Michiana House and Home - October 2022

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542

800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the adver tiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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editor’s note...

I’m writing this on Sept. 22, considered the first day of fall. And the signs of fall are already starting to appear, cooler tempera tures at night and I’ve noticed the leaves are starting to fall from the trees, at least on my driveway.

Fall is a great time of year. There’s football, bonfires, apple and pumpkin picking along with hot apple cider and donuts. And of course for you pumpkin spice lovers- it’s ev erywhere from yogurt, to coffee, to candles.

One of the activities I enjoy in the fall is vol unteering at LoveWay, a therapeutic horse back riding center in Middlebury. I’ve been a volunteer there for over 25 years. A favorite class for everyone, students, horses and volunteers, is going out on a trail ride. it’s great in the fall, the weather is cool, there aren’t as many bugs out and the kids have the opportunity to see deer and wild turkey if we’re lucky.

The writers have been busy covering a wide variety of topics, from celebrating October as Fire Prevention Month to getting a start on yard prep before the snow starts to fly.

Writer Julie Young did an article on decorating for fall and Halloween while on a budget. She has some wonderful ideas from finding things at area farmers markets to checking out an tique malls for items that can be used around the home, inside and out.

Julie also did the “Did You Know?” column this month, providing some interesting information on how we came to call this time of year “Fall.”

BethAnne Brink-Cox continues our Brick-By-Brick series with an article on why it’s so important to have a financial contingency plan- whether you’re doing a home renovation, building your

dream home or in case an emergency comes up.

October is National Fire Prevention Month and Beth Anne provides us with some re ally good advice when it comes to making sure our homes are safe from fire. She said she had a lot of fun working on this partic ular story.

Writer Dani Messick and our guest writer Maryann Martin both did articles about fall yard prep. Dani discusses what needs to be done with the lawn and landscaping, while Maryann provides information rang ing from prepping indoor plants that have been outside all summer to come back indoors to recording where annuals and bulbs are planted and so much more.

This month’s recipes came from my email inbox. The first, the Indian Pan Chicken with Chick Peas came with an email promoting Chef Grace O’s newest cookbook. She focuses on delicious, nutrient dense food that will help us live lon ger. While I haven’t tried this recipe yet, I hope to. It sounds really interesting and looks delicious in the photos provided.

The second recipe is from the California Strawberries website and features an Agua Fresca. I’ve been intrigued by these fruity drinks for awhile, but haven’t had the time to drag the blender out and try one.

Until next month,

Lauren Zeugner, Editor Email: Lzeugner@the-papers.com

Autumn Accents

Seasonal Suggestions For Home Décor

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

There is plenty to “fall” in love with when it comes to seasonal décor. Autumn allows homeowners to change things around and try some thing new without breaking the budget. It also allows us to infuse our lives with natural colors and mate rials that are plentiful this time of year. If you are ready to get started, we’ve got the top tips for the interi or and exterior of the home.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

Fall is a great time to break out your baskets and clear glass containers and fill them with a wide array of colorful gourds that will take you from Halloween through Thanksgiving until it’s time to put up the Christmas tree. These elegant and eye-catching arrangements can be modified with apples which not only look great, but also make healthy grab-and-go snacks for your family and friends.

Tired of traditional color schemes? Why not check out some of the 2022 fall paint swatch es at a local paint store or hardware and look around your home for items that fall into those palettes. Consider orange and navy blue, lemon yellow and chocolate, berry, and beige for a fresh look. You may be able to update your living spaces with some inexpensive linens, pillows and accents from a vintage/resale shop such as Old Creamery Antiques in Middlebury or Vintage Haus Consign and More in Nappanee that you can use to create a fun fall motif.

photos: shutterstock.com

PAINT IT BLACK

While scouring your local vintage or thrift store, be on the lookout for items that can be transformed by a quick coat of black spray paint. Well-loved Barbie Dream Homes can become eerie haunted houses, while candlesticks, frames, bottles and vases can turn your dining room into a spooky scientific laboratory. Don’t for get to purchase some black construction or craft paper to cut out

FALL FAVORITES

The local pumpkin patches, country stores and farmers’ markets are a sure bet for all your favorite items to give your home a warm, welcoming look this season as well as a day of family fun. Porches always look better with a pumpkin, not to mention the instant update cornstalks and hay bales add to the atmosphere. Hill Top Farms in Mishawaka as well as Thistleberry Farm in South Bend are known for their seasonal selections including hardy mums, homemade items and more. Above all, don’t forget to be creative. This year’s avant-garde choice could be next year’s time-honored tradition so don’t be afraid to try new things. And as always, share your seasonal décor on our social media pages; you never know when you might be featured in an up coming issue! n

photos: shutterstock.com

Fall yard prep helps your yard survive winter

By Dani Messick House and Home Writer

Prepping your yard for the fall will save you time and a lot of hassle when springtime finally rolls back around.

LAWNCARE

“I think gradually preparing for winter throughout the fall is best practice. In my opinion, the more you can do in the fall, the less you need to worry about in the spring,” said Andrew Moser, store manager for Kuert Outdoor Living.

Moser says a great place to start is to begin by mowing your lawn shorter, and apply fall fertilizers.

“A lot of people don’t realize that fall is actually the best time to plant grass,” he added. “Most grass types in our area like the cool weather this time of year brings while the soil is still warm. If you have dam aged areas, bare spots, or simply want to overseed, now is the time to do it.”

While many people find fall fer tilizer to be a pointless endeavor, Moser points out fall fertilizer and winterization can help repair a lawn from summer damage. Choose a potassium-rich fertilizer which pro motes deep rooting.

“Not applying fall fertilizer is not the end of the world but can cer tainly help prevent winter diseases such as snow mold,” he explained.

“Applying a fertilizer too close to wintertime does not give the fertilizer enough time to do its job before it freezes and can actually damage your lawn.

“Mowing your yard a little short er in the fall can also be beneficial going into winter – especially when we get lots of snow. The weight of the snow on top of the grass can mat down your grass and essential ly ‘smother’ it. Additionally, mowing your yard shorter will help with leaf clean up.”

Aerating and dethatching your yard can also be helpful in estab lishing and keeping a healthy lawn, Moser says.

“Aerating and/or dethatching in certain situations can be beneficial as well by ensuring your yard has proper drainage.”

This process too can help ensure the lawn gets plenty of air, water and nutrients in the winter, and help to prevent fungus and other diseases.

LEAVES

To rake or not to rake?

Moser is in favor of collecting and raking leaves, stating excess leaf debris can be a breeding ground for fungus and disease.

“An over-abundance of leaves also robs your grass of sunlight it needs to flourish,” he added. “Furthermore, as pests and rodents are looking for warmth for the winter, a pile of leaves looks pretty cozy to most of them.”

But there are still things you can do with those leaves instead of tossing them.

“Many municipalities require leaves to be bagged that are then taken to landfills. More plastic in the landfills is not exactly what we need,” he said. “Leaves can act as an insulator for plants. Many peo ple use the leftover leaves in their gardens and landscapes to protect them from freeze damage in the winter. The added nutrients as the leaves break down are a plus as well.

If possible, Moser says, mulch the leaves up into tiny pieces and reuse them.

“This adds nutrients as the leaves break down into the ground. It can be very beneficial to the overall health of the yard (as long as there is not too much debris suf focating the lawn),” he said.

Homeowners can also use the leaf mulch around trees and plants in the fall as insulation to the plants throughout winter.

GUTTERS

Speaking of leaves, when’s the last time you checked your gutters?

“Making sure your gutters are clean will help prevent ice dams from forming in the winter and causing damage to your home.”

Don’t forget about the down spouts.

PERENNIALS

Pruning back perennials in the early fall is important.

Waiting until weeks before winter can put more unnecessary stress on your yard and plants,” Moser said. n

October: Fire Prevention Month

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

October is Fire Prevention Month. What does that mean? What should it mean to you? M&M Fire Protection & Security located in Goshen knows. “One of the risks many people don’t think of? Leaving your cell phones plugged in. People use the chargers so much they can easily get cracked or damaged, but they are often still used. If you leave the phone in your bed or on the floor, they can start a fire!” said Tonya Harrel, office manager at M&M.

And there’s more, of course. Harrel said, “No water on a grease fire. Smother it with a lid. Fires need oxygen to feed on.” If you have a fire in your house that a fire extinguisher can’t stop, close the doors on your way out of the house! But fires don’t only happen in the house. Garage fires are all too common, and there can be so many seemingly innocuous items stored there that are actually a fire hazard. Like what? Harrel an swered,” Gasoline cans are always a huge risk; straight gasoline or mixed with oil. But there’s also things like bug spray. They’re combustible.” So, too, are cans of spray paint. And self-cleaning ovens can be a risk, not to men tion the cans of do-it-yourself cleaning spray.

Every home should have smoke alarms. Not just one—depending on the size of your house, you could have several. There should

be one in every bedroom as well as outside the sleeping area, and at least one on every level of the house, including the basement. Harrel said, “Alarms should be checked every six months in the fall and spring, when you change your clocks–spring forward and fall back.”

But there are places they should NOT be installed, and some might surprise you. The steam in a bathroom can trip the alarm and damage its mechanisms over time. Nor should they be near an air conditioning system, furnace, or air return areas: the fans could blow away the smoke. They should be at least three feet away from washing machines or dishwash ers. Because of dust, they should not be installed in an unfinished attic. And while a smoke detector shouldn’t be installed in a garage, a heat detector is a good idea.

In Warsaw, the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory personnel will install

smoke detectors for those needing assistance, and they offer a free smoke detector program for city and township residents.

Shirley Fetrow is Fire Chief Garrett Holderman’s assistant, and she said “Smoke detectors are avail able at all three stations for those in need. We try to provide first for the City of Warsaw, and Wayne Township, but we don’t turn anyone down. We have a smoke detector program for all depart ments in Kosciusko County. And if you call and need assistance with anything like that–like your detec tors are beeping–we take care of that. We carry batteries in all the trucks, and we’ll check and replace them for you. We’ll also show you where they should be placed in your home, if you’re installing them for the first time. It’s very important for every home to have them.”

Fetrow said they advise carbon monoxide detectors, too, “But we

don’t get so much demand for those. We don’t have a program for them, but we’ll assist.” She continued, “We also advocate for fire extinguishers in every home. The ADC type can be bought at Menards, Lowe’s, hardware stores–they’re easy to find.”

Fire extinguishers need to be in spected once a year, and there are many local businesses who offer that service.

Finally, there are other details you might want to consider, such as stickers you can place on the windows of your home that will alert fire and rescue teams to the presence of pets in your home–the number of them, and what kind they are. Most shelters give them out now as a part of the going home package when you adopt a pet. A little foresight and planning goes a long way toward lessening dangers and loss.

around michiana

OCT. 1-31 (SELECTED DATES) |

SOUTH BEND

Farmers Market

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1105 Northside Blvd. 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

OCT. 7 | GOSHEN

First Friday: “Harvest Festival”

Fire pits, fall fashion show, seasonal food and drinks, pumpkin decorating, petting zoo.

5-9 p.m. Friday

Free admission Downtown area 574-312-9922 downtowngoshen.org

OCT. 11 | ELKHART

Four Winds Garden Club Annual Scholarship Auction

Bethel United Methodist Church 1200 N. Michigan St., Elkhart

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Auction begins at 7 p.m.

OCT. 15 | ELKHART

Trunk or Treat

Noon-2 p.m. Saturday

Free for children 12 and under and their families

Island Park, downtown Elkhart. Enter on Sycamore Street. 574-295-7275

elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks

OCT. 22 | ELKHART

Trunk or Treat / Pine Not-So-Haunted Woods Walk

Free trick-or-treating and family fun. 5-7 p.m. Saturday Pinewood Park 574-295-7275 elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks

OCT. 29 | ELKHART

Halloween Drive-In Movie: “Hocus Pocus”

Watch from car or bring chair or blanket. Gates open 5 p.m. Sautrday; movie starts 6 p.m. Free admission Ideal Beach 574-295-7275

elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

LERNER THEATER | ELKHART

• Oct. 8, Three Dog Night, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $39 to $89

• Oct. 14-16, “Little House on the Prairie: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, $12 to $25

• Oct. 23, “A Choral Tapestry” by Fairfield High School, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, $19.50

• Oct. 27, Lerner on the Lawn with Boy band Tribute Larger Than Life, 6 p.m. Thursday, free admission

• Oct. 29, We the Kingdom Fall 2022 Tour, 7 p.m. Saturday, $28 to $222 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN

• Oct. 11, Indigenous People’s Day performances and public seminar, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, free admission.

• Oct. 12, Artists & Creatives Happy Hour, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, free admission.

• Oct. 14, “We Own This Now, Live,” 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, donations wel come at the door.

• Oct. 15, “An Evening with The Steel Wheels,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $25.

• Oct. 20-23, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised),” 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $15 general admission.

• Oct. 28, Free Movie: “Hocus Pocus,” 7 p.m. Friday.

216 S. Main St. 574-312-3701 goshentheater.com

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS |

SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 7, Fall Fling for the Little Ones, 10 a.m.-noon Friday, BW, weather permitting, $5 per family. Register by Oct. 5.

• Oct. 9, public hayrides, departure times 1:30, 2, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, BW, free admission but gate fee in effect ($4 in-county, $5 out-of-county).

• Oct. 12, Women Experience the Outdoors: “Glaciers, Fossils and FUN,” 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Brown Barn, SP, $8/person. Registration and payment required by Oct. 10.

• Oct. 15, adaptive hayride, activities geared for families with disabilities, au tism, sensory processing disorders. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Van Paris Shelter, BW, $5/person. Registration and pay ment required by Oct. 11.

• Oct. 22, Pumpkin “O” Hunt orien teering activity for all ages, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Brown Barn, SP, $5 per map, gate fee in effect ($4 in-county, $5 outof-county).

• Oct. 23, fall photos, 20-minute photo shoot and one 8-by-10 portrait, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Brown Barn, SP, weather permitting, $30 per family. Register by Oct. 19.

• Oct. 29, Sandhill Crane Adventure, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, begins and ends at Nature Center, BW, $10 per person.

• Oct. 30, Science Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, SP, free admission. St. Patrick’s County Park (SP) , 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend; Bendix Woods County Park (BW), 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park (F/B), 57057 Ash Road, Osceola 574-654-3155 sjcparks.org

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 8-9, “West Side Story,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $18.50 to $66.

• Oct. 14-15, “The Book of Mormon,” 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, $43.50 to $128.50.

• Oct. 16, Theresa Caputo: “The Experience Live!” 3 p.m. Sunday, $48.25 to $98.25.

• Oct. 27, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac: Live in Concert 2021, 8 p.m. Thursday, $35/$45.

• Oct. 29, “Ghostbusters” accom panied by South Bend Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $19 to $79.

• Oct. 30, Dia de los Muertos Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, free admis sion. 211 N. Michigan St. 574-235-9190 morriscenter.org

RUTHMERE MANSION | ELKHART

• Oct. 11, 18, 25, Tuesday Tea, 2-3:30 p.m., bring your own favorite tea cup, $12/person. October Tuesday Teas will honor the late Queen Elizabeth II by featuring a strawberry themed dessert. Registration and pay ment due the Saturday before each tea.

• Oct. 8, Historic Graveyard Trick or Treat Tour, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Rice Cemetery, $5/adult, $3/child 10 and

around michiana

younger.

• Oct. 13, Fall Concert Series: Beardsley Piano Cup Winner Jimmy Cheung, 7 p.m. Thursday, $25/member, $40/nonmember, registration required.

• Oct. 15, Garden Series: “The Roots of Gardening at Ruthmere: Firsthand Accounts,” 2 p.m. Saturday, free general admission, registration required.

• Oct. 16, Witches Brew Tea with assortment of teas and tea foods, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, $30/adult, $15/youth 4-18, $25/member, registration required.

• Oct. 27, Fall Concert Series: Ariadne Antipa, 7 p.m. Thursday, $25/member, $40/nonmember, registration required.

All events at Ruthmere, 201 E. Beardsley Ave., unless otherwise specified.

Havilah Beardsley House (HBH), 102 W. Beardsley Ave.

Ruthmere: $10/adults, $4/students, free for children under 5 with adult Havilah Beardsley House: $5/adults, $2/ students, free for children under 5 with adult

Tour times on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, corner of Lake and 17th streets.

574-264-0330 888-287-7696 ruthmere.org

WELLFIELD BOTANICAL

GARDENS | ELKHART

• Oct. 1-31, Fabulous Fall with season ally themed events, educational programs, garden displays, merchandising, regular hours, regular admission.

• Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Yoga in the Gardens, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturdays, $8

per class or $72 for 10 classes for mem bers, $10 per class or $90 for 10 classes for nonmembers.

Venue is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, $10/ adults, $5/children 3-12 1011 N. Main St. 574-266-2006, ext. 105 wellfieldgardens.org

POTAWATOMI ZOO |

SOUTH BEND

• Oct. 21-23, Zoo Boo 2022, with trick-ortreating, pumpkins, lights, decorations, haunted train ride, enchanted carousel rides, Friday through Sunday, check web site for hours and ticket information. Zoo closed for regular hours during Zoo Boo. $12/adults 15-61, $10/children 3-14 and adults 62+, free for members and children 2 and under.

500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800 potawatomizoo.org

CITY OF FOUR FLAGS | NILES, MICH.

• Oct. 1-30 (weekends only), Niles

Scream Park, 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Sundays beginning Oct. 9, $5 to $45 depending on attrac tion(s). haunted.org.

• Oct. 29, Downtown Safe Trick-orTreat, 4-5 p.m. Saturday, free admission.

• Oct. 31, City of Niles Trick-or-Treat, 6-7 p.m. Monday, citywide, free admis sion. nilesmi.org n

Saving for those CONTINGENCIES

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox House and Home Writer

Banking has taken so many forms throughout our life time. Remember those early savings accounts we got–just $5 to open one–when we got our first jobs? And maybe you had grandparents who had lived through the Depression, who still felt safest socking away cash in a coffee can or some such place ... just in case. CDs, stocks and bonds, 401ks, the list is lengthy and ever changing.

Ben Dalton, of First Federal Savings Bank in Rochester, agreed about the different methods in the past, but said, “To a brand new customer I would say, start saving in an employer sponsored savings plan, a 401k. It doesn’t matter so much what amount you put in; what matters is you just do it now. The more you save, the more money you have as it grows.”

The common partial match provided by employers is 50% of what you put in, which can be up to 6% of your salary. 401ks have mostly replaced the pension plans of years past, in the private sector, anyway. Most jobs no longer offer that tradition, which guarantees income after retirement. Only one quarter of civilian workers were offered a pension plan in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pensions are still offered in many government jobs, though.

But what does a financial contingency plan look like now? While the size of your emergency fund will vary depending on common factors (life style, monthly expenses, income, and dependents) the general rule of thumb is to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.

This was tested during the pandemic and quarantine, and many are scrambling to replace those funds even now. And of course, contingen cies can be anything from replacing a car sooner than you’d planned, a catastrophic illness or injury, even a major home repair.

Should it be in savings, or investments? Dalton said, “Two years ago I would have said investments were best. In this recent market slide, you see pullbacks. But still, overall, with the history of the stock market, you’re still ahead investing.”

What if you need more than your emergency fund, and can’t get it? There are usually pen alties for removing funds before the invest ments are mature, but it depends on how your investments were made. An investment in an open end scheme can be redeemed at any time, unless it is an investment in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme where there is a lockin of one to three years from the date of in vestment. Dalton further explained, “Another option is working, if you can. If you can’t, you might have to bite the bullet as far as penal ties are concerned.” According to the Social Security Administration starting the age you reach full retirement age, there is no limit to how much you can earn and still receive your benefits.

Dalton, who works in the mortgaging department, said, “Housing market has slowed quite a bit, because inter est rates are rising, and it has brought purchases down.” The house flipping trend has slowed, as well, because it costs more to buy a house to begin with, and with supply chain shortages, materials cost more than they used to.

“Ten different advisors will give you 10 different answers as to how much you should have saved or invested,” said Dalton. Whatever numbers and percentages you have to work with, the simplest thought is you can’t save too much, because you never know what might come up, how much you might need and how often.

For some couples, that might mean working to live within the boundaries of one paycheck, and saving or investing the other. For singles, it could be a straight percentage that is treated like any other bill, and gets ‘paid’ regularly.

However you choose to plan for contingencies, the time is now. n

photos: shutterstock.com

Putting Your Garden to Bed for

WINTER

(and other fall tasks)

By Maryann Martin Guest Writer Michiana Master Gardener

Not only is Fall a great time to be outdoors and harvest the last of your fall vegetable crop and pick the last bouquets of the flowers that have hung in there for your pleasure, it is also a time to put in place readiness for Spring. I love that about Fall!

Sketching out a plot plan – what you have planted where over the sum mer – will be a big help to you come spring. It can be as simple or as formal as you like. You can add ideas of the annuals you might want to purchase next spring, which tomato or other vegetable plants have worked best for you, transplanting or pruning you might want to do late winter/early spring. When I do my fall plot plan I indicate where I want the vegetable plants for next spring so I don’t plant them in the same place. Crop rotation helps keep undesireable pests away. At one time I didn’t thnk a plot plan was necessary but it has really helped me keep track of perennials and vegetables and ideas I want to incorporate for the next gardening year. And now is the time to plant bulbs for next spring. Mark where you planted them on your plot plan so you can look for them next spring!

House plants you placed outside for summer should be brought indoors before nighttime temps drop below 55 degrees. I spray mine with a hose for a few days in a row so as not to bring insects in with them or you can spray with an insecticide (follow directions carefully). Now is also a good time to repot herbs or other annual plants you want to overwinter. Dig them carefully, and if large, you can cut in half and pot in a peat mix, vermiculite or potting soil. Adjust light to accommodate the plants, placing them close to windows or use artificial light, if need ed. Plant cuttings from herbs and many other plants can also be used to keep your plants going over the winter. Place in water or vermiculite until rooted and then plant in a soil mixture. Plants such as tuberous begonias should be lifted when foliage begins yellowing or after first light frost. Dry bulbs for about a week, cut back foliage, shake off dirt and store in a box, single layer on newspapers or dry medium in cool,

dry place. Dig canna and dahlia roots after first frost and store in peat moss or vermiculite in a cool place. Gladiolus corms should be dug when leaves begin yellowing and stored in a cool dark place.

Harvest the last of your root crops and store in cold humid location. Perforated bags work well. Dig potatoes and allow to dry for 1-2 weeks, then store in cool, dark location. Pumpkins and winter squash can be harvested when the rind is hard and fully colored but before first frost. Store in cool place. If frost is predicted remaining tomatoes can be rip ened indoors. Wrap individually or leave entire plant on the vine. Store in a cool location. Once your last veggies have been harvested clean up your garden space so bugs don’t have a place to hide over the winter. Also, clean up around fruit trees to reduce diseases as well as insect carry-over. Place straw or other protection over asparagus roots. Keep the foliage on until it turns yellow but it can also be left on over the winter as it collects snow for better insulation. Mulch (2-4 inchessuch as straw, pine needles, hay or bark chips) around perennials and shrubs - especially newly planted ones. As you mulch – especially with shrubs and trees - keep the mulch away from tree trunks to prevent damage from rodents who like to hang out in the mulch and munch away on the tree bark. Keep watering when there hasn’t been an inch or more of rain in a week to give your plants and shrubs a healthy start for wintering over. Keep watering until the ground freezes. Protect rose bushes by mounding soil around the base of the plants and pro tecting the top with mulch or other means, after a few hard frosts. Covering before the plant goes dormant can be damaging to the plant. Cover strawberry plants for protection from frost but uncover when weather warms to keep crowns from rotting. Prune dead, diseased or damaged branches from trees and shrubs.

If desired, you can apply nitrogen (1#/1000 sq. ft.) to help your lawn recover from summer stress. Fall is a good time to reseed bare spots. As leaves fall, rake them or chop them finely with your lawn mower. They add great nutrients to your lawn.

Clean all your gardening tools. Make sure your hoses are drained and placed in storage. Store leftover seeds in a cool, dry place. And if you have not had your soil tested for a few years – now is the time! You will then be ready for Spring and can look over those gardening catalogs in winter, knowing where the spaces are that need something new and look over new cultivars of flowers and vegetables and know where you want to place them. n

Indian Sheet Pan Chicken with Chickpeas

Recipe reprinted with permission from Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World

By Grace O / Skyhorse Publishing / August 2022

Serves 4. Gluten-Free. The spices in this dish are inspired by Indian cuisine. The acid in the yogurt marinade helps tenderize the chicken. The sugar helps brown the chicken skin and caramelize it as it roasts. Be sure to toss the chickpeas(garbanzo beans) and cauliflower florets occasionally, coating them in the chicken fat as it renders.

Ingredients:

3 – 3½ lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken parts (breasts, thighs, legs)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1½ cups low-fat Greek yogurt, divided

Directions:

5 Tbs. fresh lemon juice, divided

2 tsp. ground turmeric, divided

2 Tbs. water

2 cans (14-15-oz. each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 Tbs. fennel seeds

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground cardamom

½ tsp. ground cayenne

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 large red onion, thinly sliced, divided

2 Tbs. olive oil

½ cup fresh mint or cilantro leaves, torn

1) Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

2) In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup yogurt, 2 Tbs. lemon juice, 1 tsp. turmeric and 2 Tbs. water. Add the chicken and toss, coating evenly. Let sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator, before cooking.

3) Place oven rack on the top third of the oven and heat to 425 degrees F.

4) On a sheet pan, combine the chickpeas, fen nel seeds, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, remain ing turmeric, cauliflower, and half the onion slices. Drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss well to coat.

5) Move the vegetables to both sides of the sheet pan. Scrape any excess marinade off the chicken parts and place them in the cen ter, skin-side up. Place in the oven and bake, tossing the veggies occasionally, for 45 to 50 minutes or until the skin of the chicken is even ly browned, and the chickpeas are golden and starting to crisp.

6) Meanwhile, toss the remaining onion slices with 2 Tbs. lemon juice and season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

7) Combine the remaining yogurt with the re maining lemon juice, salt, and pepper and set aside.

8) Scatter the chicken with lemony onions and mint or cilantro. Serve with seasoned yogurt alongside as a sauce.

Benefits: Chickpeas contain fiber which aids digestion, increases satiety, and helps lower blood cholesterol. The iron in chickpeas helps transport oxygen properly throughout the body. The zinc they contain may play a role in reducing your risk of macular degeneration. It also maintains collagen and elastin for beautiful skin.

Strawberry Agua Fresca with Chia

Prep Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp chia seeds

4½ cups of water

Directions:

12 California strawberries, hulled

1) Add chia seeds to ½ cup of water and refrig erate for at least 10 minutes.

2) Place 8 strawberries, sugar, juice from one lemon, and 1 cup of water into the blender. Blend until puréed.

3) Pour 3 cups of water into a large pitcher.

• Yield: 5 Cups • Calories: 80kcal

¼ cup sugar

2 lemons

1 cup ice Mint to garnish

4) Add puréed strawberries to pitcher.

5) Add chia mixture to pitcher and stir until fully combined.

6) Slice remaining strawberries and one lemon (including peel) and add to pitcher.

7) Pour ice into pitcher. Serve cold and garnish with strawberries and mint. n www.californiastrawberries.com/strawberry-agua-fresca-with-chia/

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

North America is the only geographic region that refers to the season as “Fall.” Originally known as “Harvest” until the inception of “Autumn” in the 1300s, Fall eventually became a popular term for the pre-winter season thanks to English poets who referred to the “fall of the leaves.” However, by the mid-1800s, the fall fad was over and the English reverted to Autumn leaving the US and Canada to claim “Fall” as their own! Ready to learn some more Fall fun facts to kick off your pump kin-spiced season? “Leaf” it to us! We’ve got you covered!

Although the most popular pie in the US is apple with 27% of the nation champi oning the classic filling flavor, cherry remains the favorite among Hoosiers and throughout much of the Midwest. Other popular pies include pecan, blueberry and pumpkin.

Farmers in the top six pumpkin pro ducing states (California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia) harvest more than 1 billion pounds of the gourd annually.

Bobbing for apples was once a British courting ritual. Men were assigned an apple and the women would bob for them in hopes of catching the man she had her eye on. If successful – it was taken as a sign that the two belonged together!

National Candy Corn day is Oct. 30.

Sympathetic children throughout the nation sent the fictional Charlie Brown candy after seeing him receive rocks when “It’s the Great pumpkin, Charlie Brown” aired in 1966.

Approximately 52 percent of Americans decorate their homes for Halloween and ac cording to the National Retail Federation, $3.2 billion is spent on décor each year. That’s $32.10 per person!

In addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is also National Cookie Month, American Cheese Month, National Pizza Month, and Clergy Appreciation Month.

Not only do more people fall in love during the Autumn season, but birth rates are at their highest as well.

Fall has a distinct scent and no, it’s not pumpkin spice! When the leaves fall, they die and expel several gases, which triggers a nerve in the brain that affects your face and nose. That’s why many people say they can actually smell cooler air.

Americans buy enough candy the week of Halloween to fill six Titanics. Talk about “sinking” your teeth in the season!

Have you ever wondered what the most popular Halloween costume of all time is? Beating out the bedsheet ghost is the witch – a classic icon that will never go out of style.

Fall is the perfect time to get things done around the house. Before winter hits, homeowners should:

o Check windows and doors.

o Clean the HVAC unit.

o Check the fireplace and arrange for servicing.

o Winterize the outside water lines and store hoses for next spring.

o Clean the water heater.

o Check the roof for missing shingles and remove debris from the gutters.

o Clean out the garage and store outdoor equipment properly. n

FUN FACTS TO “fall” FOR Did You Know? ... and now you know!