GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

Cleveland

Kids, Don’t Try This At Home: 3 Home Repairs You Should Never Do Yourself

One of the greatest rewards of home ownership is the satisfaction that comes with rolling up your sleeves and tackling a few DIY projects around the house. But no matter how many YouTube videos you watch, there are some jobs that the average homeowner isn’t ready to tackle. Here are a few home repairs best left to the professionals.

#1. Electrical Work 
Electricity is our friend, and we’re all very grateful to have it in our homes, but let’s be honest; how much does the average person really know about electrical wiring and how it works. If not handled correctly, working with electricity can be very dangerous. The electrical outlets in homes carry enough electrical current to cause serious injuries and even death. In fact, electrocution is a leading cause of workplace fatalities. 

In addition to the risk of electrocution, faulty electrical work can also lead to house fires. For electricity to work safely in a home, the current must be very carefully controlled. When wires are not installed properly, it can lead to exposed or melted wires. These wires can lead to a short circuit and an increase in the risk of a costly, and dangerous, fire. Yikes! 

#2. Roofing Repairs 
Roof repairs are tricky and there’s no way of knowing that you did it wrong until it’s too late. Although it may look like laying shingles is easy, a roofing system is actually fairly intricate. A roof is made up of several layers and unless you are familiar with how those layers work together, its very easy to end up doing more damage. Improperly laid shingles can cause bigger leaks and, in some cases, void your warranty! 

Also roof repairs, as with electrical work, can be dangerous. Consider this, one third of all construction fatalities are caused by someone falling off a roof. And those are the professionals who know what they’re doing. If you’re on a roof and don’t feel a little nervous, you shouldn’t be on the roof. 

#3. Replacing Gas Appliances 
Gas leaks are no joke. Besides the obvious risk of explosion, exposure to natural gas can cause serious respiratory problems. Improperly installed gas appliances are a major cause of home gas leaks. The biggest problem with this project is that there is no margin for error. Everything has to be done right, from fitting the hoses to how carefully the appliance is moved back into place. 

So when it comes to home repairs put up your own fence, lay your paver stones, and change our the draw pulls; but leave the dangerous jobs to the professionals.

Basement Remodeling Advantages

Ohio Basement Remodeling –The Four Main Reason Why Every Homeowner In Northeast Ohio Should Consider Finishing Your Basement

Introduction To Ohio Basement Finishing

Did you know your basement can add some strong value to your home(if you remodel it correctly). Some homeowners look at their basement as merely “storage space”. However, it can be so much more than that.

We have four benefits of Ohio Basement finishing listed below.

1)

Did you know that a “finished basement” can add more space to your house? You could easily add one more bedroom by having your basement finished. Your finished basement will have (potentially) two forms of exiting the home, for safety. Do you have a window in your basement? That could be a second exit if done properly if the Ohio basement finishing is done properly.

You could easily knock out some of the walling and add a closet. That way one of your kids could call that space their own. A basement does not have to look and feel like a damp, dismel place to be.

This will require some work, but it could look spectacular once it is all completed. You might like it so much, that you want to call the space your own.

2)

It could also be considered a second(or third and fourth) bathroom, depending on how big your house already is. A remodeled bathroom is considered an excellent investment(even if it began as a basement). That adds more value if you decide to sell later.

3)

Basement remodeling is a great to avoid new construction zoning issues. Some places do not allow zoning permits and remodels (due to many factors). You might live in an area where the city ordinance prevents it. You may have some neighbors that get a little persnickety about things like this.

Remodeling the basement allows you to make changes(you want) without violating any laws.

4)

You can add in a rental unit by doing this. Now, that will have to be approved by the zoning commission in your area, but it has potential. You can rent the space out(if you are looking to make some extra money), and that person has place to stay for the time being. Just make sure you rent the space to someone credible and decent.

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.

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

 

 

 

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.

Old Brook High School

Did you know that young adults in the Cleveland 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.

Old Brook High School is located at 4877 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44109 and their phone number is 440.319.3370.  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.

Old Brook High students do not enroll in a specific grade level but rather in the “Old Brook High School.” The school attracts the population of students whose educational needs have not been met at any meaningful level. Old Brook High is an alternative for the non-traditional student. The Old Brook 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 440.319.3370

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 child’s individual performance in any school.  We strongly encourage all parents to call Old Brook High School to schedule a tour and meet some of the staff and make a good decision.

Call 440.319.3370 or go here to submit a request for more information.  Old Brook 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.

Meet JJ DiGeronimo, The President of Tech Savvy Women

JJ DiGeronimo created Tech Savvy Women to help bring together women in tech, build relationships and to advocate for one another’s career goals.

DiGeronimo, the president of Tech Savvy Women, came from Buffalo, New York to Ohio University with a desire to learn and find career opportunities. After graduating with a Communication Systems Management degree, DiGeronimo landed her first Information Technology position in 1995. With a vision and dedication she poured herself into her professional journey, which has taken many exciting twists and turns throughout the years.

Often one of the only women at the table, DiGeronimo created Tech Savvy Women in 2008 to connect women in technology. DiGeronimo is known for her leadership skills and promoting inclusion in tech workplaces. “Tech Savvy Women is commonplace for women in tech to communicate,” DiGeronimo said.

While at Ohio University, DiGeronimo took the time to excel in the classroom and scheduled meetings with college advisors to prepare for the future. “I had very specific discussions with my advisors about degrees and job offers. Many shared that computers and the related degrees were a solid choice,” DiGeronimo said. “I did really well in my classwork which helped me align internships early, as professors recommended me. Those internships lead to many offers.”

Although tech is a great career option, there are fewer women that pursue technology or stem-based careers than their male counterparts. The organization was originally meant to bring women together and have a strong network in Northeast Ohio, but has evolved into a group of women, over 2,500 nationwide, which allows them to share ideas, network and connect.

“We’ve helped each other get jobs, references, and other opportunities,” DiGeronimo said. “It’s made the industry seem smaller because we have more people connected in more places.”

As the organization has evolved, DiGeronimo has written two award-winning books to help elevate women in the workplace. From this success, she has been asked to keynote locally and nationally to positively impact the field of technology. She speaks to women about advancing their professional objectives and speaks with tech organizations on how to cultivate male allies to promote diversity. “Diversity is business impact tool and companies are striving to not only get women at the table but have them as equal contributors,” DiGeronimo said. “This takes advancements on both sides.”

Throughout DiGeronimo’s work she has shared strategies to elevate women into leadership positions while guiding them through common career challenges. Her second book, Accellerate Your Impact, has given readers a playbook to glide through some of the challenges women have faced in the past.

DiGeronimo has numerous blogs, videos and posts with advice for women working to advance with their careers. “Women generally wait (to apply) until they’re 100 percent qualified, men apply when they have 60 percent of the requirements,” DiGeronimo said. “You don’t have to check every single requirement for the job, and you should not. There is little opportunity to learn and grow if you only apply to jobs you feel confident you can land.”

Through all of DiGeronimo’s research, she’s found that career catalysts are necessary for women to align leadership positions and shares the three most important.

DiGeronimo believes in professional coaching to get their professional goals straight, document and defined. “I think more women need to pay for professional coaching to help them get their ducks in a row,” DiGeronimo said.

Having a mentor that will focus on providing advice and guidance as professionals move through the many stages of their careers is a necessity for female and male professionals. Mentors will often give advice while you’re with them to help with personal career journeys.

The final catalyst DiGeronimo recommends are sponsors, professionals that leverage their own social capital to help cultivate desired goals. A sponsor could setting up a meeting on your behalf or connecting you with other professionals in the field. Sponsors are often the best career catalyst, according to DiGeronimo.

“I think women are taught to work really hard but it’s important to network and develop relationships,” DiGeronimo said. “Make time to foster an effective network, get to conferences and get out of the office and do things for yourself. Anything you can do for yourself outside of the office, in a meaningful way to advance your career is important.”

DiGeronimo believes women with an interest in solving problems, adding value and continuing to learn should consider a career in tech. She reasons this with the possibility of great financial gain, endless opportunity and the ability to work with great people.

DiGeronimo is an active LinkedIn user and leverages the tool in many ways to connect, learn and showcase her personal work. She encourages young professionals to bundle their value and continue to develop their professional connections. JJ DiGeronimo can also be found on Youtube, and on her website.

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