April 2007 Archives

It Pays To Go Green - Enviromentally Friendly Homebuilding

Posted by Mike Parsons
April 24, 2007 at 02:41 AM

Rising energy costs, fears about global warming, and tax incentives are pushing "green" building practices forward in Central Ohio. Green building is a newer concept to Columbus, Ohio and is starting to gain traction. A building is considered "green" when it is constructed to reduce the energy needed to live and work inside it.
Green construction commonly uses recycled building materials and energy efficient products, such as compact flourescent light bulbs or low-flow shower heads that lessen the burden on the environment and natural resources. Energy Star appliances, housing insulation wraps, siding made from recycled materials, highly efficient HVAC systems, and argon gas filled windows are all elements of some green homes. About half of home builders nationwide intend on incorporating some level of green building techniques into their practices by year end. In Columbus, Ohio green is starting to slowly catch on.

The redevelopment of the Lazarus building in Downtown Columbus was recognized for its Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design rating in green design and construction. Other LEED certified commercial projects are planned for the area, including the Ohio Audubon Society bird sanctuary in Columbus's River South District. Sovereign Homes is the only residential home builder that is only building green. If homes meet a FIve Star Home energy rating, the home qualifies for a $2000 Energy Efficient Home tax credit. Green homes with a 5 star energy efficient rating often average a 40% reduction in energy costs. The cost of building green is typically 3-5% more than building a home with traditional materials. Information given by Homefront Magazine

HUD Foreclosures in Columbus - Prices Less Tempting

Posted by Mike Parsons
April 22, 2007 at 10:43 AM

I have seen a tightening of the HUD home marketplace here in Columbus. HUD home list prices seem to be priced higher and closer to their fixed up, retail value than they have been over the last couple years making them less appealing to buyers. HUDs Columbus home inventory is currently around 250 homes where in the past there were probably 80. I attribute this to more foreclosures, a slightly slower marketplace, a slowing of appreciation, but mostly to a more aggressive pricing strategy that HUD has employed over the past year. Homes in good areas that once were gone in the first week bidding period are now sitting for 30 days.

Leadership Worthington - Leadership Roundtable

Posted by Mike Parsons
April 20, 2007 at 05:04 AM

I have been fortunate to be involved in Leadership Worthington over the past year or so. Leadership Worthington is an organization devoted to self-exploration and learning that helps classes to get more involved with leadership opportunities in Worthington and community service projects.

Leadership Worthington is a year long program that continues to evolve through new ideas. Every year and consists of a class project or multiple projects that intend to better our community and/or world. This year we are developing another organization known as the Leadership Roundtable or Worthington Think Tank. This is an exciting time for our class which is composed of some very bright and successful individuals that live or work in Worthington. We hope to assemble a roundtable with representatives of 10-15 different and diverse area organizations. Our goal is to use this opportunity as a platform to discuss common issues/problems that affect Worthington.

The represented organizations within the roundtable will represent the six different Wellness Model Categories -(Emotional, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual). We hope to start a discussion on issues such as Worthington economic development, target area revitalization, airport noise etc...We don't know where the journey will take us or what it will bring but we hope it will be a sustainable organization that will help shape a better community and will evolve with the leaders within it.

Worthington City Council - Tell them what you really think!

Posted by Mike Parsons
April 17, 2007 at 05:26 AM

Here is a website that offers a great forum for Worthington residents to talk about the community and local issues. Mike Duffey, a Worthington City Council official, has launched www.MikeDuffey.com. He has engineered an online forum for citizens concerns and ideas. He is eager for residents thoughts, concerns, and ideas and hopes it will be another medium to simplify residents communication with the City of Worthington. Lets help Mike and City Council make Worthington a better place for all generations.

Gary Parsons is back!

Posted by Mike Parsons
at 03:26 AM

About 1 month ago Gary Parsons had a cold and experienced some flu like symptoms. In the next couple days he started experiencing weakness and numbness in his arms and legs. In true Gary fashion, he resisted going to the emergency room for 48 hours. After a day or two, he managed to overcome his own stubborness and drove himself to the hospital. Within the next couple days following he was paralyzed from the neck down. This mysterious sickness had turned into a very scary situation.

My father is lucky that he married to a doctor. Dr. Mom was there every day working with the doctors and hospital staff to confirm the problem. He went through a rigorous routine of tests, scans, and needles. As it turns out, Gary was experiencing a rare condition known as Guillain Barre Syndrome. More about this condition can be found at http://www.ninds.nih.gov. This is a sometimes fatal condition that can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. The recovery time is typically 4 months to a few years. His condition got worse after the next two days. We began to be very concerned about his lungs giving out and having to go on a respirator.

He showed much internal strength over that week or two. He willed himself into movement. The first week he could pick up a pencil. The next day he could wiggle his feet. The next he was typing emails. After about 2 weeks he could slowly stand and raise his arms above his head. After about 3 weeks, total, he was released from the hospital and has been in an out-patient rehabilitation program.

The doctors at Riverside said that he had the fastest recovery that they had ever seen for Guillain Barre Syndrome. We are very lucky. Thanks to everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers.
That was a very crazy and emotional couple weeks for our family. We appreciate all the love, help, and support of Gary's family, friends, and work associates. Gary Parsons is now back in the office and working hard for his clients.