The City has been getting copies of information being sent around by NOPEC concerning changes in electric rates and even though Kent  isn’t in the electric business, we are in the share information business, so I’ve included the latest updates from NOPEC about upcoming savings on your electric bill.

Here’s the flier I just received this week that seems to tell it all:

If you want more information, here’s the NOPEC web site link.

Besides lower rates, if you want to lower your power usage, you’ll definitely want to make sure that you’re turning off all the electronic gadgets that have become ubiquitous in our lives these days.  But guess what, computers, video game consoles, digital clocks, televisions and cell phone chargers even use power when they are off.  A digital cable box actually consumes more than 40 watts of electricity when it is turned off.  Here’s a quick look at common power consumption for on and off modes.

Desktop Computer:   ON = 74 watts     OFF=2.8 watts

Laptop Computer:  ON=30 watts    OFF=8.9 watts

Digital Cable Box:  ON=44 watts   OFF=43 watts

PS3/XBox/Wii:    ON=150 watts   OFF=1.1 watts

32 inch TV:    ON=162 watts   OFF=2 watts

Microwave:  ON=1,433 watts   OFF=3 watts

DVD Player:  ON=9 watts   OFF=3 watts

Cell Phone:  ON=3.7 watts (charging)   OFF=2.2 watts (charged)

(sources include Energy Star, Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory)

The research findings report that as much as 10% of our electric consumption comes from appliances when they are off — who would have thought that?  I guess if you want to really cut your power you need to always turn off the lights and unplug those sneaky appliances when they aren’t in use. 

If you’re interested in reading more, the following information came off of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) web site.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established for the purpose of stabilizing communities that have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment. Through the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties, the goal of the program is being realized.

Nature of Program

NSP is a component of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The CDBG regulatory structure is the platform used to implement NSP and the HOME program provides a safe harbor for NSP affordability requirements.

NSP grantees develop their own programs and funding priorities. However, NSP grantees must use at least 25 percent of the funds appropriated for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes or residential properties that will be used to house individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the area median income. In addition, all activities funded by NSP must benefit low- and moderate-income persons whose income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income. Activities may not qualify under NSP using the “prevent or eliminate slums and blight” or “address urgent community development needs” objectives.

Eligible Uses

NSP funds may be used for activities which include, but are not limited to:

• Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties;
• Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed;
• Establish land banks for foreclosed homes;
• Demolish blighted structures;
• Redevelop demolished or vacant properties

Homebuyer Assistance

Homebuyers cannot receive assistance directly from HUD. NSP funds can be used to help homebuyers purchase homes, but they must contact an NSP grantee for application details. NSP operates on a national scale, but participation requirements may differ from one state or city to another.

The Kent community’s signature festival, Heritage Fest, has the unique honor of sharing this year’s celebration with the July 4th holiday so expect double the fun.  With a start time of 9 am, the day long event will feature over 100 craft vendors, information booths and another 30 food vendors with something for every type of taste and appetite.  There’s activities for kids and live entertainment all day long on three stages.  The event wraps up at 10 pm with fireworks downtown.  This is the summer festival not to miss in northeast Ohio.

Kent Chamber Press Release For Heritage Festival 2009:

The City of Kent will again celebrate our City’s and Nation’s heritage at the 2009 Kent Heritage Festival. This annual, all day celebration features the Jeff Graham Memorial Fireworks, Kent Historic Train Rides (sponsored by the Kent Chamber), Ducks over the Falls, Live music and entertainment all day on three stages, 5K & 10 Race & one mile fun run, Children’s Play area, well over 100 food and craft booths, and many more local displays.

The Kent Heritage Festival is planned and operated by Kent’s United Services Organization (a partnership of nine Kent service organizations). The festival is a one-day event, from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. For more information, applications (craft and food booth/race/car/duck), please call the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce at 330-673-9855.  Average attendance at the Kent Heritage Festival is approximately 25,000.

I know that City Manager’s do their best to stay as apolitical as possible, and we definitely don’t advocate voting for one candidate over another — but in the case of the Haymaker Farmer’s Market, I’m willing to make an exception.  It turns out that an organization called Care2 is sponsoring a vote for your favorite farmer’s market with a grand prize of $5,000 and random prizes of $250 going to support your local market.  The Haymaker Market has worked really hard to expand their vendor base, and make the Saturday morning trip to the Kent market a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining experience.  So if the spirit moves you, vote early and often for the Haymaker Farmer’s Market.

Cast Your Vote!

With over 10 million members in Care2, the Haymaker Market is up against some steep competition.  I had never heard of Care2 but it’s right up Kent’s alley as the most popular online destination for people who care about making a difference. Whether you’re passionate about animal welfare, the environment, green living or human rights, Care2 puts the tools for change in your hands.

The last I checked the Haymaker Market had 60 votes and had broken through to make the top 100 markets in the country resting comfortably in 96th place.  I was ok with that considering that most of the names above us came from big cities until I saw that Athens Ohio’s market came in at number 5 in the country with 449 votes.  We can’t lose to another MAC town.

The site also has links to all the farmer’s markets so it’s a great way to see the latest concepts in the community market business.     

In case you haven’t noticed, the Water Street Tavern has been busy lately.  Busy adding a new outdoor rooftop patio.  Busy adding a new restaurant, Cajun Dave’s.  And busy adding live music.  If you get the feeling that the Water Street Tavern is on a mission — you’d be right.  And that mission seems to be the best place in town to eat, drink and be merry.  With all they’ve done, you could make the case that they’ve accomplished their mission, and then some. 

There’s no doubt that the Water Street Tavern has been the college bar of choice in downtown Kent for a couple of years now but they’ve clearly broadened their horizons and are taking aim at being the best place for fun for all ages (over 21).  If you like to eat, Water Street Tavern is for you.  If you like to drink, Water Street Tavern is for you.  If you like to eat, drink and rock on, Water Street Tavern is for you.  You don’t have to party like a rock star but it’s nice to know that if you want to, you can, at Water Street Tavern.

Water Street Tavern has announced that in addition to the Friday Community Concert Series they will be featuring free live music every Wednesday night starting at 10 pm. 

Here’s the music schedule for the Friday night Water Street Tavern concert series for rest of this year:    

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT FROM 7PM-10PM UNLESS NOTED

July 3 The Magpies

July 4* The Zydeco Kings (2–5)

Costley Court (7-9:30)

July 10 Wanda Hunt Band

July 17 Steve Vanderink

July 24 The Kidney Brothers (7-9)

The Robert Lockwood Jr. All-Star Band (9:30–12:30)

July 31 The Modern Roots Band

Aug 7 The Magpies

Aug 14 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band)

Aug 21 Guy Pernetti

Sept 4 The Magpies

Sept 11 Colin John Band

Sept 18 The Robert Lockwood Jr. All-Star Band

Sept 25 Steve Vanderink

Oct 2 The Magpies

Oct 9 Costley Court

Oct 16 Alex Bevan

Oct 23 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band)

Oct 30 Stelvis and the Graceland Band

Nov 6 Steve Vanderink

Nov 13 Country Joe McDonald (7-9)

The Twistoffs (9:30-12:30)

Nov 20 The Robert Lockwood Jr. All-Star Band

Nov 27 Rio Neon

Dec 4 The Magpies

Dec 11 15 60 75 (The Numbers Band)

Dec 18 Tequila Bob and the Flip-Flops

*Saturday show