too costly.

Eventually we started to shop around.  The big advantage of replacing heating and air conditioning before they break is that you can take your time and shop for a good deal and not have to make a quick decision.

We were able to take about 6 weeks to talk with several Kent heating and air conditioning companies and we finally chose one that offered us 3 year financing without interest.  Had we needed to make an emergency replacement, we would have never found that deal.

Now we have enjoyed efficient AC in the Summer and it barely raised the electric bill at all.  A big chance from before when we would never use the AC for fear of adding hundreds to the bill.  I know now I will also dread allergy season in the Spring much less as we can keep the windows closed.

So if you are considering a replacement, you could save hundreds or even  thousands by not waiting till an emergency with your heater or air conditioner.

Best Experience Buying a New Car

There are a lot of people who can sell you a new car.  But in order to have the best experience, there are a number of factors which quickly disqualify many people and also help some people stand out.

This article is written to help you find the person who is the most knowledgeable, and actually capable of giving you the best pro’s and con’s – and help you get the best value on a new car.  No matter whether you are leasing or buying the car.

To begin, it is helpful to know which brand of car or cars you are interested in.  Think about the different factors that are important to you.  For us, we decided on a Honda Accord because it was the best combination of safety, price and feeling like a luxury car.  It has been a great car to take on long drives and combines reliability, good gas mileage and comfort for our family of four.

The good thing was I’d done the research in advance and had narrowed it down to this car and one other.  When we went to the other dealership we stood around for a bit, looked at some cars and when no one talked to us we left.  When we went to Great Lakes Honda near Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, we found it a much more engaging experience.

We were a bit lucky to meet Lynn Snoderly.  She is a top 1% award winner nationally for Honda for sales and service.  She never pressured us, made sure we understood everything and answered all our questions.  Plus, my wife does not like being “sold” stuff so she asked a lot of tough questions.  In the end we bought a Honda Accord from Lynn and had a great experience.  However, that alone would not be much of a story.  Two years later we were in the market for a new car for our daughter.  We’d never leased before but decided on that option so she would have a dependable car in college.

I saw a great deal at another Honda dealership.  I contacted them, and they wanted me to come in right away.  Because it was over an hour drive, I decided to call around a bit.  Lynn took my call right away and told me that was not the best deal out there.  She saved us a lot of money.  It turns out, if you call several dealerships you will get different offers and Lynn knew right away what was the best options based on our family’s needs.  She saves us a long drive as well as money on the exact same car.  Again, someone with a high degree of integrity, knowledge and experience is going to be able to match your needs better than a sales person just trying to close a deal by the end of the month.

So how do you spot a new car sales person who is experienced and able to help you better?

  • Ask them how long they have worked there. Sure, new people need a break, but a very new person may not be aware of all the possibilities for you.
  • If someone tries to rush you or force you to make a fast decision, they are probably not confident they are making the best offer to you.
  • Know what cars you are interested in and why, before you go to the dealership. If they try to steer you away from your preference, ask yourself if they are trying to help you or if they are simply trying to upsell you something you do not need.
  • Look for added fees and surprises in the offer. Make sure they clearly explain what any added expenses are and if expenses seem to be piles on, you may want to look around at another dealer.
  • Don’t trust an advertised sale to be the best offer you can get. Ask what other offers there are and call other dealerships if you do not love the offer they are giving you.
  • If you call first, remember they want you to come in so they can try to close the sale right away. That is their job, but they also should be worried about it being a win for you and a win for them.  When everyone is happy, you are more likely to come back and buy again. (And recommend your friends)

If you are buying a Honda in Northeast Ohio, compare what Lynn Snoderly – (330) 310-7376 – at Great Lakes Honda has to offer to any other offer you get.  If you are buying another type of car, use the general guidelines in this article to find someone with the same high level of caring and experience to help you get the best deal on the best car for you.

Interesting Facts About Akron

Akron, Ohio is known for putting out some of the greatest professionals we’ve seen today. LeBron James, the king of basketball, was born here and has since remained active in the community. The LeBron James Family Foundation has helped rebuild homes, educate children and will open a school in Akron this summer. It plans to house first through eighth graders by 2022.

Akron also has a history in the Civil Rights Movement. The famous abolitionist John Brown lived in the city and worked in the area as a wool expert until vowing to destroy slavery after the murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy, a journalist, and fellow abolitionist. The John Brown House still stands in Akron today owned by the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio.

In 1851 Akron hosted the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention, where Sojourner Truth, an escaped slave, delivered the improvised speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” With she spoke on rights for all women, even those of color, and slammed the civil rights movement for not seeking black women’s rights like men’s. A line from this incredible speech is, “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!”

The National Museum of Psychology calls Akron home and strives to show what it means to be human. The museum features documents, videos and artifacts from history’s leading psychologists, like Freud and Skinner. Thought provoking and full of information, this museum is a must-see for anyone. The material displayed is well explained and features interactive exhibits. The exhibits take you through the beginning of the profession, the science of it and the social changes that have progressed from psychology.

The Akron Zoo is home to one of the rarest big cats in the world, the snow leopard. There are between 3,000 and 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild, but the zoo has been welcoming snow leopard cubs since 2014. In March 2016 the first set of triplets were born at the Akron Zoo and have been winning the hearts of zoo-goers since.

Akron Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing along the Cuyahoga River is a pleasurable experience many people enjoy every spring, summer, and fall in northeast Ohio. The winding, calm river is ideal for families who want to take advantage of the summer months enjoying water activities with their small children.

There are several places around northeast Ohio that allow you to rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the river and enjoy a fun weekend with your children. These are three of the many businesses for renting a kayak or canoe.

  1. Crooked River Adventures

100 Stow St,

Kent, OH 44240

(330) 541-7467

https://fareharbor.com/crookedriveradventures/

  1. Burning River Adventures

2025 Munroe Falls Avenue

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(330) 969-2628

http://www.paddletheriver.com/

  1. Killinit Kayaks Inc.

3803 1/2 State Rd,

Akron, OH 44319

(330) 760-3533

https://killinitkayaks.com/

Before you decide to rent a kayak or canoe from one of these businesses, visit their website and check for availability, hours of operation and prices. Some of these businesses accept coupons and are very friendly and accommodating.

If on the other hand you own a kayak or canoe and decide to take it on the river, remember the safety precautions and rules and regulations you have to abide by before entering the waters on the Cuyahoga River.

  1. All kayak, canoes and inflatable boats must be registered in the state of Ohio. The boat registration must be carried onboard, and ID is required if you are visiting from other states where registration is not required
  2. Life jackets in wearable condition and right size are required for each person on the boat, kayak or inflatable boat. If you have children under the age of 10, they MUST wear properly sized life jacket at all times.
  3. No alcohol is permitted while on National parks or rivers
  4. No littering
  5. Children under the age of 12 MUST be supervised by an adult at all times if operating their own kayak, canoe or inflatable boat.

A fun weekend with the family will forge unforgettable memories for your children.  Safety should never be undermined, nor ignore.  A life jacket can save the life of your child. If they complain the life jacket is not comfortable, find another one that will fit them better, but do not relent about them wearing one.

Enjoy your summer.

Estate Planning Pitfalls – 5 Things You Need

“I have a will. I am covered.”

If this seems like something you would say, you probably are not aware that you are not covered for 80% of the life events that you need to be. Yes, a will is important. But you are far more likely to have another kind of issue that a will does not address.

In this article we will walk you through four other documents you need to protect yourself, protect your family and minimize the costs and hassles that can be experienced by your loved ones in the event that you have a medical emergency or become incapacitated.

As you read this, do not feel overwhelmed. There are attorneys who specialize in setting these all up for you and are very experienced in making sure there are no gaps or errors. In the greater Akron area, call Boone Legal at (330) 968-6003 for help with these.

Here is the list of must-haves to protect yourself and your family:

  1. Yes. An actual Will is important for distributing your assets according to your wishes. If you do not have a properly made Will that clearly states where or who your assets should go to, the State of Ohio makes a plan for you, which may or may not comply with your wishes. It is also important to note that even if you have a Will, you will most likely still need to probate the Will when you die, which is an expensive and time consuming process. The only way to avoid probate is through the use of advanced estate planning techniques that are best discussed with an attorney. Call Boone Legal at (330) 968-6003 to discuss these advanced techniques so that your assets pass to your loved in the way that you desire.
  2. A Financial Power of Attorney (also called a Durable Power of Attorney)– This is very likely to be needed in the event that you become unable to make financial transactions for yourself. This gives someone you trust the authority to complete financial transactions on your behalf. This can include renewing car tags, filing taxes, paying bills, etc.
  3. Living Will – This is needed to specify your wishes in situations of medical treatment in which you are no longer able to express informed consent to a doctor. Often referred to as the “pull the plug” document, a Living Wills names an agent to speak on your behalf should you be unable to make life ending decisions for yourself.
  4. Health Care Power of Attorney- Similar to a Living Will, a Health Care Power of Attorney names an agent to give informed consent to medical treatment should you be unable to express consent yourself. A Health Care Power of Attorney grants a broader scope of authority than a Living Will and in Ohio, it is customary to have both a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney in place.
  5. HIPPA Release – This gives someone else authority to access your medical records and find out information regarding your health. Without this, your family may be left in the dark if you are experiencing medical issues.

Many families need an additional document in place called a Trust, which allows for more privacy, flexibility and if properly drafted and funded, can even be used to protect and preserves assets for heirs. Even if you think your means are modest, a trust can help facilitate the transfer of assets and reduce the costs and losses of those assets.

Failure to have any of these can result in considerable loss of money, or time, or both. With a little advanced planning you can make sure no matter what the emergency is, your family can have the resources and access they need to make good decisions on your behalf and minimize the expense and frustration when you pass.

Boone Legal helps Northeast Ohio residents plan for all these things and have greater piece of mind for their own well-being and for their family’s future security. Call (330) 968-6003 or visit https://www.boonelegal.com​ to find out more.

Demonstration Night For SCOPE Academy

Greater Summit County Early Learning Center, locally known as SCOPE Academy, is a K-4 elementary school in Akron.

Last week, the learners hosted a Demonstration Night for families. This event showcased various outdoor projects students were working on within their multi-age learning hubs. Under the guidance of their teachers, SCOPE learners seek to identify challenges within their communities and develop solutions for those problems.

One hub of learners noticed that a portion of their outdoor environment was too muddy. By re-purposing rocks that were scattered nearby, they were able to divert rainwater to a drain. Another group noticed a Killdeer bird had built her nest where many of the children played. By contacting a local ornithologist from Summit Metro Parks, this group was able to construct a safe zone for the bird family and learned much about this species of bird in the process. SCOPE learners believe that the outdoors are a place that everyone should respect, observe, wonder about, explore, and understand.

SCOPE’s staff of talented teachers incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math principles into each child’s instruction. If you are interested in learning more or have a kindergarten student you would like to enroll, please contact SCOPE’s administrative assistant, Jennifer Huffman at 234-718-2626.