Home Front August 2015

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Leader-Telegram Magazine

Fall 2015

top tips for

Buying or Selling a home

Gadgets Aplenty tips on tools for the kitchen

10 tips for Fall

Landscaping

ways to

attract Birds to Your backyard

Equipment Rentals Landscape Equipment

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local food

Farmers Markets

Even though it is a bit late to start a garden of your own you can still enjoy garden-fresh produce from any of these local farmers markets.

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market 300 Riverfront Ter, Eau Claire WI 54701 Located in the North portion of Phoenix Park, next to the Madison Street Bridge Open: 5/2/2015 through 10/31/2015 Days & Hours: Wednesday 7:30am-1:00pm; Thursdays Noon to 5:00pm; Saturdays 7:30am - 1:00pm 715-563-2644 ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com

Eau Claire Farmers Market 3310 E. Hamilton Ave and 2717 Birch St, Eau Claire, WI Oakwood Mall Open: 6/6/2015 through 10/24/2015 Days & Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 715-497-5207 farmermarketec@gmail.com Eauclairefarmermarket.com

in season August through November apples Aug - Sept basil July - Sept beans June - Oct beets June - Oct broccoli June - Nov cabbage June - Oct carrots Aug - Nov cauliflower July - Oct cucumbers July - Oct eggplant Aug - Nov garlic Sept - Oct grapes Aug - Oct leeks Aug - Oct

lettuce June - Sept melons Aug - Sept onions Aug - Oct parsnips Oct - Nov peppers July - Sept potatoes July - Oct pumpkins Oct radishes May - Oct spinach May - Oct squash July - Oct tomatoes July - Oct turnips Aug - Nov zucchini July - Oct

Eau Claire Festival Foods Sunday Market Eau Claire WI, Festival Foods Parking Lot Open: 6/7/2015 through 10/25/2015 Days & Hours: Sunday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm 715-838-1000 kharrison@skogensfest.com

Chippewa Falls Farmers’ Market Market Lot, 53 E. Central St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 Open: 6/11/2015 through 10/15/2015 Days & Hours: Thursday Noon-6:00pm www.chippewafallsmainst.org

Chippewa Valley Technical College Farmers Market Eau Claire WI, Luther/midelfort Clinic Open: 6/15/2011 through 10/31/2011 Days & Hours: Tuesday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

HomeFront

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

3

8 Buying or

Selling

Local real estate & mortgage professionals give us some pointers on buying and selling

19

Gadgets Aplenty Tools for the kitchen

Panto Color of tne’s he Yea

Marsala 14 r

Pantone’s Color of the Year, incoporating it into your decor

24 Canning

Home Front Editor Dan.Lyksett@ecpc.com 715-830-5926 or 800-236-7077

Two processes: water bath and pressure canning

Graphic Artist Angela Rediess

32 Fall

Landscaping Tips for preparing your yard for the trials of winter

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

Sales Director Kathy.Hayden@ecpc.com 715-833-7420 Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com 715-830-5823 Next issue: November 7, 2015 Published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.

P.O. Box 570. Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570.

Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Company.

All rights reserved.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

39 Attract Birds

cover shot

to your Yard

in this issue local contributors Anthony Blake of Edina Realty on Buying & Selling PGs 8-10

Bonnie Feltz of Department of Interiors, Ltd. on Marsala PGs 14-16

local writers Michelle Harris of Charter Bank on Buying & Selling PGs 8-10

Tracy Kokke of TK Interior Designs on Marsala PGs 14-16

Patty Marten of Green Oasis Gardens on Fall Landscaping PGs 32-34

Julie Stunkel of Natural Touch Landscaping on Fall Landscaping PGs 32-34

Some contributors and writers not pictured.

HomeFront

Fall 2015

Steve Betchkal Backyard Birds PGs 39-43

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish Fall Landscaping PGs 32-34

Jocelyn Syrstad Buying & Selling PGs 8-10

Leader- Telegram

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sponsored content

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Fireplaces have been rated among the top 3 desired features of prospective home buyers in today’s market. The fireplace adds to the value of your home while also adding to the overall home appeal. Many families enjoy gathering together around the glow

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

of a flickering fire. The warmth and comfort gives family and friends an inviting atmosphere to create precious memories together.

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Homeowners whose homes have fireplaces understand that a little more maintenance goes into autumn prep work for their homes than for those homeowners without fireplaces. Readying the fireplace for another season of use requires some upkeep.

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A clean fireplace and chimney is the best defense against hazardous conditions that can cause a chimney or home fire. For those who did not clean their chimneys in the spring after extensive winter use, it is imperative to handle cleaning prior to lighting your first fire in the coming winter.

Chimney cleaning can be a do-it-yourself job. Rods and brushes can cost as much as $150, depending on where you live. That is roughly equivalent to the cost of hiring a professional chimney sweep once.

But if you have a fear of heights or prefer not to climb up on the roof to inspect the chimney, you may just want to hire a professional.

When cleaning your chimney, first place plastic sheeting in the fireplace and around the opening to the fireplace inside the home. Then climb up on the roof and remove the chimney cap inspecting the chimney for soot and creosote, which tends to be thickest at the mouth of the chimney where it will cool and stick to the inside of the masonry. Use the correct size brush for your chimney to make adequate surface contact to sweep out the debris.

Go inside and clean up the residual mess, then reach up into the chimney from the fireplace side and remove any other soot before moving into the basement (or wherever the chimney reaches the bottom) to remove any soot that has dropped from that area as well.

Cleaning a chimney is a messy task that will take some work, but it is a task that needs to be done to safeguard a home before the arrival of winter.

HomeFront

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram 7

home sales

Top tips for buying or selling a home

By Jocelyn Syrstad

For many people, buying a home is one of the biggest purchases they will make in their lifetime. It is also a decision many put a lot of time and thought into.

But for people who have never bought or sold a home before or even those with experience but still wary of the process, it’s a daunting task.

So what are the biggest pieces of advice people who work in the real estate industry have to offer to make the experience easier and more enjoyable?

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

home sales

The realtor’s perspective When coming to the decision to buy or sell a home, wisely one of the first things people do is look for a real estate agent.

For Anthony Blake, a part-time Realtor for Edina Realty who works full-time in the financial industry, the biggest key to finding a real estate agent is simply finding someone you get along with. If a homeowner can have an honest and open relationship with their agent, the more likely they are to get what they are looking for in a home.

“One of the biggest reasons I got into real estate was because I had some bad experiences with Realtors when my wife and I were looking for our home,” Blake said. “We felt pressured, our Realtor wouldn’t show up to negotiation meetings, and we felt very on our own. So I think it goes a long way for a Realtor to show their appreciation to their client. For me, I put my client’s trust in my hands. I am going to go to bat for them. But if a client doesn’t feel they mesh well with me, I understand because that is the most important thing.

You have to have that relationship with your Realtor.”

When it comes to buying a home, Blake’s biggest piece of advice is for the client to get pre-approved for a loan before looking for an agent. Deb Hanson of Century 21 agreed, saying getting pre-approved is the absolute first step to take in the buying process.

“To a Realtor, showing up and already knowing what you’re approved for shows us you’re serious to buy,” Blake said. “It also gives us that documentation on the front end to have a better idea of what you can afford and what you’re looking for. It makes the whole process much smoother.”

Blake added that knowing what you’re pre-approved for also helps you understand what you can afford in terms of a mortgage

The lender’s perspective Homeowners may know what type of home they want and what area they want to live in, but the financial aspect of buying a home – the mortgage – can still be daunting.

Just as it is important to look around for the proper real estate agent to fit a prospective homeowner’s needs, it is also important to find the best lender. The Chippewa Valley has dozens of banks that help individuals fund their homes, including Charter Bank in Eau Claire.

“When you begin to shop around for a loan program, there are a few items to take into consideration,” said Michelle Harris, marketing officer at Charter Bank. “You want to be sure that you will be able to qualify for the loan amount and take into consideration whether your income is stable or rising to accurately account for the loan amount you will be requesting from the lender.

“Since there are a variety of different terms available, be sure to think about the amount of time you plan to live in the home as this will help your lender find the right product for you.”

When it comes to financing a home, one of the biggest challenges a prospective homeowner faces is coming up with the money for a down payment. Harris said the down payment – which is a buyer’s initial investment in their home, and the larger the down payment, the more equity the owner has from the start – is “the single greatest hurdle in homeownership.”

Harris, along with the loan officers at Charter Bank, agreed that setting a budget with specific goals will help a prospective buyer save up the necessary money needed for a down payment.

“To help the savings process to reach the amount needed for your down payment,

Cont. on page 10

Cont. on page 10

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home sales Cont. from page 9

payment. A new homeowner likely doesn’t want to become “house-poor” because their mortgage payment is slightly higher than what they can afford.

Once the buyer has chosen a real estage agent, Blake highly encourages the client to bring a wishlist of what they want in a home to the first meeting. That way, the agent can be sure to look for homes in the client’s price range that also have all of the amenities they are looking for.

“Once I start bringing potential buyers to showings, the biggest thing I remind them is that unless you’re buying a brand new home, someone already lives there,” Blake said. “When you go into one of those homes, you need to look at what you would do and not how they have it set up. Their stuff isn’t going to be there when you move in. Paint can be changed. Don’t focus on their things. Try to see what your things would look like in that space.”

But what about when it comes to selling a home? What kind of steps do current homeowners need to take to get their home off the market in a timely matter?

The real estate agent will help the seller price their home correctly to make sure they are getting the best deal for their home. A seller doesn’t want to underprice their home and lose money, but they also don’t want to overprice it and have it sit on the market for months. Leave it to the experts to help determine what a home should be listed for, Blake said.

Otherwise, the biggest piece of advice agents have for sellers is to make sure their home is clean in order to make it appealing to all potential buyers.

“You won’t get the max price if you’re not showing your house in a good light,” Blake said. “We as Realtors are here to help you stage, but just keep it clean and make it look presentable. And please don’t smoke in your house when you’re trying to sell. That turns a lot of people off from your home no matter how great it is otherwise.”

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

Cont. from page 9

consider starting a savings plan with a household budget,” Harris said. “Budgets and spending plans are critical to using credit wisely and meeting financial goals. Once you see where your money is spent on a daily basis, a snapshot of your monthly expenditures comes into focus.

To be successful as a homeowner, it will be important to set aside funds in your monthly budget for home maintenance.

Also be sure to talk with other members of your family to ensure that all family members feel they are part of the plan. If everybody realizes the rewards, they may work harder to make the budget succeed and be less inclined to overspend.”

All in all, loan officers and real estate agents alike are there to make the process easier and less stressful for potential homeowners.

Whether a first-home shopper or someone looking for a new home, there are plenty of people who are there to answer questions and help people get into their dream homes.

“We represent the buyer or seller,” Blake said. “Our number one goal is to make sure we’re giving them what they want.”

Syrstad is a freelance writer based out of the La Crosse area.

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Navigating the confusing world of homeownership Article & photo provided by Indianhead Federated Library Systems.

Are you trying to buy or build the house of your dreams?

Do you own your home but need information about how to maintain its dreaminess? Or do you want to spruce up any space you call home from dorm room to apartment to 3-bedroom townhouse? Your local public library can help you find the answers to the many, many questions surrounding home ownership including buying, maintenance of the inside and out, as well as interior design.

You and your family home are important to us. The public library is a vital member of the community and wants to provide you with the programming and materials needed to help your family thrive. Check us out, and if you don’t find what you need, ask so we can serve you better.

Building a new home, buying an existing home, or redecorating your current home can be exciting, but it can involve a lot of confusing steps. Whether it’s zoning laws, finding a quality contractor or real estate agent, or finding just the right inspiration to redecorate your bedroom, your local public library has just what you need.

You may already know that your library is the place to go to find great books, but you might not know the other ways they can help you. All the libraries in this area have computers with access to the Internet plus wireless access for your own devices. The best part about the library, though, is the librarian. When you don’t know who to contact about zoning laws or which website provides reviews of local contractors, a friendly librarian will be there to help you.

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sponsored content

Thinking About Replacing Your Home’s Windows?

Many homeowners turn their attention to replacing exterior windows when their thoughts remind them of the inadequacies of their older, original windows that have had them dealing with drafts, condensation between the glass panes, arthritic sashes that no longer go up and down and casements that have become too cranky to crank open or any combination of the above.

“Replacement” or “New” Windows

By definition, replacement windows are designed to fit the existing opening and are specified when you only want to remove your old or poor-quality windows without disturbing the surrounding trim and/or frame. Depending on the manufacturer, replacement windows come in standard sizes that fit the most common-size openings, or they can be custom-ordered to fit your unique specifications. Replacement windows are a great option if your existing frame is in good condition, or when the trim is special to the design and décor of your home. Replacement windows cost roughly the same as new windows, but they require less of an investment than new windows since they are less expensive to install.

In contrast, new windows are specified if you wish to change the dimensions of the openings to accommodate completely new window styles and shapes. The appeal of new windows is that you can transform the appearance of your home, both its exterior and interior.

Again, while the actual window cost is comparable to a replacement version, the requirement of skilled carpentry for proper installation will most likely result in a larger investment to complete the overall project.

If you decided to replace those old worn out windows with new energyefficient windows, the next decision is the style or type. The four most popular types are:

Single- and Double-Hung Windows These are the most commonly installed replacement windows.

Composed of two separate frames, called “sashes,” each frame contains a glass pane. If both sashes can move up and down, the window is considered “double-hung.” With “single-hung” windows, only the bottom sash can be moved. The advantage of a double- over a singlehung window is better ventilation, which you can achieve by opening both the bottom and top sashes.

Double-hung windows are also safer for children, as you can leave the bottom safely closed and air the room solely through the top sash.

Casement Windows

These windows are typically composed of a large framed pane, are taller than they are wide, and are hinged along one side. They open by swinging door-like, controlled with a hand crank, lever, or similar mechanism. Casement windows are a preferred decor feature for many architects and designers because they can be much taller than single- or

double-hung windows, even floor-toceiling. They also admit more light and air, since they open door-like with no horizontal interruptions.

Awning Windows

Less common—at least in the Midwest—are awning windows, which are hinged at the top and are opened by tilting out from the bottom. This effectively creates an “awning” that allows you to leave them open during rain. Also, the design lends itself to better sealing against air and moisture. This style is a good choice for a location where you need to reach over an object or structure like a kitchen sink or counter.

Slider Windows

Slider windows—also known as “gliding windows”—have no springs, pulleys, or other mechanisms for opening and closing, making them a low-maintenance, cost-effective choice for residential homes. You just release a latch and slide the window open. Sliding or gliding windows offer many of the advantages of casements but open from side to side, so work well when there’s limited outside space to swing a window open. They aren’t heavy, so easily glide along the window frame, requiring very little effort, strength, or dexterity to open or close.

As a final thought, be sure the window contractor from whom you purchase your windows will also be installing them. Many manufacturers will only honor the warranties on their products if they are installed by certified window installers. You want to be sure that the window company you choose has their own installers on staff.

Article provided by Asher Lasting Exteriors. Visit their website at: www.goasher.com

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

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As homeowners, we tend to invest a lot of dollars and time on preventative measures to ensure the longevity of our home. Equally important is the practice of healthy lifestyles and behaviors to prevent situations that will affect our overall quality of life.

United Way, its volunteers and partner organizations spent considerable time identifying key issues affecting the well-being of people in our area. If we can ensure that disadvantaged children enter school ready to succeed, that struggling families have the money management and job skills to be financially stable, and that everyone has the best opportunities for health and wellbeing, we will do the most good for the most people.

One key issue we are focusing on through our Community Health Initiative is chronic disease. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services defines a chronic disease in general terms as an illness that lasts a long time, does not go away on its own, is rarely cured, and often results in disability later in life. Research shows us that chronic disease and poverty are interconnected.

The four leading causes of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases. Chronic diseases account for nearly 2 out of 3 deaths each year in this country. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that chronic disease accounts for 7 out of 10 deaths in our state.

Despite being the most common and costly of all health problems in the United States, chronic diseases can be prevented. The four primary risk factors that lead to chronic diseases are: • Lack of physical activity • Poor nutrition • Tobacco use and exposure • Excessive alcohol consumption The sixth and latest edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley has a helpful web page that provides tips and resources for you to live a healthier life.

Visit www.uwgcv.org/chi and click on the “Physical Health & Wellness” button. This is a great way to begin investing in your most important property—yourself.

Article provided by James Peters, director of marketing, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.

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By Amy Hahn

Marsala

Add Pantone’s Color of the Year Into Your Home This Fall

home decor

14

Last December the self-proclaimed authority on color — The Pantone Color Institute — named Marsala its 2015 color of the year.

Named after the city in Italy in which Marsala wine is produced, the color was choosen by Latrice Eiseman, Pantone’s executive director, because Marsala is a “subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.”

With the red-brown tone appealing to both men and women alike, Pantone predicted the color would be prevalent in everything from interior design to fashion.

Actually despite being dubbed the 2015 “Color of The Year,” Marsala is quite a timeless shade. (No doubt some of you may have touches of this color in your home already.)

Multifaceted, it brings into your home a surprisingly simple yet exciting shade compatible with many year-round color stories.

In your home

If you’re ready to go bold with paint, Marsala works beautifully as an accent wall or on the walls of an entire room in your home.

Tracy Kokke of TK Interior Designs in Chippewa Falls describes the color as sophisticated and classy. She suggests when painting an entire room in the rich shade, make sure to keep the rest of the decorating light and neutral.

“It’s about contrast,” Kokke said, “whether you decide to paint one wall or all of them, remembering contrast will better pull everything together.”

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

Marsala catches the eye of the user, and goes well in many different palettes, though Kokke prefers to keep it neutral with cooler whites and tans but also likes to see the color paired with a deep navy.

To fearlessly incorporate Marsala into your home without the commitment of painting, Bonnie Feltz of The Department of Interiors in Eau Claire suggests using it in simple accent pieces, such as candle votives, accent pillows or throw blankets to add interest in different areas of the room.

“What is great about the color is that it is very open to interpretation,” Feltz

home decor

said. “You could use it in a sun room in the form of a couch with bright teals and turquoise pillows, or tone it down with earthy neutrals for a theater room or office. It’s all about the mood you want to create.”

Experimenting with different shades and textures of Marsala is also a fun way to add interest in your decorating. Try using bricks as bookends or potting your indoor plants in terracotta pots for a simple pop of color.

When entertaining

During the fall months and holidays, Marsala happily works into the fall color aesthetic. Consider adding it into floral centerpieces with deep red flowers such as Chat Noir dahlias, Dark Angel daylilies, or Queen of the Night tulips. Any of these can be

paired with yellow or orange hued flowers to create a complementary design.

Create an autumn inspired piece by adding various shades.

Marsala also will transition perfectly into winter holiday decorating and will work paired with stark white flowers and boughs of pine. The color even lends itself to the table, blending nicely when used in placemats and napkins.

On you

When the color choice was announced Eiseman noted in an Associated Press story the versatile shade was among colors Pantone flagged as spring/summer trends for advertisement

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2015 earlier this year, as evidenced on the runways of Herve Leger

by Max Azria, Dennis Basso and Creatures of the Wind, among other designers.

The cosmetics giant Sephora planned a limited-edition collection of beauty products based on its latest pick, Eiseman said.

Marsala has been widely used in lipstick and hair color for years.

One of the color’s strengths, she said, is the ease in combining it with gray, black, beige and other neutrals. The hue isn’t a risky one, whether in a nail polish, a frock on a runway or a pattern of stripes in a men’s tie.

“It’s a color that you can mix with what you already own,” Eiseman said.

“You can add just a touch of it. That’s the intent and purpose. It is not the color that swallows the world.”

In the end, perhaps the simplest (and possibly the most enjoyable) way to add Marsala into your life is through your liquor cabinet. Coffee Grounds in Eau Claire offers a selection of dry and sweet wines from the Marsala region that will tempt any wine drinker’s palate.

Hahn is a freelance writer in Eau Claire.

Fall 2015

Check out the Chicken Marsala recipe on page 16.

Leader- Telegram

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a r m s a l n a e ck

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16 HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

Ingredients Visit our Showroom at 2309 West Cameron St., Eau Clarie, WI

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ¼ cup olive oil

Directions

• Siding • Windows • Doors Soffit • Fascia • Gutters & Gutter Helmet Decks & Railings • Patio Doors Skylights • Sun Tunnels • Retractable Awnings Sun Shades • Sun Rooms • Solariums • Pergolas

This classic Italian favorite is easy and is great during late fall months as the air starts to chill.

¼ cup butter 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ½ tsp. ground oregano ½ cup dry Marsala wine ¼ cup cream sherry Your favorite cooked pasta

1. Pound chicken breasts until flat and thin. Set aside.

2. Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano in a pie pan.

3. Melt oil and butter in a large skillet and bring to a low boil.

4. Dredge chicken until thoroughly coated through the flour mixture, shake off excess and lightly brown in skillet about 2 minutes.

5. Turn over chicken pieces and add mushrooms.

6. Cook until lightly browned.

7. Add wine and sherry.

8. Cover skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, turning chicken pieces once.

9. Serve over pasta Originally posted as Chicken Marsala on Food.com ( food.com/ recipe/chicken-marsala-8513)

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A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR IT COULDN’T BE OUR STYLE IS ALL ABOUT YOURS

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So go ahead and imagine the possibilities.

At Decorating Den Interiors, we have a pretty simple design philosophy. We think your home interior should express your tastes and support your lifestyle. And the whole process should be as easy and enjoyable as possible, whatever the cost of the project, whatever the scope of the project.

Whether the goal is a re-purposed room or a whole new interior environment for your entire house, we’ll show you attractive, affordable options, from window coverings, custom bedding, floor and wall coverings, upholstery and fine furniture to lighting and accessories.

Jan Wachewicz

Call to schedule a complimentary, in-home consultation OWNER/DECORATOR with a Decorating Den Interiors decorating professional. 715-764-1166 Visit www.decoratingden.com. jwach@decoratingden.com

Your taste. Your style. Your budget.

782004 8-15-15

A world of possibilities delivered to your door.

When Decorating Den Interiors arrives, so does the excitement of creating a space that’s uniquely your own. From the comfort of your home, our professional decorators provide expert guidance on colors, materials, textures, finishes and furniture to arrive at the perfect solution. We develop a personalized master plan to assess your needs and prioritize your projects. It’s a blueprint for transforming your home or any part of it.

Once we’ve established your budget, you can relax and know that everything we show you will fit within the budget for your project.

Change is good.

Especially when it comes this easily. We discuss your needs, listen to your ideas and work with you from design through final installation. Best of all, you can be sure your project will have a happy ending because Decorating Den Interiors executes all phases. From the free initial consultation, to product selection, to final installation, we handle every detail. We are a true end-to-end decorating service. So you can be sure your “After” will be a dream come true.

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before

Whether the goal is aof: We bring samples and knowledge re purposed room or a EASIER WE Furniture Window Treatments (including blinds & Choosing Paint Colors draperies) Furniture Placement Rugs Custom Bedding Lighting Closet systems Accessories & Art

600788_ 8-22-10

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Comfort for a lifetime.

Serving the Chippewa Valley since 1922

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Fall 2015

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sponsored content

Painting at its finest!

We share 35 plus years’ experience in everything from interior walls, exteriors, painted or stained, including fascia and soffit. We also specialize in the other stuff…epoxied concrete floors, white washed fireplaces, window glazing, faux or full finish and even wallpaper removal. We are locally owned and operated and have been from day one. We are a strong believer in hometown proud! Our mission is to provide the Chippewa Valley area with superior quality at a competitive price accompanied with unmatched customer care and service.

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We would like to discuss a couple of topics, such as the importance of a proper and well done paint job.

And, a few trends in the painting industry such as colors, woodwork, and fireplaces.

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Colors Most people know or have realized that earth tones have exploded as the colors of choice as of late. The new trend is gray. There are many shades of gray.

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

We come highly recommended by home owners, local investors and even rival paint stores such as Sherwin Williams, Hirshfields and Hallman Lindsey. Call 715563-2449 or 715-379-9616 today to book your interior projects for the winter! We strive for 100% customer satisfaction!

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Article & photos submitted by Thomas Olson Painting & ODonnells’ Custom finishes.

782096 8-15-15

kitchen tools

gadgets aplenty

By Missy Reece

“

“They are easy to clean, maintain, and kind of fun” - Ellie Jibben

Whether you are just learning your way around the kitchen or you are a Master Chef, you know that your kitchen is going to have a few gadgets. Kitchen gadgets nowadays have moved far past the basic rolling pin, and today’s gadgets come in various colors and styles.

Most of the new kitchen gadgets are aimed at convenience and trying to save time for home cooks who are often in a rush, doing everything from de-husking corn to de-pitting cherries and whatever else in between.

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kitchen tools The Web’s

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets

A tour of some of the most popular cooking websites offers a wide variety of top 10 “must-have” kitchen tools, but some items show up frequently enough to list.

1

Chef ’s knife

2

Salad spinner

3

Rice cooker and steamer

20

The arrival of new gadgets excites Ellie Jibben, an employee at The Kitchen Collection at Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire.

“We are constantly getting new things” Jibben said, adding that a new product arrives at the store every two weeks.

Cutting board Stand mixer Immersion blender

According to Jibben, everything from burger presses to egg slicers have been very popular sales at The Kitchen Collection. But according to Jibben, the most popular items are the store’s variety of silicone collapsible funnels, measuring cups and muffin pans.

“The gadgets change every month so there is always something to look forward to,” Jibben said.

Besides seasonal items, other big sellers are designed to save the most time while cooking.

An item called a chop stir, for example, is designed to chop ground meat while you cook it. “(It) takes a lot less time,” Jibben commented. advertisement

“They are easy to clean, maintain, and kind of fun,” Jibben said about the products.

Iron skillet Rice cooker Food processor Slow cooker

food processor

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

egg slicer

Jibben admits that the gadgets that are popular right now may not be in a few months. For example, seasonal items like corn huskers and strawberry hullers are big sellers in the summer months, so the store offers customers a discount if they buy what they call The Gadget of the Month. The Kitchen Collection bases what they choose as their discounted items on what is trended to sell the most that month. Previous items have included shaker bottles, vegetable peelers, ceramic knives and burger presses.

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

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kitchen tools Other time-saving items include a measuring cup you can read from above instead of having to bend over, a measuring spoon with two tablespoons as a measurement instead of one that people use for coffee, and strawberry hullers that can remove the tops of “30 strawberries in one minute.”

However, not everyone buys into every new kitchen gadget.

Sandra Adams, the head chef at The Sheeley House Saloon in Chippewa Falls, would rather stick to the basics when it comes to cooking.

“Your hands can do a lot without kitchen tools, from mashing to forming things,” Adams said. Adams’ top choices for kitchen gadgets

include everything from a food processor, a vegetable peeler, a pair of tongs, a hot pad, a tenderizing mallet and a strainer. Adams also suggests having three cutting boards instead of just one to avoid cross contamination between your red meat, vegetables and fish.

Cont. on page 23

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sponsored content

Aging gracefully Time stops for no one. All of us are faced with the reality of “getting older” and, as I author this, I am very aware that at 70 there are some limitations I did not face at 40 or 50. I have the good fortune of being quite healthy with none of the knee surgery, hip surgery, arthritis or other maladies that have encumbered many of my peers.

Nevertheless I am well aware of difficulties that come with physical limitations as I have two sons who are wheelchair bound.

The hope for many of us is that we can remain in our home for as long as possible.

It is a place we feel comfortable in and often is chock full of memories.

The biggest challenge that many boomers face as they choose to stay in their homes is accessibility and safety when bathing. Getting in and out of the old bathtub is difficult and sometimes simply impossible. There is a distinct possibility of a serious fall when entering or exiting the tub. There are some rather frightening statistics about the frequency and seriousness of bathroom falls among Boomers and older seniors. Most of us know of a relative or friend who fell and was injured and never quite recovered … life simply went downhill after the fall.

The good news is that there are simple, attractive and affordable solutions that can be accomplished in nearly every home that provide for a safer bathing experience. In just a day or two a professional contractor can remove the old bathtub and replace it with a walk-in shower or walk-in tub. A walkin shower offers easy entry and a built-in seat if you choose. The wall system within the shower is attractive and super easy to keep clean. A handheld shower offers added convenience and properly installed grab bars provide increased safety.

For the person who still prefers a bathtub the walk-in tubs offer a low entry, a secure seat, and the possibility of specially designed hydrotherapy to ease some of the aches and pains that often accompany growing older. When contrasted with the cost of assisted living facilities or, possibly, a nursing home, the investment in making an existing bathroom safer and easier to care for is a bargain.

There are a variety of DIY (do it yourself) products that can be found in the ”big box” stores. If you have the knowledge to figure out everything required to upgrade the bathroom you may be able to get it but much of it may not be of the same quality as that installed by someone who is going to guarantee their product and labor. In many cases, code requires that a licensed plumber be involved, in addition to the contractor (who should also provide credentials of a fully insured, licensed contractor). It is much better to do the job right than to do it over and that is best accomplished by working with a established contractor. Checking the contractor out on the BBB is always a wise move.

I titled this “Aging gracefully”. While it might make for hilarious You Tube videos, slipping and flipping in your bathroom is no laughing matter.

Taking measures to be safe as you bathe will allow you to (however slowly) move gracefully and safely. Ensuring a safe bathing experience is a wise investment in your home and your personal safety and, like any investment, it makes good sense to investigate thoroughly before signing up.

Article & photo submitted by Miles Wilkins, Owner, The Board Store Home Improvements, Inc. 782096 8-15-15

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“

kitchen tools

“I would suggest good quality sharp knives” - Chef Luke Johnson

Cont. from page 21

As you can tell, most of the items Adams prefers are very basic and not electronic.

For new cooks Adams admits trying to buy everything at once can get a little overwhelming, so she reminds people to start small and to think about what kind of food you are cooking before going out and buying tons of gadgets. Adams suggests if you are more likely to make burgers and fries, you are going to need different gadgets than if you are going to need if you are making pasta. It all depends on what you are cooking.

Adams, who has been in the restaurant industry for twenty years, says the two very most important kitchen gadgets that every cook must have is a set of sharp kitchen knives and some quality cookware.

Chef Luke Johnson, head chef at the Fireside Bistro in Eau Claire, agrees.

“I would suggest good quality sharp knives,” Johnson said, adding “I also suggest a variety of sauté pans and stock pots, have at least one nonstick sauté pan in good shape for cooking eggs.”

Adams and Johnson also agree that when it comes to knives and cookware, you are going to need to spend more money to get the performance you want.

“When buying knives, pots and pans, etc., don’t be afraid to spend more money on higher quality products. They will perform better, last longer and

HomeFront

cause less frustration than cheaper tools,” Johnson says.

Adams admits that although some of the new gadgets coming out are in pretty colors and made to look fancy, most of them only have one function.

Adams suggests home cooks try to stay away from the gadgets that can only be used for one thing.

“Buy tools that you will have more than one use for,” she said, mentioning that most tools in your kitchen can be used in a variety of ways. Adams notes that a pasta maker is great, but a classic tool such as a rolling pin can be used to make pie dough as well.

Johnson doesn’t pay much attention to the new kitchen gadgets either.

“I don’t concern myself with new gadgets coming onto the market as they are usually unnecessary to kitchen function. Most tasks these new gadgets are said to be able to perform can be accomplished much better with the more classic tools you already have around your kitchen.” Johnson said. “The basic traditional tools are all you need.”

So for the well-equipped kitchen, whether choosing from the fanciest new gadget to the classic kitchen tool, each home chef will be happiest if they carefully consider what bounty they want to create and how they want to create it.

Reece is a freelance writer from Eau Claire.

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kitchen basics

because we can can can!

There are 2 methods of canning – water bath and pressure canning. Both methods essentially do the same thing; drive all the air out of the jar, creating a vacuum that seals the lid in place. This prevents harmful bacteria from growing on the food, preserving it for over a year. Always follow the type of canning suggested by the canning recipe.

The simplest method is water bath canning. It is only used for high acid foods like fruits, jams, jellies, fruit spreads, salsa, pickles, relishes, sauces, condiments and sometimes tomatoes.

Vegetables that have

been made more acidic by the addition of vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid can also be canned using this method.

The low acid method of canning is pressure canning. Low acid canning covers the spectrum of vegetables, meats, soups, stews, stocks, poultry and seafood. If high and low acid foods are mixed it is considered low acid. Pressure canning is used because of the bacteria clostridium botulium, which produces toxic spores. It can not grow in highly acidic environments, which makes water bath canning safe for high-acid foods. To prevent these spores from spoiling the produce of low acid foods the whole jar must to be heated to 240° F. Water bath canning only reaches 212° F.

Water Bath & Pressure Canning Steps There are a few simple supplies needed for each type of canning.

Tested Recipe with its listed ingredients Glass Canning Jars New Canning Lids Bands (usually sold already on the jar, replacements can be purchased separately if needed) Wooden Spoon or Ladle for filling Spatula Kitchen Funnel Boiling Water Bath Canner or a large, deep saucepan with a lid and a rack. (water bath canning only) Pressure Canner with rack (Pressure canning only) Jar Lifter 9x14 Cake Pan Timer Old Bath towel

1. Read through the recipe and its instructions. Lay out your ingredients and equipment as you will need them. Check over your jars, lids and bands. Wash them in warm soapy water. Do not use jars that are chipped, cracked or uneven. Make sure the underside of the lids are not scratched, uneven or missing sealing compound. Follow all aspects of the recipe including canning method, food preparation, jar size and processing time.

3. Get your canner ready to receive the jars.

For water bath canning this means fill your canner halfway with water. Make sure your rack is placed in the canner at this time.

Put on the lid and let it simmer.

For pressure canning fill the pressure canner with 2-3 inches of water; use a little more water if your processing time is longer.

Pressure canning does not need the jars to be submerged. Place the rack into the bottom of the canner. Set the temperature to low so the water simmers but does not boil.

2. Heat your canning jars before filling them.

Put an inch or two of water in your cake pan and put it on your stove on low heat. DO NOT BOIL! This step is just to warm up the jars. Keeping the jars hot keeps them from breaking due to quick temperature change stress. Keep your lids and bands at room temperature for easy handling later.

4. Prepare your food for canning as directed by the recipe.

24 HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

5. Fill your jars right in the cake pan water bath, or remove and fill if desired. Filling jars in the cake pan water bath rather than in the canner itself prevents extra fillings from getting all over the inside of the canner. Fill to the recommendation of the recipe,

making sure to preserve the headspace suggested. Headspace is the amount of unfilled space from the top of the jar to the top of the liquid or food in the jar. Use a spatula or butter knife to release any air that might have been trapped. You may need to burp the jar 2-3 times.

6. Make sure the rim and threads of the jar are clean after filling. Place a lid onto the jar making sure the sealing compound on the underside of the lid is in contact with the rim of the jar. Hand tighten the band in place over the lid.

7. Place the jars into the canner.

For water bath canning jars can be stacked as long as there is room for 1-2 inches of water to cover the entire jar. Some racks and canners are designed to hold 2 levels of jars. Put the lid back on once the canner is full and turn up the heat. Wait for the water to reach a rolling boil, then begin

kitchen basics

Tips: For best flavor results

eat your canned produce within the year it was canned. You can write the date right onto the lid.

For the best flavor year round, canned food should be stored in a cool dry place, away from warm pipes, the furnace, or sunlight.

Never reuse lids! Reusing bands and jars is perfectly fine as long as they are not rusted or chipped.

Don’t have a Water Bath Canner? No problem! A large sauce pan with a lid will work just as well as long as there is room for 1-2 inches of water to fit over the jar.

If you don’t have a rack that fits into your saucepan one can be created by tying together some extra bands.

Lids no longer need to be preheated to seal! Due to a change in the sealing compound many tests have found that there is no difference in seal quality or quantity for simmered lids and room temperature lids. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturers direction on the box.

your timer for the appropriate processing time in your recipe. Once the time is reached turn off the heat and remove the lid. Let jars stand in the canner for at least 5 minutes to cool.

For pressure canning make sure the water level is still at 2-3 inches. Place the jars into the canner.

Lock the pressure canner lid in place securely, leaving the vent pipe open. Turn up the heat to medium high. Once there is a steady stream of steam escaping the canner allow it to vent for 10 minutes to make sure no air is left in the canner.

Close the vent using the vent pipe weight or other method described by your pressure canning manual. Adjust the heat as needed to reach the pounds of pressure recommended by the recipe.

Upon reaching the recommended pressure process the jars for the time recommended in the recipe.

Cool the pressure canner by removing it from the heat. DO NOT REMOVE THE VENT PIPE WEIGHT. Let the canner stand by itself until the pressure valve returns to zero on its own. Wait 10 minutes after the pressure reaches zero before opening

HomeFront

the canner. Remove the vent pipe weight, unlock the lid and open with the lid tilting away from yourself. Wait 10 more minutes before removing the jars.

8. Remove jars and place onto the bath towel. This helps insulate them from temperature change, which can still cause jar breakage. Leave the jars undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Do not re-tighten loose bands at this time.

9. Listen for jar lids to pop. This is a good sign as it means they are now sealed. After 24 hours press the lids to ensure they don’t flex up and down. If unsure whether a lid is sealed remove the band and try to remove the lid with your fingertips. If it does not lift off it has a good seal. If a lid has not sealed within 24 hours it can be immediately reprocessed, with a new lid, or refrigerated and used up normally. Clean jars if needed, label them, and share or store in a cool dark place.

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savory treats Prep: 20 min. Process: 10 min. Yield: 3 half-pints.

Ingredients

2 quarts water 3 cups peeled garlic cloves 12 coriander seeds 6 whole peppercorns 3 dried hot chilies, split 3 whole allspice

1 bay leaf, torn in three pieces 1½ cups white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1½ teaspoons canning salt

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.

Add garlic and boil 1 minute.

2. Meanwhile, divide coriander, peppercorns, chilies, allspice and bay leaf among three hot half-pint jars. Drain garlic and pack into jars to within ½ in. of the top.

3. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar and salt.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Carefully ladle hot liquid over garlic, leaving ½-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

4. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

spicy pickled garlic 26

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

savory treats Prep: 50 min.

Process: 10 min. + standing Yield: about 3 - ½ pints

Ingredients

4 whole garlic bulbs 1 tsp. canola oil 5 cups chopped sweet onions (1½ lb) ¼ cup butter, cubed ¾ cup cider vinegar ½ cup bottled lemon juice ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1½ tsp. ground mustard 1 tsp. salt ¾ tsp. white pepper ½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground cloves 6 cups sugar 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid fruit pectin

Directions 1. Remove papery outer skin from garlic (do not peel or separate cloves). Cut top off garlic bulbs; brush with oil. Wrap each bulb in heavy-duty foil. Bake at 425° 30-35 minutes or until softened. Cool 10-15 minutes.

2. In a Dutch oven, saute onions in butter 3040 minutes or until lightly browned. Squeeze softened garlic into pan. Stir in cider vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, ginger and cloves. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.

Gradually stir in sugar. Return to a boil for 3 minutes. Stir in pectin. Continue to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.

caramelized onion

Jam

3. Remove from heat; let stand for 3 minutes.

Skim off foam. Ladle hot mixture into three hot half-pint jars, leaving ¼-in. headspace.

Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims.

Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

4. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

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savory treats

grandma’s dill pickles

Prep: 50 min.

Process: 15 min.

Yield: 9 quarts

Ingredients 11 cups water 5 cups white vinegar 1 cup canning salt 12 pounds pickling cucumbers, quartered or halved lengthwise 9 dill sprigs or heads 18 garlic cloves 18 dried hot chilies

Directions 1. In a stockpot, bring water, vinegar and salt to a boil; boil 10 minutes. Pack cucumbers into nine hot quart jars within ½ in. of top. Place one dill head, two garlic cloves and two peppers in each jar.

2. Carefully ladle hot mixture into jars, leaving ½ in. headspace.

Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims.

Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

3. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes.

Remove jars and cool.

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savory treats

d

illy

kled asparag pic u s Prep: 30 min. Process: 20 min. Yield: 6 pints Ingredients 6 pounds fresh asparagus 3 large garlic cloves, halved 6 teaspoons dill seed 6 teaspoons mustard seed 36 whole peppercorns 2 quarts water 2½ cups white vinegar ½ cup sugar 3 tablespoons canning salt

Directions 1. Wash, drain and trim asparagus; cut into 4½-in. spears.

Discard ends or save for another use. Place asparagus in a large container; cover with ice water. In each of six 1-pint jars, place half of a garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dill seed, 1 teaspoon mustard seed and six peppercorns.

2. In a Dutch oven, bring the water, vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil. Drain asparagus; pack in jars to within ½ in. of top.

3. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot pint jars, leaving ¼-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims and adjust lids.

Process for 20 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

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savory treats

mild tomato salsa

36 medium tomatoes, peeled and quartered 4 medium green peppers, chopped 3 large onions, chopped 2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste 1¾ cups white vinegar ½ cup sugar 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

Prep: 1½ hours Process: 20 min. Yield: 10 pints.

Ingredients 1 celery rib, chopped 15 garlic cloves, minced 4 to 5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped ¼ cup canning salt ¼ to ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Editor’s Note:

Directions 1. In a large stockpot, cook tomatoes, uncovered, over medium heat 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 cups liquid. Return tomatoes to the pot.

2. Stir in green peppers, onions, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, red pepper, celery, garlic, jalapeños, canning salt, hot pepper sauce and reserved tomato liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered,1 hour, stirring frequently.

3. Ladle hot mixture into 10 hot 1-pint jars, leaving ½ in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust

30

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin.

Avoid touching your face. headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture.

Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.

4. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 20 minutes.

Remove jars and cool.

782063_8-15-15

sponsored content

New

Countertop Technology Over the years, trends in countertop surfaces have ranged from colored laminates to concrete-based material with coloring applied, plus the many different stone finishes. Today new technology has brought us a product and process to include “Imitation Stone Finishes” with Stone-Flecks.

After

Countertop refinishing in this instance is done on site with no tear-outs and minimal down time for the customer. Gary Eslinger, owner of Perma Glaze of Western, WI, has seen the Stone-Flecks product gain popularity here in the Chippewa Valley. “As people learn more about the advantages of this product and process, they use the Stone-Flecks to renovate kitchens and baths at minimal costs and inconvenience.”

Stone-Flecks forms a tough, durable finish that provides superior protection for many years as it is applied. And with multiple piece countertops with seams, the Stone-Flecks finish is designed to cover those seams and produce a one-piece top. With over 20 different eco-friendly colors, you can make any countertop come alive.

Before

Homeowners, apartment managers and hotel operators who want the “natural” look and beauty of stone finishes have carefully compared the performance of Stone-Flecks to expensive granite and stone. “Dollars and durability are the most asked questions,” states Eslinger. “Refinishing is generally half the price of replacing and as for durability, it’s a non-porous finish that is highly resistant to acids, stains and damage. Stone-Flecks retains its natural luster and is simply cleaned with soap and water. Plus, it requires no annual cleaning and sealing.”

We love the new technology involved with this process. How someone has figured out a way to suspend multiple colors inside another color then applied it to this elegant and inexpensive, lowmaintenance product is amazing.

Are bacteria and fungus lurking in your bathtub?

Don’t Replace It, Perma Glaze It!

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AFTER

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So once again, we say “Don’t replace it - Perma Glaze it!”

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You Design It, We Build It

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outdoor spaces

top 10 tips for Fall Landscaping Care

By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

Although spring and summer may be peak times for homeowners to consider their upcoming landscaping needs, fall is a season to renew best methods for optimizing your lawn, garden, trees and outdoor plants.

In fact, careful planning and a little bit of landscaping work during fall months can lead to a splendid spring. So, what should homeowners consider when fall approaches? Check out the tips below — directly from Chippewa Valley-based landscaping experts.

1. fall lawn mowing

When mowing your lawn for the last time for the year, the lawn should be cut the shortest length of the season. Depending on the weather in northwestern Wisconsin, the first part of October typically brings about this annual ritual.

“By cutting your lawn really short, it helps prevent disease—such as snow mold—and also helps prevent rodent damage that you see in the spring,” said Patty Marten, retail manager at Green Oasis Gardens in Lake Hallie. “You can also leave a light layer of glass clippings on your lawn, but you don’t want to leave large clumps.”

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

outdoor spaces

2

3

2. eliminate the leaves

To prepare your lawn for next spring, ensure leaves are removed from your yard.

“Fallen leaves can create a barrier over the lawn.

A leaf mat traps moisture, inhibits sunlight, and harbors insects and diseases that can kill patches of even the healthiest grass,” Marten said.

And, whether it is summer or fall, regular raking and mulching are the best ways to promote a healthy yard for the upcoming months.

3. prepare planting beds

The best time to prepare planting beds for winter is after a couple of hard frosts. At her home, Julie Stunkel, co-owner of The Natural Touch Landscaping in Elk Mound, uses the week before Thanksgiving as her typical fall clean-up time.

“Before cutting, I view the beds for areas that have ‘bald spots’ and may need another plant or two when spring arrives,” Stunkel said. She also takes note about what may need to be changed for the next growing season.

4

6

“It’s a great time to make notes about what you would like to add when spring arrives.”

4. trim perennials

Both Marten and Stunkel encourage homeowners to cut perennials in preparation for the winter months.

“Cutting perennials allows for more energy to go to the roots for the winter,” Marten said.

“Although perennials do not need to be cut back, it allows for a nice clean bed once the snow is gone and re-growth begins,” Stunkel said. “We typically cut perennials to three inches above ground.”

Marten does not cut tall grasses, coneflowers or black-eyed susans for the winter. “I like the winter effect that they give and it is also a great source of food for the birds,” she said.

5. consider bare root trees

If you want to add several trees to your property and save considerable costs, contact your local landscape supply company to discuss bare root trees. Many companies place an order in late fall for delivery in spring.

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Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram 33

outdoor spaces

7.

roses need special attention Roses should be cut back about onethird from the top in order to store energy within the roots. Roses should also be covered during the late fall with either bags of leaves around them or grass clippings.

“We use leaves or grass clippings instead of rose cones because if we have a February mid-thaw, a rose in a cone has a tendency to heat up, which will cause the rose to leaf out,” Marten said. Instead, if a bag of leaves or grass clipping are used and the warm-up occurs, the leaves and grass help to keep the roses cool and prevents them from leafing out.

“You can get trees for a fraction of the cost compared to those sold in containers. The trees typically arrive the last week of April, and if weather permits, you can plant them directly in the ground,” Stunkel said.

For those homeowners who have a dogs, winter can be long for pets and the lawn. To help with the yellow spots in the lawn, apply Gypsum in the late fall.

6. take care of new trees

9. irrigation pump care

If you have a new tree that is 4 inches in diameter or less, the tree should be wrapped with a tree wrap. The paper typically comes in white or brown and can be wrapped directly around the tree.

“The wrap helps protect the trees from frost cracking throughout the winter months,” Marten said.

The trees often get frost crack during the mid-winter season thaw due to the warming of the day and cooling at night. “The best time to place the wrap on is during the fall when the leaves have all fallen off the tree. The paper wrap will help protect the trees throughout the winter,” Marten said.

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8. reducing dog stains

“Gypsum helps leach out the salt that is on your lawn from the dog urine,” Marten said. In addition to eliminating the yellow spots in the yard, the gypsum also doubles as a natural fertilizer.

If a lake home has an irrigation pump, special care must be taken for removal from the lake. “A general rule of thumb is if your pump is exposed on shore and it gets below 32 degrees, it will freeze. Storing your pump in the basement is the best way to keep it from freezing during the winter,” Marten said. Homeowners should ensure they get all of the water out of each drain of the pump. In addition, consider taping the holes of the pump so no rodents use it as a home during the winter.

10. plan ahead for spring

Whether you are considering making modifications to your lawn, trees, shrubs or flower beds during spring, fall is the perfect time for planning. After you have trimmed back your current plants, assess what may be needed in the future. Take this time to sketch ideas, research the Internet for ideas and meet with your local gardening center to cultivate ideas. Although the colder weather may be on its way, the fall season provides an opportunity to prepare your property for winter, protect your existing curb appeal, and maintain your landscaping beauty for next spring.

Rothbauer-Wanish is a freelance writer who lives in Colfax.

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

grow pumpkins right at home

home grown Year after year, families make the trek to farm stands and nurseries in rural areas to purchase pumpkins. There among the vines and soil, each person is on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin to turn into pie or to carve into a gap-toothed jack-o’-lantern. But what if you only had to venture as far as your backyard for the ideal autumn pumpkin? It’s possible when you plan ahead and sow the seeds of your very own pumpkin patch.

Pumpkins are a long-season fruit that requires some advanced soil prep work and planning to ensure a bountiful crop. Pumpkins come in hundreds of varieties of all shapes and sizes. Pumpkins belong to the “cucurbita” family and come in three main categories. Cucurbita Moschata pumpkins belong to a group of mainly squashes that are usually used commercially for canned pumpkins. Cucurbita Pepo pumpkins are the ones typically carved on Halloween. Cucurbita Maxima are the giant pumpkins that show up at state fairs and other vegetable and fruit growing contests.

To begin a pumpkin patch, find an area of the yard that gets full sunlight. The soil should have a slightly acidic soil from 6.0 to 6.8 pH. Pumpkins prefer a light, rich soil that drains well. Till the soil and amend it with compost to ensure it is rich in nutrients.

Cont. on page 46

City of Eau Claire Housing Division Housing Rehabilitation Program The City of Eau Claire Housing Division is taking applications for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program is federally funded and offers loans up to $20,000. This program is for homes in need of repair, not for extensions or cosmetic renovations.

For eligibility information and application call Chris at (715) 839-8294.

The hearing impaired may contact this office by TDD at (715) 839-4943.

If there are other specialized needs due to handicap, i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, reader, please contact this office.

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“Cooling and heating equipment use more energy than any other appliance. This inevitably shows up every month on the energy bill, but it’s important to remember that energy costs can be controlled,” said Greg Mericle, of Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing.

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One step to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance checks to make sure your unit is running efficiently. Most cooling systems require very little owner maintenance. However, operating dirty cooling equipment can result in an unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the furnace.

You play a vital role in making sure your cooling system continues to operate at peak performance.

High Efficiency Cooling Equipment

If you’re in the market for a new cooling unit, consider purchasing a high efficiency model. They can help reduce your energy costs as well as conserve our natural resources. When selecting an air conditioner or heat pump, pay close attention to the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is a measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the higher the savings. The minimum SEER rating is 13.

Zoning

Zoning can drastically lower your heating costs. With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used. You won’t have to heat or cool the whole house just to make one room comfortable. Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, which are heated or cooled based on your needs, saving you money and making your occupied areas more comfortable.

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Programmable or setback thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption. These thermostats deliver maximum comfort, efficiency, and energy savings. Programmable thermostats are used to achieve the temperatures you want throughout your home. For example, if you’re going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty house.

36

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

To find out more about reducing your cooling costs, call Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing at 715-283-4422. Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing has been providing service in the Chippewa Valley area since 1959.

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What a summer this was! Leader-Telegram readers just experienced one of the wettest summers that we’ve had in years and now it’s time to get after those summer chores that have been waiting. The start of the school year is just around the corner, leaving less time for do-it-yourself projects before sports and after school activities take over your time. What jobs should be hired out? How should I budget my time?

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

wildlife haven

Top 10 ways to attract

birds to your yard

Steve Betchkal photo

By Steve Betchkal

For information about Bird City Eau Claire, visit http://goo.gl/szplFN.

HomeFront

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram 39

wildlife haven

Steve Betchkal photo

If you think landscaping simply a matter of picking what’s pretty, you’re missing a very birdy point. The wildlife that visits your yard is a dynamic, natural component of the living design, and the clever designer makes best use of the materials at hand.

Exterior decor begins from your picture window out. Everything the homeowner can see is shaped by the wildlife that graces the field of view. Creating a viable, interactive yard requires some knowledge of what birds are looking for, blended with just enough art and conservation sense. If wild birds figure into your design plan, then there’s no limit to the resources available in today’s booming bird product marketplace. Here are 10 items to consider.

1. Think threes Planning around birds involves three basic elements: food, water and shelter. Just like you, birds require all in reasonable quality and quantity to make a yard a home. While all three may already exist on your property, attention paid to these requirements will increase the chances for nesting — and aesthetic — success.

40

2. The rule of trees There is a simple rule I go by when seeking birds: Locate the habitat a bird prefers, and then find the bird. There is an unbreakable bond between each species of bird and its plant preferences, and how you plant your yard will have a direct effect on which birds will respond. If you want bobolinks and Henslow’s sparrows, plant

HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

prairie grasses, legumes and composite wildflowers. If you want Baltimore orioles, you’ll need to think tall deciduous shade trees. Northern cardinals gravitate toward thick tangles of brush.

If you plant thick windbreaks of conifers, expect common grackles. Hummingbirds respond eagerly to tube flowers like trumpet vine, hostas, salvia, bee

wildlife haven balm, columbine, penstemon and even zinnias. So think like a bird and start planning with plants.

3. The Three Little Pigs It took the porcine architects of a fairy tale three tries to get the materials right, though wolf-proofing their home was more ambitious than any birdhouse. The point is, feeders, baths and birdhouses can be attractive to the eye, sure — but should always be built with the bird in mind.

While exercising creative license, be choosy about function and materials.

Metal is cuttingedge classy, great for reflecting natural light and easy to clean, but it also heats up quickly in direct sunlight and can be a deathtrap for nesting young in summer.

Stone and concrete are impractical for housing or feeders, but good for baths and fountains.

Wood, for all its high maintenance, is a traditional — and often aesthetic — favorite. Cedar and cypress hold up to weather, even if unpainted. PVC and plastic are versatile and cheap, but derived from fossil fuel and toxic chemicals. Hmmm. Choices, choices!

4. Heart of the home Remember: When providing bird nesting opportunities,

“Garbage Out, Garbage In.” Offer birds generic housing, and you’ll get all the starlings and house sparrows you can accommodate.

Better to match housing with specific types of birds. Robins and finches prefer platform nests over cavities. Purple martins

for example, will reject a bird box if the entrance hole is too big — too easy for larger birds or even predators like snakes or squirrels to get inside.

Some of the most creative product designs show up in house designs — churches, barns, log cabins and A-frames. If the specifications are right, birds will employ houses constructed in the likenesses of dogs, people, straw hats — and even cats.

Of course, you can still do it the oldfashioned way, by building your own.

Consider leaving the bark on when constructing your own birdhouses — it offers better wear, blends into the natural surroundings and provides a nice grip for tiny chickadee feet. Plans and dimensions — as well as interesting facts about many varieties of birds — can be found at the website 50birds.com.

5. Looks good enough to eat Popular restaurants have elevated mealtime presentation to art form, and so can Steve Betchkal photo you — not only when it comes to menu, but how you like gourds or apartment style package the offering. Honestly, housing — with pretty picky birds don’t care whether a feeder compartment dimensions — and is wood or metal, colored or plain all birds are fussy about the size or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. of the entrance hole and the Appearance is for you, so knock yourself out. placement height. A house wren, Cont. on page 42

HomeFront

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram 41

wildlife haven Cont. from page 41

or less is perfect. Baths should be cleaned often, and a heating element is handy in freezing weather.

Steve Betchkal photos

Providing a convenient perch works well, as birds tend to approach situations “a step at a time.” Don’t place feeders or baths too close to low-lying bushes where lurking house cats can lie in ambush.

Birdfeeders now incorporate stained, imitation leaded and etched glass prisms. Some hummingbird feeders rival the birds for beauty. From cylindrical to gazebo, they come in shapes meant to delight the artistic appetite. As long as you keep the feeder clean (mold and bacteria can grow quickly during the warm season) and filled with tasty offerings, the birds will be satisfied.

Black oil sunflower is still the “filet mignon” of bird seed. Depending on which birds you intend to attract, safflower, nyjer thistle, striped sunflower, cracked corn, peanuts, suet and millet also are popular choices.

very sound of running water and will often luxuriate in a drip line or mister.

Bird baths may be free-standing, placed directly upon the ground and augmented with plantings or rocks, or constructed into waterfalls and built-in pools.

Keep in mind, that birds are cautious creatures; they prefer unobstructed views of their surroundings when feeding or bathing. The water depth shouldn’t be too deep — an inch

6. The draw of water Nothing — not even food — attracts birds like water, especially in climates or seasons where water may be hard to locate. Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, seem to be drawn by the

42 HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

7. Hex of hawks and house cats Predation by hawks is as natural as feathers on a bird. It’s been going on for as long as there have been predator and prey, and there’s not much that can be done about it except understand that nature is a complex cycle of give and take.

A Cooper’s hawk takes a cardinal.

The birds disperse, but then return — even the cardinals.

However, there’s nothing natural about house cats picking off birds in your yard. North American birds evolved along with hawks, and they’ve learned adaptations

wildlife haven — like migrating at night and feeding in vigilant flocks with an eye on the sky. But cats have an unfair advantage. Birds have few natural defenses against a hunter as stealthy and agile as a cat. That’s why house cats left outdoors by their owners claim the lives of millions of wild birds each year.

A property that is safe for birds does not include free-roaming cats. Birds and cats — even when declawed or wearing bells — do not mix!

8. The pain of panes The other top killer of wild birds is collisions with humanmade structures. After you’ve made birds safe from feral cats, you’ll next need to prevent window strikes. Large picture windows confuse birds into thinking they can “fly through” the reflective image.

To reduce the risk of collisions, you can close your blinds or curtains to reduce the illusion of “open space.” You also can hang strings, transparent black fiberglass screen, or polypropylene netting over the exterior of the glass. There also are adhesive films, tape, decals and UV liquid that can be applied directly to the glass to allow light in, but keep birds away. Lastly, place your feeder as close as possible to a large window. The bird, when it does take flight, will not have gained sufficient speed to hurt itself.

For more detailed information visit the websites goo. gl/7bciWT or goo.gl/NuHGpZ. 9. Easy on the sauce It seems that we are learning more each day about the negative effects of toxic

chemicals on wildlife. The current argument over neonicotinoids — or “neonids” — is a great example. Bees and birds are easily harmed by concentrations of pesticides and herbicides.

It really is common sense: if what you spray on your lawn or farm kills bugs or weeds or moles, it also affects birds. It’s probably not so good for you and the neighbor kids either.

10. Keep counting Yes, I know. Keeping a bird list for your property doesn’t attract birds to your yard, but it may well keep them there. It’s a fact that people who know about birds care about birds.

When you’ve gone through all the work of planting for, housing and feeding birds you’ve made not only a financial commitment, but an emotional and psychological investment.

Betchkal is a freelance writer based in Eau Claire.

Birds are beautiful, fascinating, and well worth the trouble of hosting. Keep an identification guide on a coffee table beside the window. Learn about birds.

Talk them up to your family and neighbors. That will make your neighborhood — and your community — more birdfriendly.

Whatever you do, always remember that nothing beautifies your property like living birds. The multidimensional additions of color, behavior and song increase the natural attractiveness — and value — of any property. The challenge is to get these “breathing decorations” to stop by long enough to call your home theirs.

HomeFront

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Cont. from page 35

Subsidized Housing — One-Bedroom Apartments

Pumpkins can be started indoors from seeds during the early spring. However, if you plan to put seedlings into the ground, be sure to do so when the first frost is over and the soil is 60 F. The temperature during the day should average 70 F. Be sure to space pumpkins far apart from one another and dig them in deep. Leave at least a few feet of space because vines can grow quite long and pumpkins can get large.

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Pumpkins are mostly water and need a lot to grow, so test the soil’s moisture levels every day. Only add water when it is needed. Deep but infrequent watering results in healthier plants. Keep water off of the leaves, and water the pumpkins in the morning instead of late in the evening. This can prevent the onset of fungal diseases. It is also adviseable to plant sunflowers next to pumpkins to attract the pests that may normally thrive on the pumpkins. Beetles, aphids and squash bugs are common and can damage the crop.

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When the shell of the pumpkin has hardened and is no longer easily dented, it is usually ready for harvesting. The vine also may begin to thin and whither. If a pumpkin is large but not quite ready, place boards under the pumpkin to keep it from rotting on the ground.

Cut stems on the long side, and never carry around the pumpkin by the stem. It can break and cause the pumpkin to rot prematurely. Reduce watering a week to 10 days before harvesting, which will help them keep longer.

Transform your tired summer porch pots into festive fall colors.

Huge Selection of Mums, Kale, Grasses and Fall Annuals.

While visiting pumpkin farms is an enjoyable autumn activity, homeowners can plant their own pumpkins and enjoy their harvests right from the comforts of their backyards.

U PCOMING C LASSES

SEPT. 6TH & 15TH FALL MUM PORCH POTS SEPT. 23RD DESIGN YOUR OWN SUCCULENT INDOOR CONTAINER SEPT. 26TH MINIATURE FAIRY GARDEN

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HomeFront Fall 2015 Leader- Telegram

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Maintenance & Safety Inspection Oil Furnace: $134.95 Call to schedule your appointment today!

Payment is due at time of service. Price is for Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls & Altoona, additional charge for areas further out. Offer expires 12-31-15.

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HomeFront

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram 47

Get a mortgage minus the worry.

With a free pre-approval and $250 off closing costs.* Whether you’re looking to own your first home, buy a new home, build your dream home or refinance, an AnchorBank lender can help make it happen. Our lenders offer you a full circle of loan options, 24/7 tools and support to help you figure out what you can afford. You’ll always have the help you need to stay worry-free.

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*Coupon code 3215 must be presented at time of application to receive $250 off closing costs on any new AnchorBank residential first mortgage. Property must be owneroccupied. Refinances of existing AnchorBank mortgages do not qualify. Not valid with any other offers. Not valid on Refinance Express. To receive the $250 off closing cost you must have an AnchorBank checking account with direct deposit and auto-pay for the loan. This offer expires 8/31/15. ©2015 AnchorBank, fsb. AnchorBank is a service mark of Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin Inc.

Visit our New Showroom at 3445 Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire, WI www.johnsonmonument.com 768050_8-15-15