Home Front Spring 2017

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HOME&GARDEN SOLUTIONS&PROJECTS

Heating Up THE Kitchen

Safe Harbor Digital Camera, what’s what

A Tree of Knowledge

What’s hot in Home Security

Picture This Trees & Shrubs: When & Why

Leader-Telegram Magazine Spring 2017

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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The one thing that I became very good at at an early age was painting. Back then it was coats of latex or enamel paint with days of drying in between. Projects dragged on for weeks. Today we have chalk-based paints: no sanding, no priming and dry time is 30 minutes between coats (if you want). There are 60 plus brands of chalk-based paint and if you talk to someone who has used it before they all have their favorites. I like the Amy Howard At Home brand. I like how it goes on and the fact that if you don’t want to wax or varnish you don’t have to. In the case of kitchen cabinets I would varnish, with a very durable varnish — one that will not yellow your paint over time.

Pinterest photos.

You probably think that painting your cabinets sounds like a lot of work, but it’s not really. Trends are leaning to white and shades of gray. But if you really want to be different, Pinterest has quite a few pictures where the bottom cabinets are painted a darker shade like a navy or deep charcoal and the tops are white or a light shade of grey.

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As I said, chalk paint is a lot easier.

You clean your cabinets with a quality degreaser and begin to paint. The fun thing about chalk paint is that it is so much easier to work with than traditional latex paints. You can do multiple coats, or distressing a single coat for a more worn look, adding depth and dimension.

Another fun thing about chalk paint is that one quart-sized can covers about 128 square feet, so if you have a small kitchen and only want to paint the outside and the doors you and a friend could get the job done in a day easy. In the case of a kitchen you will want to varnish over the paint when you are done. Nothing would be worse than spending a Saturday cleaning and painting the cabinets, then dropping a jar of spaghetti sauce and staining all that hard work. Varnish will also protect against grease splatter around the cook top.

One weekend, 2 quarts of chalk paint and a friend to help would equal one fantastic looking kitchen.

Article & photos submitted by REiMAGINE.

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HIDDEN VICTIMS OF THE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By James Peters, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (originally published in the January, 2015 United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley newsletter)

More than one in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lifetime. The breakdown for Wisconsin is similar (32% of women and 23% of men).

For children living in households where domestic abuse is taking place, they exist in an environment of continual tension and fear.

They carry this anxiety with them wherever they go, potentially affecting school performance and social relationships.

More than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes every year as reported by Safe Horizon, the largest victims’ services agency in the United States. These children also suffer abuse or neglect at high rates (30% to 60%). Locally, Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire and Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls provided services to almost 500 children in 2014.

The effect of children’s exposure to IPV is significant. In fact, in the opinion of Bolton Refuge House Executive Director Pat Stein, “It’s just as damaging to a child to witness it as it is to experience it.”

Erika Stevens, domestic violence youth advocate for Family Support Center, agrees. “The threat of violence is equally as triggering and traumatic as the act of violence.” Even in the case of children who don’t witness the violence directly, their imagination will make up for or magnify the violence of words or actions they hear behind closed doors.

Even in infants, the effects are very noticeable, such as low weight, absence of smiling, and general disengagement. Stein explains how, many times, the victimized parent will think the infant is simply an “easy baby,” and not realize the child is being adversely affected.

Emotional, cognitive and physical development of a child is most critical from birth to five. For children who grow up in a home with domestic violence, Stevens states, that development is adversely affected.

According to the “Children’s Trust Fund Report, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Wisconsin 2010”, there is a strong association between traumatic experiences in childhood and mental and physical health struggles in adulthood. Specific to witnessing domestic abuse, adults who lived through this adverse childhood experience were found to be more likely to have physical and mental health problems, engage in high-risk behaviors, and have a lower quality of life.

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Exposure to parental violence as a child has been found to be a strong predictor of whether a person experiences domestic violence in adulthood. Living through domestic violence can also lead to habits of violence and coercion as a learned behavior to resolve conflict.

The best hope to end, or at least greatly reduce, domestic violence may very well be to focus on children.

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

Kitchen Trends

Heating Up the Kitchen

Home Front Editor Dan.Lyksett@ecpc.com 715-830-5926 or 800-236-7077

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Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com 715-830-5823

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Home Security Technology

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Published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.

P.O. Box 570. Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish Heating Up the Kitchen PG 7 Gabriel Lagarde Safe Harbor PG 13

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Alyssa Van Duyse Picture This PG 19

Tree of Knowledge

Trees& Shrub planting guide

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Next issue: August 2017

Copyright 2017 Eau Claire Press Company.

All rights reserved.

Picture This

What camera is right for you?

Graphic Artist Angela Rediess

Ann Wessel A Tree of Knowledge PG 23

local writers

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As we all look forward into the year and finally into the bright warmth of spring we start thinking about what we need to clean and sell that might not have as much use as it did in the past year. There is always a sense of renewal we are looking to attain, and cleaning out some unwanted items from your home will just give you the fresh start you need to make your home the welcoming space you desire.

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• Consignment Agreement: Our agreement is a 90day contract that starts the day you bring in the item. We offer a 50/50 split of the sale price. We begin discounting at 20% after 30 days of the 90-day contract, and 50% at 60 days of the 90-day contract.

• Once your items are displayed on our showroom floor they will also be posted online through various local sites.

Phone: 715-225-9951 2015 Fairfax St., Eau Claire, WI 54701 Email: johnandmeg@theatticEC.com | www.TheAtticEC.com Article submitted by The Attic Consignment Furniture Store.

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

home trends

Heating Up THE Kitchen

By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

kitchen trends:

What’s cooking today in design, appliances Whether your home is small or large, old or new, one thing is almost a certain constant: The kitchen is the heart of the home. From gathering for meals and making tea for a friend to utilizing the island for homework completion, adults, children and visitors typically gather in the kitchen. When building a home or remodeling an existing space, it’s important to know what’s on-trend in today’s kitchens and what will make the most sense for your living style.

Cont. on page 8

HomeFront

Spring 2017

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home trends Cont. from page 7

For 24 years, R. Tews Construction and Design, based in Altoona, has been working with homeowners to build and remodel homes. The company focus is to complete projects correctly the first time while remaining dedicated to customers. Because of his longevity in the construction industry, Randy Tews knows what makes a project successful. “It is most important to use open communication with your remodeler or contractor, including budget expectations and logistics,” Tews said.

When a current homeowner is simply looking to remodel a kitchen, Tews can offer some advice.

“Kitchen remodels are a wise home investment and are worth doing; they are where your family and friends gather the majority of the time,” Tews said.

The Tews team currently performs approximately 4050 remodeling projects per year varying in size from small kitchen or bath remodels to extensive home renovations.

in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. When working on remodeling projects, they try to keep the kitchen makeover to about 8 to 10 percent of the total home value or after-repair value (ARV), so they can focus on a return in investment.

“We upgrade appliances, freshen up or put in new cabinets and hardware and try to use upgrades that are current to other comparable homes in the area,” Riek said. “In addition, we often use granite or quartz for our countertops and add tile back splashes.”

If a homeowner would rather complete some minor kitchen changes on his or her own, Riek offers some advice. “Painting the old cabinets or changing out the doors and hardware can go a long way in freshening up the look of your kitchen. A new and larger sink, along with a new faucet are also nice features that can be changed cost-effectively,” she said.

And, as in the areas of technology and fashion, kitchen trends change with the times. Certain colors and product types vary in popularity levels as people start to use their kitchen space differently.

When it comes to today’s kitchen colors, grays seem to be a popular choice. “We have seen grays and whites with a few fun black cabinets mixed in that have been done very nicely,” Riek said.

“Trends are constantly evolving for the Midwest. The current popular kitchen products are stone or quartz countertops, tall cabinets and unfussy designs,” Tews said.

Combining various colors can add interest to the kitchen, while cabinet colors can also be paired with stained wood. Black and white is still a kitchen combination that exudes high-contrast. And, for those that want to highlight both a country and modern look, varied color combinations allow these two styles to mix fashionably and professionally. Color doesn’t have to stop with the cabinets.

If the cabinets trend toward the lighter side, utilize a dark wooden flooring or laminate to add a point of interest.

Because people’s lives tend to be busier than in the past, it’s vital that the kitchen design and appliances offer ease of use. Pete Cigan is the store manager at the Eau Claire location of Karl’s Appliance.

“Black stainless steel is very popular right now. It’s a stainless look without the upkeep standard stainless steel requires,” Cigan said.

And, obviously, cooking is one of the primary functions of a kitchen. “When it comes to appliances, cooking products seem to be the main focus for our customers,” he said.

Cassie Riek and her husband own Heart 2 Home Ventures.

They focus on buying, remodeling, and selling homes

If you are seeking more automation in your kitchen design, touch faucets are an option. These faucets allow you to simply touch them — with your hand, elbow or arm — without getting the faucet dirty with your most recent cooking escapades, meat or cookie dough. While it may not seem like a big issue, a dirty faucet will be one less thing you have to clean in your kitchen.

Cont. on page 10

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Where do I Start?

The biggest challenge is establishing the budget.

It’s a huge financial and emotional investment.

Typically it’s a daunting task because homeowners aren’t aware of current costs and don’t know where to start. Nor do people want to share their budget as they suspect A) the designer will spend it all, B) they feel if they divulge it, they will be judged or C) they don’t trust their designer.

They think they’ll be “taken.” It’s actually quite the opposite. We want to provide you with the best possible design within your budget.

The best way to start the process is to find a designer you connect with, someone you feel comfortable working with. The more you share, the happier you will be. Recently I was working with a client who thought $20,000 was a reasonable budget to cover the entire remodel.

As we talked, we uncovered their desire for highend appliances which totaled more than $20,000 alone. Having the trust and open communication allowed us to speak to their list of must haves and to set realistic expectations. Three months later, they are extremely happy with their results and love their kitchen!

To learn more about kitchen and baths, visit us at Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Store at 596 Cameron Street or at Gerhardsstore.com. Like us on Facebook.

Article & photos provided by Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath Store.

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Kitchen and Bath remodeling is in. Kitchens are the gathering space in the home, making them the most focal. Bathrooms are all about the experience. Both bring the greatest return on investment. The main ingredient to a successful remodel is open communication.

9

home trends Cont. from page 8

And as the population ages, homeowners need to remember the importance of accessibility in their new or remodeled kitchen. Thinking ahead allows people to stay in their homes longer and after they retire if they choose to do so. Putting in appliances that are counter-height can reduce bending or reaching, something that may be difficult in the future. In addition, utilizing removable boxes, stackable trays and dividers can allow you to organize existing drawers and make them easier to use.

For many years, kitchens were walledoff from other areas of the home. Some even had a swinging door between the kitchen and family room areas. Today, that concept has changed drastically.

“The hottest trend in kitchen remodeling is open concept, where there is no wall between the kitchen and adjacent rooms, plus large islands and great working space with commercial-grade appliances,” Tews said.

Riek agreed that the open kitchen concept is very popular, also emphasizing that homeowners enjoy a lot of storage and larger food preparation spaces.

When homeowners have a newly remodeled living room or a newly designed kitchen, they tend to spend more time in that space. Several websites have reported that people with new kitchens actually tend to eat healthier Cont. on page 12

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How to Choose the

CUSTOM, SEMI-CUSTOM OR STOCK? A discussion of the pros, cons and costs to help homeowners decide what’s best for their space and budget.

CUSTOM CABINETS are the crème de la crème of the cabinet world. They allow you to really use your imagination, with hundreds of thousands to millions of door styles, anything you can think of can be created just for you. They are designed from the ground up to precisely fit your lifestyle and your space. Custom finishes can be created to match a color you love or something you already own. Many more wood species are also available. You can also get in on all the newest trends sooner than with any other cabinet type. Want lighting or entertainment built in? No problem! How about a place to store/charge phones/tablets, or maybe keep your grooming items such as hair dryers, curling irons electric shavers, etc. stored while they’re still plugged in? Lead times can be from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the project. This is also the most expensive option. Most custom cabinet shops also include installation. This way if there are any changes or issues that “pop-up” they can be quickly dealt with.

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STOCK CABINETS are premanufactured and come in basic sizes, typically in 3” increments. You will most often see these cabinets at the big box home improvement stores. They have the fewest options and finishes.

They are “off-the-shelf ” with a limited range of styles. What you see is what you get. They normally use lesser quality materials, thus they will also have the most affordable price tag. Lead time is the quickest of the three types.

You will need to find someone to install these types of cabinets.

SEMI-CUSTOM CABINETS are made to order and allow for hundreds of door styles, many finishes, and dozens of storage options.

These cabinets are available at both the big box stores and independent dealers. Customization is available in this category, although the amount of customization can vary widely by manufacturer. Materials for the construction of the cabinets can be upgraded as well. They are priced between stock cabinets and custom cabinets. Lead times are generally several weeks depending on the amount of customization desired. You may need to find someone to install these type of cabinets, though some dealers may also offer this service as well.

Your First Time Cleaning

Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association

Kitchen remodeling is widely considered a wise investment in your home as it offers the highest return on investment. You can expect to recover between 75 -90 percent or more of your investment in resale value of the home, according to Angie’s List magazine (9/13/2011). We all know that the kitchen is the most expensive room in most homes today, but what many people don’t realize is that there are three main categories of kitchen cabinets to choose from: stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets and custom-cabinets.

By doing your homework and learning a little about the different categories, you will enter the marketplace armed with the information you need to make an educated decision. Let’s explore each category.

While this is a general overview of the differences, in reality many companies will not fit neatly into one category or another. Make sure that you diligently research each cabinet line that you are considering and that you understand exactly what features are being offered and which ones are included in your quote.

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home trends

Cont. from page 10

and enjoy more family time together since they want the pleasure of cooking, baking, and spending time in a new kitchen.

Furthermore, preparing and eating meals at home can reduce expenses, as people visit restaurants and fast-food drive-thrus even less.

Most importantly, as you consider a re-do of your kitchen or plan your kitchen area in a new home, be sure to evaluate the needs of each family member, analyze your usage flow, assess your current and future electrical and/or gas needs, and get clear on your budget. “Ultimately, the most important thing when designing your kitchen is to make it work best with your family’s lifestyle,� Cigan said.

Rothbauer-Wanish is a freelance writer from Colfax and owner of Feather Communications.

12

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

home safety

Technology driving home security options

SAFE HARBOR

By Gabriel Lagarde

HomeFront

Spring 2017

Leader- Telegram

13

home safety If the assessments of local security experts are any indication, more and more Chippewa Valley residents are opting to install home security systems.

Garrett Lewis and Hunter Braatz, coowners of HomeTech Innovations, estimate that for every 10 homes they install their products (HomeTech also offers audio systems, home theater setups, etc.), six now incorporate a home security package.

They said there is a significant increase of buyers willing to cough up money for peace of mind. And there are a number of reasons for this bump in sales.

Matt Lokken, a security specialist at Tru-Lock & Security, said people are less trusting than past decades and more are taking measures to safeguard their homes, or they may be driven by motivations that have little to do with security at all, such as watching the activities of small children, the elderly or mentally disabled.

“I think people have a vested interest in seeing what’s happening at their house,” Lokken said. “It’s a growing industry.

It’s no longer just a matter of emergencies, but about all the things we can monitor.”

Home security, much like any technological field, is reaching an intersection — a sweet spot, so to speak — where the quality of the products rise and their prices steadily decrease to the point it’s both practical and affordable for a large chunk of the population to

purchase. Both Lokken and Lewis said they believe the integration of wireless smartphone technology, among other innovations in the field, make home security less of a hassle and more user-friendly for homeowners.

According to a study conducted in January by the Statistics Brain Research Institute that utilized data provided by security giant ADT and the FBI, only around 15 percent of homes currently utilize an alarm or surveillance system.

The same study indicated that it takes burglars less than a minute to break into a property, a crime that occurs every 13 seconds in the U.S. Between 2011-2015, Eau Claire Coounty saw an average of 395 burglaries’ per year, a statistic that placed it among the highest risk counties in the state, according to Uniform Crime Reporting data compiled by the FBI.

Not only do security systems serve to catch criminals in the act, they also deter attempts to force entry.

Lewis said there are reports that unsecured homes are three times more likely to fall victim to a break-in than homes with security systems installed.

“What you’ll find you’ll get a string of burglaries in a single area, over a short amount of time, nine times out of 10 it’s the same group of people doing it,” Lewis said.

“Cameras are a huge deterrent.

A lot of people are worried about they’re surveillance systems being seen. No, you want your cameras being seen. Let the burglars go to the next house.”

THE BASIC ALARM SYSTEM An “entry-level” security package, one that homeowners most Cont. on page 16

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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commonly choose, is an alarm system that uses a sensors to monitor door contact (whether it’s ajar), glass frequency (the sound pitch when a window is broken) and motion (any movement in the rooms inside).

A typical cost estimate, given by both Lokken and Lewis, is between $800 and $1,200 for the equipment and installation.

Braatz said a well-secured house usually entails installing sensors for three or four entrances — front door, garage door, walk-in patio and basement.

Lewis said it’s difficult for installers to give an accurate estimate. Each property is different and presents a unique challenge for installers, who in turn have to set up the security system according to the homeowner’s specifications.

“The biggest thing is the size of the house. How many sensors do you want? That’s going to run your cost up. Distance-wise, if I need to install repeaters in, if I can’t get the wires where I need to get them and I have to do a lot of wireless sensors, that’s the most expensive,” Lewis said. “Cheapest is going to be when I can wire it, when the walls are open and I can wire everything. Then I can get everything in for about 25 percent less than the usual cost.”

Both Lokken and Lewis said they lean toward hard-wired installations, compared to wireless set-ups.

“If you have a hard-wired connection, you’re never going to have to replace a battery, it’s easier to troubleshoot, and it’s going to be more dependable,” Lokken said. “It makes the end

use more convenient for (the homeowner). It’s a little more labor-intensive for us, but, by and large, if it’s a hard-wired connection your device is going to last a long time.”

Hard-wired packages aren’t always cost-effective. While it’s easier to run the wiring through new construction, trying to install hard wires in an existing home or “retrofit” — which requires tearing into drywall and the building’s framework — can run up the cost quickly. When dealing with retrofits, Lewis and Lokken said they advise homeowners to go the wireless route.

Lewis said warranties in the industry are typically for one year, although it depends on the brand.

Beyond that, he said businesses like HomeTech Innovations offer a subscription ($25 to $30 per month) for repair/maintenance coverage or charge a fee for each call-in.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Beyond a traditional alarm system, many homeowners are choosing to include a surveillance system as well. This is the result of nosediving prices in the last halfdecade, Lewis said.

their footage has improved exponentially. Lokken said today’s security cameras — IP (Internet Protocol) models that typically give a 1080p resolution and directly stream online — outperform outdated analogue models.

“The technology is growing by leaps and bounds. Five years ago, for cameras, it was difficult to tell if they walked upright,” Lokken said. “Now, we’re getting crystal clear HD cameras. We’re able to zoom in on people’s faces, 40, 50 feet.”

Braatz said an effective camera setup usually requires four cameras to monitor a property — a package that typically falls around $1,500 to purchase — although he said five cameras give optimal coverage.

“The prices of cameras in the last five years have plummeted,” Lewis said. Where systems once cost thousands of dollars to put together, now “you can purchase each camera for about $300 and an MBR (Master Boot Record) for about $600.”

Lewis said camera models range from tiny “pinhole” cameras with lenses the size of pencil erasers, to “bullet” and “dome” cameras (which cost between $200-$400, although higher-end models may up as high as $5,000), to the PZT (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera, which runs around $1,300 to $1,500.

Unlike the other models, the PZT is not a fixed camera and is able to move according to the owner’s specifications.

Likewise, the durability of cameras and the quality of

“If you want to reach out and touch somebody, that’s the one Cont. on page 18

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GETTING THE MOST USE OUT OF YOUR DECK

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We all know that the deck is the place to be when it comes to barbecuing and relaxing in the sun. With all the time and money invested in your deck, doesn’t it make sense to enjoy it as often as possible? A lot of innovations have come to pass for decks, providing many simple and affordable ways to extend the time spent beyond only the nicest days of the year.

For example, a retractable awning can provide shelter from the sun during the sweltering days of summer, or a way to still be able to enjoy your deck on a rainy afternoon. Roll the awning up and you can be gazing at the stars that same evening. More permanent structures such as sun structures, pergolas and gazebos are popular choices as well. Many of them offer the additional benefit of retractable solar screens to keep insects at bay and the sun away. As the days get cooler, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your deck. A deck fire pit or portable outdoor patio heater can extend your time outside, so you can use your outdoors space well into the fall.

Lighting is always a worthy upgrade, enabling you to use your deck safely, late into the night. Low wattage LED and solar lighting options that are now available can provide a lot of bang for the buck.

When thinking of ways to get the most use out of your deck, consider the activities you like to do most often. Choose furnishing and a layout that can adapt to each use. Most people like to use their deck to cook and enjoy meals outside, entertain friends and family, and have a nice quiet place to relax. It’s possible to have all of these even on a small deck, with a few well-planned layout choices. For example, portable furnishings such as privacy screens, planters, and heaters can be rearranged depending the need. Umbrellas offer instant, portable shade wherever required. Outdoor ottomans offer the flexibility to be used as end tables, a place to rest your feet or something to hold plants. They are also lightweight enough to be moved wherever you need them to be. Tired of hauling the outdoor furniture cushions in and out of the garage or house? A waterproof deck box can be the perfect solution to storing these items in a dry, conveniently located place.

Asher Lasting Exteriors based in Eau Claire, WI offers numerous quality products for your backyard outdoor living project. For more information, call Asher at 715-832-7282 or toll free 888-462-7437. You can also check out the Outdoor Living link at: www.goasher.com.

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home safety Cont. from page 16

you want. I can turn that one. I can shoot it down the street. I can read license plates. I can set a range of motion,” Lewis said.

Lewis and Lokken said warranties for camera surveillance systems typically run for one to three years, although higher-end manufacturers may include as long as seven-year protection agreements with their products.

KEEPING IN TOUCH The most significant change to the home security industry is the ability to monitor and control security systems through one’s smartphone, Lokken said. Modern homeowners have the ability to instantly set the status of their security systems, watch their camera feeds, check their sensors and a host of other options with a tap of their finger against a touchscreen. These setups can be so comprehensive that every electrical system (lights, audio, video, security, thermostat, etc.) can be accessed through opening a single app.

Lewis said there are two options homeowners have when it comes to setting up the wireless

connection with their security system.

The first, connecting their security system to a website like Alarm.com, he said, is based on subscription. For a monthly fee, the website communicates with the system and, in case there is a breach, notifies the homeowner and inquires whether to call for dispatch.

Lewis said the fee depends on how many packages are connected to the website (such as the basic alarm system, or including video surveillance, smoke detection and water sensors, or even incorporating lights, audio, television and other systems), but subscriptions typically cost between $35 to $45 per month.

The second option, automation, involves installing a controller that hooks up and communicates with all the systems in the house, centralizing it within a hub. Lewis said he favors this option because it’s accessible, userfriendly and involves a one-time purchase, which is about $450.

It also offers instant

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HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

responses — such as the ability to automatically shut off the water pump once a water leak sensor alarms.

For both options, Lewis said, rural homeowners may be at a disadvantage. Monitoring these systems and accessing them is more difficult because internet connections are slower, especially for satellite users.

“Once you get past that data cap, they throttle your internet speed down to a crawl,” Lewis said. “It’s barely worth using at that point.”

Lokken said a potential third option is a monitoring plan from a security company like Tru-Lock, which keeps tabs on security systems and calls homeowners if an alarm goes off. This costs between $20 to $30 per month.

Lagarde is a Leader-Telegram staff reporter.

hobby tech

Picture this What camera is right for you?

By Alyssa Van Duyse

Bill Eklund’s father must have recognized his son’s artistic tendencies early.

At the age of 13, Eklund was given his first camera – an Exakta manufactured in Dresden, Germany.

“In its day it was a really great camera, but it’s very archaic now,” Eklund said. “That led to having more gear and lenses and cameras and all the doodads that go with shooting high-speed and sports photography.”

That gift from his father spurred a career that has spanned several decades. For nearly 40 years Eklund and his staff have created pieces that hang on the walls of Chippewa Valley homes and beyond.

Cont. on page 20

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hobby tech Cont. from page 19

As owner of Sharp Photo and Portrait in Eau Claire, Eklund is not only a savvy businessman, but also has a vast education in camera equipment.

CAMERA BUYING TIPS

Friends call Eklund to pick his brain about which cameras to buy, what the market looks like for retail cameras and tips on shooting in a multitude of situations.

Because the industry has gone through a complete overhaul throughout his years in business, Eklund’s response on equipment is informative and thoughtful.

• When taking pictures of the family, keep them in full sunlight or full shade.

“I wouldn’t warn anyone off of a high-level camera.

You can buy a $6,000 Canon camera and you can set it on program and shoot great pictures, but you’re not utilizing the equipment and its abilities,” he said.

“Why buy a $6,000 camera when, for what you’re doing, an $800 DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera will do the same thing.

• The debate is alive and well: Which is best – Canon or Nikon? Bill Eklund, owner of Sharp Photo and Portrait uses Canon. Terry Bowe, owner of T-BO Studios, uses Nikon.

• For parents who want to take pictures of their kids with something better than a cell phone, local professionals suggest an entry-level DSLR with a good lens. In Canon, that could be the EOS Rebel T3 or T5i. Nikon offers its D3000 and D5000 series. These cameras are not considered professional level, but offer good quality photos.

“You might be overbuying, but these cameras are so simple to use (on auto), and you can grow into it.”

Terry Bowe, owner of T-BO Enterprises known as T-BO Studio, agrees.

Like Eklund, Bowe has been honing his photography skills for more than four decades. Although he is based in Chippewa Falls with a studio on the north side of town, he has been hired to photograph events, people and nature throughout the world.

• For enthusiasts who want to take their art to the next level, the professionals suggest a fullframe mid- to high-level DSLR with a couple high-quality lenses.

His expertise in camera gear stems from his education at UW-Stout and the day-to-day shooting he has done to grow his business.

• Take the time to learn about all aspects of photography if you choose to purchase a highend camera, the professionals said. Keeping the camera on auto mode will give consumers a decent photo, but knowing the ins and outs of the camera and how light works will help produce great photos.

Bowe said a soccer mom could buy a camera for $6,000, but it’s not necessary for most candids to get photos that look better than a cell phone snapshot.

“They can still get into a category of good quality with a zoom lens with stabilization for $1,000,” he said.

Sources: Bill Eklund, Sharp Photo and Portrait; and Terry Bowe, T-BO Studios

Cont. on page 22

City of Eau Claire Housing Division Housing Rehabilitation Program The City of Eau Claire Housing Division is taking applications for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program is federally funded and offers loans up to $20,000. This program is for homes in need of repair, not for extensions or cosmetic renovations.

For eligibility information and application call (715) 839-8294.

The hearing impaired may contact this office by TDD at (715) 839-4943.

If there are other specialized needs due to handicap, i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, reader, please contact this office.

20

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hobby tech Cont. from page 20

But the real question is how consumers will use their newly purchased equipment, the pros said.

The answer opens Pandora’s Box for professional photographers who struggle to make a business out of creating artistic images.

The soccer mom is one thing, Bowe said. But a person who thinks they are going to buy an expensive camera and make a business out of it should think twice, he said.

“A basic location set-up for a professional is $20,000 to $30,000,” he said. “You have to understand the physics, the details … everything we do is predicated on light. It’s a lot to learn.

“To become a professional, you have to strive to be an artist. You have to charge for what you do. If you give it away, it lessens the work.”

Eklund said labs are disappearing, as are very skilled photographers who have the classic education, because people pick up a digital camera and try to sell themselves as professionals.

“The pros are very challenged by all of these Weekend Warriors or Digital Debbies. In many cases they are very good and very artistic, but after doing that for three or four years most of them get burned out,” Eklund said. “Weddings are easy gigs, but it shoots your weekends and if you do that for 20 weeks out of the year you end up working your butt off.

“It’s not just the four to six hours you’re shooting at the wedding. It’s the eight to 10 hours editing afterwards.”

Bowe and Eklund have lived through the leap from film to digital platform. Eklund remembers when a friend and professional photographer shot a wedding in St. Paul, Minn., at the cathedral using film. After the wedding he learned his new flash unit didn’t sync with the camera. He paid to have the wedding party come back, rent tuxes again and take group photos.

“Today that wouldn’t even be a thought,” Eklund said of the specific issue. Digital cameras give photographers an instant image to critique.

Digital technology has revolutionized the industry, he said. With film, photographers could push the ISO to 1600 and overdevelop, but that left the photo with heavy grain. Today a professional camera can shoot 25,000 ISO. “The ability of these sensors to capture low light has evolved,” he said. “That’s huge. The other big thing that came along with digital is Photoshop.”

Bowe remembers the digital takeover well.

“We saw numbers in the portrait business change,” he said. “The country was at war. People were nervous with health care and energy costing more. Then the great recession of 2008 hit.”

Most families use discretionary income for family portraits. People have less discretionary income, which hit the portrait business. Couple that with self-taught photographers using digital cameras to make money on the side, and it hurt many studios in the area, Bowe said.

“There’s nothing wrong with someone enjoying the profession, but it does take time. Equipment is only part of the equation,” Bowe said. “The ‘pro-sumer’ does compete with what we’re doing.

“We just have to be better at what we do than the next person.”

Van Duyse is a freelance reporter from Lake Hallie.

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outdoor spaces

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A tree of knowledge

By Ann Wessel

Tips for planting trees, shrugs this Spring

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outdoor spaces The tree or shrub most likely to flourish in your yard is probably already thriving somewhere nearby, so take a spin around town. See what casts shade, provides privacy, blooms profusely, amps up fall color, enlivens a winter landscape.

But do not — horticulturalists and foresters implore — plant what your neighbor’s got.

Especially if it’s a yard full of maples.

“Plant something different. If your neighbor has it, don’t plant it,” said Laura Jull, UW-Madison associate professor and Extension specialist for woody ornamental horticulture.

Doing so infuses the landscape with new shapes, colors and textures while avoiding a monoculture easily destroyed by a single disease or invader.

The current threat, emerald ash borer, has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in the U.S. Eau Claire is bracing for its seemingly inevitable arrival.

Ash trees replaced the native elms decimated by Dutch elm disease. Now, maples frequently replace ash in post-EAB or pre-emptive plantings.

“A high percentage of our canopy is represented by the maple genus,” said Todd Chwala, the city of Eau Claire’s urban forester. “Maples are wonderfully adaptable city trees, but we need to be careful of overuse.”

“Diversity, diversity, diversity,” Jull said. “We’ve got to stop planting so damn many maples. We didn’t learn our lesson with elms, we didn’t learn our lesson with ash.”

Spring is the perfect time to consider alternatives — and to brush up on proper care and feeding.

The best examples lie not in field trials but in established plantings close to home.

“I say the best plants are ones that you have trialed yourself,” Jull said.

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Variety bears both aesthetic and ecological rewards.

So consider a hackberry for shade. A ginkgo for its fan-shaped leaves and golden fall foliage. A serviceberry for its edible fruit.

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The starting point Stick to species in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone #3 or 4, advises Erin LaFaive, horticulture educator for UW-Extension in Eau Claire County. While you may cheat the zone for a while, unless you’re in a microclimate it’s as important as soil type, light and space requirements.

Underestimating how tall and wide a tree or shrub will grow is among the most common mistakes.

Brett Popp, co-owner of The Potting Shed Garden & Gift in Altoona, uses a tape measure, figuring in extra space to allow room between fully grown plants.

Given a choice of buying bare-root vs. container specimens, Jull chooses bare-root.

(They’re handled while dormant, until about midMay, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and UW-Extension. Some oaks and most conifers are available only in containers.)

“I would avoid at all costs containerized trees,” Jull said. “They (can) have circling roots, roots that are kinked.”

Species selection

Juniper

White oaks — for sandy soils, swamp white oaks in particular — remain an option despite concerns about oak wilt, which is hardest on red oaks. “I would not stop growing oak,” Jull said. “(White oaks) still can get oak wilt, but if it’s caught early they can be treated and they can survive.”

Elms are back. The accolade, a disease-resistant, fast-growing elm developed from a hybrid, grows up to 60 feet tall. It looks a bit rugged at first; Chwala said the classic vase shape develops as the tree matures.

Honey locust, a fast grower that can reach 60 feet tall, may bring lace curtains to mind when its many leaflets flutter in the breeze. Some cultivars eliminated the thorns. “It’ll provide shade, but not dense shade if you want to have a good grass crop,” Chwala said.

FOR SHADE: Common hackberry trees provide a rounded, spreading, shade-producing alternative to maples.

FOR SCREENING: For year-round green plus privacy that can mute traffic, it’s hard to beat the conifers.

White cedar and arborvitae tempt deer; avoid them unless your aim is feeding wildlife.

“It’s one to consider because our soils around here are typically sandy, and it does well in that kind of soil,” LaFaive said. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant. Potential drawbacks: The trees produce lots of tiny fruits; older trees may develop structural issues.

Prickly and columnar, junipers deter deer while providing a tall, dense screen. Jull likes star power juniper, which grows up to 17 feet and resists winterburn; and Mountbatten juniper, which grows up to 12 feet tall. Avoid cedar apple rust by choosing Chinese junipers.

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Make your way throughout the house using a duster, dust mop, and a vacuum cleaner. You’ll want to be certain you get those easily forgotten areas such as ceiling fans, baseboards and blinds. As you dust surfaces like the tops of coffee tables and dressers, take the time to organize disheveled areas.

Move on to Mopping and Vacuuming Now your floors are covered with dust, so it’s time to clean them. First, vacuum throughout the house. You’ll want to do this even on hard surface floors, as vacuuming is much easier than sweeping and has the same end result.

Afterwards, you can mop the floors as needed. In rooms like the bathroom and kitchen, you may need to mop the floor each time you clean your house. Floors in other rooms, however, might not need to be cleaned every single time unless there have been spills or pet accidents.

Final Course: Cleaning the Kitchen If you regularly wipe down the counters and tackle spills when they happen, cleaning the kitchen should be fairly easy. After all, the floor is already clean.

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HomeFront

Spring 2017

Leader- Telegram

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outdoor spaces Cont. from page 26

Black Hills spruce is one Chwala has seen do well here.

It looks a lot like the Colorado blue spruce, but it’s less susceptible to disease.

Linden

For summer screening, one of the lindens can produce a dense, triangular canopy. Lindens appear on Eau Claire’s ash tree alternatives list. Another benefit: Their sweet-smelling flowers attract pollinators.

For more formal privacy hedges that tolerate shearing, consider boxwoods (the most sculpted of hedges), yews and Eastern hemlocks. For a more informal option (and no shearing) consider dogwoods or lilacs.

FOR FLOWERS: Lilacs offer a profusion of shapes, colors and scents from which to choose. In her yard, Jull tends two types of Korean lilacs. The Palibin resembles a small tree; she keeps hers 4 to 5 feet tall. Flowering about a week later, the bushier Miss Kim produces flowers more spicy than sweet. It’s slow growing, reaching about 7 feet tall. Both resist powdery mildew, borers and bacteria.

Mock orange might fall into the oldfashioned category of flowering shrubs, too. It produces a profusion of white blooms. LaFaive likes it because it’s easy to prune.

Tips & Techniques WISCONSIN DNR & UW-EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS: - Creating a Forest:

dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestmanagement/ documents/pub/fr-426.pdf

- “Care & Handling of Bare Root Seedlings”: dnr.wi.gov/topic/

forestmanagement/documents/pub/ FR-279.pdf

- New Tree Planting: dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/fr/FR0261.pdf

- Proper Tree Pruning: dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/fr/FR0256.pdf

Planting variety - “Alternatives to Ash,” by Laura Jull: hort.uwex.edu/articles/ash-alternativesfor-homeowners-and-professionals/

Lilac

FOR FOOD: Serviceberries grow among fruit trees and berries planted in a lot across from Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park. “There is no such thing as a perfect plant, but if you want something different, I suggest serviceberries. They’re berries. They produce awesome fruit that is delicious in June,” Jull said.

One consideration: Serviceberries don’t tolerate clay or compacted soils. LaFaive said residents also might consider blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, black elderberries and roses (which produce rose hips).

FOR COLOR: The gingko turns a deep, striking gold. It’s a prehistoric tree, requires little pruning and doesn’t have pest problems. Because they’ve become so popular, finding one in stock might be difficult.

- Eau Claire Parks & Forestry Street Tree List: ci.eau-claire.wi.us/home/ showdocument?id=9228

Tracking Emerald Ash Borer

The three counties on Eau Claire County’s southern border are quarantined; EAB has been confirmed in areas of Trempealeau and Buffalo counties, according to Wisconsin’s Emerald Ash Borer Information Source.

- Emerald Ash Borer Information Network: emeraldashborer.info/ - Wisconsin’s Emerald Ash Borer Information Source: datcpservices. wisconsin.gov/eab/

Cont. on page 30

28

HomeFront Spring 2017 Leader- Telegram

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HomeFront

Spring 2017

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outdoor spaces Cont. from page 28

“A tree planted too deep, even a couple inches too deep, the root system will not develop in a way that is consistent with the tree’s needs,” Chwala said. So when the leaf canopy develops, roots can’t keep up, and the tips start to die back.

Gingko

A bit of transplant shock is natural.

Healthy trees take a couple of years to develop their root systems. Fertilizer might seem like a good way to accelerate canopy growth, but Chwala said that will only stress the tree. The micronutrients it needs are available in the soil.

FOR WINTER: The squiggly shape of corkscrew willow, the yellow flowers of American witch-hazel and the bright white bark of birch are among LaFaive’s picks for adding interest to a winter yard.

The birch will do better if they’re planted on the coolest side of the house and watered well.

IF YOU MUST PLANT A MAPLE: Try a Tatarian maple, a powerline-friendly species that falls somewhere between tall shrub and short tree, reaching up to 25 feet tall. It does well in dry conditions. Leaves turn yellow to red in the fall; the samaras are a showy red.

Avoid sugar maples, which dominate the Eau Claire landscape.

Planting and care “When you plant a tree, you get one shot and you want to get it right because you can’t give that tree a second chance,” Chwala said.

One key recommendation has changed since he became a forester 28 years ago. Trees are now planted so the flare at the base of the trunk is visible.

Plant a tree too deep and it looks like a telephone pole.

Watering, on the other hand, is something that should start immediately and continue for the first three years while root systems are being established.

Jull said newly planted trees might require watering every other day.

“Usually we say everything needs a good inch of water a week,” LaFaive said. (The easiest way to measure precipitation or sprinklers’ output: Set out a tuna can.) She recommends using a trickle hose. To ensure the tree is getting enough water on all sides, simply dig down a few inches.

When it’s time to prune, LaFaive said developing a strong central leader stem is key. Removing competing leaders, which might form a “Y” near the treetop, prevents weakening.

Structural pruning within the first decade extends the tree’s life expectancy. Plus, Chwala said, it allows the tree to develop into a specimen of its genus.

Wessel is a freelance writer from St. Cloud, Minn.

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