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As I write this, I am thrilled to have spent a Sunday pretty much stuck in the house while it rained all day. We definitely needed the rain and I needed the down time.
I still have a ton of yard work to do, including getting up on the roof to clean off the debris dropped from the trees on my property. It is amazing the number of small branches and leaves that can drop on an almost continuous basis. The real issue is finding a spotter who can call 911 in case I literally slip and fall off the roof.
After several days of rain, I can get the leaf blower out, clean off the roof, then the driveway. I also have landscaping that needs to be trimmed. Not to mention replacing summer annuals with mums and asters to give the front some fall color.
As we welcome fall, there is still plenty of prep work that needs to be done both inside and out before winter arrives. Be sure to take a moment and check out this month’s issue.
With it being October, we had to explore the idea of haunted houses. The first time we heard about an actual haunted house was when I assigned an article on the Birdsell Mansion in South Bend, which rumor has it, is haunted.
Researching resources for the freelancers, I never ever expected I would be googling “paranormal investigators” or “haunted places near me.” BethAnne had fun writing the article even though COVID and then Strep invaded her household as she worked on her assignments.
BethAnne then took a look at which home improvement projects will bring the best resale value. She also talked to the pros about getting the furnace ready for when Old Man Winter makes his appearance. There’s nothing worse than going to turn on the heat and nothing happens.
Dani researched what we need to do to be prepared for an emergency. She also provided some fun facts in “Did You Know?,”
including how carved pumpkins got the name “Jack O’Lantern.”
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, Julie took a look back at lighting trends 20 years ago and today. There’s been a lot of interesting changes in those 20 years.
Lauren Zeugner, Editor
Email: Lzeugner@ the-papers. com
Speaking of changes, we’re currently working on some big changes to come in 2025. We can’t say too much right now, but I can tell you the entire team at Michiana House and Home are excited about what’s coming. So stay tuned….
Lauren
SHIPSHEWANA
Many careers in the home building industry pay well, o er opportunities for advancement, and don’t require a college degree. Unfortunately, many high school students don’t know about all of the jobs that are directly related to building a home, let alone the opportunities for growth and success they o er.
Indiana Builders Association has partnered with Build Your Future Indiana to close the skills gap by recruiting the next generation of craft professionals.
Build Your Future Indiana is a unique collaboration of employers, state agencies and industry associations to encourage Indiana residents to learn about construction craft careers and training opportunities now emerging in our state, and to qualify for and get jobs in these high-demand occupations.
The evolution of lighting design 2004-2024 It’s illuminating
By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer
Imagine going to a restaurant and only eating what is in the breadbasket. It may satisfy your hunger, but you’ll miss out on the rest of the menu. The same is true for lighting. While a single bulb might pierce the darkness and spotlight the space around you, proper lighting design adds depth and detail to your home while improving your overall health and well-being.
A TREAT FOR THE SENSES
Today’s lighting designers go beyond the layered task, ambient and accent lighting systems of the past. Instead, the focus is on the transformative nature of light and how it can impact one’s life. They know that proper lighting can help you do better, feel better, focus clearly, and adapt easily when transitioning from day to night or one season to the next.
“When you hire a company like us, it is not just about putting in four lights in the
A BRIGHT IDEA
Without question, the biggest change to lighting over the past 20 years has been the advent of the light-emitting diode or LED bulb. Although they consume less energy than traditional incandescent models and last significantly longer, many homeowners were less-than-impressed by the greener option, which lacked warmth and ambiance.
“Originally, it was like having office lighting everywhere, even if they were on a dimmer,” said Jonathon Wesco of Allegro Home Entertainment in Granger. “Where
ceiling to brighten a room. It is about having light at the floor line, at the horizon line, bouncing it off the ceilings, bouncing it off the surface and working with your chosen fixtures to reduce glare and increase functionality,” Wesco said.
Naturally, a professionally installed, elegant and efficient lighting solution is not inexpensive and is usually incorporated during a home’s construction process or a major renovation. Wesco said his team consults and collaborates with a variety of contractors and
incandescent bulbs would transition from white into a warm candlelight amber in the evening, LED bulbs went from white to grey dim which made everything look cloudy.”
Thankfully, LED technology has improved to offer more versatility in terms of color, temperature, and dimming effects so that homeowners can create a more dynamic and healthier atmosphere.
“We do a lot of educational demonstrations about the importance of a dynamic lighting system,” Wesco said. “It really is transformative, and our clients say you couldn’t take it away from them.”
designers to ensure that the resulting light will elevate and enhance your living space.
Wesco says light is so fundamental to our existence and yet we often overlook its critical impact on our everyday lives. Light can help our homes feel more welcoming, comfortable, and beautiful without sacrificing the functionality that we need.
“We can help you augment the aesthetic to create function and choose solutions that will work beautifully, fit your budget and last for years to come,” he said. n
Are haunted houses really haunted?
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
Mark Doddington absolutely believes they are. When asked how long he’s felt that way, Doddington replied, “Since I was about 10years-old.” He continued, “Some people tend to try and rationalize it all, but in the end they are left with few choices.” Doddington, who works for Ruthmere Museum, said he has seen apparitions in his old house in White Pigeon, Mich. and at his current home in Elkhart. He’s even written a book--Haunted Elkhart County, in 2022. I wanted to know if these things he’d seen were friendly or fright ening, and he was quick to reply, “Friendly. They disappear when I become aware of them, but they come and go all year long.”
“There was a horrible accident in front of my current house, several years ago. Three people were killed, including an 11year-old girl. I am most aware of a little girl’s presence in this house. The room that is now my library was previously a girl’s bedroom–I could tell by the way it was decorated when I moved in. So I am wondering if the girl that was killed might have known the girl in my house. Research hasn’t shown that anyone has died in this house.”
There are some haunted places in our area: Tippecanoe Place Restaurant in South Bend; Copshaholm in South Bend; the University of Notre Dame; the Hacienda at the 100 Center in South Bend; the Bristol Opera House in Bristol; the Barbee Hotel at Barbee Lake, and the Warsaw Community Public Library (where I used to work. Makes me wonder, but I never saw anything then.) Have you checked any of them out? Do you believe they are truly haunted?
Greg Steffe of the Kosciusko County Historical Society said the museum (the old jail) is definitely haunted. (Remember in the original film GHOSTBUSTERS a building was referred to as Spook Central? It’s like that.) How often and how many does he see?
Activity is really off the charts, though I haven’t seen anything for two weeks. But we have tools hanging on the wall and I went to get a tape measure, leaving the door open, when I heard this really loud BAM! When I went to see, that door was now completely closed. There weren’t any breezes or anything like that, and I was totally alone in the place. So yeah, they like you to know they’re around.”
Steffe said the ghosts are “generally friendly, but for three incidents. People were scratched by something unseen, and I was one of them. There have been some violent deaths in the building; none of those people died peacefully and they have been seen or felt here.” There was a murder-suicide; those two have haunted the building since then and their voices heard.
around michiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY
TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
OCT.
1-31
| SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd. (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket. com
OCT.
3
| WAKARUSA WAKARUSA BLUE GRASS JAMBOREE
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month.
6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light. Free Admission, free will offering (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
OCT. 4-5 | WARSAW HAUNTED JAIL TOURS
Sponsored by Kosciusko County Historical Society 121 N. Indiana St. 6-9 p.m. each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes Admission: $10 No one under 16 admitted.
OCT. 5 | SYRACUSE 16TH ANNUAL FALL HARVEST FEST
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lakeside Park, 1013 Long Drive
Artisans and Farmers Market, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, pony rides and more Free admission
OCT. 5 | SOUTH BEND POKAGAN FALL ART FEST
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Howard Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd. Will feature tribal artists and dancers
OCT. 6 | SOUTH BEND WELCOME LUNCH
Trinity Church Fellowship Hall 61770 Miami Road 11:5-12:30 p.m. Those newer to the area are invited to join Trinity Church for lunch. Hear from its team about who the congregation is and see if you may fit into that story. Call (574) 291-4741 for more information.
OCT. 12-13 | MILFORD CAMP ALEXANDER MACK
Father and son retreat 9 a.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday Visit www.campmack. org/retreats-and-events/ to register and for pricing information
OCT. 18 | MILFORD FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
Last Food Truck Friday of the season. Main Street will be packed with food and dessert trucks, local organizations. Free family activity.
OCT. 25 | GOSHEN TRICK OR TREAT AT THE FAIRGROUNDS 1-5 p.m.
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34
OCT. 26 | SYRACUSE HAUNTED TRAIL 6-9 p.m. Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation 11586 N. SR 13 Syracuse Call (574) 457-3440 for more information
OCT. 29 | SOUTH BEND UNEARTHED FILM TOUR
St. Jospeh County Public Library
304 S. Main St. Indiana Humanities is hosting a multi-city film tour featuring eight new films from Hoosier filmmaking teams that showcase different perspectives on the land we call Indiana.. Doors open at 5:30. Screening begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free. n
Night Lights
Security solutions begin with outdoor illumination
By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer
Every 25 seconds a home is burglarized in the United States. They are typically crimes of opportunity that are perpetrated by people living less than two miles from the victim’s home and take only minutes to complete – especially if the home is an easy target. How can you help ensure your home does not become another statistic? Use outdoor lighting as part of your overall home security strategy.
DO LIGHTS REALLY WORK?
The answer to this question largely depends on who you ask but they certainly do not hurt. Outdoor lights and motion sensors coupled with video cameras can be effective crime deterrents when coupled with other outdoor lighting systems that are designed to highlight the aesthetics of your home.
Jonathon Wesco, president of Allegro Home Entertainment in Granger says Ring’s flood-
light and camera combination is an inexpensive option that can be installed to help homeowners protect their property. And while some argue that a well-lit home makes it easier for burglars to pull off their caper, he says it can also make it more difficult.
“A home that is well-lit at night generally helps deter crime,” he said. “When we install outdoor lighting, we are highlighting the beauty of the home. In addition to grazing the architecture and texture of
the home, we are also illuminating walkways as well as the trees and bushes which can make it harder for burglars to hide.”
KEEP IT NATURAL
Looking for some popular security lighting techniques? Start with your home’s interiors, programming timers that mimic your family’s natural lifestyle. If burglars see the lights on in the family room or other gathering place, they may assume someone is home and will move on to their next target.
Illuminate your home and yard with dusk-to-dawn lights that are not only extremely bright but will create an obstacle for criminals looking to break in without being seen. These lights can also be programmed to come on as soon as the sun sets and turn off with the dawn’s early light. Motion
activated lights are also effective because they come on as soon as the sensor captures movement creating an element of surprise. These lights also give you some added illumination when you return home or when guests arrive. Directed lighting such as a flood light combined with a security camera not only spotlights a specific space but may help you catch the criminal in the act, improving your chances of stopping a crime before it occurs or recovering from a loss.
Home security lighting is your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your home and coupled with an alarm system as well as common sense approaches to safety (keeping bushes trimmed, blinds closed, and doors/windows locked) you can cause criminals to think twice before targeting your home both during the day and night! n
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
Now that summer has wound down and the kids are back in school, are you looking around your home, thinking, hmmmm, should we do some home improvement projects before the holidays? And if you’re thinking it might be time to sell your house, which ones bring the bucks? Which don’t?
James Bausch of ReMax Results knows all the ins and outs and he had a lot of wisdom to share, carefully. “It can be hard to give advice, because every house and seller is different and so is every situation.There isn’t a blanket answer, and it can be tricky.” In other words, one size does NOT fit all.
There’s a popular argument about spending a lot of money to install cabinets or carpeting and then the new owners immediately rip it all out. Bausch said “That’s a very overstated perception. It’s very rare that a buyer doesn’t like what you’ve done. I mean, yes, you should be updating 1970s carpet, but as for entry level homes, the buyers just want a nice clean home. They don’t have the money to do a lot at first, and they love all the home improvement shows, but they don’t have the time or energy to do all that. So if they can buy something in good condition, that’s what they’ll want.”
Investing in Home Improvements
Chelsea Revella of The Devoted Agents (“Where did you get that name?”
“It was actually my business partner’s email for years. When we decided to open our office, we kept coming back to ‘The Devoted Agents’ because it truly represents who are are – devoted to our agents, clients and family!”) said, “I believe that deciding whether to make home improvements before selling depends on your property. In some cases it’s definitely worth it. Pulling comparable homes in the area is crucial to understand your competition. Regardless, giving your home a thorough cleaning is always important.” And Bausch agreed with her. “Cleaning is the cheapest thing you can do. No one wants to buy your dirt. And yes, the exterior too!”
Revella said, “Flipping would be things like painting, flooring, bathrooms and kitchens, if you’re trying to decide what to do.” Flipping a house is different than simply selling a home, and generally you might spend more in hopes of making a big profit.
Bausch said, “But you won’t get your money back for brand new windows, unless you’re a flipper with a distressed property. Likewise, you don’t put in a new furnace or roof just to try and up your profit. You won’t recoup it. You do those things if they’re needed, but remember it’s like putting a thousand dollars’ worth of new tires on a car you want to sell. You won’t get all that back but it might help you sell the car faster.”
So what are safe choices, within reason? “Paint. Flooring, but if you install something like Brazilian cherry for $8 a foot, you won’t get your money back on that!” laughed Bausch.
Denny Duncan of Brian Peterson Real Estate said simply, “It’s hard to get a dollar back for a dollar spent.” And if you have an old house, he said, “You want to keep the house in its style, you don’t want a couple of odd things about a hundred year old house!” But he said there’s a lot you can do that doesn’t break the bank. “Sometimes there’s just elbow grease stuff. Paint will go a long way. Bathrooms and kitchens are really important, and you can spend a crazy amount of money on those things.There are so many little things you can do to spruce them up and make them clean and neat. Staging – people don’t want to see your personal things, it’s hard for them to imagine buying. Even if you have to pile things into the garage! It’s hard, but so important. I’ve learned that the hard way. So declutter.”
And there you have it. If you’re doing home projects because you want to, that’s great, but if you’re thinking they could be moneymakers, check with the experts! n
How to Green Your Home for MAXIM UM SAVINGS
(StatePoint) Whether you own or rent the place you call home, ensuring that it’s energy efficient can help you save money, increase your comfort and contribute to improved indoor air quality. It’s also better for the planet.
To help you make choices that will trim your monthly expenses and reduce your carbon footprint, Freddie Mac is offering the following tips:
Home-Searching Tips Making Updates
When house hunting, your realtor can help you learn about the current energy usage of the homes you’re interested in purchasing. If you’re explicitly looking for green housing, it’s helpful to work with a professional with specific expertise or credentials in this area.
Whether you’re in the market to buy or rent, basic energy- and water-saving features to check for when visiting properties include good insulation, properly sealed doors and windows, smart thermostats, low-flow or dual-flush toilets, high-efficiency or tankless hot water heaters, and front-loading washing machines.
There are many steps you can take to improve your home’s energy and water efficiency. If you’re unsure where to start, consider referencing the Department of Energy’s data-driven tools and calculators. You could also hire a professional to perform an energy audit.
This will pinpoint where you’re losing energy and what renovations will save you money. Some quick DIY updates to make right now include caulking window casings, weatherstripping doors, replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs, and installing low-flow faucets and showerheads.
The Return
You may be asking yourself whether all this effort is worth it. The answer? Up-to-date, energy- and water-efficient technologies can save you 20% to 30% on your bills. And because today’s savvy buyers are looking for a home that will be kind to both their wallet and the environment, efficiency improvements can also boost resale value. In fact, Freddie Mac research found that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more on average than unrated homes. Fortunately, there are programs available, such as Energy Efficient Mortgages, to help finance these improvements upfront. With the understanding that reducing home utility costs places families in a better financial situation and helps preserve home afford-
ability over time, Freddie Mac offers GreenCHOICE Mortgages that can be applied to a new home purchase or a no cash-out refinance and can be used to cover basic energy efficiency improvements up to $6,500 without the need for an energy report. With a GreenCHOICE Mortgage you can borrow up to 15% of the home’s “as complete” appraised value to pay for basic energy and water efficiency improvements. Speak with your lender about the financing options available to you and which may best suit your needs.
There are no doubt long-term savings and gains to be reaped from greening your home. And thanks to new programs, paying for these updates is easier for more American families. n
Now is the time to ensure your furnace will work when winter comes
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
As the hottest summer winds down and we welcome autumn, you might not be thinking just yet about turning your furnace on. But it’ll be time to do that before you know it, and you’ll want to have it serviced by the experts for your best results. Why? Well, those very same experts shared the reasons.
Natalie Crist of Crist Plumbing, Heating and Electrical (“My dad started the business in 2000 and my brother owns it now!”) said, “Everybody does it differently, but some things are universal. Our company specifically would recommend those as a preventative maintenance. You could compare it to annual checkups at the doctor. If we see something that’s not right, we clean or repair or replace. If filters are clogged, the furnace works harder and the parts could wear out faster, working overtime. This service would extend the life of your furnace. It doesn’t necessarily have to be done before you turn it on, and that’s fine if you do, but we don’t require it.”
Crist thought for a moment and continued. “Carbon monoxide. That would be a big thing. It can come from a bad heat exchanger. We have cameras that poke in there and look around, see if anything doesn’t look right. We would also check a humidifier that is ducted into your system so your house doesn’t get too dry.”
Billy Hoopingarner, vice president and sales manager at Legacy Heating and Air, echoed and expounded Crist’s thoughts. “Furnace tune-ups and safety checks are crucial for several reasons, especially when it comes to ensuring the system’s efficiency, longevity and, most importantly, safety.”
Hoopingarner boiled it right down to bullet points! “It ensures safety. A proper gas pressure check ensures that the furnace is operating within safe parameters. Incorrect gas pressure can lead to inefficient combustion, higher energy bills, or worse, dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Checking the combustion process ensures the furnace burns fuel safely and efficiently. If combustion isn’t optional, it can lead to harmful gasses like carbon monoxide being released into the home.” He further explained, “Furnaces that burn gas or oil produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely dangerous if not vented properly. A safety check ensures the heat exchanger is intact, the ventilation system is clear, and CO detectors are functioning, reducing the risk of CO poisoning.”
Over time, Hoopingarner said, “Furnaces collect dirt and debris, which can reduce efficiency. Cleaning and maintaining components, like the burner and blower, can ensure your furnace operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy costs.” And, he said, “Regular tune-ups help identify issues before they lead to major problems. Addressing minor repairs early on extends the life of the furnace, saving money in the long run on costly replacements. During a yearly maintenance check, technicians can spot wear and tear on parts like belts, motors and sensors. Catching these issues early helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, especially during peak usage in the winter months.”
So there you have it. Trust these professionals and their experience, and schedule your furnace servicing NOW, because, trust me….winter is coming. n
Summer Pasta
By Margot Sheehan, Colchester, Ct.
Ingredients:
8 oz fresh ravioli
3 T olive oil
1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
chopped
1 can of artichoke hearts
chopped
Directions:
Cook ravioli until al dente
4 gloves of garlic, minced
3 T capers, drained
1/2 t Italian seasoning
2 cup fresh spinach
Parmesan cheese
In a skillet add 2 table spoons olive oil, tomatoes, capers, garlic, Italian seasoning, cook for two minutes.
Add the fresh spinach - mix it in and let it wilt
Add the ravioli to the skillet along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Mix until everything is incorporated, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with a green salad. n
EMERGENCY PLAN Why every home should have an
By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer
With life comes risks, and families should be prepared for whatever comes their way. Having plans in place for emergency situations will make already traumatizing and stressful incidents a little bit easier to manage, identifying the highest likelihood of emergencies and working from there.
“Inflation combined with climate change and good old “Mother Nature” seemingly creating a never-ending series of storms and wildfires everywhere in the United States not just in Michiana, said Dan Buchman of State Farm Insurance. “The prudent consumer performs necessary maintenance including but not limited to… roof repairs, gutters, checking to make sure sump pumps work, etc.”
Throughout much of northern Indiana, hazards are most likely flooding, fire, winter storms, and tornados. For homeowners, having insurance is essential to protecting your assets.
“Insurance can help you maintain your lifestyle during this challenging time,” said Gina Cesaretti, president of Community Insurance Partners. “By covering immediate expenses and providing financial support, insurance allows you to focus on recovery rather than financial strain. This can be particularly important for families, who need stability during upheaval.”
Without insurance, Cesaretti said the costs can be overwhelming.
ranging from the flu and power outages to terrorism and tsunamis.
Your plan should include meeting locations, plans for communication including emergency phone numbers, evacuation plans, supplies, safety planning, first aid, insurance coverage and potential hazards. Your plan should include every member of your family including pets and account for any special needs such as medications or disabilities.
Ready.gov offered a free FEMA Family Emergency Plan worksheet suggesting meeting places, family member information, emergency contacts and printable cards with that information so adults and children can keep it on hand and know what to do.
formation, cash, emergency blankets and a physical map.
“Many consumers invest in generators to supply electricity during power outages,” Buchman said.
Depending on the specific situation and your family, some supply kits may also need to include baby supplies, activities for children, pet supplies, extra car and house keys, a manual car opener, masks, matches, rain gear, towels, gloves, tools, plastic sheeting and duct tape, scissors and bleach.
You should also find out how, in the case of a natural disaster, the community you reside in will make residents and the public at large aware. Local government emergency management can generally provide you with that information.
Locally, residents should also try to have plans in place with neighbors, relatives, and co-workers. Discuss needs and responsibilities, care of children and pets and operation of any medical equipment.
FEMA also recommends having plans not only for at-home and outof-the-area travel, but places you travel frequently be it a grandparent’s house or the grocery store. In addition, emergency planning should always prepare for the worst. You should learn how to use a fire extinguisher if you don’t already, have an emergency supply kit in your home and a smaller kit in your car, and know basic first aid. Have plans and supply kits for both evacuation situations and shelter-in-place emergencies.
“Home insurance can cover damages to your property, from repairs to rebuilding, while auto insurance can address vehicle damages and liability. Without insurance, you would be left to shoulder these expenses alone, potentially plunging you into debt,” she said.
Insurance isn’t the only way families can prepare for the unexpected, though.
The American Red Cross has preparedness support on its website for 23 different kinds of emergencies,
Supply kits should include water, food, a flashlight, a battery or crank radio, extra batteries, medications and a first aid kit, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of personal documents, cell phones and chargers, emergency contact in-
Outside the home, homeowners can prevent smaller emergencies by properly caring for their home.
“Be sure to periodically trim those beautiful shade trees in your yard,” Buchman said. “A recent storm bought down several large tree limbs, crushing a car in the driveway and putting a hole in the roof of their home.”
“Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance,” Ready.gov says.
The American Red Cross recommends practicing emergency plans with the family. n
Did You Know?
By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer
From baseball to Halloween, October is full of mystical and magical moments throughout history and into the present day.
Fall Colors
The reds and oranges of fall create a beautiful backdrop for autumn’s chilly weather, but do you know what causes the leaves to change color? The truth is fall’s vivid colors have been there all along. Green foliage hides under it a myriad of colors that become exposed as light de creases in the fall. This tells the plants to slow their photosynthesis and chlorophyll, the compound that gives plants their green color, begins to break down as plants prepare for winter months.
Underneath the green, those plants also have pigments in them - carotenoids for yellow and orange colors, anthocyanins for red and purplish, and tan nins for brownish or tan. Carotenoids are present in all leaves, but those that receive a lot of sunlight will also create anthocyanins.
Award Winners
Nobel Prize winners are announced in the first two weeks of October each year. This year, the winners for Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences will be announced Oct. 7-14.
The Legend of Stingy Jack
The World Series for Major League Baseball begins in October, and is expected to be Oct. 25-Nov. 2.
October Calendar
Oct. 2, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish new year. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown Oct. 11.
Oct. 9, Leif Eriksson Day, honors the Norse explorer who led the first Europeans believed to have set foot on the continent of North America nearly 1,000 years ago.
Oct. 14 is Canadian Thanksgiving, and Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day in the U.S. Explorer Christopher Columbus landed in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492. It wasn’t the first time a European had landed here, but his ‘discovery’ would forever change the world.
The Great Chicago Fire began Oct. 8, 1871.
Walt Disney World in Florida opened officially on Oct. 1, 1971.
In the sky, the Draconid meteor shower is set to be visible Oct. 9, and the Orionid meteor shower on Oct, 21–22. In addition, the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, was launched on Oct. 4, 1957 and the famous Apollo 7 mission was launched on Oct. 11, 1968.
The first Jack-o’-Lanterns were not pumpkins.
The tradition originated in Ireland, as part of Samhain, marking the end of summer and the beginning of the new year.
At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was believed to be at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through. Ancestors were honored and invited into the home, but harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and avoid harm.
The story of Stingy Jack, a blacksmith who tricked the devil and was condemned to roam the Earth forever, became a folklore of the Irish people. Legend says that due to his misdeeds, he wasn’t permitted into Heaven, but the Devil didn’t want him and sent him back to where he came from. It was dark, and Jack asked the Devil for help to light the way and received a lump of burning coal from the fires of Hell, which he placed into a carved-out turnip to serve as a lantern.
He became known as Jack of the Lantern.
Irish people would carve faces into turnips, potatoes, and other root vegetables and light them with candles or coals to scare away Jack’s soul and other unwanted souls.
Immigrants coming to the United States during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s brought their traditions with them but found a New World vegetable that was both larger and easier to carve - the pumpkin! n
