Winter Energy Costs...

I can’t believe that I’m already watching white rain drops fall from the sky and accumulate on the roof of my car. Are you kidding me? Apparently not.  So with thoughts of chestnuts roasting over an open fire, I thought it was a good time to share information that the City has received regarding the price of fuel (gas and electric) that we’ll be using to keep warm this winter. 

This was a tough summer for gas at the pumps but the outlook for natural gas costs is better.  As a NOPEC community, gas customers in Kent have a chance to buy gas in greater quantities and at discounted prices.  Overall NOPEC has a good track for record beating retail gas prices by buying wholesale and it looks like they’ve been able to lock down very reasonable prices for this winter as well.

Here’s a note from our NOPEC representatives: 

TO ALL DEO MEMBER NOPEC COMMUNITIES – October 27, 2008 GAS PURCHASES – DEO AREA

Dear NOPEC representative:

I am very pleased to announce to you that NOPEC has been able to purchase the cheapest gas we have purchased since we have been receiving gas from Dominion Retail. We have now extended our purchases in the Dominion East Ohio area from June 2009 through August 2009, at the rate of $9.59 mcf.

NOPEC is very excited about these rates because this puts our member communities in great shape through next summer. Also, the U.S. Department of Energy’s prediction is that natural gas prices during the winter in Ohio will be up 17% from last year. NOPEC’s price for this winter in the DEO area is up seven and one half percent (7.5%) from last year and our price next summer in the DEO area will be 15% less than this summer.

Gas update as of October 21, 2008 – DEO area

September, 2008 – $11.24/mcf
October and November, 2008 – $10.98/mcf
December, 2008-May, 2009 – $10.88/mcf
June, 2009 – August, 2009 – $9.59/mcf

If you’ve got baseboard heat in your home, electric bills seem to be a different story.  NOPEC is fighting a rate hike from First Energy on their customers behalf (all 600,000 of them) and as you read the following memorandum it sounds like an uphill battle.  It looks like as customers we’re already losing an agreed upon 5% price discount and on top of that First Energy is raising the rates.     

Voice of the Voter Project...

Kent’s Farmer’s Market Final 2 Weekend...

The OTHER Middlebury Road Bridge...

Horse Racing in Kent...

Start pouring the mint juleps, the run for the roses is coming to Kent.  Now before you break out in cold sweats, we’re not actually bringing the Kentucky Derby to Kent as part of our sports tourism efforts (although that would be a coup wouldn’t it) and as enticing as betting on the horses may be in some places it’s definitely not part of our economic revival plans here.  No, this horse racing is complements of the folks at the Kent Area Chamber who have been busy planning opportunities for Kent businesses to network and grow, and as a big fan of Kent businesses growing, I figure the least I can do is to help promote their First Annual Night at the Races for Friday September 26 at the Rusty Nail Restaurant.  So dig out your best Sunday hat and get out to support your Chamber.  Trust me, these races are as much fun (and addicting) as the real thing.

KACC 1 Annual Night at the Races

Set For September 26^th !

KENT – The Kent Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that its first annual Night at the Races will be held from 7:00 to 11:00 pm, Friday, September 26 at the Rusty Nail Restaurant located at 7291 SR 43, Kent.

The ticket price is $20 per person which includes appetizers and beverages. The cost for individual horse ownership, which includes naming rights, is $20 per horse. If the horse is the winner of the race, the owner is paid $40. There is no limit to the number of horses participants may purchase.

There is a special being offered that includes one ticket entry and the purchase of a horse for $35. Included in the event race card is advertising options. Costs range from $25 (business card size), $50 (½ page) and $100 (full page). Program deadline is September 17^th.

Call the Chamber now to make reservations and/or to place an ad in the program, or you may have to jockey for a place at the finish line.  For more information on the event or to place an ad, contact Lisa Wise at 330.673.9855, or Michelle Hartman at 330.678.3120.

Note: All races are for entertainment purposes only…but then why else would you be there. In addition to the rewards of owning a winning horse, there will be windows for placing straight bets, perfectas, a loser’s lottery and an auction of the horses to run in the final race will go on throughout the evening. Mr. Ed says “everyone with horse sense will be at the KACC Night at the Races, so giddy-up and buy your tickets now!”

Tickets are limited so call now!

Other Upcoming Chamber Events

Bowman Breakfast - The Fall 2008 Bowman Breakfast is coming up on Thursday, September 25th, 7:30 AM, at the Kent Student Center Ballroom. The speaker will be Dr. Robert G. Frank, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Kent State University. Cost to attend is $8, payable at the door. RSVP to the Chamber office by September 18.

KACC Scholarship Tailgate Party - Saturday, October 4, 10:30 AM until kickoff. Join the Chamber as we get ready to watch the KSU Golden Flashes take on the Akron U. Zips at noon, and help fund our Scholarship awards. Tickets are $30, and include the tailgate party and a ticket to the football game. Call the Chamber office to reserve your tickets.

Ohio Makes Smart Traveler Top 5 Fall Vacation List...

With the arrival of school bus assignments in the mail and Roosevelt’s football team standing at 1-0 already, it would seem that we are in the midst of another seasonal transition. I must admit that it is with some sadness that I see signs of summer coming to a close but if it has to come to an end then it’s great to see our home state get national coverage for being one of the best places in the country for fall vacations in USA Today last week. With abundant national, state and local parks in our region alone we don’t have to wait for vacation time, we get to live it every day. And I can’t think of a better or more appropriate place than Kent, the original tree city, to take in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn.  The choice we have all made in selecting Kent as our home has given us a front row seat to some of the most spectacular fruit mother nature produces all within walking distance.

By Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com

After a summer of new airline fees, high fuel costs, and tight budgets, will fall bring better deals for travelers in search of a bargain? Choose your destinations wisely and you’ll find that this fall really is a good time to travel, even if you don’t have much to spend.

#3.  Ohio

Innkeepers in New Hampshire and Vermont may swear otherwise, but New England isn’t the only place to marvel at impressive fall foliage displays. Even better, leaf peeping in other parts of the country can be far more affordable as well. Ohio, for instance, is dotted with state parks offering vivid autumn colors. And many are within an easy drive of major cities and airports, making the trip even more affordable.

Comparing the cost of a simple weekend getaway puts the savings in perspective. At the Shire Riverview Motel in Woodstock, Vermont, a standard room runs about $180 on weekends, putting the cost of a two-night weekend getaway at $360. Compare that to a two-night weekend package at the Burr Oak State Park Resort, located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Columbus. The Buckeye Package includes two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner for two, and a $25 gift certificate for $279. Ohio State Parks has a rate comparison chart for lodges around the state.

You can find dozens more discounts and specials on accommodations, dining, and attractions at the Discover Ohio website. When you’re ready to book, check for fall airfare sales from Southwest and other airlines serving Columbus, Cleveland, and other Ohio airports.

If you’re looking for great stuff to do this Fall you don’t have to look far.  Portage County recently came out with a great guide call the Portage 100 that lists 100 of the county’s favorite things to do in our own backyard.  Here’s a sampling:

There’s no place like home….

Kent’s Farmers Market Back In Action...

One of the things that I really like about Kent is the way it exists on the edge of things.  We could apply that label literally to include all the haircuts and clothing styles prominently displayed by students of the fashion design school or we could use it to refer to the tatoo parlors and muscle cars that are favorites of Kent’s biker crowd.  Either way,  Kent is — and always has been — a lifestyle choice.  People choose to live in Kent because it’s got room for everybody.  If you like living a outside the lines then Kent is your kind of place.   Where some communities seek depth within a narrow range of life styles, Kent goes wide, celebrating the edges of convention.  Sorry for the rambling tangent, the edge that I wanted to mention today was the Kent boundary between city and country living where you’ll find a great farmer’s market that’s starting up for the summer this weekend.

As a relative newcomer to Kent I still get asked by my out of state friends where Kent is located and what it’s like.  I always talk about being home to Kent State University but I also tell them that we’re on eastern-edge of the Akron Metropolitan area and the western-edge of rolling agricultural fields.  That pretty much puts us in a place where we can enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you like city living and urban amenties, we got’em — or if you prefer an easier pace of life with lots of green trees and blue sky, we got that too.  I think the Osmonds had Kent in mind when they used to sing about being a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll.  I favor bite size little bits of everything which is why I’m happy to call Kent home.

(In terms that only well read business majors can appreciate Kent is where the country and city mouse moved their cheese.)

Which gets me back to the point of this blog post — the farmer’s market.  There’s probably no better example of Kent’s version of east meets west than in the farmer’s market with its locally grown farm fresh produce, flowers and baked goods.  This volunteer group does a terrific job of setting up shop each Saturday morning at (of course) the edge of downtown Kent so that all of us city slickers can enjoy the tastes of summer the old fashioned way.

Here’s more information from the farmer’s market volunteers:

The market is located on the north-west corner of Summit and Franklin Sts.  in downtown Kent.

• Market hours are Saturdays 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

• Our season runs from mid June ending on the last weekend Of October.

• Plenty of free, on-street diagonal parking available.

• Local farmers and bakers bring you north-east Ohio’s finest products.

Haymaker Farmers’ Market was established in 1992 by co-founders Fritz Seefeldt and Rick Hawksley.  The market is cooperatively run by the farmers and the volunteer manager.  We began our first season with six farmers from Portage County and soon realized that this was something that had been long overdue for our city.  We have joined with Standing Rock Cultural Arts to better serve the Kent community.  Look for “Arts at the Market” this upcoming season!

Our purpose:

• to provide fresh, high quality, locally grown produce for our Kent community.

• promote increased business in and expanded use of our central business district.

• provide a new retail venue for area farmers and bakers.

• promote agricultural land uses in Portage County.

• provide a direct link between consumers and food providers.

Contact:  Fritz Seefeldt HFM manager at kentmarket@neo.rr.com or call 330-678-5748.

Rockin in West River...

Mark you calendar — this Friday, June 6th from 4 to 9 pm is the annual Rockin’ on the River party in Kent’s West River Neighborhood.   Ok, so the  Rockin’ on the River tag line may sound familiar to those that visit Cuyahoga Falls on Friday nights in the summer but when you’ve got live music, a great selection of summer food to eat and plenty of beverages to imbibe along the river’s edge what else would you call it?  Do yourself a favor and skip the long lines and high prices of Cuyahoga Falls and head for downtown Kent this Friday to kick off your summer season in classic Kent style.  Did I mention that the food and drinks are free!

Rockin’ on the River returns to Kent’s West River Neighborhood June 6

On Friday, June 6, Rockin’ on the River returns to Kent’s West River neighborhood.

The annual event features free food and music.

It is sponsored this year by Family & Community Services Inc. and the law firm of Williams, Welser and Kratcoski LLC.

A hamburger and hot dog barbeque with free refreshments begins at 4 p.m. at Family & Community Services at 143 Gougler Ave. Music featuring the Artim Brothers Band starts at 5 p.m. and will continue until 9 p.m.

Kent State University basketball coach Geno Ford will meet fans at 5:30 p.m. at the law firm located at 11 South River Street. Casey Wolfe, KSU’s Director of Football Operations, will also take part.

At 6 p.m., Portage County Commissioner Chuck Keiper will play his guitar in the law firm’s historic library. Refreshments will be provided.

Following the fun at the law firm and Family & Community Services attendees are invited to gather on the deck overlooking the Cuyahoga River at Riverside Wine & Imports at 911 North Mantua.

Franklin Township Hall and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent will also be open for tours.

Kent Chamber of Commerce and R.W. Martin and Sons are also sponsors.

Akron Canton Airport Investing $110 Million To Ser...

OK, so maybe the Airport isn’t investing $110 million just to serve Kent better but given the close proximity of the Airport to Kent and all the travel business that walks through the gates of Akron Canton coming to or from Kent, there’s no doubt that the Airport’s expansion plans is good news for Kent.  Gary Locke, Kent’s Community Development Director, serves on an Airport committee so he’s been following the Airport’s expansion plans and he sent me information about what all of us travelers can expect over the next 10 years.

---

Akron Canton Airport 10 Year Capital Expansion Plan

FROM GARY LOCKE, KENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

“Kent residents and businesses are fortunate to have multiple alternatives available to them for air travel. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport of course is the largest of these airports. The Akron-Canton Regional Airport is a sometimes overlooked facility capable of providing many of the same services as the larger airport but with less crowds, less travel time and in some cases lower fares. City staff recently had the opportunity to learn more about a 10 year capital improvement plan being implemented by the Akron-Canton Regional Airport. This expansion is significant not only for the airport and the communities immediately adjacent to it, but also to the region, including Kent and Portage County.

Over the next 10 years (through 2018), the airport expects to invest over $110 million in its facilities. Some of this investment has already begun. One of the most significant upgrades is the extension of the main runway (5/23) by 600 feet to a total length of 8,200 feet. This extension will allow larger planes to take-off and land at the facility and will allow the airlines operating from the airport to expand their flight capabilities and potential destinations.

In addition to this improvement, the airport will also be installing new customs and border patrol facilities which will enable it to offer international flights, primarily to Mexico and Canada. Parking facilities will also be expanded as will ticketing areas and TSA security screening areas. There will also be concourse expansions that will provide more gates. The airport has recently completed $60 million in improvements which included new concourse areas and other improvements. The airport has taken significant actions to increase the number of travelers using the airport and ridership has increased significantly from 10 years ago. Currently approximately 90 flights take-off and land at the airport daily.

What most people do not realize, according to airport officials, is that the lower fares offered through the airport help keep the pricing of airfares at surrounding airports somewhat lower than they might be otherwise. The airport also provides a significant service to local businesses that rely on the air industry for travel or commerce. The proposed expansions to the airport will serve as an economic development enhancement to area communities, including Kent. These expansions will make the region and its cities more attractive to both residents as well as existing and future businesses. The airport’s ability to thrive and grow depends on people using it, so please consider the Akron-Canton Regional Airport when making your future air travel plans.”

Two Thumbs Up for the Cuyahoga River Movie...