About Columbus Real Estate: January 2012

The Ohio Income Tax Rates are very confusing, but they do exist.  Do you know how much income tax you pay to your local city? 

If you move into a new home, do you know how much your income taxes will be?  You can view the tax rates by City https://thefinder.tax.ohio.gov/StreamlineSalesTaxWeb/Download/MuniRateTableInstructions.aspx and by School District http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/school_district_income/index.stm .  You won't see Lewis Center on this chart because they don't charge an income tax.  Here is the website where you can find out what the income tax is by address:  http://tax.ohio.gov/online_services/thefinder.stm

Here are a few of the local income tax rates for Central Ohio:

Columbus - 2.5%

Dublin - 2%

Hilliard - 2%

New Albany - 2%

Powell - .75% (as of 2002)

Westerville - 2%

Upper Arlington - 2%

Worthington - 2%

Delaware - 1.85%

*This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 

This fountain was behind the Pompidou Centre in Le Marais, Paris, France at a "park" of many fun and colorful fountains.  It was one of the first places I went to last year on my very first trip to Paris.  I loved all the colors and it made me feel like a kid again. 

A Tribute to My Friend Aussie

My friend Aussie came to me when she was about a year old.  She was in a shelter and needed a loving home.  Aussie was found abandoned in a field with mange and half starved.  But the shelter manager decided to keep her alive and treat her for the mange.  I offered to take her home and foster her until she was better, but I fell in love immediately with her charming personality and loving, peaceful nature.  She was afraid of a lot of things, but with my care and love and training, she overcame her fears and grew quickly into a great companion and my best friend. 

Aussie had an endless capacity for unconditional love.  She greeted me when I came home; she followed me around, protected my home with her bark; went for walks with me; loved the food I gave her.  She never complained or asked for anything in return for her love and companionship.  The bond between us was strong and grew stronger with each day.  Aussie was smart and wise beyond her years. She was a great watch dog, a brilliant hunter – loved to chase rabbits and squirrels, and a loyal friend.

I read a saying that fit Aussie's intelligence so well -- If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them.  ~Phil Pastoret

I'm sure I could go on and on about all of the virtues and assets of my wonderful dog and friend of 14 years.  She succumbed to old age, renal failure, and arthritis on December 29th, and I miss her terribly.  My house is so quiet now, but Aussie told us we should get another dog.  So, we will someday soon.  For now, Aussie is happy and pain-free and running with Max (my dog that passed away in May last year) and chasing rabbits and squirrels.

 Polar Bear Golf Open - Hosted by the Dublin AM Rotary
February 4, 2012

For 15 years golfers have been braving the cold to enjoy the chance to say they golfed in Ohio in February, and all for a good cause!  The Polar Bear Golf Open, organized by Dublin AM Rotary, brings together golfers who enjoy a brisk round of golf, camaraderie, food and prizes. In the past, golfers have teed off in rain, snow, wind and, on occasion, warm sunny days!  

I am one of the members of the Dublin AM Rotary who has braved the cold for the last 6 or 7 years - as the Photographer, not one of the Golfers.  (that's not me on the right)

This year's event will be held at Safari Golf Club on Saturday, February 4, 2012 and precedes the Wendy's Chili Open that will be held across the street at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Check-in and a light breakfast begin at 8 am with a shot-gun start at 9 am. Following the outing golfers will enjoy lunch and prize raffles featuring the grand prize, a set of golf clubs. Tickets to the Wendy's Chili Open are included with Polar Bear Golf Outing tickets.

Your Chili Open ticket includes:

·     Food and spirited beverages

·     Over 30 local restaurants

·     Family-oriented event

·     Many special activities for kids

·     Silent auction and raffles

·     Over 22,000 sq. ft. of heated tents, pavilions, and restrooms

·     Goal of raising $150,000+ for local children's charities

Additional information about the Wendy's Chili Open can be found at www.wendyschiliopen.com . Sponsorship opportunities for both events are available and can be obtained from Dublin AM Rotary Club members.

Dublin AM Rotary offers the annual golf outing to help support an important range of area projects including Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Salvation Army, Dublin Food Pantry, Welcome Warehouse, the YWCA Family Center, as well as multiple national and international projects.  

You can learn more about Dublin AM Rotary at  www.dublinam.org.

Join us for a full day of fun, starting with the most unique golf outing in town, the Polar Bear Golf Open!

More Information

Register Now

Photos (c) by Roberta Kayne, Kayne Photography

When I was in Thailand a few years ago, I saw so many different foods that really surprised me, made me laugh, creeped me out or made me wonder.  I was looking through my photos and trying to find something to blog about, and I saw this and thought - wow, that's it.  Maybe I will do a series on food pictures from Thailand.  

So I'm wondering now – have you ever had a squid (calamari) on a stick?  Would you try one?  How adventurous are you when it comes to food? 

PS - I should clarify that these "squid on a stick" were actually warm/hot -- I just couldn't think of another name for them so squid-sicle seemed appropriate.

This is an excellent post by Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings Home Staging & Model Home Design about enabling internet predators to see whether you have children by looking at your MLS photos.  If your home is listed for sale, protect your children by taking down any photos of them or reference to their names on your walls.  Real estate agents - tell your clients to be safety conscious.