Home Show 2011
To the Extreme
Inside the Heritage Homes Makeover Build
Gardening Grow Your Own Citrus Tree Ask The Expert Flood Insurance 101 Home & Garden Show Celebrates 50 Years
Publisher
Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC
Weekend Warriors Unite
Content Manager Sarah McCurdy
Copy Editor Nancy Koetz
Lead Designer Dan Nisbet
Design & Layout Mike Biewer Jamie Farmen
Contributors Steve Aune Lisa Green Mark Knutson Dan Nisbet Karla Tetreault Rat
Photographers Jon Forness Ann Arbor Miller Ben Nash
Cover Photography Jon Forness
Advertising Information Randy Dailey-Ruddy Phone: 701.566.4401
Mail Correspondence Outdoor Design 301 Sheyenne St. West Fargo, ND 58078
info@outdoordesignandliving.com
outdoordesignandliving.com Outdoor Design and Living Guide is published quarterly by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Total printing is 15,000 copies per issue, and the publication is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission by Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC does not necessarily agree with or endorse content of articles or advertising presented. For advertising information, contact Outdoor Design & Publishing, LLC.
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We have been planning this issue for months and we’re thrilled that you have a copy in your hands. The Red River Valley Home & Garden show has been helping consumers and homeowners since 1962. We know what it’s like to cross items off of a “honey-do” list or buy all the materials for that weekend project. We hope you soak in all of the ideas and inspiration of this year’s show and we hope that our publication will serve as inspiration as well. This special issue kicks off our move to five issues a year. Watch for more content, more ideas and more inspiration. In this issue we highlight the details of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build in Moorhead. Heritage Homes built a beautiful home and we are happy to show you the inside and also show you the beautiful landscaping. We hope that you find design techniques that you can use at home. Also in this issue, jump-start your running plan to get trained and toned for the upcoming Fargo Marathon. Get to know marathon director, Mark Knutson and learn what motivates him. Learn how to grow citrus trees right in your own home and get a recipe for stuffed meatballs from Y94’s Rat. We are pleased to announce the addition of subscriptions. Never miss our inspirational ideas and tips or another Do-It-Yourself. Subscribe today by sending in the subscription card found in this issue. Your Weekend Warriors,
Todd and Darcy Fuchs Publishers, Outdoor Design and Living Guide
Home Show 2011 6–11
To the Extreme Inside the Heritage Homes Makeover Build
12–15 Just Start Running! 16–17 Grow Your Own Citrus Tree 18–19 Rat’s Recipes 20–21 Inspiration Guide
22–25 Ask the Expert Flood Insurance 101 26–27 Being Eco Chic 28–31 Igniting an Outdoor Passion 32–37 Better With Time 38
What’s Happening
Home Show 2011 5
All photos by Jon Forness
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To the Extreme Inside the Heritage Homes Makeover Build
T
yrone Leslie leans back in his leather office chair, hands folded neatly across the buttons of his shirt and leg comfortably crossed with his ankle on his knee. The co-owner of Heritage Homes reflects on the rollercoaster ride of 2010, when ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition tapped his company for a third build and searched for a deserving family in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He can’t say enough about the great crew of people at his company, and he says the benefits of being in the building industry far outweigh the challenges. Sure there are rough days, but the self-proclaimed optimist says thinking negatively doesn’t get him anywhere.
“That’s why I keep this photo right here,” he nearly jumps out of his chair as he slips a 4x6 photograph out from under the glass on top of his desk. It’s a photo of the Grommesh family, the recipients of the Extreme Makeover home. “All I’ve got to do is look at that photo and it keeps me moving forward,” Leslie says. Leslie and his team built a beautiful 5,200-square-foot home, with the help of 5,500 volunteers, including 300 trades volunteers. With the family settled in at home and the show having aired to millions in January, it’s time to learn about the work that was done so secretly.
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Q&A with Tyrone Leslie, Heritage Homes President and Eric Smith, Heritage Homes Architect on Record and Project Manager on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s Moorhead build.
ODLG
Tell us about the design of the home and what role you had in it.
Eric Smith
We tried to incorporate a Prairie/ Craftsman style to the home. We wanted it to be contemporary and traditional at the same time. We had to work around making the house wheelchair accessible, which meant wider hallways, bigger doors, open spaces, hard surface floors and an elevator. I had a lot to do with the
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shape and structure and layout of the home and Extreme did a lot with the color and some material choices.
Tyrone Leslie
Once we understood the family’s needs, we wanted the house to accommodate their lifestyle—we didn’t want them to have to change for the house. Its Craftsman style means larger overhangs, teared columns, porches, exaggerated trim around the windows—it gives it that country look.
ODLG
Tyrone Leslie
What special considerations were made for the family? Garret [Grommesh] has certain requirements to be able to freely move around the house. We added an elevator. We thought a rambler would be the best move, but the lot wasn’t big enough so an elevator was the best option. Their previous home was a rambler, but it required Garret to crawl down the stairs. Now he has full access to his home. It accommodates ADA very well without showing it.
ODLG
Eric Smith
What was it like to work on this project? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something on this scale. I feel like I design homes for people every day and change lives for the better, but nothing at this magnitude. The amount of people involved and coordination needed and the overall feeling of the volunteers and donations is just something that you can’t possibly imagine. Home Show 2011 9
ODLG
Eric Smith
Tell us about the landscaping and outdoor design of the home. We wanted to make sure that the house looked amazing but also still fit in the neighborhood. We wanted it to be “extreme” without overtaking everything around it. We also had some space limitations so we wanted to work with the landscaping to make it look very nice without making it too crowded. We put up a fence in the back yard for privacy for the pool and also as a barrier to the busier street. It also helps keep the family dog safe. We made sure everything was wheelchair ready and made a nice patio space with
room for a table perfect for family gatherings.
ODLG
Tyrone Leslie
What’s the best part of being part of this build? We just changed their lives forever. It had its challenges, but the benefits outweighed those. We have a great crew of people – it’s a team that’s equally as passionate about providing the product that we do. You can’t fake it – these people aren’t just here for a paycheck, they’re here because they love what they do. It continues to reassure us that there is more good than there is bad. When you see projects like this where people engage selflessly and give their time from their families and their work it’s such a rewarding thing—it’s an amazing thing—reassures you of humanity and this incredible community in which we live that can’t be replaced.
This community and people are selfless. This gives us positive national exposure. Everyone hears about the flood, how we rallied and went out and fought. It’s the same thing with this type of project.
ODLG
What was it like to see the finished product?
Eric Smith
It was amazing to watch the whole process and the house going up right in front of you. In only a few hours the house would change dramatically. The finished product was even better than what I had even imagined as I drew it up and even looked better than the 3-D renderings that I had done. It was nice to see what a few thousand people and seven days could really accomplish. I was impressed.
ODLG
What tips do you have for people trying to achieve the same type of look and atmosphere inside and out?
Eric Smith
We took advantage of open spaces and good flow inside and added a lot of exterior character with the covered porches and beam details in the upper soffit outside. Having a very nice window package really complimented the house nicely too.
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Just Start Running! By Dan Nisbet
I remember the day I decided to take up running. I had just joined a gym for the first time and had no clue where to start. After glancing across the entire room, my eye hit the treadmills. It had probably been a good five years since I last ran, but I figured it was the one exercise I could do and not look like an idiot. Fast-forward six months to the Fargo Marathon, I ran the 5k race and the hard work from that first night came full circle. I was hooked.
Shoes
Clothing When it comes to clothing, find comfortable, breathable clothing. I personally use mesh shorts and a polyester shirt. I use polyester because it keeps dry and prevents my skin from being irritated while I run. Cotton is a huge no-no in this area because of its inability to dry as quickly, leaving your skin irritated and uncomfortable.
ABC Seamless
While training for the 5k wasn’t easy, getting the gear to start running was simple. By far, one of the most important things any new runner should invest in is shoes. Your feet hit the ground approximately 1,500 to 2,000 times every mile you run and a poorly constructed pair of shoes won’t be forgiving. Find a running store and a staff member to help you pick out a pair. Every running store I’ve been in often has a treadmill or track that you can actually do a test run and have your stride analyzed to get the best fit for you. Expect to pay around $100 for your first pair, but keep in mind your feet will thank you later.
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Gadgets Most people I’ve seen run keep a variety of gadgets on them as they run. Personally I think runners can ditch most of them. For those of us who at least need some form of motivation though, a simple MP3 player usually does the trick. Just make sure to use it safely when you’re running to avoid accidents or injuries with other people or vehicles.
Taking the First Step For most of us, getting through that first mile is the most difficult part when we start to run. Luckily, there’s just a plan for the beginner called “The Couch to 5k Running Plan” that can be found at www.c25k.com. This running plan does exactly what the name
implies: getting you off the couch and easily into your first mile. The program takes you through nine weeks of walking and running and helps prepare you for your first 5k race. I’ve heard many good stories from friends and other runners and personally vouch for the program myself. While a mile may seem like a long distance to the non-runner, it helps break it down to a point that makes a mile feel like nothing. As you start to get yourself hooked on running, you might want to consider finding other runners and places to run. A great place to start would be the Lake Agassiz Pacers- a local running group. It’s affordable ($12 for an individual membership and $20 for a family) and gives you access to a variety of
races throughout the region. More information on LAP can be found at www.lakeagassizpacers.com. You can also find weekly running groups at Dick Beardsley Running Co. and Beyond Running. Group running is a great motivational tool to help keep you on track with your plan while getting to know other runners in the community. However you approach it, there’s always one thing to keep in mind about running: make it fun. Oprah seems to have said it best: “Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.”
Catching Up with Mark Knutson
How I started running…
Fargo Marathon director Mark Knutson operates one of the hottest events in the country, which is approaching its 7th event after registering more than 20,000 people for year #6. This year runners can Rock in Fargo and Run in Fargo with bands at every milepost and a post race concert blast during marathon weekend, May 19-21.
I actually disliked running when I was younger because it was always about being the fastest—which I never was! I used to run a couple of miles a day to stay in shape for high school basketball, but that was it. A couple of years after college, I bumped into a high school classmate who had run Grandma’s Marathon. I was intrigued and a little jealous, so I signed up for the 1997 Grandma’s Marathon. It was the first road race I ever ran. I finished in a dehydrated state and as I sat in the medical tent, I swore I’d never run another marathon in my life. The next day, I decided against that idea and that started my journey.
Why I continue running…
It’s my escape. I always run in the morning, and it has just become my routine for getting ready to take on the day. Burning 1,000 calories a day doesn’t hurt the waistline either!
case studies • blog writing • news releases • copywriting • web videos/testimonials • resumes • cover letters • brochure writing • television/radio commercial script writing • internship program development • and more storycatcher • writer • video producer
Favorite place to run...
Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo—I have found great routes in each of these fine cities. Minneapolis’ Lake Calhoun/ Harriet is some of the best running too… beautiful!
Proudest moment…
Proposing to my wife at the finish line of the 2010 Fargo Marathon!
If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be…
Stop trying to do too much and enjoy what you have today!
My favorite place to relax… Anywhere around water...lakes, ocean...I love the water!
My favorite thing about Fargo…
The AWESOME people who live here! I’ve been fortunate to travel quite a bit in the last 10 years, but there are no better people than the ones who call this place home.
My favorite season…
Summer! I do not like the cold at all... and I love the long summer days. Running at 5:30AM with sunrise— that is the best!
Personal philosophy… Persevere!
Most prized possession… My Bible
Running routine…
I run early in the morning, and I am happy if I can get in 5 days a week. It seems to get harder the older I get, so my “snooze” button seems to be fairly worn out these days! Otherwise, it’s pretty basic… get up… brush teeth, dress, stretch, run, stretch, eat, kids, work.
The last time I laughed outloud…
This morning… driving the kids to school!
My parents taught me...
Work hard, live within your means, love your family and believe in God.
I lose sleep over…
The weeks leading up to the Fargo Marathon. It’s a crazy time and I always worry about things that can go wrong with the event. Weather seems to be my biggest worry.
The most fun I’ve ever had… Getting married to my wife, Sue. She’s the best thing that has ever happened to me!
Success means…
Helping those in need without wanting anything in return.
Biggest pet peeve…
Waiting for anything… I’m fairly impatient!
Best food to fuel up on…
Clif Bars! They are like a whole other food group for me! Home Show 2011 15
Grow Your Own Citrus Trees This time of year the forecasts of cold and blustery weather remind us that we live quite far from a tropical climate. But even in North Dakota and Minnesota, you can have your own slice of the tropics, with a little knowhow and some work. Citrus plants, including oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits, can be grown at home by those looking for an adventurous experiment.
Growing Citrus in Containers In our area, citrus plants can be grown in containers that can be outdoors in the summer and be moved indoors for the season at the first warning of frost. Many people leave the plants indoors year round and choose a dwarf variety, which reaches 6 feet in height, rather than the 10-12 feet of a regular variety. Experts recommend you move the potted tree to a location in the warmest, sunniest part of the house, and water it well. These trees need more acidic water than what is available from our taps, says Tom Steele, growing manager at Shotwell Floral. He recommends using rain or snow water and using Miracle-Gro Acid Formula plant food.
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Citrus trees will take as much sun as they can get, they like humidity and temperatures of 65 or warmer. They require a rich, fast-draining soil. Experts recommend keeping the soil moist, but not wet at all times. “Depending on where people have them, they can do very well,” Steele says. Steele sells quite a few of the trees, which vary in price depending upon the season, but usually are available for under $100 each. He orders about five different varieties from California – usually the dwarf varieties – and each tree arrives in a four gallon pot, with a height of 4-5 feet. Steele has many customers who keep their citrus trees in sunrooms or near their indoor swimming pools or spas, since the trees crave sun and humidity.
The Good with the Bad “You will get fruit – Mother Nature has that all planned out,” says Ryan Hoss, horticulturist and landscape designer at Baker Garden and Gift. But the trees that take time to mature are also constantly shedding leaves. They are prone to spider mites and other insects, which can be taken care of using spray. Additional care includes pruning as the plants grow. “It’s something fun and different,” Hoss says. “They have wonderfully smelling flowers that bloom periodically, which is nice.” Hoss says if you want to try growing your own, plant a seed and have some patience. If you’re just quirky enough and you like experiments, give it a try. It also could be a fun project for your family to tackle.
Five-Point Critical Inspections Is your deck safe?
By Todd Funfar
#1: Ledger Attachment - Look at the ledger board for lags. This board is one of the most important boards on a deck. You should see two lags with washers every 16”, 19.2”, or 24” on center. If it is nailed, it is only a matter of time before it falls off. Do NOT walk on the deck or go below it. House floor joists can be 16”, 19.2”, or 24” on center. Lags need to hit into the house floor joists. Just because you see a lot of lags doesn’t mean that they hit something solid. #2: Joist to Ledger - Make sure all joists have a joist hanger on them. Joist hangers hold the joist to the ledger board or rim joist. If you don’t see joist hangers, you should not use your deck. Every nail hole should be filled with special joist hanger nails, which are thicker, stronger, and have more shear strength than other nails. Screws can’t be used in hangers unless they are approved joist hanger screws. All outdoor connectors, hangers, bolts, lags, nails, and screws in contact with treated lumber should be hot dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or triple coated zinc polymer steel. When using stainless steel connectors, you must also use stainless steel fasteners. #3: Beam to Post - Connections (check for bolts) should always be bolted with a minimum of two in each post, or four if there is a splice. Carriage bolts should be ½” in diameter. Never use nails or screws. You can also use special heavy-duty post brackets that are made for this. #4: Bracing - If your deck shakes, wobbles, or sways, it probably doesn’t have cross braces on the posts or under the joists. For appearance and strength, use 2x4s flat underneath (bottom side) the floor joists. They should go from the ledger board to the rim joist or beam. Use a cross bracing with two nails or screws per joist. #5: Railing Post to Deck - Loose, rickety, wobbly railing. If your railing has 4x4 posts, each post should have a minimum of two carriage bolts. The post must be fastened to the rim joist, and tied back into the joist framing. 4x4 posts should never be notched. Over notching or improper notching are frequent problems. Sometimes notches are cut too deep and the remaining wood is drilled out for bolts, leaving posts that wobble easily. Someone leaning on the guardrail can cause the post to suddenly break in half where it is notched.
When it comes to meatballs, everyone uses different flavors. There is a reason why no one can make your grandmother’s meatballs exactly the way she does - just imagine the time and experimentation it took. That is why my recipe is always changing. I
thought, why not take a classic comfort and give it a twist? I thought it would be cool to combine two of my favorite things – cheese curds and meat – into one amazing meatball? Earlier that week I committed to bringing an appetizer
to a party. I knew it was a risk to try something new, but I did it anyway. I call them “Me-Cheeseballs.” (Get it? Meat + cheese balls = MeCheeseballs). Oh and they were a hit at the party.
fresh cracked black pepper and sea salt) • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 2 Tablespoons A1 Steak Sauce
• • • • •
Me-Cheeseballs • • • • •
1lb ground beef 1lb ground lamb* ½ white onion 2 cloves garlic 2 Teaspoons pepper/salt (preferably
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2 Tablespoons barbeque sauce 1 egg ½ cup Pankow breadcrumbs ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 1 bag cheese curds
Weather Corner
with Meteorologist Lisa Green of Valley News Live
This is my least favorite time of the year. It’s the time when winter has gotten old (especially this year) and spring is a vision on the horizon that we can’t quite seem to reach. I find myself focusing on the small signs. The National Weather Service Daily Climate Summary is my friend. Every day my eyes seek out the record high temperature; knowing just how warm we can get and watching those numbers steadily climb is a comfort to this weather geek. There are some positives about the slow crawl out of winter in the Upper Midwest. We become grateful for the little things. We don’t take a single degree above zero for granted. And 30 degrees Fahrenheit becomes a heat wave when some pull the shorts out of the closet. The days are getting longer. As the sun continues its steady climb higher in the sky, we enjoy how much
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Finely chop the onion and garlic and put into large mixing bowl. Combine with ground beef and lamb. Also combine salt, pepper, Worchester sauce, A1, your favorite barbeque sauce, egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Mix using your hands until all ingredients are combined (If mixture is still too wet just add in more bread crumbs). Cut cheese curds into appropriate size to make up the center of the meatball. Using your hands, form the meatball around the cheese curd into about golf ball size. Place meatballs into a large baking dish, or use a muffin pan, and bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through. If you want extra color you can sear them on the stovetop before baking. *Lamb can be replaced by any type of sausage.
Rat is a personality on the Y94 Morning Playhouse, 93.7FM. You can listen to him weekday mornings from 6 a.m.-9 a.m. In his few moments of spare time, Rat enjoys making home improvements, along with cooking and adapting recipes.
warmer it feels on our skin, even if it’s barely noticeable. And as yet another spring flood seems imminent for those of us on the Red River and its tributaries, winter’s tendency to not want to let go is a good thing. A gradual climb into spring is exactly what we need to slowly melt the snow mountains that piled up over the winter. Ideally, we’d have sunny days just above freezing and dry sub-freezing nights. Every little bit helps. And we’re going to need a lot of help this season. So, as much as it pains me to say this, I am thankful for the sluggish march we are on, and I hope it takes a while to reach 70 degrees. Ooohh…that hurt.
A man watches the Red River from 4th Street during the Flood of ’09. Photo submitted by Lisa Green.
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Want to be part of the Inspiration Guide? Send your photos to info@OutdoorDesignandLiving.com
Photography by Ann Arbor Miller Designs by Ami Baxter, Fire Fly Designs
Ask the Expert
Flood Insurance By Steve Aune
101
According to the National Weather Service, Fargo-Moorhead has more than a 50% chance of major flooding. Of course, this number could change as we get closer to flood season, but it’s important to be prepared.
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Does your home/renters insurance cover for flood damage? The quick answer is no - flooding is normally excluded from home/renters insurance. You will want a stand-alone flood insurance policy that is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA is updating the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Cass and Clay counties, this could change things for you, depending on where you are on the map.
What Does This Mean for You? Here is a summary of what Flood Insurance is:
Flood definition:
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is the policyholder’s property) from: • Overflow of inland or tidal waters; or • Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; or • Mudflow; or • Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.
Please re-read the definition of a flood. It covers far more than a river flooding over land. You need a competent professional to know how to explain this to you, as your home insurance policy may not cover you for rapid accumulation of water.
Types of Flood Zones: • A/V - high risk flood zone • B, C, or X, - Low Risk Flood Zone
Types of Policies: • PRP - Preferred Risk Policy, low risk zone and never flooded • Standard Low Risk Policy • High Risk Policy
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Effective Date: A policy must be in place at least 30 days before it is effective and will pay a claim if needed. So, if you look at a date of March 31st, back that up 30 days and you should have a policy written with premium paid by March 1. I would suggest having one even earlier, to be more conservative.
Payments: If you are not currently in Flood Zone A (high risk), and currently not required by your lender to carry flood insurance, then you cannot escrow the premium. You must pay the full year premium at time of application. You can pay by check, debit card or credit card.
Grandfathering: If you are not currently in a Flood Zone A, then you may qualify for a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP). This means that your property is not in a current high-risk flood zone (A), and you have not had a flood claim or multiple preventative claims, then you should qualify for a PRP policy. However, this is not always the case. Make sure your agent checks for qualification before you assume what your premium will be. If you do qualify for a PRP policy and
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you are rezoned into an “A” zone (high risk), then you will be grandfathered in at a low risk rate class as long as you have the PRP policy in force and paid at least 30 days prior to the rezoning adoption date. It will not protect the PRP premium, however you will not pay high-risk premiums at renewal, you will be in a low risk rate class. If you are building new construction or are having issues with a high risk property, contact me and I will do my very best to get you favorable results. When building, start with us first!
Transfer of ownership: If you do not have a mortgage and you are not required to carry flood insurance and you will or may be rezoned into an “A” zone (high risk) flood zone, it may be in your best interest to have a flood policy in force to protect your premiums if you ever plan to sell your home. The flood policy can be transferred to the buyer of your home and that could help the sale of the property.
Coverage Options: Flood insurance covers both homes and businesses. With residential coverage you can get up to $250,000 of insurance to protect your home and up to $100,000 to protect its contents. With commercial coverage, you can get up to
$500,000 of insurance to protect your building and up to $500,000 to protect its contents. Additional coverage is available.
Basements: The NFIP defines a basement as any area of a building with a floor that is below the natural ground level on all sides; otherwise, it is considered the first floor. The best thing to do if you are concerned about flooding is to consult with a competent insurance agent that has been certified by FEMA. For a small annual premium, you can have piece of mind as the spring thaw is right around the corner. Steve Aune is an insurance agent with Country Financial, based in Fargo. He has nearly a decade of experience dealing with many different types of insurance and can be found online at www.steveaune.com.
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Being
Eco Chic
On a snowy and blustery morning, the bell rings at the front door of Eco Chic, welcoming a customer in from the cold. A man walks in and stomps the snow off of his shoes, explaining that he stumbled upon the store by accident while visiting from Detroit Lakes.
While taking advantage of the store find, he looks around, admiring displays and spends 20 minutes visiting about all things green with Leanne Sucrow, Eco Chic co-owner. After he leaves, Sucrow smiles, “It’s about meeting new people, I love the education part of the store. We learn from the customers and they learn from us.” The store grew out of conversations between Sucrow and Bosak during morning walks around their neighborhood. Sucrow had recently become a mom and avid label reader and found that other moms were on the hunt for more natural products as well. “I was not only responsible for me, but for a little being,” Sucrow says. “It makes you reevaluate life.” Furniture, including tables, chairs and ottomans, has been reclaimed from thrift stores, rummage sales and sometimes, even dumpsters. Once Sucrow, a designer, gets a hold of them, they get sanded, painted or reupholstered. It’s where the “being green” model starts in the store that caters to baby, mom, home and pets with items such as cloth diapers, lotion, shampoo, kitchen accessories and a pet section. 26 Outdoor Design
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Maria Bosak, Eco Chic co-owner, says being “green” means improving the health of people, which in turn affects the planet. Bosak and Sucrow research the products they carry in the store, but also the companies that produce them. The owners support companies that believe in less manufacturing and less waste lead, which leads to smaller packages that cut down on emissions while shipping. They research what companies are doing behind the scenes.
“Green advertising is deceiving,” Bosak says. “Do your research and dig deep - prove that a product is green. Don’t just trust a company that says it has green products.” Eco Chic also promotes locally made products, which must be handmade, one of a kind, and fit under the green model. Bosak says consumers need to buy with awareness. She recommends disposing of harmful cleaners and toys with possible lead paint – but she says not to get rid of all of your clothing just to buy bamboo clothing and micro fiber towels. Start at home, if you have something, you won’t need to buy it. But the next time you need a new cutting board or kitchen bowl, try to be eco friendly in your purchase. “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to change everything at once,” Bosak says. “Change one thing today.” The store carries gift items from toys to jewelry and bamboo clothing, but having opened in June 2010, one of its popular items became sunscreen. “I can’t stress enough that our bodies are sponges,” Sucrow says. “Whatever you put on your skin is going to be absorbed and it’s going to go into your bloodstream.” Compost bins are another popular store item; they can sit outside your home in one location, but are moveable. A compost bin is a way to keep food waste out of landfills and it creates nutrient rich soil for gardens. The owners plan to add more outdoor inventory for spring, including gardening items, pest and weed control (which are nontoxic for humans and pets), eco friendly outdoor dinnerware, and bug spray made with essential oils. “A lot of people who want better choices are doing their research, there are a lot of label readers out there,” Sucrow says. “It’s all about education.”
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Members of PENS out on the trail. — Submitted Photo
by Karla Tetreault
At the onset of winter, there are two types of people. There are those who dread the coming months, bracing themselves for the inevitable hours of shoveling, wearing the same heavy boots day after day, and the daily near-death experiences of cars skidding on the ice. 28 Outdoor Design
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Then, there are those that see each falling snowflake as an opportunity; a forbearing of the stillness and quiet of the coming months, the hushed whiteness that blankets every exposed surface, and, for a select group of Fargo-Moorhead residents, the opportunity to continue spreading the joy of their cherished sport to the rest of the community. Prairie’s Edge Nordic Skiers (PENS) officially became a nonprofit in Feb. 2007, but its members had been distributing informal newsletters about cross-country skiing since 2004. Like most local sports clubs, it started with a small group of enthusiasts (three, to be exact) and
Photo of the first Clara Barton after school ski program participants last year. —Submitted Photo
grew as its members branched out and met up with other aficionados in the community. Unlike many associations of its kind, its group of core members is still small after four years, but its influence is not. While PENS’ goals of bringing skiers together and promoting the sport may sound modest, in the past two years the group has acted toward them in some big ways. This winter they used several years worth of membership dues to purchase two new pieces of trail grooming equipment (totaling around $1,200) and snapped 60 thirdthrough fifth-graders into skis during their second year of teaching after-school cross-country skiing lessons to students at Clara Barton Elementary School. According to PENS Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Smith, the group is satisfied with the direction in which it is heading. Home Show 2011 29
PENS members grabbing a bite and some rest before heading back out on the trails at a club outing. —Submitted Photo
two more ski instructors, and a whole new lesson structure before the bundled up
“It’s not that we have a ton of meetings or a ton of people, but it draws the support of individual skiers who want to maintain, improve and enhance cross-country skiing in the Fargo-Moorhead area,” Smith says. The elementary school program is one way that PENS is spreading this message quickly. It started when Kelly Sassi, an Assistant Professor of English and English Education at NDSU, approached the organization with the idea to start an after-school program at the Fargo school her two sons attended. They agreed to come on board with the project and present it to school administrators. Once it was approved, PENS gathered together enough equipment and ski instructors for twenty students (a number that they humbly expected to gather, if they were lucky). Three days before the classes were scheduled to begin, however, those involved with the project received some surprising news: more than 60 students had signed up for the classes. Although they were especially excited by all of the interest, the PENS members quickly found themselves overtaken with a new feeling—panic. Smith looks back on the following 72 hours as being filled with gathering together forty additional sets of equipment, 30 Outdoor Design
Living Guide
rookies arrived on their first day. All of the hard work crammed into these three days paid off for the organization. Especially once the students were strapped into their skis. “I’ll tell you what,” Smith exclaims, “those kids would fall down, but then they’d bounce right up again. It was so fun to watch them!” According to the way the program filled to capacity for its second year in session, the students enjoyed the sport just as much. “There is a demand,” says PENS Vice President Greg Haugen, noting that there are more schools in the area that want to add cross-country skiing as an after-school activity. “[But] getting kids involved takes getting their parents involved as well.” As always, this is a problem that PENS has already started solving. The organization is currently setting up programs to show people how to teach cross-country skiing skills and techniques, so they, too, can teach others the sport. As for the elementary students who will be moving on to jr. high and high school in the coming years, the group is also pushing to establish a varsity-level cross-country ski team in one of the area high schools. It would be the first of its kind in Fargo-Moorhead. “With more people involved we get room to expand,” says Haugen. Some expansions he’s been working on lately have included a new website for the group and more accessible social networking for PENS members and area crosscountry skiing aficionados alike. Another objective the group has focused on includes
For more information about
Prairie’s Edge Nordic Skiers,
visit them online at www.pens-xcski.org/
spreading the idea of “social skiing.” While the organization sponsors many competitive races throughout the season, they are sure to host family ski events as well, which promote stopping to visit with other skiers along the trail. Smith notes that the number one reason why most of their members ski is for the social aspect of it, as well as the physical activity. She reassures that whatever level you ski at, there will be someone else at that level. While social skiing gets a lot of people out on the trails, Smith and Haugen find many more reasons to engage in their affection for the sport.
“I love the fitness aspect of it,” says Haugen with a tone of wonderment. “It’s such a good total body workout. Running hurts my knees, [but cross-country skiing] gets my whole body. It’s the most fantastic entire-body aerobic exercise that exists.” When describing her love for cross-country skiing, Smith gets that same misty, longing look in her eyes as Haugen. Her voice similarity softens as she explains her experience, “I love the feel of being in the moment, on the skis, out in the middle of the woods on a pristine day. It’s breathtaking when you stop and all you can hear is your breathing and the beating of your heart.”
Home Show 2011 31
Better with Time
Red River Valley Home & Garden Show Celebrates 50th Event
32  Outdoor Design 
Living Guide
Long before cable shows educated consumers the Home Builders Association (HBA) showcased advances and trends in the home building industry by holding events. Those include Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, the Fall Home Show and this, the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, which offers the largest selection of home and garden exhibits in the region. The HBA of Fargo-Moorhead is a non-profit trade association of over 800 members that has been around since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry.
Kitchen Trends for 2011 At a seminar at the Home & Garden Show, Accent Kitchen & Bath of Fargo walks consumers through the latest kitchen products of 2011. This includes appliances, cabinet layout, flooring, countertops, lighting, plumbing and more. The seminar is perfect for the doit-yourselfer, the remodeling contractor and people interested in building a new home. Everything is covered from products, to installation, to budgeting. Seminar presenters are Accent co-owner Mike Arnold and designer Kayla Benning. They have teamed up to continue Accent’s line of custom cabinetry and millwork and one of their goals is to help consumers escape from tough spaces and boring layouts by using their creativity and experience. Benning says tile backsplashes are still really big in kitchen design, and with so many different styles and colors available, many people tend to create a backsplash that is more personal to them. Another trend
Looking Back: 1960’s Home & Garden Show ‘Idea Book’ tidbits
with backsplashes is using mixed materials. Sheets of tile are now available with metal and glass mixed in the pattern. Quartz products are still popular in kitchens for 2011 and that market is expanding with new finishes and patterns. For
a more modest budget, laminates that look like granite or stone are now available. Benning says unique appliances are still popular in the marketplace, including induction appliances, microwave drawers and dishwasher drawers. These types of appliances have been big around the country the last few years, but are still finding new audiences in different pockets of the country.
An ad promoted brick-patterned walls
A “breakthrough” was Culligan’s
in basements that are nothing more
automated electronic water softener.
than the poured concrete foundation walls, finished with two coats of ordinary masonry paint!
Home Show 2011 33
Bathrooms Trends for 2011 Today’s new barrier-free shower system is one of the hottest bathroom trends for 2011, as discussed in another Accent
Kitchen & Bath seminar at the Home & Garden Show. The system gives easy access to anyone who cannot step over the high curb of a tradition shower - it eliminates the barrier, creating a smooth floor with easy access. Many people planning new bathrooms are using this design for showers, but even existing homes can use the design in an existing shower space. “There’s a bit of an art to jumping the hurdles in an existing home, but it can be done and it’s one of the trends
we’re seeing,” Arnold says. Arnold says it’s important to make sure the waterproofing is done correctly. When it comes to the finishes of bathroom accessories, oil rubbed bronze finish is still the hottest finish out there, and has topped the Fargo market for a solid six years. Coming in second place is brushed nickel. Granite counter tops and undermount sinks are two bathroom trends that are going strong. Presenters are Tom Spaeth, Accent co-owner and Remodeling Division Manager, and designer Kayla Benning. They are experts in bathroom design, having completed more than 500 bathrooms in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Accent Kitchen & Bath is a 2011 sponsor of the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show. Arnold is a past president of the Home Builders Association of F-M. He was named “Builder of the Year” by both the HBA of F-M and North Dakota Association of Builders in 2005 and is an active supporter of the Remodelers Council.
More brick and stone being used on new
Moorhead State Bank offers $5 for each
An article promotes home improvement
homes in fireplaces and on the front of
improvement loan upon approval.
loans up to $3,500 with payment plans permitting as long as 60 months
the home.
to repay!
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Living Guide
“It’s a great way to get a large group of people, a lot of information fast,” Arnold says. “They are all at the show and all have an interest, so it’s a good way to send out information and educate customers.
Featured Speakers “Renegade Gardener” Don Engebretson is an awardwinning Minnesota garden writer and designer. He presents at home, garden and flower shows across the nation and adopted the name “renegade” because of the stern eye he keeps on the industry. Engebretson has written for national publications including Better Homes & Gardens, recently winning his sixth national writing award from the Garden Writers Association of America. He also appears regularly on HGTV’s “TIPical MaryEllen” and PBS-TV’s “Hometime.” At the show, he covers crafting cool and creative containers and how to avoid gardening’s top ten blunders and landscape design for homeowners. “I will cut through the misinformation, fast-forward them through 15 years of the gardening learning curve, and spit them out the other end as much improved gardeners,” Engebretson says. Hear more from the lone voice of horticultural reason and be entertained at www.renegadegardener.com. Nationally recognized and self-proclaimed “grillologists,” Mad Dog & Merrill entertain and educate thousands of backyard enthusiasts every year with the finer points of grilling cuisine. Back by popular demand, the Wisconsin duo first appeared in Fargo at the 2007 Home & Garden Show. They travel the country performing in “Renegade Gardner” front of live audiences, writing Don Engebretson cookbooks and making videos to show people how easy it is to be creative and entertain in their own backyard. Gary Merrill says they like to share the art of time spent behind the BBQ and share tips on making small appetizers, veggies, main courses and desserts. Their presentations
“Grillologists” Mad Dog & Merrill also address the top ten mistakes grillers make and easy solutions, as well as recipes for wild game. “We know that in this fast-paced world folks are trying to slow down a bit, get out in their own backyard, relax and do some grilling,” Merrill says. “And for those interested in owning a grill, we can steer them in the right direction to find one that suits their needs.” Watch videos, get mouthwatering recipes and get to know Mad Dog and Merrill at www.maddogandmerrill.com.
ABC Seamless
Home Show 2011 35
Show History The HBA held its first Red River Home & Garden Show 1962 at the Fargo Civic Center, with exhibitors setting up on the auditorium floor. Early shows featured hourly door prizes, 40 to 50 exhibitors and a homeowners’ clinic, which covered building, electrical, landscaping, interior decorating, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and financial tips. First known as The Home Show, the event moved to West Acres Mall in the 1970s, then back to the Civic Center, and found its current home at the Fargodome in 1993. “It had continually sold out the Civic Center, and Association leaders were excited to have a larger venue for expansion and growth,” says HBA Executive Vice President Bryce
Johnson, who organized the show in the early 1990s. Today, the Home & Garden Show hosts more than 300 exhibitors, filling the main floor of the Fargodome as well as its lobby and concourse. Education has remained an integral part of the show, as organizers bring in national speakers each year and encourage building industry sponsors to offer seminars for consumers. Seminars have included kitchen and bath remodeling, housing incentives and ways to finance home projects.
Rigid-vinyl awnings were all the rage
A brand new home for just $10,750
A selling feature was “electric”
offering guarantees against hail damage
(garage extra).
kitchens equipped to stay modern
and no repainting.
36 Outdoor Design
electrically for years to come.
Living Guide
There was “growing public acceptance” of drywall construction rather than plastering interior walls and ceilings.
More Looking Back:
1960’s
Tappan Time Machines, or better known today as microwaves, promised “A complete meal in 30 minutes. It’s cooler… only the foods become warm.”
An ad touting “Sliding Walls of Glass” - or as we know them now, sliding glass doors.
Approximate Home & Garden Show
A flooring article talks about carpeting
Exhibtors in 1962 was 45 compared to
for kitchens and bathrooms as another
2011, which has 330.
addition in floor coverings to the market.
HBA of Fargo-Moorhead Membership
“Dacor Miracle Bricks” offered “new
count in 1962 was 112, built up by 36
decorating vistas to the amateur and
builders and 76 Associates. In 2011
professional alike…. Are molded
there is 836, comprised of 220 Builders
individually to look like real bricks, yet
and 616 Associates.
are only ¼-inch thick. They may be applied to any surface with a special mastic developed to look like real cement when dry.”
All photos submitted by Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead
Home Show 2011 37
What’s Happening Feb.25–Feb. 27 Edgewood Chalet & Dike West Sledding Fargo, ND 701.241.1353 M-F 3:30-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-8 pm, Sun. 12 pm – 8 pm Edgewood offers cross-country skiing, ski rentals, snowshoe rentals and sledding hill. Dike West has a sledding hill and warming house.
March 2, April 6 Wii Wednesdays Moorhead Library 118 5th St, Moorhead, MN 218.233.7594 6 p.m. Play “Rock Band,” “DDR,” “Guitar Hero,” board games and more. Call 218.233.7594 for more information. Feb. 26–27, March 5–6; 12–13, 19–20; 26–27 Indoor Pool Opens Fargo South High, Fargo, ND 701.241.1353 1 pm – 5 pm http://www.fargoparks.com The indoor pool at Fargo South High is hosting open swim sessions on Saturdays and Sundays running
38 Outdoor Design
Living Guide
through March. Fees are $2 for youth 18 and under, $3.25 for adults and $6.50 for families. The pool is also available for private rentals. March 19–20 Go Radio Home, Lawn and Garden Show Fargo Civic Center 200 3rd St. N., Fargo, ND 701.237.4500 9 am – 5 pm April 2 F-M Derby Girls Fargo Civic Center 200 3rd St. N., Fargo, ND 7 pm – 10 pm