PERGOLASPAGE 10

Man, Fire. GrillA Tale of EvolutionPAGE 26

Do It YourselfGet Organized In Your GaragePAGE 20

Expert Gardening AdvicePAGE 8

New Product GuidePAGE 18

LIVING GUIDE

Flagstone | Natural Stone Walls | Character Boulders | Decorative Rock | Cypress Mulch | Brick Edging

Ponds, Pond Supplies, Koi Fish | Architectural Pottery | Gazebos | Statuary | Fountains

Experience our Beautiful Indoor/Outdoor Showroom5508 53rd Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58104

www.gardenelgancegallery.com

20095507 53rd Avenue SW Fargo, ND 58104 701-232-4001 www.deckmasters.net

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One Place for Answers

Locally owned and operated since 1989

Deckmasters

DEALER

Cad & 3D DrawingDeck DesignsOutdoor FurnitureCellular PVC DeckingFencingPlay SetsLow Voltage LightingSport CourtRailing KitsPergolas & GazebosCustom Built Decks

Supply Design Build“Our experience at and with Deckmasters was a wonderful one! We went the “Do It Yourself” route. Deckmasters helped us layout a plan, select the materials, delivered the materials, and even put up the ledger on the house and the posts in the ground for us. Being a novice builder, we had plenty of questions. Todd took time for us with every question! Thanks again for all your help! ”Sincerely,

David RichmanWest Fargo, North Dakota

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is 15,000 per issue and is distributed in two states. No part of this publication may be reproduced

without written permission by Studio 7 Productions Inc. Studio 7 Productions assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Studio

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LIVING GUIDE

Congratulations! You’ve just picked up the only Fargo-Moorhead magazine that is committed to helping you enjoy and improve your outside space. Now with that being said, my hope to all of our readers is that the Flood of 2009 has not had a great impact on your space. If you have been touched by the fl ooding situation, our hearts and prayers go out to you as you begin to deal with the clean-up process.

It is hard not to write about the Flood of 2009, even though many of us are now dealing with the aftermath of it. As I have dealt with fl oods in the past, my biggest sense of emotion was one of uncertainty. My wife and I talked about all the different things we would or should do to keep our house and family safe, but when the date of the fl ood moved up by two weeks, we began working in overdrive. It wasn’t the amount of work that was ahead of us that was daunting, it was not knowing where to start. Much of our questions were going unanswered, as many of our neighbors were putting their faith into the city’s dikes and temporary dike systems. I guess you could say that when it was all said and done, my wife and I learned a lot more about using our gut reaction rather than over thinking the question.

When the cleaning is done and grass fi nally starts to turn its fi rst shade of green, we will all have to try and get back to a normal sense of living.

In this issue, we dig into the history of how man likes fi re and how he usually ends up burning something. Our product feature area will show you some the newest and coolest products in the outdoor market. Finally, be sure to read up on the newest trend in backyard design, the pergola. Many of us don’t have any idea about what it is, but we know you have seen one, but just didn’t know what it was called!

We are also currently looking for pictures of your own outdoor project that may get featured in an upcoming issue. Winners will also receive a patio heater. So e-mail us at info@outdoordesignandliving.com with your pictures and stories about your outdoor projects.

Enjoy our newest issue, and please share our magazine with anyone who is looking to develop their own little piece of heaven in the outdoors.

Sincerely,

Brian BestgeEditor, Outdoor Design and Living Guide

Spring 2009

2009

Dedicated outdoor enthusiasts are always looking for the next

big thing in outdoor design and living. Th is year, the environment

and the economy are driving most new trends in outdoor design,

just like the rest of the marketplace. Of course, there is still room

for some outlandish opulence (see outdoor fi replaces below) if the

recession hasn’t bitten you too badly. Here are a few trends that are

just making their way into Red River Valley yards, businesses and

city plans.

Victory GardensHer attire may not have been ideal for gardening – sweater dress,

stretch pants and patent-leather boots – but First Lady Michelle

Obama became the nation’s First Gardener in March when she

broke ground on the White House’s very own Victory Garden.

Victory Gardens are really no diff erent than plain old vegetable

new trends inOUTDOOR LIVING

gardens, except for their purpose. Th ey originated during the

Second World War when families across the country were asked to

till up their backyards and grow their own vegetables for the good of

the nation. Gardening became an act of patriotism.

Today’s Victory Garden is still about patriotism. But these days,

patriotism also includes environmentalism. Loca-vores (people who

grow their own food) are being praised as providing better nutrition

for their families and cutting down the amount of fossil fuel that

goes into growing and delivering healthy, nutritious food to the

country’s tables.

Green RoofsTh e green movement is also taking over building design,

spawning the ascendancy of green roofs, or roofs covered with grass

and other vegetation instead of traditional roofi ng materials. Th e

primary purpose of a green roof is to reduce the amount of heat

generated by the rooftop’s surface. A city’s overall temperature is

lower when there are fewer surfaces that radiate heat (concrete,

rock, asphalt shingles or tile) and more surfaces that absorb heat

(grass and other vegetation).

Of course, the green roof can also serve a very rational business

purpose when it becomes a relaxing employee lunch spot or a

perfect client barbecue venue. Who needs to leave the offi ce to relax

when you can just pop on to the roof and experience the calm of a

city park? You get double green kudos, too, because you didn’t drive

your car to the park.

Rain GardensRain Gardens are another strategy being used to mitigate the

eff ects of urban environmental damage. Water runoff is a serious

environmental concern in developed areas, as water that used to

soak into the soil is now drained into storm-water systems. Rain

Gardens help mitigate this concern by providing an opportunity for

water to soak into the ground instead of running off into a storm

drain.

Homeowners can produce this result by creating a natural

collection point for water runoff . Th e eff ect is achieved by sloping

driveways, walkways and slabs toward a vegetated area fi lled with

native plants and dressed with rock, bark, grass clippings or other

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LIVING GUIDE

By: Todd Funfar

2009

natural materials.

Th e Rain Garden eff ect is achieved on a larger scale, of

course, in the man-made lakes built into many Fargo-area

housing developments. Th ese neighborhood features act as

water collection ponds, reducing the strain on storm drains

and providing visual appeal.

Outdoor FireplacesExtravagance is so 2007 these days, but not everyone is

trimming down and tightening the belt. Outdoor fi replaces

are a great outlet for that pent-up spending urge. And when

we say outdoor fi replaces, we are not talking about fi re

pits or chimineas. Th ese are honest-to-goodness fi replaces

surrounded by intricate ornamental casings and mantles made

of marble, slate or other stone. Th ey are generally part of a

luxurious and elegant outdoor social space complete with

cushioned seating areas and ornamental tables.

Like their indoor brethren, outdoor fi replaces may use

a variety of fuel sources. Burn traditional wood for that

authentic smoky appeal or make it easy on yourself – not to

mention odor-free – and get an outdoor fi replace that runs on

gas or electricity.

Outdoor fi replaces don’t only come encased in exotic

materials. You can get simply-designed outdoor fi replaces

with plastic or faux casing materials that will run you a few

hundred dollars. Or, choose a top-of-the-line model made of

marble or other luxury materials that will set you back

$10,000 or more. Th ere are many varieties, so search

your options, set your budget and fi nd one

that fi ts your situation.

FASTENERS (AKA SCREWS), PLUGS, & CONCEALED DECK FASTENERS: It seems like every other person calling or stopping into Deckmasters

is asking about concealed decking fasteners. Forty years ago, it was the

slot screw. Then came the Phillips. The square drive was next, but now

it’s the Torx head—once you use this, you will never go back!

We now have special trimhead screws for hollow decking, special

breakaway screws, plugs, and every imaginable colored head to match

decking color. The head designs prevent the “mushroom” eff ect by

trapping and taking any debris under the head, and the color-coated

heads match your deck boards.

So, why would you want to use these concealed deck fasteners

anyway? My fi rst response is that they provide a clean and uniform

deck surface, so they look nice. They were developed to eliminate nail

and screw holes that often mark up or scar the deck. Raised screws or

nails and splintered surfaces can be very dangerous, can cause bodily

injury and can be diffi cult to deal with when you’re shoveling your

deck in the winter. Another advantage is that concealed deck fasteners

now come in a variety of types: prong, track, biscuit, and interlocking

clips.

Some manufactured materials have developed specifi c hidden

fasteners that fi t into a groove that runs the length of a deck board. If

the manufacturer doesn’t have a grooved board or channel, you will

need to make a groove with a biscuit jointer, router or table saw.

It is important to note that you won’t be able to groove some

manufactured cellular PVC coated or hollow deck boards, as it will void

your warranty. Also, don’t use aluminum hidden fasteners or let them

touch ACQ treated wood, as it is very corrosive.

Then, the next question people always ask me is, “If I want to use

hidden fastening systems, how much is this going to cost?” I don’t

think anyone in the industry would argue that this type of fastening

system takes longer to install than a plain old

screw, and will cost a little more for you, but in

the end, aesthetically you will be more than

pleased with the fi nished product. Hidden

fasteners are strong and have a beautiful

fi nished look. My vote is to use them. It’s

worth the time and the money.

LIVING GUIDE

EXPERT

My oriental poppies just bloomed last

year for the fi rst time in fi ve years. Why

wouldn’t they have bloomed before?

Th ere could be many reasons, but some

possibilities might be: soil too high in

nitrogen; plants not mature enough to

produce fl owers; if they were divided

plantings, perhaps not enough of the root

was used in the propagation; or some other

factor perhaps in the environment - like

temperatures too high for them to thrive,

OR, any combination of these things!

When is the best time to treat for

slugs? If you had them last year, will

you get them again this year?

Almost as sure as death and taxes. Th ere

is no point in jumping the gun on getting

stuff out this early, except that a good

spring clean-up around the area where

they were most annoying would go a long

way in greatly reducing their number or

(hopefully!) eliminating them altogether.

Keep in mind that just one slug can beget

many more as they are hermaphroditic.

If and when they are noted - when the

vegetation is actively growing - the safest

and one of the most eff ective methods of

control is to place a shallow pie pan of beer

at ground level for them to crawl into and

die a joyful death - not from intoxication,

but simply drowning. To be eff ective, the

pie pan rim must be at ground level — the

slugs cannot climb over the edge of the pan.

Answers provided by:Ron Smith, Ph.D.

Horticulturist and Turfgrass Specialist

North Dakota State University

Department of Plant Sciences

Extension Service

ADVICE

It’s the little things we do.

2009

Landscape Maintenance

ape Maintenance for:

Can you get the mulch too thick

around perennials?

Absolutely. Opt for 2-3” of good organic

mulch — there are many on the market.

Keep about a one-inch space between the

stems of the perennials and the mulch,

if possible – especially if there were slug

problems in the past. Sorry, stone is mulch

not recommended!

Do you need to put new soil into pots

every year or can you use the same soil?

Everything gets tired - including potting

soil. While there are some records of using

the same soil in the pots for many years, it

is a better bet for success if the potting soil

is changed annually. Th is can be done in the

spring, of course, for outdoor plants, but

it is suggested that houseplants get their

soil changed in the fall just before bringing

them in before a hard frost nips them.

What are some good fl owering plants

to plant on the north side of my

house? I want something other than

ferns and coleus.

My absolute favorite comes early in the

spring before tree leaf canopies close

in —Virginia bluebells. Th e purplish/

pink fl owers are excellent naturalizers

in any shady setting. After fl owering,

they die down for the season, but come

backed every year. Another indestructible

perennial is the Lily-of-the-Valley, which

makes a very good ground cover, and has

the little bell-like, white fl owers that are

back by an almost bullet-proof dense,

green foliage. Some annuals, of course, are

pansies, (also violas, their smaller cousin),

and begonias. Finally, see if you can fi nd

some Toad lilies (/Tricyrtis ‘/Tojen’). Th ey

are impossible to dislike. Th eir orchid-like

fl owers and lush oversized foliage fi ll in

shady areas with elegance!

What plants do well on the south side

of a house that gets a lot of direct sun

and heat?

Some of the native ornamental grasses

like big or little bluestem simply thrive

under such conditions. Potentilla is a nice

compact woody plant that likes the direct

heat and light. Finally, common daylilies

will do well under such conditions, as long

as they get ample water.

What perennials are best if you don’t

want them to spread too much?

You would need to consult a book for this

answer, as the few I’ll recommend will not

do justice to the ones I’ll have to leave out.

Visit the local bookstore - horticulture

section - to get some good, complete

selections. Some of my favorite: Bleeding

heart, sedum (many varieties), Lady’s

mantle, Peony, Astilbe, and Echinacea (they

multiply a little).

PergolasOpen The Door

To Comfortable Outdoor Living

LIVING GUIDE

Look up! Pergolas –

those airy overhead

lattices that off er

shade and temper the

sun’s sweltering glare – are

popping up in sun-soaked

settings across Fargo-

Moorhead.You may not know them by their proper

name, but chances are you recognize

these open, unwalled structures on

sight. You may be more familiar

with their older, smaller cousins, the

vine-covered trellises and arbors that

welcome guests into gardens or shade

walkways and entrances to homes.

But if the heat at the height of

summer keeps you off your deck or

patio – especially if it faces west or

south – you’ll want to get to know how

this open, sophisticated solution can

turn otherwise-searing outdoor spaces

into your favorite room in the house.

Pergolas have always been rooted

in gardens. Open framed structures

festooned with growing vines are known

to have provided protection from

blinding sun and heat in ancient Egypt.

Th ey were equally hot among Italian

gardeners during the early Renaissance.

Th e name “pergola” comes from an

Italian village near the Adriatic coast.

Th eir original spread was largely

limited to hot, sunny regions, though it

blossomed in cooler climes during the

Arts and Crafts Movement more than

100 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1970s,

though, that their fan base exploded in

America. As gas prices soared and supplies

dipped, American families traded gas-

guzzling trips for “staycations” closer to

home. Th eir focus on backyard activities

and outdoor living was tailor-made to touch

off the boom in pergolas, which permitted

them to spend more time more comfortably

outdoors.

Th e pretty pergolas now taking root

in sun-soaked area yards are larger and

more fl exible than their garden cousins,

the trellises and arbors. Many shade pre-

existing decks or patios. Others off er a

shady respite beside backyard pools or

in the middle of gorgeous gardens. Th ey

have become focal points in the backyard

landscape…transitional living areas that

bridge the mental space between the home

and the outdoors.

According to local deck expert Todd

Funfar, pergolas have long been a sensation

in home landscapes on the East and West

Coasts, where – like here – the summer

sun is hot and natural shade is often at a

premium. Th e open-sided structures with

uncovered rafters overhead are gaining

popularity a little slower but just as surely

here, where they fi rst started to appear

about a dozen years ago.

As on treeless coastal landscapes, the

pergola’s popularity in the Red River Valley

is tied to its talent for tempering harsh

summer glare. Whether the location is

naturally tree-free or newly planted, the

result is the same: instant dappled shade.

“If your deck or patio faces south or

west, it can be almost unbearable to be out

there at the height of the summer,” says

Funfar, president of Deckmasters in Fargo.

“Adding a pergola can cut the sun’s glare by

almost half, depending on the time of day

and angle of the sun.

“It not only makes your outdoor spaces

more comfortable and pleasant,” he points

out. “A pergola may reduce cooling costs

in your home. By cutting the glare, it even

reduces fading.”

Most of all, a pergola allows you to

defi ne your outdoor space in functional

areas – “rooms” without walls, lightly

enclosed by day but with ceilings open

to the stars at night. One part of the

patio can be arranged and furnished for

outdoor dining, another for relaxing and

conversation. A hot tub area can have its

own airy personality.

Th eir shady nature, too, makes them a

perfect fi t for the hot concrete decks that

surround swimming pools. Rather than

follow a cool swim with a harsh bake in the

2009

oven-hot sun, the pergola gives guests a

place to enjoy the afternoon at poolside.

A pergola is built of four key elements.

Sturdy posts and headers support a fi rst

layer of rafters, usually 2x6", standing on

their narrow edges. Th e rafters, in turn,

are topped with a lattice of lighter boards

(perhaps 1x2" or 1x4") placed fl at and at a

right angle. A true pergola has no railings

or other features on the ground between

the posts; walls are entirely open from the

ground to the headers.

When designing the pergola, both its

location and the homeowner’s preferences

are given consideration. Each overhead is

designed to fi t the home and landscape in

scale, in angle to the sun, and in materials

that accent or blend harmoniously with the

original construction.

Th e open latticework of the pergola’s

“roof” clearly off ers the least shade when

the sun is directly overhead. Later in the

day, though, as it moves toward the west,

the spacing and width of rafters and lattice

are chosen to create the greatest degree

of cool shade when and where it’s needed

most.

A pergola generally produces up to

47 percent shade around 3 p.m. Th at’s

plenty to off er a pleasant blend of sun and

shadow while you relax and dine, but not

so complete that it turns your hot tub area

chilly and dank. Homeowners who want to

preserve more sunshine even at the hottest

times of day may choose narrower boards

for their lattice or wider spacing.

If you want deeper shade or more

protection when the sun is positioned

overhead, you might choose to plant fast-

growing vines to add another cooling layer

and a degree of privacy along a side of the

structure.

Despite the pergola’s airy good looks,

the hefty posts that support headers,

rafters and lattice carry a lot of weight.

When that’s coupled with the prairie wind

After a cold and snowy winter, spring rewards Red River Valley

residents with an abundance of sunshine and a multitude of fun

outdoor activities. But whether you’re spending a weekend at the lake,

playing 18 holes in the afternoon or mowing the lawn, you need to

beware of the sun’s harmful eff ects on your skin. Here are some top

tips for keeping your skin healthy, young-looking and wrinkle-free:

Always wear sunscreen.Dermatologists agree that any amount of sun is hazardous for the skin. Its radiation

causes the skin’s elastin to break down, bringing wrinkles, age spots and potentially life-

threatening skin cancer.

That is why skin experts recommend applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15

whenever you are spending time in the sun. When you’re outdoors for lengthy periods

of time, apply a new layer every couple of hours. If you’re spending time in the water,

reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water.

One important note about SPF: an SPF greater than 30 off ers very little additional

benefi t; in fact, it may irritate your skin more than it off ers extra protection.

And don’t forget about the two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many sunscreens

provide protection against UVB rays, but not UVA rays. So, make sure your sunscreen

protects against both. Sunscreens labeled “broadband spectrum” provide the most

protection.

Use sunscreen generously, too. Most people only use half as much sunscreen as they

should, especially on their children. Which leads to the next tip…

Promote good sun safety habits in childrenIt is especially important to create good sun protection habits in children at an

early age. Apply sunscreen regularly and generously. Studies show that 80 percent of a

person’s lifetime sun exposure is acquired before the age of 18.

The cell mutation that eventually leads to skin cancer builds up over a long period of

time, so don’t think kids aren’t susceptible to sun damage. If nothing else, sun exposure

is the primary cause of freckles, fi ne lines and drooping skin.

Th e sun shines on cloudy days, tooMany people mistakenly believe that

they are safe from the sun’s eff ects on

cloudy days. Actually, just the opposite can

be true. Depending on the type of cloud

cover, a hazy sky can actually magnify the sun’s

harmful rays and do more damage than on a sunny day. So,

don’t neglect the sunscreen even when you can’t see the sun directly.

Don’t forget your eyesMake sure you wear wrap-around sunglasses with full (UVA and UVB) ultraviolet

protection.

Follow these tips and your summertime fun will be sun-safe, as well. And remember,

tanning beds damage your skin just as much as natural sun. If your image requires a

healthy glow, dermatologists recommend spray-on or liquid tans. You won’t hear the

Beach Boys singing about a spray-on tan, but at least your skin will look and feel younger

and healthier for a longer time. And wasn’t that really the point in the fi rst place?

Sun Safety Tips

LIVING GUIDE

that passes for a summer breeze in North

Dakota, one key rule becomes mandatory:

substantial footings. Todd, the deck expert,

sinks footings 4 feet into the Red River

Valley’s notoriously unstable clay.

Anchoring the pergola to the house or

an adjacent structure does add stability.

Complex building codes make this an

option in some cities but rule it out in

others, where freestanding structures make

more sense.

Because of the weight of the overhead,

Todd recommends against the tempting

thought of anchoring a pergola to an

above-ground deck. Instead, his designs

are built around the deck’s margins with

posts anchored independently deep in the

soil. When construction is on a concrete

deck, he prefers core-drilling to sink the

footings. Th e alternative is using heavy-

duty decorative braces to add core strength.

“Never just set the posts on top of the

2009

Supply Design Build

5507 53rd Ave SW, Fargo 701-232-4001 www.deckmasters.net

D YDECK STORETotal decking supply store

LIVING GUIDE

concrete or ground,” he cautions. “The wind

will catch it.”

Beyond the basics, pergola styles vary,

from the classic, simple post-and-beam

look to more elaborately finished designs.

Decorative end cuts add a distinctive finish

to the rafters, which may extend to a greater

degree over the edge of the headers.

Some pergolas pick up architectural

details from the house itself, creating a

lovely integrated view of home and garden.

Subtle lighting adds to the evening drama.

Low-wattage lights may wash up and down

the posts, for example, accentuating the

enclosed “room” feel beneath the overhead.

Fashions and innovations in backyard

decks have directly affected pergola

design. When pergolas were new on the

patio scene, like decks, they came in one

material – wood, often cedar or redwood,

and one family of colors – wood tones. The

alternative was going all-natural, allowing

the surface to weather to soft, silvery grey.

Different times, tastes and home designs

have broadened those choices.

The first is wood versus care-free man-

made material. Wood creates more upkeep

and has some structural issues (warping,

for example). On the other hand, it’s classic,

environmentally friendly and gentler on the

pocketbook, costing as much as 40 percent

less than man-made alternatives.

If wood is your choice, you may choose

from a spectrum of staining options – more

or less pigment, for example, offering more

transparency or a more opaque surface

that hides much of the wood’s natural grain

and knots. A dark stain with low pigment

content fits well with the hacienda look.

Two coats of stain that’s rich in pigment,

on the other hand, can produce sparkling

nautical white that sets off Cape Cod

houses, in particular, so perfectly.

Man-made materials multiply the

choices. Stamped grain aluminum,

finished in a wide range of permanent

colors, is today’s leading choice. All kinds

of decorative elements are available,

from columns to wrap utilitarian posts to

carefree (and warp-free) headers, rafters

and lattices. They’re maintenance-free;

colors don’t yellow, and they tend to be

easier to work with. The down side is their

higher initial cost.

With the popularity of pergolas has

come a trend to take greater advantage of

these transitional indoor-outdoor spaces.

Homeowners are expanding the pergola-ed

deck or patio’s function even further as the

sun is tamed and the space becomes more

2009

LIVING GUIDE

defi ned, distinctive and usable.

Lighting and heating rank near the top of the list. In addition to

accent lights that emphasize the lines of the structure, additional

lights can create cozy conversation or game areas as dusk closes in.

Ironically, the quest for coolness and shade also creates an

opportunity to extend the patio season with a source of evening

warmth. Many pergolas feature freestanding fi re bowls or fi re

pits. Others have propane heaters – stretching out those backyard

evenings deeper into autumn.

Nor does today’s patio furniture resemble the webbed and

plastic-coated tubing that once haunted the fi eld. Th e outdoor living

areas defi ned by pergolas seem to invite room-style furnishings.

Outdoor furniture is taking on more of the comfort and style

more familiar in the family room, adapted for the elements with

moisture-resistant upholstery and frames. Patio and deck dining

sets now come with more stylish and colorful regular and gathering-

height tables and chairs.

Th e fully equipped kitchen – sometimes complete with plumbed

sinks – is making inroads in the outdoors, too. Top-of-the-line gas

grills off er extended grill surfaces, a full complement of burners and

temperature control so precise that they can be used for baking.

Propane-powered patio refrigerators are just around the corner.

Finding backyard shade in the blast furnace of high summer

has come a long way. Remember Dad and Mom trying to crank the

umbrella on their patio table to just the right angle for a sliver of

shade – ready to grab it as the wind swooped in?

Cool and shady and comfortable in the heat of day, patios and

decks in even the hottest locations owe their modern possibilities to

the pergola. A touch of sophisticated charm up overhead can turn a

nearly unbearable expanse of heat and glare into your favorite room

in – or outside – your house.

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2009

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LIVING GUIDE

Table Top Fire Bowl 79.99This table top fi le bowl has a

wicker fi nish, and is made of

fi re proof materials. It features a

stainless steel burner for increased

durability, includes lava rock fi ller,

and has a push button ignitor

and gas fl ow control. It runs on 1

pound propane tank, and lasts 3 –

4 hours. Available at Scheels Home

and Hardware.

Motion Activated Garden

Sentry $59.95This motion-activated animal

deterrent protects your fl ower

beds, garden, and ponds from

animals without using harmful

chemicals or requiring unsightly

barriers. The device activates

an integrated sprinkler when

a visitor enters its 105° fi eld-

of-view, spraying a forceful

yet harmless stream of water.

Available from Hammacher

Schlemmer at www.hammacher.

com

Solar Underground Pest

Deterrent $59.95This environmentally friendly

pest deterrent is powered by an

integrated solar panel. The spike

stakes into the ground, where it

emits sonic vibrations every 30

seconds that irritate burrowing

pests and compel them to disperse.

Available from Hammacher

Schlemmer at www.hammacher.

com

Lechuza Sub-Irrigation System Planter $19.99 +The sub-irrigation set from Lechuza enables water to circulate just

like in nature. As a result, the plant’s roots will not rot in standing

water, and will ensure your plant is receiving the exact amount of

water for up to 12 weeks. Available at Baker Nursery.

Extended Reach Gutter

Cleaning Wand $79.95This hose extension increases

your reach by 20’, allowing you

to clean second-story gutters

while standing on the ground.

The wand attaches to a standard

hose and delivers a powerful

stream of water through its

nozzle to dislodge leaves and

small branches from gutters

or rinse dirt and dust from

windows and siding. Available

from Hammacher Schlemmer at

www.hammacher.com

Spring 2009

NEW PRODUCT GUIDE

2009

The Atlas GloveThe Original. The Atlas Glove

is ergonomically shaped, and

knit without seams. It’s fl exible,

comfortable, extremely durable

and machine washable. Various

styles, colors and multiple styles

for diff erent uses. Available at

Baker Nursery.

Cordless LED Grill Light $49.95This cordless outdoor grill light uses long-lasting

LEDs for weather-resistant light. It attaches to a grill

shelf with a heavy-duty mouth spring clamp, and it

has a fl exible neck adjustable to any angle so you

can direct the light where needed during after-dark

grilling. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at

www.hammacher.com

Rapid No Turn Composter $299.95The three-chamber bin turns organic matter into compost using solar

energy. Apertures help speed decomposition and eliminate odors.

It cuts composting time to as little as 12 weeks, compared to the six

months required by other bins Available from Hammacher Schlemmer

at www.hammacher.com

Grill Daddy Grill Cleaning Tool $19.99Travel size, heavy duty stainless steel bristles, removable

brush for easy cleaning, cleans with the power of steam.

Available at Scheels Home and Hardware.

Upside Down Tomato Garden $79.95This planter elevates the planting bed so vines grow

downward. Hanging vines need almost no attention

as tomatoes ripen in the air (not on the ground)

where they won’t rot. Complementary plants can be

planted on top, which holds up to 80 lbs. of topsoil.

Available from Hammacher Schlemmer at www.

hammacher.com

Whatever the task, is Outdoor Design and Living Guide wants

to provide you with the latest in outdoor products. From grilling

tools to outdoor fi re pits, these products are just some of the

newest and most innovative on the market. Some items can be

purchased in the area, while others may be specially ordered.

TAKING CHARGE of the Most Neglected Corner of Your Home

actually add useful living space to your

home.

Garage Door, the garage off ers plenty of

square footage for casual three-season

entertaining. In smaller homes and condos,

that space can be a blessing — a built-in

party room when you’re planning larger

family get-togethers or special events like

graduation open houses.

It can also off er comfort to smokers

banished from indoors. Add a couple

of comfortable patio chairs and a little

counter space, and those who haven’t been

able to shake the habit have an alternative

downpour.

possible to get from car to house without

sideways between stacked-up clutter. It

off ers a genuine sense of relief to those who

feel overwhelmed.

“Th ere truly is a sense of peace in a

of Smart Spaces, a Fargo company that

designs storage systems for closets and

other indoor rooms as well as the garage.

know where to fi nd a tool or a product…

and, just as important, where to put it back

when you’re fi nished.

“If you’ve collected the tools and bought

the supplies to accomplish a project, what

good do they do you if you can’t fi nd them,

or if they aren’t usable when they fi nally

lower cabinets, full-length storage, open

and closed units and counters to turn even

cramped garage space into everything-in-

its-place order. Each garage design takes

into account the interests and needs of

those who’ll use it.

recommended for storing paint, garden and

Th e line between indoor and outdoor

living is often drawn right through your

garage.

What a cramped and unappealing line

that can be! After the chores of fall and

the long, dark days of winter, chances are

good that your garage wouldn’t stand up to

the white-glove test – or even the nosy-

neighbor test – as more pleasant weather

rolls around.

one of homeowners’ least-favorite spring-

cleaning tasks.

Why not invest some extra time this

your garage as you spruce it up this spring,

you’ll not only be ready to relax in June…

you’ll reap dividends every day of the year.

Not only that. By joining a growing

trend toward more fi nished garage space,

well furnished with storage and polished

into more pleasant surroundings, you’ll

LIVING GUIDE

2009

48” Salem Table with Shell Back Dining Chairs

Because your grilling is anything

...but ordinary

cleaning chemicals and other substances

dangerous for children and pets. For an

extra measure of safety, look for cabinets

that can be locked – or add locks of your

own. Among the products that require

secure storage:

paint remover

antifreeze

Not just any cabinet can live up to

the demands of the garage. She uses

components with heavier shelves supported

by more frequent vertical partitions, placed

no further apart than 30 to 32 inches. Th e

entire cabinet, including shelves, is made of

very-high-density particle board faced with

melamine.

Hazardous Waste Information and Drop-Off

Fargo

Household Hazardous Waste Building

606 43rd Street North

Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Second Saturday every month, 8 a.m.–noon

Call 701-281-8915 or 701-730-8704 to

schedule appointment for drop off .

Moorhead

Household Hazardous Waste Facility

2729 Highway 10 East

Open April - October

Monday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Wednesday, noon–6 p.m.

First and third Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon

Or by appointment.

Call 218-299-5077 or 218-299-5002

West Fargo

City Sanitation Department

117 Eight Street West

Open weekdays

For information, call 701-433-5400

LIVING GUIDE

The proper rules for disposing of yourhousehold hazardous wastes

oil fi lters cannot be sent to landfi lls. Other

car-care materials, from windshield washer

solution and brake fl uid to batteries, also

are considered hazardous waste.

Many service stations and several

local companies accept household-sized

amounts of used motor oil for recycling,

including Jiff y Lube and Tires Plus. Oil and

other automotive waste can be dropped off

at the cities’ hazardous waste facilities.

Clean-Up Week is May 4–8 in Fargo,

West Fargo, Moorhead, Dilworth and Clay

County. For specifi c disposal rules for each

community, go to your city’s website.

must be taken to your city’s hazardous

waste facility for disposal. This includes a

surprisingly long list of substances that we

take for granted around our homes. Among

them:

cleaners, oven cleaners, fl oor products, even

polishes. They’re hazardous waste. (“Green”

cleaners raise no alarms.)

a long list of highly toxic chemicals behind

their lovely leaves and blossoms. Chemical

weed killers, insecticides, fungicides and

fertilizers are hazardous waste. Again,

disposing of unused “green” products is

generally problem-free.

banned from the landfi lls because

cathode ray tubes (“picture tubes”) and

CRT monitors contain enough lead to

be considered hazardous. Computers

themselves include additional toxic

materials.

rechargeable batteries from cell phones,

laptops, cameras and other devices,

however, go to hazardous waste collection

points. Batteries Plus also accepts these,

along with the button batteries used in

hearing aids.

from landfi lls. Bring them to Interstate

Battery or Batteries Plus or city hazardous

waste collection points. Moorhead does not

accept car batteries.

generates other garbage that requires

special handling, too. Antifreeze is

highly toxic to humans and wildlife

alike; it cannot be poured down

the drain, but must be recycled or

taken to hazardous waste collection

points. Used motor oil and drained

When you’re contemplating spring

cleaning, sorting out what to keep and

what to throw away appears to be the

biggest challenge.

But, depending on what ends up in your

throw-away pile, you’re not quite done. Not

everything can be simply set on the curb

with your garbage for the city to kindly cart

away on pick-up day.

While most typical household trash

is plain vanilla, in terms of garbage rules,

some common items are not. These

sometimes require special steps in

packaging or a personal trip to your city’s

hazardous materials collection facility.

(Addresses are at the end of this article.)

Virtually all paints, varnishes, stains,

sealers, thinners, strippers and the like are

considered hazardous waste.

Is enough left to be useful to others?

Then the best solution is to take these

usable remainders to Fargo’s Product Reuse

Room or the Product Exchange Corner

at Moorhead’s hazardous waste facility.

After staff has taken a close look at what’s

donated, neighbors who need limited

quantities can browse the donations and

take what they need at no cost. Fargo alone

had 1,300 “customers” for these materials in

2006.

You can dispose of latex paint cans in

your regular garbage if you dry them out

fi rst. Remove the tops to let

nature take its course; then

dispose of them without

lids so garbage collectors

know they’re empty. Other

substances need to go to

hazardous waste collection

points in tightly

sealed containers.

Other

questionable

household

chemicals, too,

2009

A combination of open and closed

storage can accommodate most of the

odds and ends kept handy in the garage, save many a crash landing: “Garages are

accident-prone. By putting things where

they belong, you eliminate damage both to

probably the snowblower you’re so ready to

put away and the lawnmower ready to get

moving. A garden shed is ideal! When that’s

not possible, it’s important to fi rst, get your

equipment ready for months of storage, and

off whatever’s tracked in on the tires.

the key to a trouble-free change of seasons.

snowblower to occupy its own corner – by

fi rst preparing the engine for a peaceful

summer and then making repairs for a

trouble-free fi rst snow.

Dale’s prescription begins with

administering a good fuel additive to the

last tank of gas, then running the engine for

fi ve minutes to insure that it has circulated.

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Th en, he says, drain the tank. (Remember

that gasoline and oil are hazardous wastes

and require special disposal.)

Th en start the engine once again and let

it run until it dies. Dale explains, “By using

the additive fi rst, you make sure that even if

you don’t get every drop of gas out, it won’t

thicken and break down.”

Th en change the oil and check the

blower’s gear boxes, belts and parts for wear

and damage. Spring is the time for repairing

snowblowers, he points out: no waiting list.

As for your lawnmower, roll it out,

add gas and fi re it up…if you followed the

same sequence of steps last fall to prepare

it to stand by over the winter. You would

have cleaned or replaced the spark plug,

sharpened the blade, checked and replaced

the belts, and wheeled it to its corner with

a sigh of relief. Now the grass is growing

again, and the lawnmower – if not the

person who steers it – is ready to go.

Finally, the fl oor. If yours is typical, you

may be looking at concrete rough with

pocks from road de-icer and spotted with

drips of motor oil, antifreeze or other

unsavory auto fl uids.

Your garage will never live up to its

party-room potential without doing

something about what’s underfoot. Your

choices: Resurface and apply paint or an

epoxy fi nish by hand, or turn to specialists

for one of the new total solutions that leave

it gleaming and impervious to future harm.

Jeff at Twin City Garage Door says

that those who entertain outdoors, who

use their garages for hobby shops, or who

simply are meticulous about upkeep are

discovering the ultimate in fl oor surfaces –

the polyaspartic fl oor coating system.

“Polyaspartic fl oors started out

in Phoenix,” he says. “Down there,

homeowners use them both inside the

garage and on patios and decks outdoors.

“Th is is a perfect way to show off your

motorcycles or your vehicles – like a jewel

setting,” he adds. “It’s the fi nal touch.”

Polyaspartic fl oors are considerably

more durable than the epoxy surfaces

now favored by do-it-yourselfers – which

themselves were a big step forward over

plain old painted fl oors.

Th e fi rst step in applying the new high-

tech surface is grinding down the concrete,

a process that can take two days. Almost an

eighth of an inch is removed to open up the

material, making it highly absorbent. When

the fi rst coat of the thick polyaspartic liquid

is applied, it forms a permanent bond.

Th at fi rst polymer coat is tinted with

the base color chosen for the fl oor. Colored

fl akes are added to the clear second coat.

“You can choose from a whole variety of

color combinations,” Jeff says. “Th e fl akes

give the fl oor a distinctive decorative glossy

look.”

Th e second coat is cut down so the

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to view additional articlesand access useful links.

2009

edges of the flakes are flat with the surface.

A final coat encases the flakes in a perfectly

sealed surface that can range from slightly

rough for traction to super-smooth for

effortless sweeping.

The entire application process takes

about three days – two for grinding and one

for applying coatings. It can be driven on

after 24 hours.

Is there a danger to all this garage

beautification? Perhaps. Jeff says customers

fall in love with the perfect, impervious

surface of his floors. Ursula reports serious

affection for her storage systems, as well as

the sense of calm and accomplishment they

inspire when the garage is organized and

clean and has taken its rightful place among

the living spaces in the home.

Jeff spells out the risk: “You could get so

happy with how your garage looks that you

won’t want to park your car in there any

more.”

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2733 South University Dr. Fargo, ND 58103 701-237-6255

LIVING GUIDE

In the beginning – of the back yard, that

is – were men, meat and fi re. Th e attraction

was so powerful, the payoff so delicious,

that the American patio was given its

original reason to exist.

Grilling. Th e manly art may have roots

back in the campfi re, but the moment

of its true birth was about 1920, when

Henry Ford invented the charcoal

briquette.

Yes, that Henry Ford. Th e

inventive father of the Model T

was loathe to waste anything in

his plant in Dearborn, Mich. Too,

like all men everywhere, he loved

camping and cooking over fi re.

He collected scrap wood from

interior fi ttings of his motorcars,

charred it in a

furnace, pulverized it to dust, added starch

as a binder and compressed the powder

into little pillows. Th ese “Ford Charcoal

Briquettes” were sold, along with small

brazier-style grills, in fl edgling Ford auto

dealerships across the country.

Charcoal was a breakthrough for

outdoor cookery. Briquettes heat more

evenly and hold heat longer than wood or

lump charcoal fi res and create no smoke.

Ford delegated development of his

company’s charcoal line to an employee,

E. G. Kingsford. Kingsford bought the

business in 1951 and changed its name. He

sold it in 1973 to Clorox.

Today charcoal briquettes are a nearly

half-billion dollar business. Th e Kingsford

brand controls half of it.

If backyard grilling was born

in Detroit in 1920, it truly came

of age in 1952, when an employee

of an Illinois metalworking

plant that manufactured ocean

buoys had the brainstorm that

transformed outdoor cooking.

Th is innovation, too, began

with manufacturing scraps.

George Stephen, an avid griller,

was frustrated with the uneven

and uncontrollable fl ame of

2009

his open brazier grill. (Th at’s the technical

name for those fl at, open charcoal pans

topped with a grid still seen in convenience

and discount stores.)

On the job at Weber Brothers, he

used scraps to put together a creation his

neighbors dubbed “Sputnik” – a dome on

the bottom with another smaller dome

fi tting tightly over the top. Charcoal went

on the bottom, and meat grilled on a rack

over the charcoal. A success!

Th e same folks who had teased George

about Sputnik soon were asking him to

make one for them. He began selling it

commercially as the Weber kettle. By

decade’s end, he’d bought out the company,

changed its name to Weber-Stephen

Products, and laid the groundwork for

generations of grillmen.

Th e propane-powered grill was

introduced in the early 1960s when several

southern utility companies were looking

for ways to promote more household uses

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LIVING GUIDE

for their product. Modern Home Products was among the fi rst

to market. Nearly 25 years later, Weber entered the arena with its

Genesis grills, the dominant gas grill in today’s marketplace.

Dan Denk, a grill expert at Scheel’s, picks up the story here:

“Weber made the fi rst covered grill, and that changed everything. It

gave the griller control over his fi re and made it easy to create a great

meal consistently.”

Fifty-fi ve years later, the Weber name is emblazoned on dozens

of models of grills based on George’s original inspiration: big ones,

small ones, short ones, tall ones; charcoal, gas and electric; enamel

colors, polished metal, stainless steel and cast iron – priced from

$99 well into the thousands.

Th ere are other brands, yes, and Scheel’s carries some of those,

as well. Napoleon and Kitchen Aid off er high-end gas models that,

like top-of-the-line Webers, feature enough grilling space to feed

a crowd, side burners, rotisseries and infrared burners aimed at

them, warming drawers, work surfaces, storage space, lighting and

2009

1 lb potatoes, quartered

2 tbsp. melted margarine or butter

2 tsp. fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp dried

1/8 tsp chili powder

Mix together and place in foil packet.

Grill over medium heat, indirect method

for 30-35 minutes.

Rosemary Potatoes

Use your favorite pizza crust recipe and a Grill Top Pizza Pan. Roll crust to desired size and warm grill to medium (350-400). Place crust on Grill Top Pizza Pan. Allow to cook 5 minutes. Turn crust over, Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings of your choice (remove crust from grill to do this). Put pizza back on grill and cook 15-20 minutes, longer if you have put lots of toppings on. Rotate pizza twice while cooking.

Perfect Pizza…on the Grill

Cut a combination of the following fresh vegetables

into bite size pieces: Caulifl ower, Broccoli, Baby

Carrots, Green, Red or Yellow Peppers, Cucumbers,

Celery or Sweet Red Onions

Fill a gallon size, Ziplock(TM) plastic bag 1/2 full

of vegetables. Add Seven Seas Robusto Italian

Dressing.* Shake bag until veggies are well coated

& marinate for 5 minutes. Set grill on medium setting

and warm Wok Topper. Empty vegetables into

warmed Wok Topper. Allow to cook 15 to 20 minutes,

stirring every 5 minutes. Remove when cooked to desired crispness. Serve as an

appetizer or side dish to any meal.* Teriyaki Sauce may be substituted.

Savory Grilled VegetablesRecipesfor the Grill

For more recipes, visit Scheels Home and

Hardware, where you’ll also fi nd a vast variety of

marinades, rubs, sauces, recipe books, and grilling

products. Their selection and product knowledge

is one of the best in the region.

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LIVING GUIDE

to off er the same degree of even heat and

control that grillers expect from its classic

kettles. Th ey add the convenience of instant

ignition, ready heat and fast cool-down and

clean-up.

in their choices because they live in

says. “Electric grills are easy to use, but

what you gain in safety and convenience,

“Th ey wouldn’t be satisfi ed with electric

them, it’s an art. Th ey enjoy the challenge.

Th ey like to take direct control.

“Or, then, they may just be purists who

are convinced there’s nothing that tastes

better than a perfectly charcoal-grilled

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enough shiny steel to light up the eyes of

the proudest patio hot-rodder.

the aroma of wood smoke

others, its grills use wood

pellets as fuel, imparting

a distinctive wood-fi red

taste. Another novel option

is the Big Green Egg, based on

an ancient Japanese clay cooker

called the kamado.

Dan divides his grill customers

– yes, they’re mostly male or women

shopping for Father’s Day – into

three categories based, he says, on

determines which kind of grill

would suit their needs.

“Some guys are looking for

convenience…a grill that’s easy

to use. Th en gas is the best way

2009

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Ground Beef Patties1/2” thick to 3/4” thick: grill until cooked

10–16 minutes.

Hot Dogs and SausagesFor pre–cooked links or hot dogs: cook

until done 4–6 minutes.

For raw meat: can precook in skillet then

put on grill 8–12 minutes, turning often.

Boneless SteakMarinade if you prefer. 1/2” to 1” thick:

grill 8–14 minutes for medium rare, 12–18

minutes for medium well. Turn often.

Bone In SteakGrill 7–14 minutes for medium rare, 11–18

minutes for medium well. Turn often.

Fish Steaks1/2” to 1” thick: grill 4–6 minutes on each

side for every 1/2” thickness.

Fish FilletsCook until fi sh can be pulled apart with a

fork: 4–6 minutes per 1/2” thickness. Turn

once.

Chicken BreastsCook 8–12 minutes until juices come out

clear, turning often.

Pork Chops1/2” to 3/4” thick: grill until a little pink in

center for 12–16 minutes. Turn often.

Pork TenderloinCut in half lengthwise so it cooks evenly.

Cook 12–18 minutes, turning often.

Lamb Chops1/2” to 1” thick: grill 12–16 minutes. Turn

once.

GRILLING TIMES

the need of 9 to 10 tons of the country’s

food production.

Our national government isn’t asking

Americans to plant a garden because of a

food shortage, but “Recession Gardens” are

Like it or not, today’s modern family is

learning how to stretch every dime in the

monthly budget. But even the most frugal

family still needs to put food on the table.

While some people look to cable television

or internet expenses to shave off a few

bucks, some families are contemplating

growing their own food this summer.

Th is idea is harkening back to the

end of World War II, when Americans

were encouraged to grow their own food

in Victory Gardens. Americans were

encouraged to can their own food so that

manufactured canned goods could go

overseas to feed the troops. Th is call for

Victory Gardens created more than 20

million gardens in the United States, fi lling

popping up all over the country. A family

producing some of their own food in the

summer makes a positive impact on the

environment, yet also has the added bonus

of helping a family’s economic situation.

While shopping at your local grocery

store is convenient, prices are higher for

organic vegetables. It costs about $1.50/

pound for organic potatoes, $0.99/pound

for organic carrots, $6.98/pound for fresh

organic greens, $1.99 each for organic

cucumbers, and fresh tomatoes from the

vine run about $2.67/pound. We pay for the

convenience of the supermarket, especially

when it comes to the organic products,

which are grown without the use of

fertilizers or pesticides. It’s easy to get these

products, and for some families, paying the

extra money jives with the busy lifestyle

they lead.

So the question remains, “Is it cost

eff ective to grow your own vegetables

versus buying your own vegetables at the

neighborhood grocery store?” In order

veggieEconomics 101

garden planning

LIVING GUIDE

learn about responsibility, while spending

quality time together gardening. And when

it’s time to harvest, spending time in the

harvest, and perhaps canning your goods

for the winter, could be great fun for your

family.

Whether or not you choose to dig into

your own small garden plot or not, we hope

that the information that we have compiled

will allow you to make a decision that is

right for your family. Summer is but a few

months out of our year. Enjoy every minute

we have outside, as before we know it, the

snow will fl y again in North Dakota and

Minnesota!

growing

conditions

will aff ect the

number of

fruit that your

plant bears.

So for about

$15 in seeds

and about $50

in tools and

other supplies,

a family could

start a modest

garden for

the summer,

and yield

numerous

pounds of

vegetables for

your family.

Growing your own vegetables is

defi nitely cost eff ective, but it isn’t “cheap”

in the time department. Th e reality is that

growing your own vegetables is going to

take some “sweat equity.” Your garden

will need to be watered, weeded, and

maintained throughout the summer. We

estimate that this will take, at most, two

to three hours per week to maintain the

garden and get your vegetables to harvest.

If you have children, this is a perfect

opportunity to have a science lesson in your

backyard—how seeds grow, what plants

need to grow, and how plants should be

cared for. It will allow your entire family to

to make this comparison fair, we looked

at what it takes to plant and harvest fi ve

very common vegetables that grow well in

our Midwestern climate: potatoes, green

lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

We want to make it clear that this

is non-scientifi c research, but is just an

average person seeking information to

make an informed decision about whether

to “dig in” and grow a vegetable garden.

We have calculated the rough cost it would

take for two people to care for and maintain

this modest 4' x 4' vegetable garden for the

summer season.

To set it up, we anticipate that you will

need to rent a tiller from your local rental

store to till your 4' x 4' plot. You will need

to purchase some basic gardening tools

like a good spade, small trowel, and a hand

rake. You also may want to purchase rabbit

fencing to secure your garden plot from

other creatures who love to eat vegetables,

and some organic mulch to help your

garden grow. We researched the cost of

seeds for our fi ve types of vegetables,

and most of the seeds can be purchased

for about $2.99 a bag, and contain many

more seeds than you will need (from 80 to

200 seeds per package). You can also buy

starter plants from your local nursery for

the tomato plants, which will likely run

you about the same price per plant, but

you will get fruit faster in the season. One

tomato plant should yield about 40 pounds

of tomatoes. However, everyone’s individual

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2009

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LIVING GUIDE

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At Curb Design Inc., we have set the standards that all the others try to follow. We are locally owned and guarantee consistent and quality workmanship at every project, big or small.

From new home construction to industrial applications to enhancing existing designs, Curb Design has the solutions for all of your decorative concrete andlandscaping needs.

LIVING GUIDE701.235.1121 / knightprinting.com 3401 Fiechtner Drive South Fargo, ND 58103

Our Red River Valley is a wonderful place to live. Whether at work, home, or at our favorite retreat, we are reminded of that often.

Knight is grateful to have been a part of this wonderful community for 120 years, and thankful for the quality of life we are able to enjoy with our families and neighbors.

We are committed to wise stewardship of our gifts and mindful of using them in responsible and sustainable ways.

Your Knight TeamPlease contact Rich Slagle, President and CEO, with comments or questions.