Generations – Oct. 2020

October 2020

Shifting ‘Paradigm’ TALENTED TRIO BRINGS DIVERSE MUSIC TO STAGE recruiting him to the open mic sessions. The trio began rehearsing together at Long’s house in t’s hard to label the trio named rural Nevis.

“Paradigm.”

And “Paradigm” was born.

With 60 years of musical expe“Things really didn’t gel until rience behind them, guitarist Mike came on the scene,” Hooker Gary Hooker, bassist Al Marty and said. “That’s when we decided to drummer Mike Long skillfully play come up with a name and started every musical genre – except one. working on our own.”

“We don’t do rap,” Long quipped.

The band’s goals include comThe band wants to bring people posing original songs and bringing together through live music. fresh sound to the area.

Hooker moved to Park Rapids “We’re interested in bringing in in 2016.

Latin rhythms, including calyp“My first musical contact in the sos, sambas, rumbas, reggae and area was Al Marty because I went funk rhythms. We talked about big to check out The Music Store,” he band, showtunes and jazz stanrecalled. “When we first met, right dards. After we started playing, we away we knew that we had simistarted doing an eclectic mixture of lar musical interests. We were the country, 50s through 80s, rock and same relative age.” blues,” Hooker said.

They discovered that they both Marty, owner of The Music Store had performed Latin jazz and big since 2010, started his career with band music. the school band and orchestra in Hooker and Marty met other Al Marty of Menahga plays bass guitar. Moorhead in the 1960s. “I took musicians at an open mic held at up bass pretty early on because I wasn’t popular the One More Club in Park Rapids. They were even- enough to be the guitar player,” he teased. “You tually asked to host the weekly event. could find work that way. Everybody was always “But the one problem we had was we didn’t have looking for a bass player and a drummer because a drummer,” Hooker said. they’re so unreliable.”

“And I didn’t have any guitar players,” joked Long.

Long also stopped into the Music Store, Marty SHIFTING ‘PARADIGM’ Page 2

Al Marty, Gary Hooker and Mike Long – known collectively as "Paradigm" – aim to bring live music back to the Heartland Lakes area. Photos by Shannon Geisen/Enterprise

By Shannon Geisen sgeisen@parkrapidsenterprise.com

I

Inside this issue...

3 First rule of providing comfort: Avoid judgment 4 Coronavirus vs. flu: How to tell the difference 5 Grill up something good 6 What is mild cognitive impairment?

6 Laughing it up for quality of life 7 How to keep geraniums from year to year 8 Allard leaves butterfly collection as parting gift

2

Oct o be r 2 02 0 SHIFTING 'PARADIGM From Page 1

He lived in central Iowa for 35 years, playing in a variety of bands.

“Again, it was all over the place musically,” Marty said.

After moving to Menahga in 2009, Marty performed with a jazz trio at Necce’s Ristorante.

“Then, one day, Gary wandered into the shop and we got to talking.

It’s been a pretty symbiotic relationship that way. He’s been able to find guitar students from me and he’s been able to refer people to me to buy instruments,” Marty said.

Born in Hibbing, Hooker has studied classical, pop and jazz guitar. In the 1970s, he performed six nights a week in the U.S.-Canada border area.

His road career began with a country band out of Nashville. “We started touring,” Hooker said.

“Again, we played six nights a week.”

Hooker then went to work for Stanal Sound LTD in Nebraska, the third largest sound company in the U.S. at that time. He did sound engineering for concerts by Neil Diamond, John Denver and Lawrence Welk. He worked with Johnny Cash’s daughter, Roseanne.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Hooker taught 20 years at Rainy River Community College in International Falls. He toured the northern part of the state with the “Sunshine” pop group and launched the Rainy Lake Jazz Club. He also befriended Paul Severson, who played with jazz greats like Stan Kenton and Louis Armstrong.

Today, he continues to compose and arrange music at his Northstar Studio in Park Rapids, along with teaching guitar lessons.

Growing up in east St. Paul, Long learned to play drums in elementary school. He played in the high school band, orchestra and musical productions.

“Professionally, I’ve been playing since I was 15,” he said. “I played with a polka band called ‘Apple Jacks.’ My wife’s dad was a trumpet player.”

The “Apple Jacks” played all over Wisconsin and the metro area – until Long was drafted.

“No music for a couple years,” he said. “When I got back, I just played with anyone that wanted a drummer, so I was playing every weekend, all over the place. It didn’t matter what kind of band it was, I didn’t care. Some were really good, some were really bad – you

know how that goes.”

Long formed a new band, called “Mist,” that performed at weddings, company parties and special events. “We were together for 30 years,” he said. “And then karaoke and DJs came out and killed all real music. It was in the mid- to late 70s. They took over and everybody would hire them instead of a real band, so you didn’t really find jobs.”

“The beginning of disco was the end of good music,” Hooker agreed.

After retiring as IT project manager at Medtronic, Long moved to Nevis.

He played periodically with a classic rock band in Akeley, “Wutz Next,” and the acoustic band “Free Beer.”

But now the trio is hoping for a paradigm shift.

Their vision is to bring back fun music, like Latin rhythms and entertaining showtunes. “A lot of people, especially in this area, aren’t familiar with that stuff,” Hooker said.

With that goal in mind, “Paradigm” has volunteered to perform, working for tips only.

The challenge: finding a venue.

“We were surprised that, even though we said we’d play for free, many people said ‘no.’ Just didn’t even consider it,” Long said.

Restaurants and bars that welcomed “Paradigm” did extremely well.

Bartenders commented that customers stayed longer – boosting sales – and their toes were tapping, Long pointed out.

“Everybody was into it.

That’s what helps it make it work, too.”

Because audiences have enjoyed the music, Hooker said people have been very generous with tips and very appreciative.

Throughout the summer, “Paradigm” successfully booked gigs at outdoor venues in the region, such as Hackensack, Walker and Nevis.

“We’re lucky to be playing anywhere with this COVID thing going on,” Hooker said.

Their song list includes everything from “Ain’t Got That Swing” by Duke Ellington, “Hey Good Lookin’ “ by Hank Williams Sr. and “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by the Everly Brothers to “Your Song” by Elton John, “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles.

“We’re a little of everything,” Long said. “We’re different, so it’s new and refreshing.”

“We like the variety,” Hooker agreed.

They hope local businesses will give “Paradigm” – and other talented local bands – an

Gary Hooker, of Park Rapids, sings and plays lead guitar for "Paradigm."

Mike Long, of Nevis, has been a drummer since he was 15. opportunity to perform.

They prefer to play earlier in the evening, say 6 to 9 p.m. “We’ve found that’s going over really well,” Hooker said.

He added that, in International Falls, three businesses would regularly host a local band, after-hours concert, plus serve beer and hors d’oeuvres. The trio would love to see an event like that arranged, whether through chamber offices, downtown business associations or shop owners.

With only three instru-

ments, Long said set up is easy and the band fits into most establishments.

They plan to record an album, at some point in the future. They continue to rehearse regularly and write original songs.

As always, they enjoy making music.

“That’s why I do it,” Marty said.

“Paradigm” is available for weddings, private parties, fundraisers, company events and more. To book the band, contact Hooker at 218-616-0074.

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October 2020

First rule of providing comfort: Avoid judgment Dear Carol: My long-widowed mother, 83, died with COVID-19. I’m struggling with grief as most people would do in normal times. I have additional grief to deal with, though, because she died in a nursing home setting with only my dad allowed by her bedside.

People try to offer condolences, but then ruin the attempt by asking if I blame the facility. I don’t because they seemed to do all that they could, but even if I did blame them, isn’t this an odd time to ask? Some people think that I’m overreacting because mom was old and “would have died soon,” anyway. Oh, then someone else asked if I prayed hard enough!

It’s kind of late to help me, but maybe you could suggest that people watch their words. Please tell them to leave their judgment at home. — KG Dear KG: I’m sorry about your mom. I can only imagine how horrible it was for you and your family not to be able to be with her yourselves and to support your dad as he sat with her.

Normally, I would say that I believe that most people mean well but they haven’t developed the skill necessary to provide comfort. So, while I don’t want to lay more on someone who is grieving, I will say that it might help to remember that often people think they are offering comfort even when they are being hurtful.

Judgment, however, has no place in offering comfort, and may I say that rarely is advice welcomed, either.

For readers who genuinely want to offer comfort but feel that they have something to learn, here are some tips that I’ve accumulated from my years as a family caregiver and a columnist: ► No matter your own beliefs, this is not the time for comments on COVID-19. ► Think about the grieving person’s spiritual or religious beliefs and even then, be careful that what you say won’t lay guilt on the person — no matter how unintentional. Asking if you prayed hard

comfort but don’t blame them or hold a grudge if they don’t receive what you say with grace. They are vulnerable at this time and need your understanding. ► If/when you have time to visit with them, ask the person in grief to tell you about their loved one.

If you have a touching or even funny story that CAROL BRADLEY BURSACK illustrates their loved one’s personality, sharing this Columnist could bring comfort and even a moment of joy. ► Keep it simple. Unless you are close to the person you are attempting to comfort, a heartfelt “I’m enough, by the way, was nothing short of spiteful. sorry” and (in normal times) a hug might be the ► Don’t assume that because the person who died best thing you can do. is elderly their death doesn’t matter. Losing a parent Carol Bradley Bursack is a veteran caregiver and an established at any age is difficult for most people and devastatcolumnist. She is also a blogger, and the author of “Minding Our ing for many.

Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Bradley Bursack ► Understand that the person who is grieving hosts a website supporting caregivers and elders at www. might be extra touchy so even well-intentioned mindingourelders.com. She can be reached through the contact statements could be misunderstood. Try to offer form on her website.

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It can come with no warning and no noticeable symptoms.

It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. “It” is glaucoma, the silent thief of sight.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month and we encourage all people, especially those at higher risk for this disease, to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms and need for regular eye examinations. A regular eye examination is especially critical since a person with early-stage glaucoma may not notice any symptoms at all.

While the early-stage symptoms may not be noticeable, a person with more advanced glaucoma may notice blurred vision, the presence of halos around lights, loss of peripheral vision and difficulty focusing on objects.

Glaucoma affects an estimated four million Americans.

Some people are more at risk than others.

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Those at higher risk include: • People over the age of 60 • African-Americans over the age of 40 • People with diabetes • Individuals who have experienced serious eye injuries • Anyone with a family history of glaucoma While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss.

First and foremost in the process is a comprehensive eye health exam by your family eye doctor.

4

Oct o be r 2 02 0

A model of the novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019.

Illustration courtesy of Centers for Disease Control

Coronavirus vs. flu: How to tell the difference Dear Savvy Senior, Can you explain the differences between the coronavirus and seasonal flu? I’m 70-years-old, and usually get a standard flu shot, but would like to find out what else I can do to protect myself this winter. ~ Worried Senior Dear Worried, Great question! Because of the dual danger of Influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that this fall and winter could be the worst ever for public health. Understanding this, knowing the differences and similarities between the viruses, and knowing what you can do to protect yourself is the best way to stay healthy and safe through this difficult time.

The Savvy Senior

BY JIM MILLER Columnist

How to protect yourself

Dose Quadrivalent,” or the “FLUAD Quadrivalent,” are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot offers. You only need one flu shot, and if you haven’t already gotten it, you should do it now because it takes up to two weeks to build immunity after you receive it.

Pneumonia vaccines

If you haven’t been vaccinated for pneumonia, you should also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccines. Both flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans, and kills around 50,000 people each year. But these numbers could be much higher this year.

The CDC recommends that all seniors, 65 or older, get two vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered one year apart, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection.

Medicare Part B covers both flu and pneumonia shots.

To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location.

While there is currently no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. So, stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, wear a mask and keep at least six feet away from other people.

And every time you come home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

There’s also evidence that suggests that people Flu vs. COVID Because many of the symptoms of flu and COVID- who are deficient in vitamin D may be at higher risk 19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference of getting COVID-19 than those with sufficient levels. between them based on symptoms alone, so testing So, make sure you take in around 800 to 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D from food or supmay be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.

With that said, here are some similarities and dif- plements daily, and get outside as much as you can. Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, And to help guard against the flu this year, you Norman, OK 73070 or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a ferences you should know.

For starters, seasonal flu symptoms come on should consider getting a flu shot that’s specifically contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy pretty quickly, whereas COVID-19 develops grad- designed for people 65 and older. The “Fluzone High Senior” book. ually over a period of a few days and then either fades out or gets worse. Common shared symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue and even chest pain. Pinkeye and Service-enriched a dry cough are associated with COVID-19, while it’s Assisted Living now thought that a fever is more likely with the flu, 218-237-8345 as are diarrhea and nausea.

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October 2020

Sarah's Honey-Soy Marinated Flank Steak is an easy and succulent way to satisfy your cravings for grilled meat, even on a weeknight.

Photos by Sarah Nasello The Forum

Grill up something good Honey Soy-Marinated Flank Steak uses flavor combo, high heat to achieve tasty results If you are looking for an easy, filling and delicious weeknight dinner option, flank steak may just become your favorite new go-to. My recipe for Honey Soy-Marinated Flank Steak uses pantry staples for the marinade that’s easy to prepare and big on flavor.

Flank steak is the cut of meat taken from the abdominal muscle or lower chest of the cow.

This lean cut is long and thin, which can make it tough and stringy when cooked without a marinade. But the combination of liquids and acid from a marinade works to tenderize the meat as it marinates, resulting in a steak that is melt-inyour-mouth tender.

For this recipe, I use honey, soy sauce and extra-virgin olive oil for the liquids, and a generous splash of red wine vinegar as the acid.

You could also use lemon or another vinegar as desired. Minced garlic is added to enhance the savory nature of the steak, and the steak is seasoned lightly with kosher salt and pepper before the marinade is applied.

The marinade is easy to make — all you have to do is whisk the ingre-

Home with the Lost Italian

BY SARAH & TONY NASELLO

Columnist

dients together and pour it over the flank steak in a rectangular baking dish. Once the marinade is added, the dish is covered and refrigerated for at least two hours, or up to overnight, before grilling. How easy is that?

Before grilling the steak, it is important to make sure the grill grates are clean, hot and well-lubricated with vegetable oil to prevent the meat from sticking.

Because of its thin profile, flank steak cooks quickly and will only take about three minutes per side, over high heat, to achieve grill marks.

Resist the urge to check the steak before three minutes, or it could stick to the grill.

After grilling the steak on each side for three minutes, flip and let it cook for one more minute, then insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to check the temperature. As flank steak is a

lean cut, the best temperature to cook it to is medium-rare, but no more than medium.

Keep flipping the steak every minute until your desired temperature is achieved. For medium-rare, remove the steak when the temperature reaches 130 to 140 degrees; for medium, 145 degrees.

When the steak is ready, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This is an important step, as the savory juices will spill out if the steak is cut too soon which can result in dry slices.

When carving, use a sharp knife to cut across the grain of the flank steak and slice the meat into thin pieces.

Full of charred and savory flavor, this Honey Soy-Marinated Flank Steak is a quick and easy way to satisfy your

grilled meat cravings, even on a weeknight.

Honey Soy-Marinated Flank Steak

2 to 2-1/2 pounds flank steak 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Marinade 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup honey 1/3 cup soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Place the flank steak in a rectangular baking dish.

Season by sprinkling kosher salt on the top and bottom of the steak and repeat with ½ teaspoon of the black pepper.

In a medium bowl, add all the marinade ingredients and whisk together until well-combined.

Pour marinade over the flank steak, then flip the steak over. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. (After 24 hours, the marinade

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High, direct heat is ideal for grilling flank steak. meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check for doneness. For medium rare, To grill remove the steak when Make sure the grates the thermometer reaches are clean before heating 130 to 140 degrees, or 145 and prepare the grill for to 150 for medium. high, direct heat. Once Transfer the steak to a the grates are hot, wipe cutting board and cover them with vegetable oil with aluminum foil. to lubricate them.

Allow the meat to rest Remove flank steak for 10 to 15 minutes to from the marinade and place it in the center of preserve the juices. the hot grill. Cover the “Home with the Lost Italian” grill and let the steak is a weekly column written by sear for 3 minutes to Sarah Nasello featuring recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello. achieve grill marks. Flip The couple owned Sarello’s in the steak and repeat.

Moorhead and lives in Fargo After 6 minutes, flip with their son, Giovanni. the steak again and cook Readers can reach them at for 1 minute; insert a sarahnasello@gmail.com. will begin to break down the fibers of the steak.)

Serves 4 to 6.

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Oct o be r 2 02 0

What is mild cognitive impairment?

According to an article from the Mayo Clinic, “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia.

It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgement that are greater than normal age-related changes.”

This article, which was written by the Mayo Clinic staff, explains that cognitive issues may go beyond what is expected and indicate possible MCI if you experience any or all of the following: ► forget things more often ► forget important events, appointments, social engagements ► lose your train of thought ► feel increasingly overwhelmed by making decisions, understanding instructions ► have trouble finding your way around familiar environments ► poor judgement ► more impulsive ► family and friends notice changes.

And it is not uncommon to also experience depression, irritability, anxiety and apathy.

Some of the risk factors are increasing age along with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression.

Smoking, obesity, lack of physical exercise can also contribute to increased risk of cognitive changes.

The Family Circle LAUREL HED Columnist About 1 to 3% of older adults develop dementia every year and about 10-15% with MCI may go on to develop dementia.

The Cleveland Clinic also wrote an article on Sept.

24, 2018 and they suggest a way to best live with MCI is to eat diets rich in green vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which have been known to slow cognitive decline.

And as always, exercise is encouraged. Staying active physically and mentally are both important.

Just because a person has a diagnosis of MCI does not mean life is over. Try to not overthink changes that may be happening. Work to keep life as normal as possible with some added help aids.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends scheduling daily activities in the same order every day, establishing a “memory place” for keys, wallets, glasses and keeping a calendar visible for cues and reminders of upcoming events.

Each person is different in what works for them.

One gentleman I worked with had taped a big checklist right on his door leading outside that read “glasses, wallet, keys,” which he would check for before leaving his home. It really seemed to work well for him. So, try different things and then use what works best for you.

Laurel Hed is a licensed social worker and geriatric care manager for the elder law attorneys of Thomason Swanson and Zahn Law Firm.

Laughing it up for quality of life Laughter is the best medicine. We have heard the expression time and again. For decades, researchers have explored how humor helps patients relieve stress and heal.

Did you know laughter has health benefits? That is not a joke. In a study published in Geriatrics and Gerontology International, laughter truly does have health benefits. It reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort. It also reduces blood sugar levels, increasing glucose tolerance in diabetics and nondiabetics alike.

Feeling run down? Try laughing more. Some researchers think laughter just might be the best medicine, helping you feel better and putting that spring back in your step.

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy.

In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use!

What happens when we laugh? According to Web MD, we change physiologically when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our pulse and blood pressure go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues.

People who believe in the benefits of laughter say it can be like a mild workout – and may offer some of the same advantages as a workout.

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

There is new evidence from the Journal of Neu-

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keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments and loss.

More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh – or even simply a smile – can go a long way toward making you feel better.

BY KARIN HAUGRUD And laughter really is contagious – just hearing Columnist laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in on the fun. roscience that laughter helps your blood vessels We all know that laughing and being happy can function better. It acts on the inner lining of blood make us feel better and give us a boost, even though vessels, called the endothelium, causing vessels to studies may not show exactly why. relax and expand, increasing blood flow.

This article is made possible with Older Americans Act dollars In other words, it’s good for your heart and brain, from the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging. Call two organs that require the steady flow of oxygen the Senior LinkAge® One Stop Shop at 800-333-2433 to speak with an information specialist, or check out our website at carried in the blood.

MinnesotaHelp.info. MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feel- of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human ing that you get when you laugh remains with you services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you forms of help.

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October 2020

Geraniums are a favorite flower for keeping from year to year.

Photos by Alyssa Goelzer The Forum

How to keep geraniums from year to year If you could take a sunny disposition, contentment and good, old-fashioned reliability and create a flower, it would be the geranium. They’ve been gracing our homes since pioneer days and are an ever-popular staple in outdoor pots, planters and flower beds.

Geraniums are also the most popular plant for bringing indoors in fall and keeping over winter so they can go outside again next spring.

There are different ways to keep geraniums from year to year. Some gardeners move their potted geraniums to a cool spot in the basement, where they remain partially dormant during winter with minimal watering and are brought back into active growth in spring.

A few people follow the old-time practice of storing geraniums bare-root in a root cellar-type atmosphere. Several well-experienced gardeners have told me their geraniums have cycled outdoors and indoors for over 30 years.

My wife, Mary, and I bring 100 geranium plants or cuttings indoors each fall to keep for next spring’s outdoor containers. It doesn’t require as much room as it sounds, using a successful method that saves space, rejuvenates older plants and is easy.

Here’s the recipe for wintering a quantity of geraniums that will rival greenhouse-quality plants by next spring: ► Before they’re injured by fall frost, remove geraniums from outdoor planters or flower beds by gently digging or lifting out the plant and its roots. ► Geraniums often become large over summer.

Instead of trying to overwinter large geraniums, I prefer to cut each plant back to 3 inches above soil level. This removes most of the tops, leaving only stems and a few lower leaves. More plants fit in a limited space, and they quickly sprout new healthy, compact growth. ► The goal is to produce compact, well-branched plants in 4- or 5-inch pots, similar to what we’d buy at a greenhouse in spring. ► Pot the pruned geraniums into individual 4- or 5-inch diameter pots using top-quality soil like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, or a mix recommended by your locally owned garden center. Geraniums grow best indoors if there’s one plant per pot, instead of multiples in a large pot. ► Geraniums enjoy being “pot-bound” so don’t use large pots indoors. ► Place in a window where the plants will receive direct sunshine. South windows are best, followed by east and west. ► If a large, sunny window is lacking, geraniums grow very well under fluorescent or LED lights, with automatic timers set for 16 hours on and 8 hours off. We grow ours in a corner of the basement under shop-type fluorescent hanging fixtures containing

Growing Together

BY DON KINZLER Columnist one warm and one cool tube. Locate plants so the lights are within an inch or two of the geranium tops. ► Fertilize once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer. ► Allow the geranium soil to dry out very well between waterings. If a finger inserted to the first joint feels any moisture at the fingertip, don’t water.

If in doubt, wait a day and then check again. Geraniums easily rot if kept too moist. If in question, err on the dry side. ► Continue to grow the plants during winter as you would houseplants, enjoying the blossoms that arise by midwinter. About March 1, pinch back any winter growth that became spindly, and remove blossoms and flower buds. Begin water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. The geraniums will branch beautifully and will be in prime conditions for planting outdoors in May. Besides overwintering the original plants, I like to

Geraniums can become quite large during the summer. Cutting back produces a fresh new plant. start some fresh geranium cuttings each fall from the tips of plants I cut back. When rooted, they provide new plants to replenish any that are old and woody. Geranium cuttings, about 3 inches long, produce roots in two to three weeks in a mixture of half sand, half peat moss. When roots are about 2 inches long, plant into potting mix in 4-inch diameter pots, and grow as directed above.

Don Kinzler, a lifelong gardener, is the horticulturist with North Dakota State University Extension for Cass County. Readers can reach him at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu or call 701-241-5707.

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Allard leaves butterfly collection as parting gift A vintage collection of butteronto the sheets. When I trapped flies and moths, some of them rare the insects between glass and the today, was recently donated to the frame backing, I tried to make the Hubbard County Historical Museum. frame bug proof, and the process Before moving from Park Rapworked. Very few, if any, of the ids to Delano, in the Twin Cities butterflies and moths were ravarea, Noel and Mary Allard gave aged by tiny scavengers. I suggest the museum two framed displays maintaining as tight a seal as posof mounted moths and butterflies sible on the frames for the future.” they collected during the 1980s He said the rarest of the species in Chaska. represented in the collection is the “They have weathered well, as luna moth. There are two of the I recall,” Noel said in an email light-green insect in the frames. exchange. “We collected them at a “I spent a couple years looking time when the ravines were filled for an individual,” said Allard. “One with butterflies and we wanted Among the butterflies in this day, while up on a ladder painting our children to see them close up. detail from Allard's collection my house, I looked down and spotToday, some of the species are rare- are black swallowtails (upper ted one of these on the ground. I ly seen and I would not think of center) almost fell off the ladder, but mancapturing them, rather letting them aged to secure it without damage. remain in nature.”

They are night critters, but I haven’t seen one for Allard explained, “I drugged them in jars by sus- many years.” pending a cotton ball soaked with lacquer thinner He said he does not recommend capturing and in the jar. When the little critters died, I spread killing these creatures today. their wings and taped them down so they remained “Looking back on doing so 45 years ago is hard that way. to justify,” said Allard. “I hope that visitors to the “When we put them into the frames, I sprayed historical museum will be interested in seeing some insect repellent onto cotton batting and let it dry rare species and some common species closeup – before simply placing the butterflies and moths and forgive me for capturing them.”

Two large polyphemus moths in this detail from Allard's collection are examples of insects that use camouflage - in this case, eyespots on their wings - to defend themselves against predators.

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