Complimentary October 2021
Bring Autumn Into Your Bedroom Dining Room Makeovers Create Your Own Movie Room
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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 RAY BALOGH rbalogh@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Carrie Goralczyk cgoralczyk@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com
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contents
FEATURE WRITERS Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young
Re-design Where You Dine
MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com
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The Best Time To Test For Radon Is Just Around The Corner
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8 Year-Round Gardening — Ironweed 10 Waging The Ground War Against Armyworms
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 advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.
NO. 6
Bringing Autumn Into Your Bedroom
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maymie Ankrom, Mary Lester
DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com
October 2021 VOLUME 18
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Servin’ Up Good Eats
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Furnace Market Is Different, Yet The Same
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The Ultimate — Movie Room Around Michiana
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| Michiana House and Home | October 2021 | 3
bringing
Autumn Bedroom
into your
By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer
After months of extreme heat, are you looking forward to cooler temperatures and fall breezes? That doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to pumpkin spice, which you either love or hate. Thinking about flannel sheets and beautiful quilts? Summer bedrooms mean the lightest covers you can find, and even curtains are often lighter in appearance, but autumn kicks in the beginnings of hibernation and nesting instinct. Debbie Carpenter of Sweet Water Interiors has wonderful merchandise and ideas for doing exactly that. When asked if people redecorate for every season, she said that many do, but it’s done in small touches, such as changing accent pieces. Like what? “Well, throw pillows and table skirts make a statement, and they’re easy to switch out. Go with heavier fabrics for autumn, as well as warmer tones. You can add such things as candles, and you can change a floral arrangement in any room.” And many of us hang seasonal wreaths on doors and walls, as Debbie said. “You can also easily switch the rug at the front door.” 4 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
Debbie also said another trend is to redecorate a child’s bedroom, usually for significant timelines. Going from a crib to a toddler bed doesn’t change a room so much, but she’s found that a new look is most appreciated when a young person is about to start middle school, a definite change from being a child. Her own mother did that with her bedroom when she was at summer camp, switching out carpet, window treatments, and the like. (What a wonderful thing that must have been to come home and discover!) You can, of course, choose to do this with your child assisting with choices and some of the work. Debbie said, ”For a girl, a special
“Large pieces of furniture and wall units limit your possibilities as to arranging and rearranging a room, so lingerie chests and bureaus are more in use now.” And, of course, you can always make extra bedding part of the decor, stacking quilts on a chest, or piling pillows into an old child’s wagon. Bring the beautiful, vivid colors of autumn right in with a basket of artificial leaves and grasses. Even potpourri is seasonal, and can be hidden from sight while still scenting your rooms according to your taste. Pull a big chair closer to the fireplace!
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The best decoration of all is the ever-changing palette of the trees. Open your curtains and enjoy the beautiful paintings you see as autumn begins. n Photos: Shutterstock.com RESOURCE: Sweet Water Interiors, Goshen, 574-534-3989,
www.sweetwaterinteriors.com
touch is a full-length mirror.” It’s a peek into the future of your child as an adult, ready or not! Making a bedroom cozy for autumn (we won’t mention winter yet) means you might drape a cashmere throw across a chaise lounge, or fold an afghan across the foot of the bed. Debbie said she sells a lot of Eastern Accents bedding. Window treatments don’t get switched out as often, as that’s a big and expensive project, but a new quilt or duvet on the bed can change the entire look of the room in a minute. “And you can put down a different rug rather than changing floor covering altogether.” Debbie stocks beautiful pieces from Direct Rug Imports in Mishawaka. But where do you store your bedding when you change for the seasons? Debbie said armoires aren’t really the thing anymore, and she hasn’t sold any cedar chests, either. “They’re still available, but you’d have to go looking for them. Most of the time people are storing things in plastic zippered cases that can be placed on lower shelves in the closets or even under the bed.
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Re-design WHERE YOU DINE
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the dining room gets a makeover SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT
By Julie Young, House and Home Writer
When you stop to think about it, a lot of life happens around the dining room table. From family gatherings and celebrations to homework, hobbies, game night and more, the dining room is a place where people come together, and everyone feels at home. Of course, over the past year, many dining rooms have been pulling double (and sometimes triple) duty, serving not only as a place to eat but as classrooms and quasi offices, so it’s past time to refresh and redesign the space that does so much for our lives!
FORGO FORMALITY Experts say the formal, company-only dining room is a thing of the past and today’s families are forgoing the traditional matched dining room suites in favor of a more comfortable, carefully curated look that complements their lifestyle and needs. Debbie Carpenter, A.S.I.D., owner of Sweet Water Interiors in Goshen, says today’s home6 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
owner is eschewing large china cabinets for smaller buffets or sideboards and they are embracing a mix of materials, styles, and fabrics in their furnishings. “For example, they might choose to do a fully upholstered chair at the host and hostess places but go with a wooden chair and a complementary fabric on the sides of the table,” she said. “Some homeowners are also doing chairs on one side and a bench on the other.” If your dining room furniture no longer meets your needs, Brandenberry Shutterstock.com Furniture in Shipshewana may be able to help. Brandenberry Furniture offers hand-crafted, customizable Amish furniture in a variety of styles and finishes. You can order full sets or individual pieces to create the look that will fit your family’s needs and will last for generations to come. “We’ll help you find the pieces that are perfect for your personal taste and home décor,” Brandenberry promises.
Carpenter says there are several small changes homeowners can make to give their dining room a redo. Changing the paint color, adding an area rug for warmth and a plant or two to bring the outdoors inside or changing out your lighting fixtures are great ways to create and add interest to the space. “The rule of thumb for chandeliers is that the bottom of it should come 36 inches from the table, but you can do a little less or more depending on the style,” she said. “You can also include ceiling medallions or a cord cover for those people who do not want to see the chandelier chain.” Other popular options include floating chandeliers, linear chandeliers or the addition of two chandeliers as opposed to a solitary fixture over the table. Kendall Lighting Center has been the area’s leading provider of decorative and distinctive lighting elements for over 50 years. Each of their showrooms in northern Indiana and southern Michigan highlight the latest innovations and trends, whether you prefer a craftsman/mission style, traditional, contemporary, or transitional look. “There is a lot you can do to add ambiance to your dining room, but the overall idea is to create a space that ties into other areas of your house and affords you an overall pleasing atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy,” Carpenter said. n RESOURCES: Brandenberry Furniture, Shipshewana, 855-768-3270, www.brandberryfurniture.com Kendall Lighting Center, Elkhart, 574-389-3400,
Warsaw, 574-269-3838, South Bend, 574-272-6000, www.kendalllightingcenter.com Sweet Water Interiors, Goshen, 574-534-3989,
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The best time to TEST FOR RADON is just around the corner
http://www.ep a.gov/radon/z on
ST JOSEPH
PORTER
LAKE
By Dani Messick, House and Home Writer
KOSCI-
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If you haven’t tested your home for radon recently, it’s worth considering. The Indiana Department of Health recommends checking homes every two years and the season for testing is fast approaching.
NEWTON
CANOE
Tests are available at most local hardware stores, including box stores like Lowe’s, Menards and Home Depot. (Photo by Dani Messick)
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HENRY
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HENDRICKS
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FRANKLIN
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SCOTT WASHINGTON
ORANGE
CLARK FLOYD
DUBOIS CRAWFORD
HARRISON
WARRICK
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GREENE
PIKE
UNION
FAYETTE
DECATUR
OWEN
GIBSON
WAYNE RUSH
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RANDOLPH
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Radon is an odorless and tasteless gas that “That’s a snapshot,” Weaver continued. develops naturally from the decay of rocks and “What you want is a movie of what’s going on soil beneath the earth’s surface. Comprised over a period of six months.” of poisonous gases like uranium and thorium, The American Lung Association says that radon is radioactive and, in excess amounts, while the number of deaths due to radon expocan pose health risks. As air passes through the sure is uncertain, the EPA estimates the numsubsurface of the ground, it naturally picks up ber to be around 21,000 per year. It is agreed, the radioactive gas. Outside buildings, the air if nothing else, that radon is responsible for is then mixed with other gases and toxin levels thousands of lung cancer deaths each year, esdecrease significantly, but inside the home, mitpecially among smokers, who already have an igation does not come naturally. increased risk. It is also the number one cause Older homes may experience radon radioof lung cancer among nonsmokers. activity due to cracks, sumps, base drainage, or The Indiana Department of Health suggests other openings in the home’s foundation, but that nearly one out of three homes in Indiana newer homes are at risk too. Angela Tin, nationhas radon gas levels greater than 4.0 picocuries al senior director for the Clean Air Initiatives per liter, the maximum acceptable amount. of the American Lung Association, says newer Much of Indiana is indicated to have a high Zone 1potential for radon within soil, according to the homes are so energy efficient they can actually Zone 2 Zone 3 allow radon levels to increase in homes. In older EPA’s radon map. homes, air is often exchanged with the environ The Indiana Department of Health adds ment through cracks or poor insulation, but to that the average indoor radon level is estimated keep energy costs down, newer homes do not to be about 1.3 picocurries, while the average experience this. outdoor level is estimated to be about 0.4. “Radon levels will vary from home to home, The best time to test is during the winter even in the same neighborhood, which is why months, Weaver explained, because homes are it’s important to test your home periodically,” more tightly closed off, with windows and doors said Jeni O’Malley, deputy chief of staff and remaining shut, and the pressure differential of chief communications officer for the Indiana the warm air inside and the cold air outside is Health Department. higher.
USKO FULTON
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The EPA says Indiana still ranks high for potential levels of radon in the soil.
ZONE 1 High potential of radon in the soil. Moderate potential levels of
ZONE 2 radon in the soil.
http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html
house and putting a pipe in to ventilate the air before it gets into your home.” Another option is a sump-like device that is installed into the basement especially for the gathering of radon. “Sometimes just putting a lid over that hole where the pump is and ventilating it to the outside brings the level down.” That process involves a four-inch pipe with a small fan that provides positive pressure to suck the air out of the sump and outside the home. “Testing for and eliminating radon in a home is one of the most important things a family can do to protect their health,” O’Malley said. When purchasing a new home, O’Malley says the Indiana Health Department also recommends that homebuyers either review the results of the most recent radon test (if it was done less than two years ago) or have a radon test performed. Thereafter, continued testing every two years is recommended. Testing should be done whether or not there has been mitigation. While radon mitigation is a simple process, it should be done by a professional to ensure safety and accuracy. Through the Indiana Professional Licensing Association, homeowners can find licensed radon mitigation professionals at www.mylicense.in.gov/everification/search. aspx. Contact the Indiana Radon Hotline at (800) 272-9723 or contact an Indiana-licensed radon tester for additional information. n STEUBEN
LAGRANGE
ST JOSEPH
ELKHART
DE KALB
LA PORTE
NOBLE
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WABASH
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ADAMS
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WELLS
MIAMI
WHITE
GRANT
CARROLL
BENTON
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HOWARD
JAY
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CANOE
WARREN
TIPTON
CLINTON
VERMILLION
HENDRICKS
PARKE
HENRY
HAMILTON
MONTGOMERY
RUSH
MARION
JOHNSON
MONROE
SULLIVAN
FRANKLIN
DEARBORN
BARTHOLOMEW
BROWN
GREENE
RIPLEY
JENNINGS
DAVIESS
JEFFERSON
KNOX
According to the Indiana Health Department, mitigation for radon is generally simple and costs between $800 and $1,200. Most homes today can be reduced to 2 picocuries or below with a radon mitigation system installed in the home. “Some situations are easier than others,” Zone 3 they remediate Weaver said.2 “One ofZone the ways is to ventilate along the foundation of your home, digging down along the perimeter of the
SCOTT
MARTIN
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PIKE
CLARK
FLOYD
DUBOIS
CRAWFORD
GIBSON
HARRISON
WARRICK
SPENCER
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VANDERBURGH
PERRY
OHIO
SWITZERLAND
JACKSON
LAWRENCE
The American Lung Association offers tests kits at cost.
UNION
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VIGO
FAYETTE
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MORGAN
CLAY
WAYNE
HANCOCK
PUTNAM
8 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
RANDOLPH
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Licensed radon testing companies are easy enough to find, she added, but do-it-yourself short-term and long-term test kits are accessible at most local hardware stores, with prices ranging from $15 to $100. The American Lung Association also sells DIY kits at cost. All DIY kits require users to submit testing materials to assigned labs for analysis, and results are returned to the tester. “What you’re really interested in is an average over a period of months because the risk is based on spending a long time in the affected area,” explained Robert Weaver, KosciuskoZone 1 County health administrator. Short-term test kits range from 10 to 90 days.
DELAWARE
MADI-
FOUN-
nemap.html
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| YEAR-ROUND GARDENING |
Ironweed a plus for pollinators By Joyce Arleen Corson, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener
If you are traveling in the countryside and you see a very tall, eye-catching plant with startling purple flowers growing in the fence row, it is more than likely New York ironweed. Growing up to 7 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, New York ironweed — otherwise known as Vernonia noveboracensis — is a long blooming, perennial wildflower that’s commonly found in wet meadows and pastures, banks of streams, low-lying woods and marshes. A member of the aster family, New York ironweed has a wide-ranging native area, reaching from New Hampshire to the Florida panhandle, as well as Kentucky and Alabama. Full sun is where it performs best. Often overgrazed cattle land has many growing because the bare soil is a good seed medium for them. My sand and gravel garden, with six hours of full sun, is where I noticed it growing last summer as a seedling. Now it is a single stalk more than 5 feet tall. What caught my eye was the comparatively tiny flower, just 6 inches in height. It reminded me of a bonsai. I’m sure the seed hitchhiked on my boot from the wetland mix planted in 2015. Later the plant will do what iron does best, it will turn brown. The rusty color then travels downward, browning the stem and leaves. It will form a network of thick roots that crowds out invasive plants wonderfully. It has done so in the wetland. Another specimen, giant ironweed, is a member of the Asteraceae, the sunflower family. In older manuals and guides, this family is called the Compositae because the flowers are a composite of many flowers. All members of the family produce one or more heads of flowers, which are shaped like flared tubes. Each tube has five petals that are
10 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
fused together at the bottom and separate at the top. Each flower has a pistil, or the female part, and stamens, the male part. If you have fear ironweed will spread too widely, cut the stalks and fill in with short growing wood asters. The ironweed maximum blooming time is about five days. There is no
stopping rust, so enjoy the purple flower while you can. The bloom time is the same as Joe Pye weed, making them great companions. Joe Pye lasts longer and ages to a soft pink. Both are great pollinators. New York ironweed should be divided every three to four years to keep the plants healthy. Carefully dig up your plants. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away any dead parts of the crown and roots, usually in the center. Cut the remaining crown and roots into pieces you can replant. As with all native plants, winter stratification of seeds is the sure way to get good plants. According to The Spruce, “Not all plant seeds are ready to sprout as soon as you put them in the soil. Some hard-shelled seeds need a bit more coaxing and some need a temperature change to trigger the end of dormancy. “Scarification, or cracking the hard outer shell, and stratification, or fooling seeds into thinking they’ve been through winter, are two simple techniques that will save you a lot of frustration when starting seeds.” So it is with ironweed. n Photos: Shutterstock.com
Waging the ground war against armyworms By Ray Balogh, Editor, Michiana House and Home
Many northern Indiana lawns, gardens and crops are undergoing their worst enemy invasion in recent memory, but there is still time to battle the marauding damage before winter descends on the battlefield. Armyworms subsist in the southern U.S. during cold weather and are swept north by forceful winds. The weather patterns created by this year’s 1-2 punch of major hurricanes in the Southeast allowed an “unprecedented” number of invaders to ride the northbound jet stream (they can travel 500 miles or more in 24 hours) and descend like a platoon of paratroopers onto the lush greenery homeowners have diligently nurtured all summer long. Rick Brandenburg, an entomologist at North Carolina State University, said, “This year is like a perfect storm. In my 40 years, I have never seen the problem as widespread as it is this year.” Once they settle in, the females lay up to 500 eggs in the grass or on overhanging trees. The eggs hatch in five to seven days and the voracious larvae — they eat until there’s no food left or until they die, whichever comes first — immediately begin their malevolent 24/7 feasting. They eat blades of grass down to the roots, exposing and dehydrating the crown, until the grass overheats and dies. Armyworms can kill a lawn or a patch of crops within 48 hours.
IDENTIFYING THE ENEMY According to www.gardentech.com: “Several species of armyworms affect lawns and crops in the United States. In the larval (caterpillar) stage, they typically measure 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Their heads may vary in color, but they have a distinctive inverted ‘Y’ mark. Armyworm bodies have a series of
green, yellow, red or brown stripes down their sides and backs. Adult armyworm moths measure about 1 1/2 inches across. Their front wings are dark gray with light and dark splotches, but their hind wings are pale gray-white.”
DETECTING THE DAMAGE Caught early enough, lawns can be saved, though with armyworms, the race is always against the clock. Therefore, it is necessary to detect signs of incipient lawn damage as early as possible. Again, according to the GardenTech website, “Small brown lawn patches are often the first clue of an armyworm problem The pests may leave grass blades ragged or chew just the green layer, creating a transparent ‘windowpane’ look. Grass may be sheared to the ground, creating bare spots in your lawn.” Oftentimes the larvae work underground or deep within the thatch of a lawn, but they nevertheless attract birds, particularly starlings, and terrestrial predators such as skunks and rodents, so armyworms’ presence may be indicated by flocks of probing birds or areas of scratched or burrowed lawn created by predators.
DOING BATTLE The best line of defense is, of course, a merciless offense. At the first sight of caterpillars, use an insecticide to kill them on the spot. The
label should list caterpillars as one of the application’s intended targets. A more economical home remedy is to saturate the affected area with a soap flush mixture. Three tablespoons of liquid dish soap (lemon-scented works the best) in one gallon of water will treat a 3-foot-by-3-foot area. If the soap mixture doesn’t kill the larvae, it will at least bring them to the surface so an application of a pesticide can finish the job. Another method is to use a product containing bacillus thuringiensis, or BT, a bacteria formulated to fatally infect insects. Applications, either in granular or spray form, should be scheduled for late in the day to reduce sunlight and UV breakdown of the insecticide and to maximize contact with the larvae, who are busiest as daylight wanes. Most treatments will kill the pests within 24 hours. For the more scientifically adept, David Smitley, entomology professor at Michigan State University, advises in a Sept. 3, 2021, article: “More damage can be prevented by applying a pyrethroid insecticide labeled for use on turfgrass with one of the following active ingredients: bifenthrin, cypermethrin, sumithrin, deltamethrin, cyfluthrin or another synthetic pyrethroid. Sevin Insect Killer no longer has carbaryl as the active ingredient. It now contains cypermethrin, which should work well. For all of these, use the label rate and wait until the spray is dry before allowing use of the treated turfgrass.” Armyworms die after a few frosts or upon the first hard freeze, but lawns may still be salvaged with immediate and effective action as this season’s clock winds down. Call or visit your local lawn and garden shop, hardware store or extension agent for expert guidance in waging the war to save your lawn and/or garden. n Photos: Shutterstock.com
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Warm Up Your Family with
Perfectly Autumn Entrees and Desserts
Perhaps nothing brings back warm childhood memories more than getting a whiff of pork chops cooking in the kitchen when coming in from a chilly autumn day. The fullness of the aroma and the satisfying taste of savory pork, paired with the sweet-tart mingling of apples, cider and mustard make apple pork chops a perfect autumn main dish. The recipe calls for only six ingredients, but each one weaves into a delicious tapestry of flavors that will no doubt demand its place in the rotation of supper dishes during the fall months. This mouth-watering dish can be prepared, start to finish, in half an hour. For more information, visit www.dinneratthezoo.com.
Apple Pork Chops Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, divided for use 4 bone-in pork chops (5-6 ounces each) 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons apple cider, divided for use (preferably cider infused with spices and aromatics) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage 3 apples, cored and thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F. In a large skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper and cook for 6 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown. Add 1/2 cup cider and place the pan in the oven for 10-15 minutes. The bake time depends on the thickness of the chops and desired level of doneness.
While the pork is in the oven, in another skillet cook the apples in the remaining butter over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of apple cider, turn the heat to high, and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Season the apples to taste with salt. After the pan comes out of the oven, transfer the pork to a plate. Whisk the mustard and sage into the cider drippings, season to taste. Place the apples on the plate with the pork and pour the sauce over the top.
Pumpkin Brownies Total time: 1 hour, 3 minutes | Servings: 9 |
Best get ‘em while they’re hot, because these pumpkin brownies rarely last past the first wave of hungry snackers. Bringing together the seasonal flavor of pumpkin and the perennial mainstay of chocolate is what makes this thick and chewy autumn dessert memorable year-round. Bonus flavors reminiscent of fall: walnuts, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The brownies take a bit over an hour to prepare, but that gives more time for their olfactory ambrosia to permeate the home, compelling even the most ardent lawnkeeper to put off raking leaves for a while. Pumpkin brownies are sure to be a hit at Halloween parties and neighborhood fall festivals, as after-school snacks, or as the perfect companion to a cup of hot tea or coffee. For more information, visit www.lilluna.com. 12 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking pan. In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Using a spoon, mix in eggs one at a time. Gradually stir in your flour mixture, and divide the batter evenly among two separate bowls. In one bowl of batter, stir in cocoa powder and chocolate chips. In the second bowl of batter, stir in the pumpkin puree, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Spread 1/2 of the chocolate batter into the bottom of the baking pan. Spread 1/2 of the pumpkin batter on top of that. Add dollops of each of the remaining batters into the baking pan (this will make it easier to swirl). Then, drag a kitchen knife gently through the dollops of chocolate and pumpkin batter to create a swirled top. Bake for 45-48 minutes. n
Shutterstock.com
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup melted butter 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 eggs 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Furnace market is different, yet the same By Dani Messick, House and Home Writer
Shutterstock.com
Think you may be in the market for a new furnace? The good news is, not a lot has changed in the industry in recent years — unless your concerns lie with innovations in technology and energy efficiency.
“The industry is the same, but different. It’s a little bit higher-tech,” said Lee Bontrager of The Element Masters in Middlebury. Bontrager says the technology available now allows dealers to diagnose furnace problems through a computerized system in the furnace, without ever having to schedule an expensive service call. “That can also be connected to a smartphone or computer to help monitor that type of operation,” he said. “That is helpful for the customer and also the dealer as far as being able to diagnose equipment a little easier that way. “The (furnace) boxes are still very similar. It’s just more circuitry and computerized boards that monitor things a little differently than 25 years ago,” he said. “If the customer thinks they have an issue they might be able to have someone look at the system before they actually come out.” Even the newer furnaces don’t stand the test of time, though. The average life expectancy of a furnace, with good yearly maintenance, remains 20 to 25 years. “Obviously, the best time to time to replace it is when you’re starting to have a lot of issues maintaining the equipment and keeping it running. Cracked heater exchangers are a situation when it’s critical to get it replaced,” Bontrager said. “If a system is maintained yearly, a lot of times we’ll be able to notice if there is a part that maybe needs to be replaced and we would make that recommendation, or if the system starts to show its age, that’s where we would make the recommendation to replace the whole system or the furnace. There are parts that need to be replaced more frequently and won’t hold up. Then, rather than repairing certain components, you may want to look at replacing them and getting a good warranty again.” The replacement process takes only a single day. “We basically disconnect the electrical, gas line and ductwork from the unit and reinstall them to the new one,” said Bontrager. Licensed dealers can replace the air conditioning unit at the same time, and most come with a 10-year standard parts warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger. The result is a higher efficiency, more technologically advanced system with a higher level of diagnostics built into the control board that can be read long distance for customers who need a new furnace for their homes. “We’re just squeezing a little bit more heat (BTUs) out of the same amount of gas. Instead of a 90% efficient furnace back then, now it might be up to 98%. It’s different blowers and different designs of heat exchangers to be able to squeeze a little higher efficiency out of each furnace.” n
203 Wayne St., Middlebury, IN (574) 825-8824
RESOURCE: The Element Masters, Middlebury, 574-825-8824, www.elementmasters.net | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 | 13
The Ultimate —
A home theater can look just like any other cozy family room. Photo courtesy of ALLEGRO Home Entertainment, Granger
Movie Room
By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer
Shutterstock.com
With so much more time at home, and many theaters closed, you’ve probably watched more movies in the last year or so than you have in years. Where did you watch? Living room? Family room? Bedroom? What if you created a home theater? Jeff Wesco, of ALLEGRO Home Entertainment in Granger, says there’s definitely been a lot more requests for home theater systems since COVID and quarantining. “Absolutely! It’s a growing thing. Some want updates on existing systems to bring it up to par, or they want to renovate altogether. Some choose to add a room for the first time. 14 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
“For some people it’s not a dedicated room; it might have a pool table as well as speakers and other interests. I can create an incredible multi-purpose room if that’s the customer’s wish.” Wesco went on to say that COVID has changed how the movie industry releases new films. “Something else is that we’ve seen new movies being released simultaneously to the-
ater and home, or even first releases directly at home On Demand, such as ‘Mulan’ on Disney Plus. This has amped up the desire for home theaters.” Obviously this requires a screen for viewing — but big screen TV or an actual screen? “What it really comes down to is that the whole point is to put you into the movie. When dedicating a whole room, you want it to be an immersive experience. “We’re looking at how we can use a client’s budget to give them the most experience, and there are multiple levels to that. The big factors are audio immersion and the level coming from the big screen. When someone steps into a room with surround sound or Dolby, even if you’re viewing on a large screen TV, say, 85” or so, the experience is much more theatrical,” Wesco said. “The audio system — the speakers and projection system — is what you look at first. Sound has a bigger impact on immersion than screen size.” Photo courtesy of ALLEGRO Home Entertainment, Granger
A Zero Edge Projection Screen screen is designed to blend into its surrounding decor. Photo courtesy of ALLEGRO Home Entertainment, Granger
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Is soundproofing an issue? Wesco said it varies client by client, depending on the size of the house and location of the room. “Some customers want it soundproofed, such as when the room is below a child’s bedroom, and others don’t. It’s harder to retrofit, though, so if it’s wanted, it should be brought up early in the project.” Should a room like this be in a basement or upstairs? Wesco replied, “It really doesn’t matter so much, although many do end up in the basement simply because there are usually no windows. But clients don’t always have a basement. Maybe there’s a great media room with a wall of windows. That would mean we use a different kind of projector, screen or TV. Automated blinds can be installed to drop over the windows, creating the needed darkness.” There are more details than you might Anthem Receiver think to creating a home theater. Bowers & Wilkins Sound System “If you just want a TV on the wall, a sound bar and two speakers, that can be done easily. But if you want something more, you consider the shape and size of the room, dropdown equipment and such. “One factor is how obtrusive or unobtrusive the speakers are.They come in a lot of different forms, and can be installed almost flush with the wall, where all you’ll see is the grille,” Wesco said. He went on to say, “Popular now is the acoustically transparent projection screen. The speakers are behind it, but not visible. Or you might prefer power speakers that are set out in the room.” Is there a man-cave vs. women’s wishes in designing these rooms? Wesco said no, that compromises can be easily reached for both to enjoy the finished project. After that, it’s up to you to decide if you want big comfy sofas and chairs or if you want actual theater-style seats. Popcorn machine? Candy counter? Your wish is your command! n
www.bontragerconcrete.com
574-773-7311
RESOURCE: ALLEGRO Home Entertainment, Granger, 574-255-4434, www.discoverallegro.com
598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 | 15
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SEPT. 30-OCT. 3 | NILES
Four Flags Area Apple Festival Carnival section, rides, parade, car show, food vendors, arts and crafts, contests, live entertainment. 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday $5 parking donation 1749 Lake St. 269-683-8870 www.fourflagsapplefestival.org
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OCT. 1 | WARSAW
Many different profiles of hidden fastener roofing & siding available. Hidden Fastener Roofing
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First Friday
Festive block party atmosphere with food, nonprofit and business vendors, live entertainment. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday Free admission Downtown around county courthouse 574-267-6311 www.warsawcdc.org/first-friday
OCT. 2 | GOSHEN
Waytoberfest
Annual family fall festival with ice cream truck, games, chili cook-off, pie and cornbread contests, kid’s activities. 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday Free admission Waypoint Community Church, 56893 C. R. 29 574-825-3600 www.waypointcommunity.com
OCT. 2, 9 | NAPPANEE
Market on Market Final two weeks of farmer’s market featuring local produce, arts and crafts. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Free admission 201 W. Market St. 574-773-2112 www.facebook.com/nappaneemarket
OCT. 2-3 | KENDALLVILLE
Apple Festival
1800-1865 pioneer festival with skilled demonstrators, primitive village, children’s crafts and games, contests, antiques, entertainment, food. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Free admission, parking charge only Noble County Fairgrounds, 580 Fair St. 260-350-1119 www.kendallvilleapplefestival.com
16 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
Editor’s Note: With ongoing concerns in regards to coronavirus, events may have been cancelled or postponed following Michiana House and Home’s press deadline. Verify events are still occurring before setting out to attend.
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OCT. 16-17 | SOUTH BEND AND SURROUNDING AREA
Builders Showcase
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Seven homes across Michiana are showcased. Sponsored by Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Free admission Various locations 574-258-0411 www.hbasjv.com, www.facebook.com/hbasjv
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OCT. 17 | SOUTH BEND
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Michiana VegFest
Community festival with free food samples, vendors, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Free admission Century Center, 120 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.michianavegfest.org, www.facebook. com/michianaveg
OCT. 23 | SHIPSHEWANA
Ship-Chic Craft and Vintage Show
80+ vendors of gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, baked goods, signs, more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Admission fee Misc. & Antique Building, 345 S. Van Buren St. 260-768-4129 www.shipshewanatradingplace.com
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OCT. 23-24 | LIGONIER
Five Medals at the Trace Re-enactment of frontier skirmish, Native American village, family educational event. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Admission fee Stone’s Trace, 5111 Lincolnway S. 574-529-3693 www.stonestrace.com
OCT. 26 | GOSHEN
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Community Trivia Night Support public education in Goshen Community Schools. Trivia competition moderated by DJ Sticky Boots. Teams must register by Thursday, Oct. 7. 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday Entry fee for contestants Peddlers Event Center, 2618 Peddlers Village Road 574-534-6661 www.goshenschoolsfoundation.org n
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| Michiana House and Home | October 2021 | 17
Did You Know?
Pumpkin spice and everything nice about autumn photos: Shutterstock.com
By Julie Young, House and Home Writer
There is plenty to “fall” in love with this season! Whether you are hitting the road to take in the brilliant foliage, watching the Friday Night Lights or enjoying your favorite tailgating foods, we have the fun facts that will help you prepare for the weeks ahead!
Orange you glad? Here are a few suggestions: · Find an orange statement piece to serve as the focal point of the room, such as a striped chair, rust-colored sofa or painted coffee table. · Create a citrusy vibe in a nursery or kitchen with peach and yellow tones. · Couple orange with a muted country blue for a balanced look in a dining nook. · Add orange accents in draperies, lamps, pillows and occasional tables. n
Color your world
Have you ever wondered why leaves change in the fall? Technically they don’t. Those pigments are inside them all year long. However, when daylight hours and temperatures decline, so too does a leaf’s chlorophyll production. This lack of chlorophyll causes a leaf to lose its green color and highlight the red, yellow and orange hiding inside before falling from its branch and allowing the tree to hibernate for the winter.
MON OCH ROM ATIC ROO MS
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Top design trends for BLUE FINIS HES
October
UPH OLST ERED BED WAL LS
Halloween History
Although no one knows who coined the catchphrase “Trick or Treat,” we do know that the term was found in an Alberta, Canada, newspaper in 1927. By 1951, it was firmly ensconced in the popular culture thanks to the “Peanuts” comic strip and a Donald Duck cartoon featuring his three nephews: Huey, Dewey and Louie. The rest, as they say, is history. 18 | Michiana House and Home | October 2021 |
... and now you know!
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STEEL ROOFING Making Every Job A Masterpiece
Competitive Pricing • Free Estimates Lifetime Warranty • Financing Available Larry Schlabach
2510 S 250 W • LaGrange, IN 46761 Office (260) 463-2675 • Fax (260) 463-3676
| Michiana House and Home | October 2021 | 19
Dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and quality products At Leatherman Supply, our knowledgeable staff is committed to our customers, homeowners and business partners. From the beginning to the end of your project, you can expect complete satisfaction from Leatherman Supply.
Come visit us in our new showroom! Contact us! Hours Our Location (574) 533-0597 info@leathermansupply.com
Mon.-Fri. 8:00-4:30 Evenings & Sat. by Appointment
2423 Peddlers Village Rd. Goshen, IN 46528
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