CONSORT DISPLAY GROUP’S DORI POLE® PENNANT DISPLAY SYSTEM WORKS AS A GREEN, ECO-FRIENDLY BIRD DETERRENT.

Vibrant-colored flags have long been an effective marketing tool, but they

are the new rage at lakefront homes not only for the aesthetic value, but also

because they work as an excellent bird deterrent.

Dori Pole is the unique combination of a long, 15’ flowing nylon pennant

atop a 20’ tall, flexible fiberglass pole signaling fun, flair and festive times

wherever it flies! Dori Pole's trouble-free display of colorful horizontal nylon

pennants make any event fun. Catching the slightest breeze atop durable

fiberglass poles, these pennants create a celebration of color-in-motion, yet the

nylon pennants won’t tangle thanks to the swiveling yoke bracket.

Dori Pole, the brainchild of landscape architect Vince Mackel, has

attracted and greeted people to special events since 1984 with its colorful

visual “noise-in-the-sky” presence. The eye-catching pennants flutter playfully

above the venue, inviting people to join in the fun and adding to the celebration.

Dori Pole has added excitement to the Olympics, Super Bowls, World Cups,

amusement parks and hundreds of other venues.

Recently, golf courses, lakefront homeowners, and many others who


have problems with pest birds, such as geese have found the Dori Pole not only

adds color in motion, but also is a great, green, eco-friendly bird deterrent. The

pennant fluttering in the wind acts as a scarecrow of sorts, intimidating geese,

keeping lakefront properties sanitary, looking clean, and free of unsightly bird

droppings.

Dick Stewart, of the Kalamazoo Country Club who, along with the golf

course superintendent, John Fulling, has tried “everything” to deter geese

from making a mess of the 12th tee and green and the 13th tee. This Michigan

country club has an extensive shoreline on a small urban lake where the geese

have taken on their own dues-free membership on the beautiful and well-

maintained grounds. The club has installed Dori Poles and is very happy with

the results. “These pennant things are amazing! The geese are actually afraid of

them,” says Stewart.

Full Testimonial: http://bannersanddisplay.blogspot.com/2010/11/golf-course-

geese-stay-away-from-dori.html

Demonstration Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUegl875sHs

More Information on Dori Pole: http://www.doripole.com/

Originally founded in 1983 by our President, architect Roger Lepley, AIA,

Consort Display Group started as Kalamazoo Banner Works. We began by

helping organizations attract attention and enhance their streetscapes with the

finest quality banners and state of the art banner hardware. As demand grew, so

did our product lines. You can trust the experts, the originators and innovators at

Consort Display Group.

"Best Summer Lake Scene" Photo Contest

The winners of  Lake and Home's "Best Summer Lake Scene" Photo Contests are now posted on www.lakeandhomeweb.com !

Photo Contest

Thank you to everyone who participated in our "Best Summer Lake Scene" Photo Contest! The voting has officially ended and we will announce the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners on www.lakeandhomeweb.com by Friday, June 17th.

June/July 2011 Issue of Lake and Home Magazine is here!

Buy me: https://www.lakeandhomeweb.com/currentIssue.cfm

What you'll find in the June/July 2011 Issue:

* Feature Home –Family cabin on Big LaSalle Lake
* Feature Home – A Gull Lake Masterpiece
* Quick view of Alexandria
* Historical article on Alexandria Boat Works/ Maritime Museum
* Water Clarity testing in Minnesota lakes
* The Lake Interview with Deblen Tree Service
* Collecting Rain Water
* Dock regulations
* Using an I-phone or I-Pad to remotely control devices within your home

lakeandhomeweb.com

Summer’s Here! Lakemaid Beer Opens Fishing Season

Just in time for Minnesota’s Walleye Opener.  Limited supply available – visit your local liquor retailer to get your Lakemaid Beer before supplies run out.
MINNEAPOLIS (May 2011) -- At the end of a long day of fishing, the evenings are best spent with friends and family sharing stories about the day’s events, including that completely unembellished story about the big one that got away. Whether it’s around the campfire or lounging in folding chairs with a beautiful view of the lake, there’s no better way to share that moment than with a Minnesota-brewed Lakemaid Beer™.

Returning for its fourth fishing season, Lakemaid Beer is a smooth classic American lager sold and marketed by the Lakemaid Beer Company (dba Pocket Hercules), based in Minneapolis, Minn.  The beer is brewed under contract with the August Schell Brewery in New Ulm, Minn.  Featuring a mild malt flavor, Lakemaid Beer goes down as smooth as the first silky cast on a calm, misty, summer morning. Served ice cold, Lakemaid Beer offers a taste so great, fishermen need not exaggerate. Simply put, it’s a keeper.

Lakemaid Beer is available now --  just in time for Minnesota’s walleye fishing opener (May 14).  It is sold in 12 packs and 6 packs throughout Cabin Country (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa). The summer version of Lakemaid Beer is only available from the time that the lakes in Cabin Country are ice free, until supplies last, typically through mid-September.  Anticipation of Lakemaid Beer and fishing season goes hand-in-hand, which is why Lakemaid urges fishermen to contact their local liquor stores now to place their orders for Lakemaid Beer -- before it’s sold out.

“There are about 5 million fishermen in Lake Country and we only plan to make about 30,000 cases of Lakemaid Beer for the upcoming fishing season,” said general manager Stephen Dupont.  “We can only make so much Lakemaid Beer per fishing season, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.  If you’re a huge fan of Lakemaid Beer and want to make sure you have your Lakemaid for your trip up North, make sure to place your order now with your local liquor store.

Launched in 2008 by Rapala fishing lures, Schell’s Brewery and Pocket Hercules, Lakemaid Beer is inspired by freshwater mermaids, known as Lakemaids. Long ago, these beautiful creatures of the deep found their way inland from the oceans, down tributaries, spanning clear, freshwater lakes and rivers alike throughout cabin country.

To honor these beautiful creatures, each bottle of Lakemaid Beer features one of the twelve Lakemaids: Miss Walleye, Miss Muskie, Miss Northern Pike, Miss Largemouth Bass, Miss Sturgeon, Miss Perch, Miss Rainbow Trout, Miss Crappie, Miss Smallmouth Bass, Miss Sunfish, Miss Catfish, and Miss Salmon. 

To learn more about Lakemaid Beer or to purchase Lakemaid Beer apparel and accessories, visit www.lakemaidbeer.com.

For everything lake related, head to lakeandhomeweb.com !

Trends for 2011- Q & A with Ringdahl Architectes

www.lakeandhomeweb.com

What trends are you seeing in lake homes and cabins for 2011?
Many people are constructing smaller lake homes and including multi-functional rooms into their design plans. Private guest areas also seem to be a big trend for 2011.

With the economy, fewer people seem to be building the “McMansions”. Are smaller homes a permanent trend?
Yes, it seems like the trend is here to stay for the current building year and for multiple years to come. People are adjusting to the slower economy and rethinking their lifestyles. Smaller, more efficient plans and higher quality materials are at the top of people’s lists. Smaller homes obviously have less space to heat and maintain, so they’re appealing.

What style of architecture has been the most sought after lately for lake homes?
Open, traditional designs with dormers, expansive windows to the lake and open layouts are what we have been seeing the most of. We are also seeing Cottage style houses with some Bungalow features and Craftsman style details. We are seeing less and less of log cabins.

What products and materials are you using to create these styles?
We are using a lot of natural materials like cedar and real stone, and also composite materials such as cement board and composite decking. Clad low E windows are being used a lot, too.

What are some of the most interesting or unusual materials people are incorporating?
Copper/metal sidings, material from old barns, reclaimed lumber and grass roofs.

There seems to be an increased interest in eco-friendly architecture by integrating outdoor spaces within overall home designs. What are some ways you help homeowners achieve this?
We accomplish integrating the outdoors into home design by having doors opening to the exterior, outdoor sitting and dining areas, extensive landscaping, precise site orientation and creating cross ventilation throughout rooms.

In terms of floor plans and layout, what do you see homeowners requesting?
Homeowners are designing their homes so they can enjoy them long term. Accessible one level living without any steps has been very common and many homeowners prefer to have the master suite and laundry facilities on the main level. Kitchens that are open to living and dining areas are also often requested.

What do you predict will be the architectural trends in the future?
We think the smaller more functional design trend will continue. A strong focus on creating less waste and designing what is needed instead of designing because of what others have is a becoming trend. Also people will be renovating existing homes in lieu of buying them and tearing them down. Quality over quantity seems to be the motto for architectural designs in the future.


By: Annie Taves
For everything lake related, head to lakeandhomeweb.com !
 

February/March 2011 Issue on stands now!

For everything lake related, head to lakeandhomeweb.com !

Q & A Session with Ringdahl Architects

Why use an Architect?
Architects are able to design a total living environment by using their knowledge of codes and zoning laws, and incorporating mechanical, electrical and structural systems into their home designs. They assist in meeting the current and future needs of the homeowner all while building design value and equity into the home. The design process with the homeowner encompasses a detailed review of the site, family needs, room function(s), budget, interior and exterior finishes, and materials. The Architect recommends the project team based on the complexity of the project and contractors expertise, follows the project through to completion and schedules a follow up inspection upon completion of the home.

What is first step in the design process?
Selecting the Architect is the first step and is vital to the success of the project. Make sure to interview the Architect and the firm. Get a feel for their experience, philosophy, trustworthiness, and most importantly their ability to listen to your ideas or share their own concepts with you. Once you have selected an Architect they will begin the design process by asking a variety of questions and collecting information from you. The site, budget, your likes and dislikes, intended function of the rooms, views and use of external spaces are all considered. This information is then put into design concepts for continued discussions.


How does Ringdahl Architects incorporate “Green Design"?
Green design or environmentally friendly design should be evaluated on both impact on the environment as well as the budget. Home exposure for solar gain, wind protection and reuse of water resources are a couple areas where green design can be incorporated. The type of building materials-- from siding, flooring, mechanical systems and products with chemicals that produce dangerous vapors are also taken into consideration.


What steps need to be taken to obtain a building permit?
Architects are familiar with the local requirements of county and city permits. Governments have different requirements for specifics on plans submitted for permits. Ideally, you should have a recent, complete survey with the project shown on it and identifying lot lines, set backs from lakes, bluffs, roads, and sides. Calculations on impervious area for drainage, elevation, project footprint and scaled measurements are also needed. Some may want to see the building materials and mechanical/electrical plans signed by an Architect. Once all this is met, copies are submitted to the governing agency with the appropriate fee. After a review, the permit will be issued and sent to the owner and contractor and it must be posted at the site. Any inspection during the building process will be noted on the permit and must be initialed by a building official.

What should be considered when selecting a site?
Personal preference plays a big role in site selection. Preferences pertaining to proximity of neighbors, views, access to towns, schools and shopping should all be evaluated. What utilities(water, power, sewer and phone) are on the site or close, are also important to note. Some environmental factors that should be considered in the selection and design on the site include, soil and tree conditions, drainage, sun and wind exposures, previous land use, and ideal views from important rooms. Access into the land and landscaping possibilities are also important to think about.

What are some of the new exterior finishes being used?
With the desire for low maintenance exterior products, a variety of finishes have come to the marketplace. Shingles with 50 year warranty, metal and rubber roofing with the appearance of slate shingles, strong Kevlar screens, composite material siding that has a 50 year warranty and some pre-finished specific colors with a 30 year warranty are all popular. Windows and doors with low maintenance materials like fiberglass and vinyl, and maintenance free trim are also being used frequently. New products are coming onto the market often, so make sure to check with your Architect for information on these items and their dependability in the various building applications.

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