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As I sit down to write this month’s editor’s note, I can’t believe it’s almost fair season. The four counties Michiana House and Home covers have their fairs in July. For the last 20 years I’ve been a leader for the Elkhart County 4-H Media Club.
The 4-H’ers in Media Club get a behind the scenes look at how the fair operates as they run around doing interviews and putting together
The Clover Chronicles, a daily newspaper available on the fairgrounds during fair week. These kids do everything involved in the production of a newspaper, except run the press.
While I’m prepping for fair week, I’m also doing battle with earwigs. A huge shout out to the Elkhart County Purdue Extension Office and Michiana Master Gardener Dan Carlson for the advice in dealing with these critters. According to Dan, earwigs typically eat dead or decaying matter, however the ones at my house apparently didn’t get the memo as they have eaten anything green. I have never had them be this
problematic and I’ve been looking for ways to deal with them that’s safe for kids and pets.
July tends to be an extremely hot month, so for this issue of Michiana House and Home we head inside where hopefully the AC is keeping everyone cool and comfortable.
BethAnne Brink-Cox wrote some great pieces about window treatments and counter tops, even providing a bit of history as to how these two mainstays of a home came to be. And she wrote about how to set up a great coffee nook in your own home.
Writer Julie Young did head outside to discuss how to care for your septic tank and got some sound advice from representatives of local health departments
Julie also wrote about how to deal with tree roots that may have gotten into your sewer line. While there are some DYI methods, if you don’t know what the problem is, it’s best to call in a professional.
And for the recipe, I found one that provides
a great excuse to have both a cookie and a candy bar at the same time (YEAH!). Food NetWork Chef Molly Yeh featured a recipe for Giant Almond Butter Blossoms.
So you’re familiar with the peanut butter blossom that features a Hershey kiss in the middle. Well Yeh’s recipe features almond butter, requires a 1/4 cup scoop and involves smashing a half of a Hershey bar on top, not some measly kiss. I cannot wait to make these.
I did make the lemon ricotta cookies featured last month. Those were divine. I would highly recommend those, especially if you like lemon.
Until next month,
The 2024 Parade of Homes Plus, sponsored by the Builders Association of Elkhart County, was a huge success.
Attendance was outstanding. We trust our visitors went away with great, fresh ideas for their own home, OR better yet, the contemplation of a NEW home!
An added THANK YOU goes out to our Parade builders, developers and suppliers. Your participation is what provides our community with quality homes year after year.
A brief look at the history of countertops Then and now —
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
How many different kinds of countertops can you remember throughout your life and experience with kitchens and bathrooms? They were purely utilitarian in their earliest incarnations; in the 1800s and they’ve been made of everything from marble and wood to metal, tile and laminates.
For example: the Industrial Revolution gave us extraction and processing of granite and quartz (we’ll get back to those…) In the Northeast, soapstone and slate were plentiful, and marble became popular everywhere as chefs realized how much more easily they could roll and create pastry dough. And while you’d see butcher blocks in yes, butcher shops, eventually those became commonplace in many home kitchens (but not so much the sawdust on the floor.)
The big influenza epidemic 100 years ago ramped up concerns about cleanliness. The ability to see visible dirt made white subway tile useful for floors and countertops. Laminates became popular in the 1950s because they were low cost and there were so many colors for a customer to choose from.
Granite made another appearance in the 1970s; ceramic tiles were the thing in the 1980s, and solid surface countertops ushered in the 2000s. Then granite returned yet again, thanks to so many home improvement and renovation shows. Quartz followed along. (See, we told you we’d get back to those.)
Brad Botts, manager for Doors and Drawers, agreed. “The customers ask most often for quartz and granite, with solid surface countertops going out of favor.”And Joanna, a sales associate at ZStone Creative, concurred. “Mostly they’re asking for white and gray quartz countertops.”
How do you properly care for these countertops, now that you’ve got them? Both Joanna and Brad said that you can ruin the finish if you clean with the wrong chemicals. “Don’t use ammonia,” Botts said, “it’ll strip the finish.” Don’t use Clorox, Windex, or the pre-moistened wipes. Joanna said you have to be careful, too, that you don’t use anything too abrasive, either. So the homemade recipes some like to mix up for a ‘green’ household, such as cut lemons and salt scrub, might not be the best solution? Joanna said, “Well, we wouldn’t recommend it.”
While there are a lot of good commercial cleaners available, you can get good results with a simple mixture of water and liquid dish detergent. Use microfiber cleaning cloths and non-abrasive sponges, and if you clean your countertops daily there shouldn’t be any damage to worry about.
Now set that beautiful basket of the first summer fruits on your counter, adjust it to the perfect angle for maximum stun, and enjoy! n
Creating the perfect spot for that perfect cup of Joe
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
Creating the perfect coffee nook — Where to create the space? Must haves?
We’ve come a long way in our coffee style; stovetop pots, percolators, French presses and remember Joe DiMaggio and Mr. Coffee? Most of us grew up smelling that first pot in the morning, even if we didn’t drink it ourselves. We knew Mrs. Oleson and Folger’s. We got a kick out of feeling sophisticated with our General Mills International coffees (never mind that they were mostly sugar) and who could forget the Nescafe couple flirting over the coffee she borrowed from him?
But a lot of people prefer going out for their caffeine fix these days. Maybe it’s just easier to grab coffee on the way to work, and let that barista deal with the specialized orders you’ve decided you like, and you like walking into the office with ‘that’ particular, instantly recognizable cup. But there’s days when you really don’t want to get out of your pajamas but you sure do want a good cup of coffee, so….make some! And enjoy the atmosphere you create to do that.
Look around the next coffee bar you enjoy, and make a note of what it is you find most appealing. Is it plants? You can have fresh green plants or really nice artificial ones, arranged the way you like best. Or maybe you’d like a vase of flowers. Or a bowl of lemons, which seem to bring in the sunlight on even the gloomiest day.
Go through your cabinets and pull out the mugs you don’t use but don’t want to let go of. I’ll bet you’ve got some that make you smile, some you’ve forgotten about. After all, it does matter what mug you use, everyone knows that! Check and see if you’ve got a fun sugar bowl or jar and a cream pitcher. Maybe a honey jar with a dripper? How about some spice shakers for cinnamon and other final touches? Your decor and arrangements can vary any time you want them to, so have fun with it.
What kind of appliance(s) do you use for making coffee? It can be a single one or it can be one of several, depending on your mood. Sometimes my husband likes to grind the beans fresh and then French press a pot; at other times he might just make a single cup of instant. It’s all dependent on his mood and his plan for the day, especially when it comes to weekend plans.
Now where will you put all of it? You can designate a specific section of countertop; you can use a specific cart or repurpose an old table. You can use a cabinet that has shelves for your mugs and other things you’ll enjoy looking at (don’t forget the cookie jar, or if you’re more sophisticated than we are, a biscotti canister.) It really just comes down to what pleases YOU, and it doesn’t have to cost much of anything. With what you save by making your own coffee, you can splurge on special blends or roasts (I am addicted to Death Wish, I admit it) and you can try different kinds of cream and other add-ins. You can buy flavored syrups, and you can set out a basket of tea bags for the non-coffee drinkers in your circle of family and friends. (I mean, I’ve heard there are non-coffee drinkers…..) n
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around michiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
JUNE 30-JULY 6 | SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY FAIR
51117 S. Ironwood Dr. (574) 291-4870 manager@4hfair.com
JULY 1-31 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, Jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd. (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com
J ULY 1-31 | WARSAW LAKE CITY SKIERS
2455 Hidden Lake Drive
The Lake City Skiers will be performing 1 hour shows at Hidden Lake. Pre-show starts at 6 p.m. Feature shows start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; Sundays July 7, 14, 21 and 28. July 13 Central Region Tournament. Noon, July 27, Indiana Beach Show.
JULY 1-31 | NORTH WEBSTER NORTH WEBSTER SKI BEES
Shows will be held at 6 p.m. on Webster Lake in North Webster, bring a lawn chair and watch from North Webster Park. Shows dates are July 6, Fourth of July Show and July 27 for Dixie Days.
JULY 5 | SOUTH BEND HOWARD PARK EVENT LAWN
219 S. St. Louis Blvd.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Every first Friday May through August and October Free admission
JULY 6-13 | LAGRANGE LAGRANGE
COUNTY FAIR
1030 E. 075 N.
9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily (260) 463-2862 lagrangecounty4hfair.org
JULY 7-13 | WARSAW KOSCIUSKO COUNTY COM MUNIT Y FAIR
1400 E. Smith St. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
JULY 13 | ELKHART RUTHMERE CERAMIC SHOWCASE
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come see and shop from local artists making their work available. Free admission ruthmere.org (574) 264-0330
JULY 13 | GOSHEN AMERICA’S FREEDOM FEST AIR SHOW
Goshen Municipal Airport
Tickets: Active and retired military receive one free admission with valid military ID shown at the gate. $25 for adults; $15 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under free admission.
JULY 13-19 | ARGOS MARSHALL
COUNTY FAIR
211 W. Walnut St. marshallcountyfair.org
JULY 19-27 | GOSHEN ELKHART COUNTY 4-H FAIR
17746-D CR 34
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Admission $10 per person.
JULY 20 | MISHAWAKA 25TH ANNUAL FIREFIGHTERS BLUES FESTIVAL
Noon -10 p.m. Kamm Island Park 600 W. Front St. Tickets: $15 (574) 246-4738 firfightersblues.org
JULY 20 | SOUTH BEND KIDS TRIATHLON
Riley High School 1902 Fellows St. 8 a.m. until done Rain date July 21
Registration $30 per participant. Registration closes July 19
JULY 24 | SHIPSHEWANA IL DIVO
7-9 p.m.
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
760 S. Van Buren St. Tickets $49.95 -$369.95 thebluegate.com n
‘ WATER’
installing and maintaining your septic system you waiting for?
By Julie Young House and Home
Feature Writer
A septic tank is a buried water-tight chamber made of concrete, fiberglass or plastic that processes domestic wastewater for decomposition and disposal. They are used primarily in rural areas that are not connected to a local sewer system and when properly installed and maintained, a septic tank allows residents to use their water facilities as normal. When neglected, they lead to system failures, unpleasant odors and costly repairs.
FLUSHING OUT THE BASICS
If your new home plans include a provision for a septic tank, then you must first fill out an application with your county’s Health Department. Different jurisdictions have different requirements and while it can take a bit of time to dot all of the i’s and cross all of the t’s, the overarching goal is to help ensure that your septic tank is the right size for your household, that it is placed properly, and that it is installed according to its specifications.
Neal Brown, a sanitarian with the Kosciusko County
Health Department, said upon receiving a homeowner’s application, his team reviews the plan and then calls in a third-party soil scientist to evaluate the soil and find the best place on the property to locate the septic tank. The soil composition is key to the functionality of a septic tank and an accurate soil analysis can make or break your system, so do not discount the amount of time and effort involved in gathering this all-important information. Once everything is cleared, then an excavator comes in and installs a tank that is commiserate with the number of bedrooms your new home will include.
“A lot of people are surprised that the size is not based on bathrooms, but just because you have a bathroom doesn’t mean that you are going to use it,” he said. “The number of bedrooms gives us the best estimate as to how many people will be occupying the home.”
HAVE A SOLID PLAN
When water is flushed or washed through the exit pipe and into a septic tank, solid materials sink to the bottom and form a sludge layer while lighter materials (grease, oils, fats) float to the top to form a scum layer. Bacteria that live in the tank break down the solid waste while the tank’s fittings prevent the scum and sludge from flowing into the drain field. After being partially cleaned by the bacteria, the water in the tanks is released into the drain field where it is absorbed by the soil. As it moved through the soil layers, additional bacteria filter, and digest contaminants so by the time it reaches the groundwater, it has been fully treated.
It’s a fairly simple and contained process, but the system does require a bit of maintenance to keep it in tip top shape. Homeowners have to have their system pumped and cleaned regularly (about 3-5 years) by a
professional. This individual will check the chamber for structural integrity, make sure the baffling is present and intact on both the inlet and outlet, and let you know of any deterioration or potential breach. Bill Hartsuff, onsite program supervisor for the Elkhart County Health Department says homeowners have to do their part by keeping all of their water fixtures in good repair so it does not put extraneous stress on their septic system. They must also take care not to put a lot of harsh chemicals down the drain or to cause a water surge by overloading the system.
“You can’t hold off on laundry and then do seven loads at once,” he said. “This hydraulic overload can send the waste contents to next chamber before the bacteria can be processed and you don’t want that. You want to keep your system in good shape for as long as you can.” n
the ‘ROOT’ of the problem HOW TREE ROOTS CAN CLOG Y OUR SEWER SYSTEM
By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer
Do you have wet, soggy spots in your yard even when it isn’t raining? Does your property smell like sewage? Do you experience slow drains, or have gurgling toilets? If so, then it is time to get to the “root” of the problem. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of clogs in a sewer line, can spread to a number of areas (including your septic tank,) and decrease the overall functionality of your house, especially if you live in an older home, which are more susceptible to tree root problems.
SEEKING SOLUTIONS
Like all living things, tree roots require nutrients to survive, and they will grow toward any water source that they can find. Although they are not strong enough to break through a sewer pipe, they will take advantage of any crack or hole they can find and make themselves at home. This uninvited invasion will build up pressure and prevent water from getting through. Eventually, it could lead to a ruptured sewer line.
There are a number of ways in which homeowners identify tree root problems. In addition to slow drains, clogged toilets and low water pressure, increased water bills may also indicate a problem as well as sinkholes, and a flooded basement. Unfortunately, tree roots do not repair themselves and while there are a lot of websites that recommend a host of home remedies, some solutions can contribute to the problem rather than eliminate it. For example, even though flushing rock salt will kill tree roots, the crystalline form can add to the blockage and do more damage. A foaming root killer will kill and flush roots from the line, but it’s not an overnight process and it could be months before you see any changes. In the meantime, the roots will continue to put pressure on your pipes and potentially cause you costly repairs.
One environmentally friendly solution is to use copper sulfate crystals, which can be purchased at your local hardware store. These crystals will kill roots inside the sewer lines without killing the plant itself. However, you should check with your local sewer system before employing this method. You can also try using a high-pressure water pump to flush debris out or invest in a coil rodder (commonly known as a “roto-rooter”) that can cut away roots from your pipes between your house and the main sewer line.
CALL IN THE PROS
When the DIY solutions aren’t rooting out the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals. Not only can they locate and remove the damage quickly, but they are also best equipped to identify any break in the pipe and can replace the entire line. Call around to find out who might offer a free sewer camera inspection to find the potential problems and then recommend solutions. While no one wants to pay for a costly home repair, a professional will be able to diagnose the problem and offer the most cost-effective solution to eliminate it. n
Giant Almond Butter Blossoms
Recipe courtesy of Molly Yeh: Girl Meets Farm Episode “Big Midwestern Tractor Lunch” Courtesy of FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (2 sticks)
1 cup creamy natural no-stir almond butter at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup plus 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7 - 1.55 oz. milk chocolate bars, preferably Hershey’s halfed
Sliced toasted almonds, for garnish
Directions:
Arrange oven racks in the upper third and lower third portions. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, mix together the butter, almond butter, brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy and combined. 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined, followed by the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low, add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Place the remaining 6 tablespoons granulated sugar in a shallow bowl or rimmed plate. Scoop out heaping 1/4 cup size balls and roll them in the sugar to coat. Place on the baking sheets 2 inches apart, fitting up to 6 dough balls on each sheet. No need to flatten the balls.
Bake for 6 minutes than switch racks and rotate the pans 180 degrees and continue to bake until lightly browned around the edges; begin checking for doneness after another 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully top each cookie with a chocolate bar half, pressing firmly so the cookies crack around the edges. Return to the oven and bake for another 2 minutes.
Sprinkle some of the toasted almonds onto the chocolate. Let cool in the pans for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Cook’s note: Unbaked cookie dough balls can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes onto the baking time. n
(StatePoint) There are very few things more relaxing than the amazing sight and sound of birds. A 2022 study even uncovered profound mental health benefits to birdwatching, including stress relief. But how do you go about bringing some of this outdoor zen to your kitchen or living room? The answer is simple: a DIY window bird feeder.
Build Your Own Window Feeder for Summer Bird Watching
“With a window bird feeder, you’ll create a fascinating view of feathered friends going about their daily routines, great educational opportunities, family bonding moments and even a little fun for your indoor pets,” says Jamie Briggs, director of marketing at Exmark, a leading manufacturer of lawn care equipment.
Drill
Jigsaw Miter saw
Speed square
Brad nailer
Sand paper
Tape measure Wood glue
Pencil
Paint or pre-conditioner and stain
Ear and eye protection
Dust mask
1-1 1/2-inch brad nails (4) suction cups
Build Steps
Landscape fabric (optional)
(1) 1-inch x 8-inch x 3-foot pine board
(2) 1-inch x 4-inch x 3-foot pine boards
(1) 1-inch x 2-inch x 3-foot pine board
1. Cut boards to length, according to the cut list (downloadable on the Exmark site).
2. Measure the angles to form the roof peak.
3. Trace a window shape in board A and use a jigsaw to cut out the window hole.
4. Secure the tray using brad nails. Use wood glue along the seams.
5. Attach the roof boards using nails and glue.
6. Drill holes that match the diameter and depth of the suction cups. Fill them with glue and insert the suction cups.
7. Sand the feeder’s edges.
8. Apply paint or preconditioner and stain of your choice. Finish off with a sealer.
9. Line the interior of the tray with landscape fabric.
To view the video tutorial and download the full build plans, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life site at backyard.exmark.com, a multimedia destination that provides homeowners with everything from grilling tips and design projects to gardening and lawn care advice.
“Now all there’s left to do is pick out the perfect window, hang your new DIY bird feeder, and enjoy all the sights and sounds our avian friends have to offer,” says Briggs. n
Did You Know?
Welcome to the
July!
By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer
Ancient societies believed this time of year was bad luck, with dog attacks, thunderstorms and droughts.
The “dog days” were aptly named as they were connected with the star Sirius, which
151 years ago a tradition began in Elkhart County that has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the country.
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair is July 19-27 this year. Featuring local farming, livestock and homemaking exhibitions, the county’s 4-H fairs is the fourth largest in the country. The fair had to be put on hiatus a few times throughout the decades but continues as a long-standing tradition.
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair, while the largest, is just one of many happening in July, with rides, food, and entertainment to keep you pumped all summer long.
Marshall County 4-H Fair July 13-19. The festivities keep on coming.
Starting off the month strong, the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair goes from June 28 - July 6, followed by the Lagrange County 4-H Fair from July 6 - 13, the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair from July 713, and the week after is the
And let’s not forget the ever-important celebration of our nation’s freedom. Independence Day, the Fourth of July, and its weekend boasts a slew of family fun activities for all ages featuring a variety of interests.
boat parade taking place annually on July 4 on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse.
The Wawasee Flotilla is a
A most popular airshow also highlights mid-month. America’s Freedom Fest at the Goshen Municipal Airport, featuring an airshow with drones, parachutes, fighter demonstrations; car show and a fireworks display returns July 13.
