NewsTribune_Home, Garden & Life _042821

HG &L April 2021

IN THE ILLINOIS VALLEY

CREATE A

SANCTUARY

PLAN YOUR IDEAL PERENNIAL FLOWER GARDEN

Also

• A local chef shares asparagus recipes • Protect yourself from radon gas • She-sheds: A refuge in your yard • Getting a game plan for spring cleaning

publication

Home, Garden & Life 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com Publisher Dan Goetz Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com

Regional Advertising Director Jeanette Smith

CONTENTS A perennial favorite

4

Perennials are a one-time investment that pays off year after year.

jmsmith@shawmedia.com

Move over, man caves

Writers Brock Cooper Shannon Serpette

10

She-sheds offer some additional quiet space for women or the whole family.

Photographers Scott Anderson Shannon Serpette

Amazing asparagus

14

A versatile, nutritional powerhouse.

Designer Liz Klein

Clean up your act

Published by: est. 1851

18

Usher in spring by tidying up your house and yard.

Radon gas – the silent home invader

22

Breathe a sigh of relief by getting your home’s radon gas levels tested.

On the cover: Hornbaker Gardens, southeast of Princeton, has many plants to choose from for creating your own beautiful home garden.

You can take inspiration from some of the scenic areas they have throughout their property, such as this gorgeous gazebo.

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON

2 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

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Dr. Norris at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, Illinois told us that many of her patients have active lifestyles outside and will come in feeling as if there is not much that can be done for them because they have no intention of staying out of the sun. As she will explain, that is absolutely not the case!

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Lastly she says, “Of course, if you are going to start investing in the skin of your face, it is paramount to develop a habit of waterproof sunscreen and a hat with outdoor activities. Most patients like sunscreen that doesn’t feel like sunscreen and should look for an SPF 45-50. Sunscreens labeled reef-safe are ideal as this means it is a physical defense sunscreen and free of chemicals that can irritate the skin and the reefs! We offer an array of medical-grade, reef-safe sunscreens.

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A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 3

A gardener can incorporate more than plants in their gardens and yards to make them a relaxing and gorgeous place to be. Adding an archway can make your backyard look instantly magical.

PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE

A Perennial favorite

Perennials are a one-time investment that pays off year after year

By Shannon Serpette

Blogg, manager at Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton, and LaSalle County Master ould-be gardeners Gardener Robbin Keenan – who want to create a have agreed to share some of beautiful, interesting, their favorite perennials for and long-lasting flower garden flower gardens. in their yard but don’t have the Perennials, they said, give money to buy new flowers each year should consider perennials. gardeners more bang for their buck since the flowers will For a one-time purchase, perennials will give you years return each year. But beyond that, there are other compelling of enjoyment and blooming reasons to plant perennials. flowers. But if you’re new to “It’s easier maintaining gardening, it can be confus(a garden) when you don’t ing to weed through all the have to replant every year,” information to find perenBlogg said. nials that will give you the Keenan agrees that perenmost enjoyment. nials are great for gardeners To help you along your journey, two experts – Molly who have less time on their

W

4 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

hands or don’t enjoy putting in all the extra effort.

“Generally, they are less work,” she said.

From an environmental standpoint, you’re doing your part to be earth-friendly by not buying plants each year that have heavy packaging.

“You’re saving plastic,” Keenan said. “For me, it’s important to have less plastic waste from all of the little plastic cells and trays. Another thing is that they provide food for birds and shelter for insects over the winter.”

And since perennials go through many different stages as the seasons change,

there is always something new to look at.

“Perennials provide a lot of extra interest to your garden at various points of the year,” Blogg said. “Your garden kind of changes with the seasons with perennials.”

One final thing to consider, which may be a downside or a benefit depending upon your outlook, is that perennials tend to spread. That can mean that you’ll have to dig up the seedlings, let them overrun your garden, or find a new home for them.

“They will spread seeds and expand. For me, that’s a good thing because I dig them up and share,” Keenan said.

To get started, here are some perennials for your flower garden that Keenan and Blogg recommend.

Molly Blogg, manager at Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton, said Hornbakers has a large assortment of perennials for gardeners to choose from for their yards.

PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE

Coneflowers Both Keenan and Blogg are big fans of coneflowers.

“I have a lot of the native ones,” Keenan said. “Even with the deep snows this winter, my coneflower heads were sticking up through the snow and providing snacks for several different kinds of finches, sparrows, and wrens.”

Blogg said there are traditional purple coneflowers or varieties in other colors like white, yellow, and pink.

“They attract the pollinators,” she said.

Alliums According to Blogg, alliums provide a nice pop of summer color and have a unique pom-pom-shaped flower that attracts a lot of attention in the garden.

“In a mass planting, these are stunning,” she said.

“They are clump-forming plants.”

Although they are technically an onion, you’ll be viewing them instead of eating them.

“You don’t use them with your salad,” Blogg said.

See PERENNIALS on page 6

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 5

Perennials FROM PAGE 5

Hostas “Everyone should have a hosta in their shade garden,” Blogg said. “There are so many to choose from.”

If you’re looking for a large centerpiece for your shade garden, there are giant varieties that can be four feet wide or larger, she said.

Depending upon the variety and what season you’re in, hosta foliage can unleash beautiful shades of blues, greens, and golds in your garden.

Ferns

“A nice complement to hostas are ferns,” Blogg said.

There are so many varieties of ferns that you may have a tough time choosing which ones to plant in your shade garden. One Blogg recommends is the Japanese painted fern. It has tri-color foliage that includes green, silver, and burgundy.

Standing Ovation Standing ovation is ornamental grass, which is spectacular for a fall garden.

“It shoots up to about four feet tall in the fall and has blue-green foliage,” Blogg said.

And when winter rolls around, it’s still a valuable asset to your yard.

“It’s still standing, providing winter interest,” she said.

Butterfly Weed Don’t let the name fool you. Butterfly weed is a beautiful plant – not a nuisance like dandelions – and it’s one of Keenan’s favorites.

Even better, this plant attracts butterflies, which can create an exciting element to your garden.

“The monarchs love it,” Keenan said.

Learn more about perennials as a master gardener

People who want to become master gardeners can enter the Illinois Extension Master Gardener program. For more information, contact Meg Overocker, Extension program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension, at 815-433-0707 or by emailing meo@illinois.edu.

Overocker has information about the program for Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam county residents.

6 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

Daylilies Want a sun-loving plant that won’t require a lot of work? That’s where daylilies enter the picture. They are gorgeous and come in a variety of colors and heights.

“Daylilies are an extremely low maintenance plant,” Blogg said.

Bleeding Heart For a fun, pretty, shade-loving flower that is sure to please any children who come to see you at your house, Blogg recommends bleeding hearts.

“Bleeding hearts are an old-fashioned type of plant, but there are new variations,” Blogg said.

Cup Plant

This is another perennial Keenan enjoys.

“The birds and the bees love them,” she said.

“It’s a fun plant.

But Keenan suggests using this one with caution. If you aren’t diligent about weeding out the volunteer cup plants, they can take over your garden. Just be prepared to remove some occasionally and give them to friends or family who want starter plants for their gardens.

Monkey Flower

Another perennial, native wildflower that Keenan enjoys is the monkey flower.

“They say the flower looks like a monkey face, but I don’t see it,” she said.

Balsam Impatiens Keenan has some balsam impatiens that she mistook years ago for the common, smaller New Guinea impatiens many stores sell.

“These are taller with completely different shaped flowers, and although they are annuals, they re-seed and come up again year after year,” she said. “After taking the master naturalist course in 2019, I have been sticking to native plants for my new perennials.”

Red Cardinal This flower is known for its bright red blossoms that come at a time when other perennials are beginning to fade in the intense summer heat. The red cardinal flower is great for people with wetter backyards, according to Keenan, and for attracting certain birds.

“Hummingbirds love it,” she said.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 7

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PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON

The sheds sold at The Fender Menders in Peru come in an assortment of styles, with some having big windows to let in a lot of light. Some even have beds inside, which can make them great for catching a mid-afternoon nap.

Move over, man caves She-sheds offer some additional quiet space for women or the whole family

By Brock Cooper

I

t may look like a standard shed from a distance, but Brad and Angie Jackson’s home-away-from-home is a furnished she-shed overlooking a serene lake in their Mendota backyard.

“We bought it ourselves,” Brad said. “It’s got everything we need and perfect for guests.”

There are countless sheds in the Illinois Valley, but some of them house more than a riding lawn mower and gardening tools. The popularity of she-sheds is showing no signs of slowing.

First, there were man caves created in the basements and garages across the nation.

They ranged from simple to extravagant, with everything from full bars to big-screen

televisions. Women needed their own place to relax away from the home, so the sheshed phenomenon was born.

Although they are called she-sheds, these structures appeal to everyone, with men, women, and families utilizing them for just about everything.

Online, there are countless websites and social media groups dedicated to she-sheds.

They cover everything from designs and themes to décor.

Excited she-shedders pin and re-pin ideas on Pinterest and scour the internet looking to enhance an existing shed or create their own.

The Jacksons own Country Lane in Mendota. Along with having a decked-out shed of their own, they also sell the buildings at their business.

“We supply them with what-

10 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

ever they want,” Brad said.

So, how does someone get a she-shed so they can have some extra space at their home? There are several methods of creating the perfect she-shed, including starting from scratch or buying a pre-built model.

Salesperson Michelle Straughn from The Fender Menders in Peru said they’ve been selling these type of sheds for about 12 years. At the most basic, the shed is just a building with no windows, electricity, or other amenities.

In a location where the climate is warm all year, people could simply add some furniture and have a nice area to relax. In Illinois, however, a real she-shed needs additional See SHEDS on page 12

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Angie and Brad Jackson own a furnished shed that provides a scenic spot by the lake in their backyard. They also shell she-sheds at their business called Country Lane in Mendota.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 11

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON

Men have their man caves, and women have their shesheds. Some women are turning to sheds, such as these sold at The Fender Menders, as a space for some alone time instead of as a place to store gardening tools.

Sheds FROM PAGE 10

work to be a comfortable space year-round. For example, most sheds don’t come with windows, so they must be installed. The same goes for electricity and heat.

The Jacksons have a 12 x 26-foot shed with electricity, a wood-burning stove, and 50-inch television connected to their cable. There’s even a second-story bedroom.

“There’s enough room up there to sit up and sleep,” Brad said.

People can choose to have local installers do everything to create a she-shed exactly the way they want or order it with all the bells and whistles from a dealer. Once the shed arrives and has all the amenities, the sky is the limit on what can be done.

The sheds are designed tough with grade A lumber to withstand everything Mother Nature can throw at them.

Straughn said they can withstand 90 mile-per-hour winds.

Many people turn them into relaxation spaces away from the house and the hustle and bustle of family life. They’re outfitted with couches, chairs, and even small appliances.

Others turn the shed into a home office, which has been a popular choice for some people who have been working remotely. They put in a desk, computer, filing cabinet, and whatever else they need to create the perfect space for working from home without working in the home.

“They’re like tiny houses,” Straughn said. “They can turn them into whatever they want.”

Some she-sheds are a place for creativity where people can write a book, practice

12 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

art, or create a crafting area.

It can be difficult to find a time or place for creativity in a home filled with the sounds of daily life. Television, music, and the pitter-patter of little and not-so-little feet make creativity a chore.

Some parents also use the sheds to create large dollhouses for their children. There are pre-built kits tailored for that purpose as well as many other designs to meet an owner’s needs. The sheds come in numerous colors and stains. Straughn said people often buy the sheds in the same color as their house, so they match nicely.

Customers don’t often tell Straughn they’re creating shesheds with the buildings or whether they are simply buying them to hold equipment for lawn maintenance and gardening. But Brad Jackson said he sold more than 100 of the sheds last year, with

about 23 of them being used as she-sheds.

The she-shed is an oasis for many from the stresses of daily life. It’s also a landscaping project that never ends as people incorporate more decors and designs into it.

The small houses can be ornately decorated with flower boxes on the windows and custom flooring. They can look like a rustic cottage ripped from the pages of a storybook or a utilitarian building that is more function than form.

For the Jacksons, the sheshed is for the family. It’s a place to sit and enjoy watching their children play by the lake. It’s a spot where they can have some privacy when needed and where friends can stay.

“Sheds can be so versatile,” Brad said. “From she-sheds to craft barns, the possibilities are endless.”

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Monika Sudakov, a certified culinary professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the chef/owner of the Chestnut Street Inn in Sheffield, loves cooking with asparagus.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Amazing Asparagus A versatile, nutritional powerhouse

L

By Shannon Serpette

ong before tomatoes have ripened for the season, asparagus, a spring nutritional superstar, is ready in vegetable gardens throughout Illinois. This vegetable is low in calories, coming in at only 27 calories per cup. It also contains a good amount of protein, fiber, Vitamin A, iron, Vitamin C, and many other essential minerals and vitamins.

Monika Sudakov is a big fan of asparagus. She is a certified culinary professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the chef at the Chestnut Street Inn in Sheffield that she owns with her husband, Jeff.

“I love the slightly crisp texture and nutty flavor of it when it is cooked properly,” Monika said. “It complements meat super well and is earthy

enough to balance out bold flavors.”

Part of the appeal of asparagus is its versatility. It’s great when grilled on its own with a bit of olive oil and seasonings, or it can play a starring role in a more complicated recipe.

“Not only can it be used as a side dish, but it is great in soups, breakfast dishes with eggs, and in salads paired with robust flavors like bacon, eggs, and nuts,” Monika said.

The key to cooking with asparagus is buying it or fixing it when it is tender instead of tough, or knowing how to handle it if it is tough.

“The ideal asparagus texturally is approximately the diameter of your pinky or index finger. However, thicker stalks can be used if prepared properly,” she said. “All asparagus should be firm, not floppy, and the tips shouldn’t be mushy.”

Monika, who has authored three

14 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

cookbooks and teaches cooking classes, shared some tips for getting the asparagus stalks ready.

“To prepare stalks for cooking, I recommend snapping the tips off where they naturally separate. For really thick stalks, you can peel around the bottom of the stalks with a vegetable peeler to make them more tender,” she said.

The cooking method can also have an impact on how much you enjoy your asparagus.

“The best way to cook asparagus, in my opinion, is to roast or grill it, rather than steam or boil it,” Monika said. “By roasting or grilling, you allow the natural sugars in the asparagus to caramelize, giving it a nice flavor, and the vegetable maintains the integrity of its texture without becoming stringy, which often occurs with steaming or boiling.”

Chef Monika’s Favorite Asparagus Recipes Mortadella-wrapped Roasted Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS 1 pound asparagus 8 slices Mortadella 2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon white wine 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon capers DIRECTIONS To roast the asparagus: Snap the asparagus spears to remove tough ends. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with two tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Place in a 375-degree oven for approximately 5 to 7 minutes or until the asparagus is tender but not floppy. Wrap a slice of mortadella or prosciutto around 3 to 4 stalks of asparagus each. Place on a serving dish.

For the dressing: Combine 1/4 cup olive oil with mustard, wine, lemon juice, and capers and whisk together. Pour the dressing over the asparagus bunches and serve at room temperature.

This recipe yields approximately eight servings.

Asparagus Soup INGREDIENTS 1 onion, quartered 3 garlic cloves 1/2 cup chives, chopped 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/4 cup cilantro 1/4 cup Italian parsley 1/4 cup spinach 1/4 cup basil 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 6 cups vegetable stock 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup lemon juice Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Place all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. This may need to be done in batches. Place the pureed soup in a stockpot and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

This recipe yields approximately eight servings.

More recipes on page 16

Spring Green, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese Frittata INGREDIENTS 8 eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons herbes de provence Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 3 tablespoons minced chives 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 6 ounces fresh goat cheese 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup chopped green onions 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups arugula 2 cups spinach DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, cream, spices, chives, cilantro, and parsley. Beat together with a fork. In an 8-inch oven-safe skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.

Add green onions. Saute for one minute until fragrant. Add garlic and saute for one minute.

Add arugula and spinach and continue cooking until the greens are wilted. Turn off heat.

Add egg mixture and asparagus and stir well to combine. Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the eggs and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until the eggs are set and golden brown. Serve hot.

The recipe yields eight servings.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 15

Chef Monika’s Favorite Asparagus Recipes Prosciutto-wrapped Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce INGREDIENTS 1 pound asparagus, trimmed 2 tablespoons olive oil Pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 8 slices prosciutto 3 egg yolks 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon water Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 stick butter, melted DIRECTIONS To roast the asparagus: Place asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in a 375-degree oven for approximately 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender but not floppy.

Wrap approximately 3 to 4 asparagus stalks in one slice of prosciutto and place on a serving dish.

For the Hollandaise sauce: Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, water, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika in a blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Carefully add hot butter to the egg yolks while blending at a low to medium speed, increasing speed until the mixture thickens and becomes pale yellow.

Pour the Hollandaise sauce over the asparagus bunches.

This recipe yields approximately eight servings.

Parmesan Balsamic Roasted Asparagus

Curry Tempura Fried Asparagus with Spicy Remoulade Sauce

INGREDIENTS 1 pound asparagus, trimmed 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Smoked sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon garlic powder Pinch freshly grated nutmeg 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

INGREDIENTS 1 pound asparagus, trimmed 1 cup flour Pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 cup club soda 6 cups grapeseed oil for frying

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with sesame oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat asparagus thoroughly.

Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Roast for approximately 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the asparagus is tender.

This recipe yields approximately six to eight servings.

For the remoulade sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon capers, chopped 1 tablespoon green olives, chopped 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon Sriracha DIRECTIONS

More recipes on page 15

For the tempura: Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and curry powder. Whisk together. Slowly add the club soda until the batter is about the consistency of pancake batter. If it’s too thin, add some flour. Too thick, add more club soda.

Toss the asparagus spears in the tempura batter and fry in batches in grapeseed oil that has been heated to 350 degrees. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire cooling rack.

For the remoulade sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Serve the tempura fried asparagus with the remoulade sauce.

This recipe makes about six to eight servings.

16 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

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A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 17

Clean Up Your Act Usher in spring by tidying up your house and yard

By Brock Cooper

on the inside. On the outside, they’ve mulched flower beds, replanted grass, and cleaned As temperatures climb, people across the Illinois Val- up an ugly tree in their yard.

This spring, the cleaning and ley open their windows and improvements continue with let out the stale air of winter power washing the house and and welcome the refreshing scents of spring. To honor the driveway and possibly adding a fireplace. feeling of rejuvenation and “We love the area we live in, rebirth the season brings, it’s so we want to make it a place out with the old and in with to be proud of,” Nathan said. the new as spring cleaning Most area residents have fever takes hold. been cooped up in their Nathan and Carissa Kessel homes for the last several of Oglesby know this feeling months or longer because of well and have undergone nuwinter and Covid-19 precaumerous cleaning and home tions. As the disease abates improvement projects inside and the grass becomes green, and out. now is the perfect time to “It’s an achievement for spring clean your home and me to do all these projects,” start the season off right.

Nathan said. “I’ve learned “Spring is a great time a lot and am becoming a to deep clean your home,” handyman.”

Teresa Anderson of Illinois Spring cleaning is more Valley Clean Team in Peru than just vacuuming the rugs said. “It is a chance to open and removing the dust off the windows and let in the ceiling fans. It’s beautifying sunlight and fresh air. A clean your home. The Kessels purchased their home in February home can put you in a good mood, remove allergens, and of 2020 and spent countless hours making it their own and help you avoid illness.”

Spring is their busiest time plan to continue now that the of the year, and people are weather is warmer. tired of being inside, accordThey’ve already painted interior walls and added hard- ing to Anderson. Unlike standard cleaning, spring is a ware to the kitchen cabinets

18 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

great time to clean neglected areas and make improvements. Residents should do their regular cleaning routines such as washing the floors and countertops and scrubbing toilets, but also clean the inside of the oven and refrigerator and make improvements to the home.

“Your home becomes a healthier and safer environment when you remove the heavy layers of dust,” Anderson said. “This is also the time to sanitize the high touch areas in your home, which include doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and cabinet handles.”

For many people, the thought of deep cleaning their home is overwhelming, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while. Anderson suggested making a cleaning list for each room. Take it one room at a time and check off the projects on the list to help motivate.

“When you finish spring cleaning a room, consider adding yellow, orange, or pink flowers or decorations,” Anderson said. “Any bright, warm colors will help cheer See CLEAN on page 20

Above: Carissa Kessel of Oglesby works on her computer in the living room of her home. Spring cleaning helps decrease allergens and makes people feel better overall, which is a great perk right now since people are spending so much time in their homes.

Top Right: Nathan Kessel of Oglesby used a chainsaw to take care of a burdensome tree in his front yard.

Spring cleaning includes both indoor and outdoor improvements.

Bottom Right: Warmer weather means outdoor spring projects. Nathan and Carissa Kessel of Oglesby worked on creating and mulching their flower beds and other beautification projects for their home.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

“We love the area we live in, so we want to make it a place to be proud of.”

Nathan Kessel

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 19

Nathan and Carissa Kessel of Oglesby take pride in their Oglesby home.

In addition to spring cleaning, they also procure unique and attractive furniture to make their home their own.

Clean

FROM PAGE 18

up the room and your mood.”

The outside of your home deserves consideration for spring cleaning too. The warm temperatures make handling landscaping improvements put off by the cold winter chill easier. Planting a flower garden, bushes, and other natural elements can change the entire look and feel of a lawn.

Sweep the front porch and wipe down outdoor furniture and decorations. Winter often adds dirt and debris. If a home has a deck, then power wash it and reseal it to protect it until next year.

Most people don’t think about garage doors for spring cleaning, but they are often neglected for years and have layers of dirt and grime.

Power wash the doors as well as siding to take years off the home and make it bright and pristine.

People mow their lawn

Spring cleaning is about going beyond regular chores and deep diving into both cleaning and making your home feel warm and inviting.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

“When you finish spring cleaning a room, consider adding yellow, orange, or pink flowers or decorations. Any bright, warm colors will help cheer up the room and your mood.”

Teresa Anderson Illinois Valley Clean Team in Peru countless times during the spring, but don’t forget to pull weeds and fill in gaps with sod or grass seed.

Unless there is something obvious like a leak in the ceiling, homeowners don’t think much about their roof. Get a free roof inspection from a licensed and insured roofing contractor to catch roofing problems early.

“A roof is a tough thing to see what’s wrong with it,” Josh Lund, manager at AGG Construction in LaSalle, said.

Unless the damage is obvious such as missing or damaged shingles, homeowners have a difficult time seeing issues. Lund said the best time to call for an inspection is after a large storm. The roofer provides homeowners with a

20 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

complete inspection of their roof, siding, gutters, and more.

“I’m always going to find more than the homeowner,” Lund said.

Instead of looking up at the shingles from the ground, a roofer looks at them from the roof for a close view. Roofing issues get worse over time, so finding a problem early can save the homeowner considerable money on repairs.

Once a leak appears, the damage could be extensive and require a completely new roof. Clogged gutters can also accelerate and cause roof damage. The gutters route the water away from the roof and onto the ground.

Leaves, branches, and other materials fill the gutters, creating a clog. Without a place

to go, the water overflows onto the ground and creates foundation problems and basement flooding. It can also create puddling on the roof.

“The water is eventually pushed back behind your shingles,” Lund said.

According to Lund, gutters need cleaning every year unless the homeowner purchases gutter guards that keep debris from entering.

Spring cleaning is far more than a simple dusting of the inside of a home. The goal is to not only clean the interior and exterior but also make improvements and oversee repairs. Homeowners only get a few weeks of temperate weather before the blistering heat of summer, so it’s time to get to work.

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A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 21

Breathe a sigh of relief by getting your home’s radon gas levels tested

By Shannon Serpette

T

here could be a killer lurking in your home right now, and you may not even realize it. Radon gas has earned a reputation as a silent killer because, without proper testing, you’ll never know it’s there.

But over time, it can cause lung cancer, and the higher your exposure, the more the risk goes up.

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when elements such as radium, uranium, and thorium decay. The gas seeps through the ground and into the air of people’s homes, often through cracks or gaps in basements, foundations, and crawl spaces.

“According to the Centers for Disease

22 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication

Control and Prevention, long-term exposure to radon can cause the radioactive particles to become trapped in your lungs when you breathe,” Tami Thomas-Leonatti, who owns Illinois Valley Radon Mitigation in Ottawa, said.

“A build-up of radioactive particles may lead to lung tissue damage and, eventually, to lung cancer itself. Smoking combined with radon exposure poses especially serious health risks.”

Having radon in your home doesn’t automatically mean that you or your family will be diagnosed with lung cancer someday – it simply elevates your risk.

“Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend on how much radon is in your home, the amount of time you spend in your home, and whether you are a smoker or have ever smoked,” Thomas-Leonatti said.

“Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools, and workplaces.”

Without testing, you won’t know if your

home has excessive levels of radon.

“Radon gas is inert, colorless, and odorless,” she said. “The only way to know is to test. You can test with at-home kits or by calling a radon testing professional. Everyone should test their homes for radon.”

Certain states have higher radon levels than others. Alaska leads the country in terms of highest radon levels, and residents there are encouraged to have levels tested every two years.

“Radon gas becomes trapped indoors after it enters buildings through cracks and other holes in the foundation,” Thomas-Leonatti said.

A home that has never had radon issues before can develop them over time, which is why periodic testing a good idea. While some states, like Hawaii, don’t have significant radon gas issues, most states do to some extent. If you live in central or upper Illinois, it’s a good idea to have your home levels taken because this location tends to have elevated levels. Illinois ranks number 17th in the country for having the highest radon gas levels, according to Thomas-Leonatti.

If your neighbor comes up with acceptable radon levels, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. It would be best if you still had your home tested.

“You cannot really predict the levels in your home based on your neighbor’s levels.

Even if two homes on a street have low radon levels, the home between them may exhibit high concentrations,” Thomas-Leonatti said.

So, if you have your CONTRIBUTED PHOTO house tested, what do Checking your radon level is easy to do. the numbers mean?

You can hire a professional or purchase a What’s an acceptable test kit that is simple to use. Levels above level of radon gas?

4.0 pCi/L are considered excessive, and Ideally, your number steps should be taken to lower the levels. will be as close to zero as possible because that gives you the lowest risk. But, more likely, your number will be higher than that – and that’s okay.

“The IEMA Radon Program and the Illinois Department of Public Health recommend that levels in homes be less than 4.0 pCi/L. If levels exceed this number, radon mitigation should be used to reduce the levels and decrease the risk of lung cancer,” Thomas-Leonatti said.

“The USEPA recommends you test your home for radon every two years.”

If you’ve recently moved into a home, don’t rely upon your home inspection to catch a radon problem. A radon gas test is only added

CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC

Tami Thomas-Leonatti, who owns Illinois Valley Radon Mitigation in Ottawa, provided this map of Illinois, which shows the radon gas risk per county in Illinois. The Illinois Valley area sits in the part of the state that has the highest potential for elevated radon gas levels.

to a home inspection if it is requested.

“The buyer must request this unless the seller has provided a report or has a working system,” she said.

If you test your home and find that your radon gas levels exceed the recommended number, you’re not out of luck. There are steps you can take to reduce your levels.

“Indoor radon can be controlled and managed with proven, cost-effective techniques,” Thomas-Leonatti said. “If a radon test reveals high levels — anything above 4 pCi/L — ask for a walk-through with an EPA-licensed radon reduction specialist.

You can find one through the IEMA office.

Most will provide a free remediation estimate and, if the work is done, guarantee that radon levels will be acceptable.”

It’s likely that your home won’t have to undergo any renovations or complicated construction to cut back on radon.

“The most common type of mitigation in our area of the country is called Sub Slab Depressurization (SSD) and will not require major construction or renovation. The work is usually completed in one day,” she said.

A NewsTribune Publication | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | April 2021 23

Care Built on Our Community from m People You Know & Trust.

While St. Margaret’s Hospital and Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH) have new names, St. Margaret’s Health – Spring Valley and St. Margaret’s Health – Peru, rest assured you can expect the same compassionate care from the physicians and medical staff you’ve always trusted with your health.

In addition to the Peru hospital campus, you will find the names of all locations changing soon to reflect the affiliation. Be at ease knowing you will see your physician at the office where you have always seen them. Should any changes arise concerning your medical provider, St. Margaret’s Health will make it a priority to let you know.

For the latest news and announcements, as well as a complete list of all our locations and providers, visit: aboutsmh.org 24 April 2021 | HG&L in the Illinois Valley | A NewsTribune Publication