Summer Home

HOME SUMMER

2018

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SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 1

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INDEX

6 20 24 28

Yes you can!: Former DL home ec teacher Judy Fankhanel, has been canning since she was a little girl

Go Native: Native plant restorations catch on around Detroit Lake

Fawning over awenings: Awnings can make outdoor living spaces more comfortable and usable

PUBLISHED BY DL NEWSPAPERS IN THE JUNE 20, 2018 ISSUE OF THE TRIBUNE

14 22 25

Airbnb: How some property owners in DL use Airbnb to market their homes to vacationers.

511 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-3151 Fax: 218-847-9409 www.dl-online.com recordtribune@dlnewspapers.com PUBLISHER: Melissa Swenson MAGAZINE EDITOR: Marie Johnson CREATIVE MANAGER: Sara Leitheiser DESIGNER: Luanna Lake

Dream outdoor space: Creative planning can help you design outdoor space perfect for hosting.

26 30

Run air conditioners without wasting energy: Learn how to run air conditioners without wasting energy

Backyard beehives: The basics of getting started as a backyard beekeeper; saving bees one hive at a time

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Viola Anderson

Safety tips for grilling: Tips to stay safe from fires this grilling season Conserving water: Tips on how to conserve water during the dog days of summer

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Yes, you

can!

Food preservation helps you enjoy the benefits of home grown products all year round

PAGE 6 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

STORY BY:

VICKI GERDES

H

ome food preservation has been around for about as long as the human race has existed. It has permeated nearly every culture, from one side of the globe to the other, in some form or another.

Most types of food, be it fruits, vegetables, meats or dairy products, naturally begin to spoil the moment they are harvested. But when ancient man found ways to preserve some foods for future use, he no longer had to

Lifelong home canning enthusiast Judy Fankhanel of Detroit Lakes says there are a variety of ways to preserve your garden’s bountiful harvest, from canning to freezing and even drying. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

consume each day’s kill or harvest immediately.

This allowed families to live in one place, put down roots, form communities and create cultures.

Each culture found its own way to preserve local food sources, but all used the same basic methods: Freezing, curing, smoking, drying, pickling, fermentation and, of course, canning.

Though home canning has existed in the United States since the first European settlers

came over on the Mayflower, the methods and recipes commonly used by our ancestors have changed considerably, particularly in the last 50 years.

“I first learned to can from my mother, and she learned from her mother,” says Detroit Lakes resident Judy Fankhanel, who taught family and consumer science at Detroit Lakes High School for 23 years.

Fankhanel first learned how to can using an

ABOVE LEFT FACING PAGE: Salsa, marinara and, if you prefer, just plain tomatoes are among the things you can preserve through home canning.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 7

open kettle method, where freshly sealed jars of the canner’s favorite produce, jams, jellies or sauces were immersed in a bath of boiling water to create a seal, as well as rid them of germs and other contaminants. Each jar was then lifted out of the water using a set of specially-formed tongs, known simply as jar lifters, then put on a rack to dry.

Another popular method was to put freshly cooked sauces, jams and jellies, or heated mixtures of the canner’s favorite produce, into 001678098r1

The “safety seal” label on this jar is deceiving; home canning enthusiast Judy Fankhanel says jars like these are not really safe for canning your favorite produce and sauces. They are, however, ideal for storing dried fruits and vegetables as well as grains and pastas. Vicki Gerdes / Summer Home

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jars, then screw the lids on tight and turn them upside down until a solid seal was formed.

Though seals did form using both of these methods, newer food preservation techniques such as pressure canning have made the process much safer, Fankhanel says.

Unfortunately, she notes, this means many of the methods and recipes used by past generations have fallen by the wayside.

“I have this memory of having some canned chicken that (my aunt) put up,” she says. “It was really tasty.

But she used a boiling water bath canner.”

Today, Fankhanel says, boiling water bath canning is only considered safe for food products with a high acidic content — which include “fruits, pickles, salsa, jams and jellies, some types of tomatoes,” Fankhanel says, adding that some foods infused with things like lemon, lime or other citrus juices can also be canned this way, because their pH level has been lowered sufficiently to make it safe.

This is due to the fact that lowacid foods are at a much higher risk of contamination with bacteria that produce botulism — a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria and most common in home-canned vegetables, cured pork and ham, smoked or raw fish, and honey or corn syrup, according to PubMed Health.

When she got married and had four children, Fankhanel’s family had a garden the size of a football field.

She made everything from jams and jellies to salsa and marinara sauce, and that’s what her kids still look forward to eating when they come home to visit, now with families of ABOVE: New methods of pressure canning have made the process safer and easier.

Vicki Gerdes/Summer Home

“Canning is work, yes, but when you have people to do it with, and some great stories to tell, it can be a lot of fun, too.”

– Longtime canner Judy Fankhanel, of Detroit Lakes

PAGE 10 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

their own.

And of course she’s passed along what she’s learned to her children: Daughter Christine and her husband Matthew once brought 80 pounds of fresh tomatoes back home with them for a canning session that took up most of the day.

“One load after another was going into the canner,” Fankhanel says. “Canning is work, yes, but when you have people to do it with, and some great stories to tell, it can be a lot of fun, too.”

There is a science to canning foods, Fankhanel says, but it is also a form of art.

“I like to try different things,” she says, noting that pizza sauces, salsas, jams and jellies can be customized by adding different fruits, herbs and spices before canning them.

One good tip for making jams and jellies: “Ripe fruits produce the best flavor,” Fankhanel says. “But unripened fruits have more natural pectin (the substance that

causes the liquid to gel properly).”

Finding the right mixture of fruits at different stages of ripeness is the key, she adds.

Though it’s always more fun to learn how to can by working with someone who has a lot of experience, Fankhanel says, there are also a wide variety of resources available.

“I used a lot of books,” she says, “and I even made up my own recipe book. But today, pretty much everything you need is available online.”

The website of the National Center for Home Food Preservation (https://nchfp. uga.edu) is a particularly good resource, she notes.

Another tip to keep in mind: The fresher the food is when you can it, the better quality the end product will be.

“It’s best to process the food within 1-12 hours of harvesting,” Fankhanel says. “You want to can your best stuff.”

ABOVE: The makings for some spicy salsa.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 11

GARDEN FRESH SALSA 1/2 sweet onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 5 slices pickled jalapeno peppers, or to taste 6 fresh tomatoes, quartered 2 teaspoons olive oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil 17 oz 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1/2 lime, juiced 1/8 teaspoon salt Salt, 26 oz Add all ingredients to list

PAGE 12 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

DIRECTIONS: Place onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add tomatoes, and pulse just a few times until the tomatoes are coarsely chopped. Transfer to a bowl with a tight-fitting lid.

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and salt.

Pour dressing over tomatoes, and stir well. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

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(More) rooms for rent

Airbnb rentals expand lodging options around Detroit Lakes STORY & PHOTOS BY: EMILY DRISCOLL

PAGE 14 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

H

omeowners in the Lakes Area are living in a gold mine — that is, if they have somewhere else to stay and are comfortable with strangers sleeping under their roofs.

Detroit Lakes is a popular tourism spot, and it’s not unheard of for travellers to run into trouble finding traditional lakeside lodging, especially in the summer months and on weekends, as local hotels and resorts book up fast.

Airbnb can help. Local Airbnb rentals offer alternative lodging options for visitors, and can also be a boon for property owners willing to rent out their homes or

cabins.

For those unfamiliar, Airbnb is to hotels as Uber is to taxis, and it’s not as unusual or uncommon as it might seem. Nearly 100,000 Airbnb reservations are booked online through airbnb.com each day, all over the world.

An online marketplace and hospitality service, Airbnb gives property owners an easy way to market their homes, condos, holiday cottages, apartments or hotel rooms for rent, and its website gives people looking for a place to stay a quick way to search for available rentals in any given area.

Airbnb has more than 4 million lodging listings in nearly 200 countries around the world. A quick search in June for Airbnb rental homes in Detroit Lakes pulled up more than 30 options.

It’s not just private homeowners who can benefit from Airbnb. Some rental properties, such as Lakes Inn in Detroit Lakes, also use the Starboard Point Luxury Condominium is a large, three bedroom condo with two bathrooms, a patio, laundry room, bar seating and more.

A look inside a local Airbnb rental: Starboard Point Luxury Condo at the Fairfield Inn

Some folks buy up properties as longterm investments or vacation homes, but use them temporarily as short-term rental properties.

One of those people is Michael Vickerman, who owns a three bedroom, two bathroom condominium atop the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Detroit Lakes, at the east end of the public beach on West Lake Drive.

Vickerman is a writer and producer in Los Angeles, but visits the Lakes Area often.

His parents live in Maple Plain, Minn., and he grew up in the area.

In pursuit of a rewarding investment, he started looking at some possible locations. His search led him to the recently-constructed Fairfield; he toured the top floor apartment before construction had even been completed, and he fell in love.

Since October, Vickerman has been gradually making the apartment into a vacationer’s dream stay.

“I furnished, decorated, and put in a lot of work to make it cozy,” he says.

Everywhere you look, there is a sign or decoration with a Minnesota lakes or Scandinavian heritage reference. The living room has ample seating for lounging, including a futon that could be used as a fifth bed in addition to the two queen-sized beds and bunk bed in the condo.

Vickerman lists the property on Airbnb as one of the higher-end options, going for $400 a night at the lowest, with higher rates closer to $500 a night for popular summer weekends.

“It’s a prime location,” Vickerman says.

“Everyone that’s stayed there has been pretty wowed by it.”

The view from the top floor overlooking the lake is quite a site, and the room comes along with all the amenities that the Fairfield offers, including a swimming pool and exercise facility.

Even though the hotel is not at all affiliated with his condominium rental, Vickerman says he has a good relationship with the staff there, and they are happy to help him out by handing off the keys to renters as they pass through.

The condominium is well equipped with things a person might forget on vacation, like beach towels, essential toiletries, soda, bottled water, games and more.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 15

website. Lakes Inn Owner Tim Wesbrook uses Airbnb, along with two other travel websites, to list his available motel rooms.

Wesbrook bought the motel on West Lake Drive about four years ago. It’s a hot spot, he says, seated comfortably near the public beach on Detroit Lake and popular beachside establishments like Hub 41, Zorbaz and Lakeside Tavern.

Though a couple of rental horror stories through Airbnb have made national headlines, Wesbrook said the only unruly Airbnb guest he has ever encountered was a college-aged male who punched a hole in the wall of his room. Other than

ABOVE: Michael Vickerman wanted to go beyond what hotels offer with his Airbnb rental, like offering this pair of binoculars. The condo also features Scrabble, an iPod dock, a bouquet of office supplies, and plenty of beach equipment including an umbrella and lawn chairs.

ABOVE RIGHT: Michael Vickerman, co-owner of the Starboard Point Luxury Condominium vacation rental through Airbnb, says he sees his condo overlooking Detroit Lake as a “long-term investment, and short term rental.”

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The master bedroom in the condo is equipped with wood floors, cozy rugs, a flat-screen TV, full-body mirror, bedside Altoids and water bottles, and plenty of pillows.

that, he said Airbnb guests have been “nothing but a positive experience.”

“Having rental properties, I understand that bad things can happen no matter where the guests rent from,” Wesbrook says.

Airbnb customers and hosts are reviewed after each stay, and each party is held accountable. For example, if a host promises several amenities that they don’t end up actually offering, the guest can leave them a poor review.

Hosts can also look at their guest’s reviews before approving them for a stay. A good rule of thumb when looking for a rental through Airbnb is to avoid places that have no reviews or only poor reviews.

The website is popularly used

around the Lakes Area. For typically busier tourist times, like the weekend after the Fourth of July, there were no available local listings on Airbnb as of the beginning of June — everything was booked up. And any new rentals getting listed were getting snatched up in a heartbeat.

Those shopping for a rental on Airbnb for summer weekends in Detroit Lakes are advised to get ahead of the game.

Check the site a few months prior to the date you’re hoping to book, and get your spot reserved well in advance.

That being said, anyone can list their property at any time, so checking back frequently doesn’t hurt. Something may pop up.

ABOVE LEFT: One unique amenity at Starboard Point Luxury Condominium is a patio overlooking Detroit Lake.

LEFT: If you forgot to bring a toothbrush on vacation, or a pair of scissors, Vickerman has you covered with his condo rental in Detroit Lakes.

PAGE 18 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

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Detroit Lake home owner Justin Scallon recently pursued a shoreline restoration project that incorporated native plants through a Becker Soil and Water Conservation District program. He was drawn to purchase a vacation home in Detroit Lakes, where his family had always vacationed, by the lure of watersports and the area’s wide variety of entertainment options.

Submitted Photo

GO NATIVE

Lakeshore native plant restorations catching on in Detroit Lakes

STORY BY: ANN WESSEL, MINNESOTA BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES

J

ustin Scallon’s 125-foot stretch of lakefront interrupts a band of rock riprap that cinches most of Detroit Lake’s shore.

Its bright-green oats cover crop, tall spikes of sedges, and flowering blackeyed Susans stand out from neighbors’ beige-and-gray rock landscaping.

Like the riprap, Scallon’s shoreline restoration will stabilize the bank. But his restoration will also cut the amount of phosphorus that enters the Detroit Lake, reduce runoff, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. When the native wildflower seeding reaches maturity in about three years, it will bloom purple,

yellow and white.

“When they (the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District) had this program come out and they showed me the graphics and the layouts for what they could do, I just fell in love with it immediately,” Scallon said. “With rocks, you don’t get colors. You get colors with all the plants that’ll start blooming.”

Scallon’s restoration is part of a Becker Soil and Water Conservation District initiative that gives lakeshore property owners a chance to help rescue recreational waters from the brink of impairment. A $254,900 Clean Water Fund grant covers 75 percent

PAGE 20 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

of landowners’ costs. Projects might include native plant restorations, rain gardens or gutters — all designed to clean up the lake.

The initiative targets 12 phosphorussensitive lakes where water quality is in peril or high quality and in need of protection.

“Some of (the lakes) were outstanding resources that were well worth any protective effort. Anything you’re going to do to keep water quality from taking a shift is good — from a standpoint of surface water quality, fisheries quality, recreational opportunities, groundwater recharge,”

said Peter Mead, Becker SWCD administrator.

Detroit Lake, the centerpiece of Detroit Lakes’ tourism in a county with 500 lakes and 300,000 annual visitors, is at risk because of elevated phosphorus levels. It connects to Curfman Pond, Lake Sallie and Lake Melissa.

“If Detroit Lake ever flipped it would be disastrous all the way downstream because everybody’s kind of at their tipping point already, and Detroit Lake’s the biggest contributor (of) upstream water,” Mead said.

On Detroit Lake, 710 parcels of land touch the water. Year-round and vacation homes range from 1950s cabins to 7,500-square-foot new construction. Restaurants, a marina, beach and paved walking trail ring the lake.

“It’s sort of a playground more than anything,” Mead said.

“They (lakeshore property owners) like that green right down to the edge,” he added. “They like to have a big sand beach. And it’s not necessarily what’s suposed to be here. A few fairly significant projects around the lake helped to change attitudes pretty quickly. As with everything we do, yes, we’re here to treat resource concerns.

But really what we do is, we change human behavior.”

One landowner can’t singlehandedly reverse decades of lawn fertilizer applications and paved surface runoff. But one landowner can spread the word about the Becker SWCD initiative.

A Fargo-based homebuilder, Scallon, 36, was drawn to the town where he

had vacationed as a child. Now he visits with his wife and three children, ages 2, 5 and 7.

“There are so many things to do out on this lake that you can’t do in other areas,” Scallon said, listing restaurants, watersports, city-sponsored events and a public beach. “I’m getting to show them what I enjoyed when I was 2, 5 and 7, and they’re hopefully going to do that with their kids someday.”

Scallon bought the vacation property with 50 feet of shoreline on Detroit Lake in 2012, and then

about striking a balance. You reduce that disturbance right by the shore. It’s better for everything that lives in the water and its better for us because we rely on the water.”

Shoreline restoration can be a tough sell unless property owners have witnessed water clarity diminish or blue-green algae appear.

“A lot of people will be shy of doing native buffers because they’re worried about what their neighbors will think of it,” said Gabe Dretsch, Becker SWCD shoreland technician.

“I just fell in love with it immediately.

With rocks, you don’t get colors. You get colors with all the plants that’ll start blooming.”

– Justin Scallon, on his restored lakeshore

purchased the adjoining property as a rental unit in May 2017. Both lawns extended downhill to a wave-carved drop-off.

Once he saw the first restoration taking shape, Scallon signed on for the second. One of his neighbors saw his shoreline and decided to pursue a restoration.

If pre-settlement were the gauge, restoring Detroit Lake’s shoreline would mean restoring the forest — a rich riparian zone supporting fish and wildlife, and filtering pollutants.

Native forbs, sedges and grasses are a compromise.

“We’re realists. If these were shoreline restorations, we’d have trees everywhere,” Mead said. “It’s kind of

Landowners who sign on to the SWCD program have a say in the plant mix, and get a pretty good idea of how a mature planting will look. Armed with mapping tools and a database of options and related costs, SWCD staff provide quick assessments and customized plans. Scallon estimated his cost-share would total $4,800.

Scallon’s view of Detroit Lake will remain unobscured; the tallest plants grow at the bottom of the bank. He’ll still be able to access his boats.

“We try to keep it so they have an area for recreation. That’s important to them and us that they have that, because that’s what they come to the lake for. We try to work with them as much as we can,” Mead said.

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PAGE 22 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

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EVALUATE THE SPACE

Look at the lot and decide what will go where, such as where to place the party space, where to create a quiet hideaway and where to locate a poolhouse or outdoor shower. A large, flat yard can be

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their entertaining spaces. Remember that goals may evolve as landscape designers and even architects make their own suggestions for the space or present limitations.

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DESIGN

divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes. Yards that are built on a hill or slope can still be utilized with creative design elements, such as multitiered decking. By working with qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas to life.

EASY FOOD AND DRINK ACCESS

Traipsing in and out of the house for refreshments can become tiresome when entertaining outside, and can also lead to dirt and water being tracked into the home. Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food and drink that makes outdoor entertaining much easier. The experts at Angie’s List suggest outdoor kitchens be built close to the house to make it easier to

FIRE IT UP

run electricity and plumbing. Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill and bar area.

Many homeowners enjoy having fire elements in their yards. Lanterns and candles may create a romantic feel, but a fire pit or outdoor fireplace may help extend use of the outdoor entertaining area beyond summer.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas and loveseats covered in fabric suited for outdoors and plenty of pillows can make for great lounging. Lighting that can be adjusted for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration. Shade structures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor “rooms” and establish privacy.

FACING PAGE: An outdoor entertaining area that offers the same amenities found inside a home can make outdoor retreats both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family. File Photo

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FAWNING OVER AWNINGS Create a cool and comfortable escape from the summer sun

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ackyard patios, decks and other outdoor entertaining areas can be great, but may go unused when the summer sun is beating down.

A retractable awning can change all that. Homeowners often find awnings to be worthwhile investments that are beneficial both inside the home and out.

INCREASE USABLE YARD SPACE

Awnings can create privacy and establish boundaries for outdoor living areas. Place an awning over a deck, tables and chairs, or an entire patio area. Some people like to install awnings over a portion of their pools to provide shade for those who want to escape the sun’s rays. Motorized awnings can be retracted with the push of a button, which can help homeowners with physical limitations.

PROTECT AGAINST SUN DAMAGE

Awnings provide excellent protection against sun damage, as they can shield outdoor furniture from direct sunlight, helping to reduce the chances of discoloration or fading.

REDUCE AIR CONDITIONING COSTS In addition to shading outdoor living areas, smaller awnings can be placed over southern- and western-facing windows, shielding interiors against the sun’s rays. In turn, this may reduce reliance on air conditioners.

EXPAND GARDENING POSSIBILITIES Some plants require very specific light conditions to grow. Awnings can protect shade-loving plants from harsh sunlight and filter the sun for plants that require indirect light. They can be

PAGE 24 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

placed over a patio container garden or permanent garden structure.

ADD VALUE FOR BUYERS

For those who may be selling their homes soon, awnings may help them receive top dollar. Today’s buyers want houses that have attractive and functional exteriors, and an awning can provide that competitive advantage over similar homes in the neighborhood. When renovating outdoor areas, homeowners should not overlook awnings.

FACING PAGE: Awnings can make outdoor spaces cooler and expand gardening possibilities.

File Photo

RUN AIR CONDITIONERS

► Use a window unit or

zoned system overnight.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that central

air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners, which are typically installed in windows. But central air conditioning systems that are not zoned may be cooling empty rooms overnight. Apartment dwellers may find window units less wasteful, while homeowners who can afford to install zoned air conditioning systems may rest easier knowing they are only paying to cool certain parts of their homes overnight. Zoned systems come equipped with programmable thermostats that homeowners can adjust when they go to bed, ensuring they won’t be cooling empty living rooms and basements overnight.

is an effective way to circulate cool air throughout a home. By running both fans and air conditioners at the same, the air conditioners won’t have to be run as long or as hard as they would if no fans were turned on.

► Conserve energy in other ways. Unplug appliances that are not being used and prepare cold dinners so ovens that can make home

interiors feel hotter won’t need to be turned on. In addition, take advantage of the longer daylight hours in summer and keep lights off until the sun goes down. houses that have attractive and functional exteriors, and an awning can provide that competitive advantage over similar homes in the neighborhood. When renovating outdoor areas, homeowners should not overlook awnings.

► Have units serviced

before summer begins.

Well-maintained central air conditioners will work more efficiently.

Routine maintenance of air conditioning systems will ensure that systems aren’t working harder, and therefore consuming more energy, than necessary to cool a home.

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ew people can make it through the dog days of summer without turning on their air conditioners.

Those concerned about the environment and conserving energy may try to avoid using their air conditioners, but doing so on especially hot days can be challenging and even a health risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat each year.

Heat stroke can result when a body overheats after prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition is most common in summer and that a lack of air conditioning during periods of sustained hot weather is a risk for heat stroke.

Conserving energy during summer is a noble pursuit, but people should not jeopardize their health in an effort to save. Air conditioners might not be the most eco-friendly appliances, but there are ways to run them without wasting energy.

without wasting energy

► Let fans and air

conditioners work together.

The Department of Energy notes that using fans and air conditioners simultaneously SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 25

SAFETY TIPS P

for grilling season

eople have been cooking meals over open flames since the discovery of fire. Even today, when there are so many ways to cook a meal, many still insist there’s nothing better than the taste of food cooked on the grill.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, which tracks industry

trends, points out that one-third of consumers plan to use their grill or smoker more often this year. Even though grilling is widely associated with summer, a growing number of people are embracing year-round grilling.

Jack Goldman, CEO of the association, has said, “Barbecuing is no

longer just a pastime, but an integral part of the North American lifestyle.”

Seven in 10 adults in the United States own a grill or smoker. With so many people firing up their grills, it’s important to recognize the importance of grilling safety. Each year an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling, and close to half of all injuries

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PAGE 26 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

involving grills are due to thermal burns, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

and do not add more fluid or other flammable liquids after the fire has ignited.

HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE.

► Check for gas leaks. Whether the

► Only grill outside. Propane and

charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors. Grills should be placed well away from the home. Keep grills away from deck railings, eaves, overhangs and tree branches.

► Keep the grill clean. Thoroughly

gas grill is hooked up to a propane tank or the natural gas supply of a home, ensure that the hoses or tanks are not leaking. Apply a light soap-and-water solution to hoses to see if they bubble from leaking gas.

► Keep baking soda nearby. Baking

clean the grill prior to first use, and keep it tidy all year long. Grease or fat buildup can ignite and cause a fire.

soda can control grease fires, but it’s also helpful to have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand on hand for other types of fires.

► Always attend the grill. Grill

► Watch children and pets. Keep

distraction-free and keep an eye on the food being cooked. Simply stepping away for a few moments can lead to a fire or accident.

► Start fires safely. Charcoal grills and

gas grills may be lit using electronic starters that do not require fire. If using starter fluid, only do so on charcoal,

children and pets at least three feet away from grilling areas.

► Wait for the grill and coals to cool.

Practice safety around the grill until all coals are cool and the grill is no longer hot to the touch. Only then should the grill be moved or relocated.

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FACING PAGE: Grilling is a passion that is enjoyed throughout much of the year. Safely cook outdoors by heeding safety guidelines. File Photo

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BACKYARD

BEEHIVES: THE BASICS OF GETTING STARTED

Saving bees one hive at a time ABOVE: The art of beekeeping has become an important endeavor, and just about anyone with some time and resources can start their own apiary. File Photo

PAGE 28 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

S

cientists and environmentalists have been warning the public for years that honeybees are disappearing at alarming rates. Scientists were initially uncertain about what was decimating bee populations. Even though no single cause is to blame, data has pointed to pesticide use and the mysterious colony collapse disorder, which is a name given to the dwindling colonies seen around the world.

National Geographic News says bees are essential because

before introducing bees into the community. By checking city or town ordinances, potential beekeepers will know how many hives are allowed and which type of property sizes are amenable and allowable. ► Get the right supplies.

Research can help prospective beekeepers understand the type of Your one stop shop for your You equipment they will need. next landscaping project! ne One can purchase this All materials available to be loaded in our yard All materials available to be loaded in our yard or All ma equipment, but some Your one stop shop for delivered directly to your location or delivered directly to your location beekeeping organizations next landscaping pro may be willing to lend or rent it to interested parties. Hive All materials available to be loaded in ou boxes, bottom boards, a veil, delivered directly to your location a jacket, a smoker and a top feeder are just some of the supplies needed.

Your one stop shop for your ► Order bees. Bees can next landscaping project! be acquired from other We have rock size from toRed, Gold, and Natural materials available be loaded inproducts our yard or Red, Gold, Chocolate andor Natural We have All rockranging ranging ininsize from Red, Gold, Chocolate and Natural We have rock ra We have all Chocolate the needed to beekeeping enthusiasts pea rock up to 5’ boulders. delivered directly to your location Colored Shredded Wood Mulch pea rock up to 5’ boulders.

Colored Shredded Wood Mulch pea rock up install a paver patio Colored Shredded Wood Mulch can be ordered online. The WeWe also have Limestone, also haveGranite, Granite, Limestone, We also have G including edging, spikes and bees will need to consist Granular Fill, Beach Sand, Washed Granular Fill, Beach Sand, Granular Fill polymeric sweep sand. of the queen, drones and Sand, Screened Topsoil, Class Washed Sand, Screened Topsoil, Sand, Landscape Fabric, RipinRap Red, Gold, Chocolate and Natural We have rock ranging sizeFabric, from We Washed have all the prodS 5,Colored and Recycled Concrete worker bees. According to Class 5,Shredded and Recycled Class 5, and Re Landscape Edging and Erosion WoodConcrete Mulchand pea rock up to 5’ boulders. install a pav Asphalt and Asphalt and A Blanket alsoLimestone, available.

WeControl also have Granite, including edging the resource Bees Brothers, Granular Fill, Beach Sand, polymeric swe a starter set of bees is called Washed Sand, Screened Topsoil, Landscape Fabric, a “nuc.” Bee suppliers start Class 5, and Recycled Landscape Edgin We offer a full-line of Concrete selling in the winter for and Asphalt Control Blanket a precast concrete products Tfrom prec spring swarms.

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of their roles as pollinators.

Agricultural industries rely on honeybees, especially managed honeybees, to keep commercial crops pollinated and productive. Estimates indicate that roughly onethird of U.S. crops rely on honeybees, accounting for more than $15 billion in crop production. Without bees, the costs of everything from blueberries to apples to broccoli would rise, as farmers would have to use a different, more expensive pollination method.

Even though backyard beehives or bee farms may not be crucial to consumer agriculture, bringing healthy colonies back is beneficial to the environment overall.

The art of beekeeping has become an important endeavor, and just about anyone with some time and resources can start their own apiary. ► Start by studying bees.

Interested beekeepers can begin their journey by reading all they can on beekeeping. The American Bee Journal or backyard beekeeping books and articles are great places to start. Local beekeeping associations also are invaluable resources for information on local bee species and traits. ► Know the laws. It’s important to get the goahead from local authorities

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SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 29

CONSERVING WATER C

in the dog days of summer

onserving natural resources is often so simple that people can make some adjustments without affecting their daily lives at all. But sometimes it’s not so easy to conserve.

Summer is a time of year when conservation efforts tend to require more sacrifice than normal. Even the most devoted conservationist may find it difficult to conserve water during the dog days of summer, when drought and soaring temperatures make it difficult to maintain lawns and gardens.

Thankfully, there are ways to help lawns and gardens withstand the heat without wasting water. ► Water wisely. Watering lawns and gardens in the early morning hours is a savvy move for various reasons.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion pose a serious threat to people of all ages, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cooling off in air conditioned places as temperatures climb. By watering their lawns and gardens early in the morning,

homeowners are ensuring they won’t be outside watering during those times of day when their risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion is at its peak. In addition, watering in the early morning when the sun has not yet reached its peak decreases the amount of water that will be lost to evaporation, thereby increasing the amount of water that will make it into water-needy lawns and gardens. ► Shorten your shower. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, trimming just two minutes off your shower can save up to 1,750 gallons of water per year. Try turning the water off while you soap up or shave. ► Shower at the beach whenever possible. Beach enthusiasts can conserve water and save money on their water bills by taking quick showers at the beach to wash the sand off. A cold shower can be the perfect remedy after a long day of soaking up some sun at the beach.

And because beach showers use cold water, beachgoers are less likely to take

PAGE 30 | SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018

luxurious, potentially wasteful showers than they might at home. ► Take nights off from doing dishes.

Hand-washing dishes may seem like a more effective way to conserve water than using a dishwasher, but that’s not the case. The National Resources Defense Council notes that handwashing dishes can consume as many as 27 gallons of water, while Energy Star-rated dishwashers consume just three gallons of water. Before running the dishwasher, make sure it’s full. ► Use rain barrels. Rain barrels set up underneath your gutter’s downspout collect the water that streams off your roof when it rains. That water can be reused to water lawns and gardens. ► Cover your pool, if you have one.

Keeping pools covered during the dog days of summer reduces the likelihood that pool water will be lost to evaporation. The nonprofit GRACE Communications Foundation notes that uncovered pools can lose as much as 1,000 gallons of water to evaporation each month.

SUMMER HOME MAGAZINE 2018 | PAGE 31

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