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Summer Workouts and Your Energy Level


John has a master’s degree in exercise science/human performance and doctoral studies in applied physiology.  He’s formerly certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Rehabilitative Program Director and Health Fitness Director.  He’s authored a college level text for fitness, wellness and conditioning classes.  He’s a former baseball coach and all conference collegiate player.  He can be reached jrutig@att.net

    Summer time – a great way to enjoy the outdoors and be active. Of course with the arrival of heat and humidity it’s very important to keep your body hydrated. If you are skipping your water intake these days, it only takes a 1-2 percent change in your typical hydration levels for you to begin noticing a decrease in your energy level. Get a hold of the water bottle and continue to drink, drink, and drink.
    As we age, you begin to notice changes in your energy levels. Your workout or activities sessions further costs the body to produce energy to meet the physiological workloads. You may notice that some years ago you could breeze through your workout and now it’s a struggle to get through the first 20-30 minutes. So what to consider?
• If your diet consists mainly of refined carbohydrates, your blood sugar level and therefore your energy level will be affected. This will have a dramatic effect on how you fell. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day which are rich in whole grains and protein.
• Make certain you are breathing properly and not taking short, shallow breaths.
• If you begin to feel fatigue cut back on the intensity of the exercise and consider cooling down by continuing walking.
• Make sure you are always and adequately hydrated.
    As you work to maintain your energy level, you may feel some muscle soreness associated with your workout. Regardless of your fitness and activities, the majority of us suffer from “soreness” at times. If you are trying to relive soreness in your ankles, you may want to work with resistance bands to stretch out the ankle joint. You may experience fatigue in the calf and Achilles tendons as well. Stretching these areas and completing a full range of motion stretch will be helpful. 
    The most important piece of information is to listen and understand your body. “No pain – no Gain” is the surest way to injury. We are all unique – no regular exercise program suites everyone. You must be smart when to push yourself and when to stop. There is no substitute to a complete medical check-up with your medical doctor. If you haven’t already check with a personal trainer it may be a good idea to have a complete fitness evaluation and understand your body’s capabilities and set some goals. 

 

How Do You Like Them Apples?


Paul A. Lauto, Esq. received his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1990.  In 2002 Mr. Lauto established Paul A. Lauto, PLLC (Now located at 565 Route 25A, Suite 207, Miller Place, NY 11764; (631) 928-1430;  www.liattorney.com), with a primary concentration on personal injury, all types 
of accident cases and more. 
    The high cost of buying organic food is well documented and many people simply can't afford the higher prices.  So when you do buy organic, wouldn't you at least like to know that you are getting what you paid for and that you are not being overcharged?  I recently visited two major food store chains to see if consumers are getting what they pay for when purchasing organic apples.  The results indicate that it holds true more than ever, that the buyer must be aware.
    While at the first store, which is well known for its organic abundance, I found organic red delicious apples on sale for $1.99 per pound.  Several of these apples were selected and placed in a provided bag for purchase. After checking out and leaving the store, I discovered that I was incorrectly charged $2.99 per pound, as the apples were mistakenly rung up as organic gala apples.  It wasn't until one week later that I returned to the store with the receipt and one of the stickers from the apples, to bring the overcharged item to the attention of customer service.  Appropriately, the store representative quickly apologized for the charging error and promptly refunded the full purchase price.  
    My second visit was to a more conventional food store with a significant organic selection.  I looked to purchase 3 pound pre-bagged organic apples which were labelled $6.99 per bag and found two brands to choose from at that price and weight.  Upon selecting a bag of apples, it appeared to be somewhat light for a 3 pound bag, so I decided to weigh multiple bags of each brand on the weight scale in the store.  What I found was that the "3 pound" bags of organic apples varied in weight between a low of 2.3 pounds to a high of 3.1 pounds.  Admittedly it is very difficult to pre-bag apples to come out to exactly the 3 pounds stated on the bag, just like it is difficult for every foot long hero to measure exactly 12 inches in length.  But if for example you pay for 3 pounds of organic apples and only receive 2.3 pounds, you are receiving only approximately 76% of what you paid for.  Accordingly, instead of paying $2.33 per pound for organic apples, you are effectively paying over $3.00 per pound.          While that may only add up to a couple of dollars in overpayment for an individual, the total store windfall over the course of a few short weeks could potentially reach into thousands of dollars! How do you like them apples?
    In that mechanical and human error is virtually inevitable, especially when purchasing fruits and vegetables (conventional or organic) which are not always readily identifiable, it is incumbent upon the consumer to pay close attention when checking out.  The consumer cannot just assume that the underpaid and overworked cashier who rings up perhaps thousands of items per shift, is infallible.  Scrutinize every purchase and receipt and make sure you don't end up receiving only 76% of what your hard earned money paid for.

 

Six Tips For Keeping Your Hair Sunsational

 

We are full into the summer swing of things, which means most of us are enjoying the longer days, fun filled weekends, sun, sand, pools and the ocean. Years of UV damage awareness have made skin protection with a decent SPF second nature. But what about our hair? Just like the sun can damage our skin, sun and summer elements can wreak havoc on our lovely locks, not to mention the heat and humidity as well. What can you do to take care of your hair and protect it through the summer months? Here are six helpful tips to keep your hair nothing short of fabulous for summer.

1. Use a leave in conditioner with thermal and UV protectants. Just like they help protect your hair and color from heat styling, they can protect it from the sun as well. Our Summer "go to" product is UNITE's 7SECONDS leave in conditioning spray. It seals the cuticles and strands thereby protecting against oxidation and dryness. When spending the day outside, or hitting the beach or pool, be sure to leave one in your bag at all times so you don't forget it. 

2. On those unbearably hot days, get your "Beach Waves" without actually hitting the beach. By using a sea salt texturizing spray you can rock those beachy waves we all love without having to bake on the beach for hours. Two huge sellers we carry are UNITE's "BEACH Day" and EVO's "Salty Dog." 

3. Rock a hat when going outside. Hats have become a huge part of summer and beach wardrobes. While they are stylish, they also pull double duty by protecting your hair from sun exposure. 

4. If you are opting to put your hair up or in a braid instead, make sure to spray your hair with a UV protectant (mentioned above) first before you style it. Once you're done you can spritz a top coat one more time and go. Messy top knots, braids and ponytails are huge for summer, and by protecting your hair first you can not only be stylish, but you can also be confident that your hair is fully sun protected.  

5. For those of us who don't have curly hair, yet battle with frizz from humidity, we recommend a Keratin treatment. A Keratin treatment seals and smooths the hair cuticle and shaft preventing the pesky humidity from causing us to look like a giant ball of frizz. It can also cut your styling time down, further alleviating the heat exposure to your color and hair. One thing to note though, if you go the Keratin route, do not use a sea salt spray. It will undo everything a Keratin does.

6. Embrace your natural waves or curls. Knowing that your hair is already going to be battling the outside elements, let your hair go au naturale. Just be sure to put a curling balm in while your hair is still damp such as EVO's "Liquid Rollers," and work it work through your hair before letting it dry naturally, or hit it minimally with a diffuser and you are good to go. Just because you have wavy or curly hair should not mean you are destined for a Summer of ponytails…as cute as they are.   

Have any questions about summer hair care, or would like to purchase one of the above mentioned products? Just call JD Thomas of Commack at 631-486-4443, we will be more than happy to help you out to ensure your hair is at its summer best!

 

Dishin with Denise… Swiss Chard Soup


Denise Gianatasio is a Northport 
Village resident and freelance writer. 
She is a licensed agent at Signature 
Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise 
enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to
inspire a warm sense of home with 
her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at  
dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Thankfully it is still summer and for sure your grill has been cranking~ I’d like to propose an alternative…A night of a soupy sort… Italian style! A fresh Swiss chard soup~ is one of my absolute childhood favorites. It’s time to break from the meat and salads. Fresh vegetables at your local Farm stands are bursting with color, seasonal freshness and many delicious options for summer meal planning. Here’s where all those fresh herbs you planted earlier are ready for clipping and adding wonderful flavors to your soup creations. Although we usually think of soups during the cold winter months, they are just as delightful in the summer. Making a summer soup enables you to bring all of the garden and farm’s fresh bounty into your kitchen.. The options are endless from minestrones, corn chowders to even a cold gazpacho. Did you ever hear that when you’re really overheated you should take a hot shower ~ rather than a cold one to really cool the body down. The same is true for soup~When you eat hot soupy meals your body’s receptors take notice~ they then relay to your brain and the brain signals to cool you down (after a bit of sweating …that is!)  Swiss Chard is known as one of the world’s healthiest foods (only 2nd to spinach). This succulent leafy vegetable with it’s origin in Europe has become quite popular in the U.S. culinary world with it’s magnificent long green and red stems A bountiful fresh soup packed full of goodness, taste and nutrition… every spoonful will bring you a taste of Summertime. So keep in mind …a hot soup for a cool summer!

2 large fresh bunches of Swiss chard, washed and chopped into 2-3 inch pieces
1 chopped Vidalia onion
3-4 sliced scallions or 1 leek sliced thin
1 can San Marzano whole tomatoes (squeezed by hand)
2 fresh tomatoes chopped
½ t red pepper flakes
Salt and fresh black pepper
½ or a bit more extra virgin olive oil hand full each of chopped parsley, basil, chives, oregano and basil
24 oz light chicken broth
Grated cheese 
Options: can add boiled potatoes, pasta, or grilled sausage if desired.

Rinse chard well under cold running water, cut off tough bottom stem and remove any stems or leaves that have browned or are slimy. 

Using a large soup pot, add oil, onions, scallions or leeks, herbs, and cook until soft and translucent. Add tomatoes, and continue to cook for 25 minutes on medium heat. Now add Swiss chard and cook for an additional 20 minutes until wilted and soft. Add chicken broth, taste for additional spices. Ladle into bowls with more fresh herbs and grated cheese. A loaf of crusty and pair this with a glass of wine~ sit outside by your garden and smell the fragrance of Summertime!  
Enjoy…xo Denise

 

Summer Dressing & Markdowns


Beth Drucker is a Published Fashion 
Designer and Illustrator. She is an 
Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design at Nassau CC, and has taught at F.I.T., 
Parsons The New School for Design, 
and LIHSA. Beth also currently teaches at The Art League of L.I., and Gallery North. www.arielcreations.com
    Yup. It’s that hot steamy time of year. Well, at least we don’t have to shovel anything! We do however have to deal with the heat and humidity, as well as abrupt changes in temperature when entering air-conditioned places. A hat, an umbrella, and a wrap are good things to have on hand. A hat will protect your face (and hair) from the sun, and an umbrella for unanticipated downpours. I usually wear makeup with sun-block built-in. The other items I mentioned are small, light and easy to carry.  A light scarf or wrap can be tucked into your bag or around your waist for air-conditioned places. 
    So how do we dress this season? The colors this season are blues, reds, and beige, and of course white. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen always work, now we are seeing lots of prints and textures. I usually recommend a few nice tops and tees, a skirt or light slacks or a summer dress. Shorts are always in vogue during the summer.
    Where are you going? The beach? Shopping? The movies? A tote filled with essentials should be on hand. If you are part of the bikini set, well, go for it. You are only young once! In that case have a beach towel or two on hand and lots of sunscreen. Regardless of the forecast, dressing in layers is always a good idea. During the summer, things are less regimented, and being prepared is always a good thing, but think fun.
    If you have a formal event to attend, remember the air-conditioning issue. Often, the ceremony or cocktail hour is outside and the rest of the festivities are inside. I usually recommend a lined dress or ensemble for formal events. Light breezy styles are fine if you can wear them well. Keep the colors light, bright and your accessories should work with the season. Save your black pieces for the chillier months.
    Summer markdowns are everywhere, any "basics" out there; such as jackets, shorts, lightweight slacks, skirts, tees, and cardigans in colors you usually like to wear, are a good bet to stock up on. I would stay away from the trendy stuff, as almost all trendy items change constantly. Stick with neutral colors, and clothing you generally wear according to your body type and wardrobe staples. 
    Always look for designer labels when shopping for things on sale. Stay away from dresses, as they tend to fall into the "Trendy" category unless it's a "Little Black Dress".
    When you pay attention to the colors and silhouettes of the season as well as the location, come prepared, have fun!  Summer is oh so short. Oh and one more tip: if you are shopping EVERYTHING is on sale.

 

Fire Island: The Perfect Getaway

 

    Who needs to spend a copious amount of time traveling long distance just to get away? Fire Island is the perfect place to escape this summer. Gather your family, significant other or group of friends and make the best of this beautiful Island close to home.  This quaint island offers all you need and more for the perfect place to chill.  Enjoy a little R&R at a bed and breakfast, hotel or rent a home, visit the beautiful Great South Bay or Atlantic Ocean, walk to the local restaurants with live entertainment or hop over to Cherry Grove for an entertaining show.  Each community on the island has different activities held each day and night so be sure to pick up the local paper to get all you need to know.  If you are a day tripper, take a ferry and spend the day to experience all that Fire Island has to offer.  Chances are you’ll find yourself booking your next vacation to stay there.  

How to get there?
Only a thirty minute ferry ride and it will feel as if you’ve flown across the map.  A few popular communities within Fire Island include; Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, Kismet, Saltaire, Dunewood/Atlantique, Ocean Bay Park, Seaview, Cherry Grove and The Pines.  Ferry tickets are fairly inexpensive – you can view ticket pricing and schedules at fireislandferries.com. A roundtrip ticket for adults is $19 and for children only $9.  The ferry deports from all different areas throughout the southshore.  

Bayshore Ferry
99 Maple Avenue; 631.665.3600
• Ocean Bay Park • Ocean Beach • Fair Harbor • Kismet • Dunewood/Atlantique  
Sayville Ferry
41 River Road; 631.589.0810
• The Pine • Sailors Haven • Cherry Grove • Water Island
Patchogue Ferry
80 Brightwood; 631.475.1665
• Davis Park • Leja Beach • Ocean Ridge • Watch Hil

Where to Stay?
• Clegg’s Hotel
47 Bayberry Walk, Ocean Beach
631.583.9292
Cleggshotel.com
This waterfront hotel and bed and breakfast has been a Fire Island staple since 1946 and has been family owned and operated for more than 67 years.  Clegg’s Hotel is located at the center of Ocean Beach with a bay front property and boasts European style rooms.  They offer many amenities to their guests; bicycles, wagon, restaurant accommodations, games, they have it all and more to make your stay an unforgettable experience.  If you’re looking for quiet and peaceful relaxation, this hotel is for you.  Just a five minute walk to the beach and steps away from the action.   

• Fire Island Hotel and Resort
Cayuga Walk, Ocean Beach
631.583.8000
Fireislandhotel.com
Recently renovated, Fire Island Hotel and Resort offers comfortable and cozy accommodations for your stay.  Each room – whether it be a modernized updated cottage or a suite, offers a private or semi-private outdoor balcony for guests that enjoy privacy.  Just steps away from the beach and all the action.  

Things To Do
• Rachel’s Bakery & Restaurant
Bay Walk, Ocean Beach
631.583.9552
Rachel’s Bakery and Restaurant is the perfect establishment that offers the best of both worlds-salty and sweet.  They serve up popular breakfast dishes and lunch staples like burgers and pasta.  If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or just looking for a caffeine fix, Rachel’s is a must.  Open since 1972, Rachel’s is the go to place on Ocean Beach to frequent.  Mainly known their famous crumb cake, they have so much to offer and then some.  Stop in and enjoy an ice coffee while tasting a few of their specialties – The Cheese Danish, Chocolate Chip Crumble are among some of the favorites.  Rachel’s Bakery and Restaurant is your one stop shop.

• Surf’s Out
Bay Walk, Kismet
631.583.7400
Surfsout.com
Visit beautiful Kismet and be sure to stop at Surf’s Out-everyday is a party there.  From Taco Tuesdays, Lobster Bash on Thursdays, Happy Hour Fridays, live music and more; they have jam packed events to fill your calendar from now until Labor day weekend.  They serve a large variety of seafood dishes for lunch and dinner, along with an extensive sushi list to choose from.  Surf’s Out is great spot to frequent, whether you’re looking to lounge and soak in the bay or party the night away with the great night crowd.  Either way, you will have a great time at Surf’s out.     

• The Island Mermaid
Bay Walk, Ocean Beach
631.583.8088
Islandmermaid.com
Located adjacent to the ferry on the Great South Bay, The Island Mermaid is a great spot to visit if you’re looking for some global cuisine and a place to party the night away.  They serve lunch and dinner daily with brunch on the weekends. They strive to be the equivalent of your favorite NYC restaurant in a casual beach environment.  Their eclectic resort cuisine rivals that of any other establishment on Fire Island and by far has the largest wine and food selection on the Island.  To elevate every guests experience, they offer a gluten-free, organic and vegetarian options.  After lunch or dinner, stick around for their live music and entertainment and prepare to have the full Island Mermaid experience. 

• Ice Palace Bar & Nightclub
Ocean Walk, Cherry Grove
631.597.6600
Grovehotel.com
Although you’re not in NYC it may feel as if you are.  Hop on over to Cherry Grove for the day and check out Ice Palace.  Cherry Grove, along with the adjacent Pines, is considered one of the most popular lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), accepting resort communities in the United States.  They are best known for their amazing Pool-side shows, live performances and contests with some of the greatest performers showcasing their talent.  Be sure to stop at Ice Palace in Cherry Grove for a great day of fun and entertainment  and chill with some of the most talented performers on Fire Island.   

 

Summer Cocktail Soiree


Arianna graduated from Dowling College with a Bachelors in
English Creative Writing and now works for a restaurant group as
a Training Manager. She loves to cook, entertain and experience
life through food. Arianna can be reached at
arianna.ruth.johnson@gmail.com
    Now that the fourth of July has passed and everyone has had their gatherings around the barbeque, it may be time to put away the paper plates and Solo cups. Let’s put some sparkle and shine into a summer cocktail party! Think Jay Gatsby, but without the epic proportion. 
    First, you should pick the beverages, it wouldn’t be a cocktail party without cocktails.  Personally, I like to go with seasonally inspired fresh fruit. I recently found a new respect for a well thought-out cocktail. I work for a well-known restaurant group and, I may be biased, but our beverage and cocktail programs are amazing, thanks to some great bartenders, sommeliers and a top-notch beverage director.
    Something I have been introduced to through my work is cucumber-infused spirits. I recently had a cucumber-jalapeno margarita that was delicious; it had a nice balance between spicy and thirst quenching.  
    Speaking of margaritas, another spirit that I have discovered and acquired a taste for is mezcal. Mezcal is similar to tequila but it has a smokier flavor. I had a version of a margarita and they put all sorts of bitters and flavorings that I cannot recall, but it was delicious. 
    You can make champagne-based cocktails, not ordinary mimosas or bellinis. Some of the best ones I’ve tried have some kind of infused vermouth or liquor, such as lillet, with a twist of citrus. They not only have a kick, the flavor is also lovely. The idea is to pick a signature cocktail and serve that as an option, along with maybe beer or wine. This way you are not going crazy trying to please everyone and it keeps your party within a budget.
    Now that the drinks are taken care of, you need some scrumptious finger foods. One of my favorites this year is watermelon and feta salad. You can cut the watermelon and feta into cubes and stick a toothpick in the center with a small mint leaf. I also have been making baked brie lately. You just take a wheel of brie, cut off the top rind, add your favorite fruit jam (my preference is raspberry), wrap it in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Little sliders of either beef or turkey are sure to be a hit, as well as caprese salad on a stick with cherry tomatoes and bocconcini.
    Even if you don’t have a backyard, or if you have a balcony, like me, you can still have a smashing soiree with these cocktails and hors d’oeuvres!

 

Dishin with Denise… Luscious Lemon Walnut Biscotti


Denise Gianatasio is a Northport 
Village resident and freelance writer. 
She is a licensed agent at Signature 
Premier Properties, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise 
enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to
inspire a warm sense of home with 
her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at  
dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

Summertime, Summertime~Lemon time.  It’s not very often I get excited about sweets or desserts~ as creative cooking is my talent and true passion. Baking requires measurements, perfect timing, exact amounts, no improvising and real directions to ensure it turns out right. No room for error. With every good meal though this chef knows finishing off with a sweet or treat seems to delight. Remember it’s the encore to your meal and lingers on in memory.  I try to keep it real simple, especially during Summertime. My favorite ending is usually a refreshing classic Italian lemon ice with a mint sprig for a clean cool desert. Although dessert is the last course of your meal~lemon ice is a traditional palate cleanser by nature, customarily served in the middle of the meal to remove flavors from the palate so that the next course can be most enjoyed. I find it is just as refreshing at the end of the meal and may actually aide in digestion. I often make this from scratch and lots of fresh lemons… (But that’s another recipe~ I will share someday.) To simplify: Ralph’s Ice is really delicious. Served with the perfect accompaniment are my homemade~ lemon walnut biscotti~ just bursting with lemon flavor. To really impress serve the Italian lemon ice in a martini glass with the cookie a fresh grate of lemon rind and that clean bright summer mint sprig. No one ever leaves unhappy. And usually I’m begged to send a couple home with my guests to enjoy again with morning coffee!  

Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 sticks of  unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 1/3 cups of sugar
3 Tablespoons of finely grated lemon peel
2 large eggs 
5 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 
4 Cups chopped walnuts 
1 Large egg  beaten for glaze
Raw sugar or yellow colored sugar
Sprinkle of confectioners sugar if desired

Whisk flour, salt, baking powder and soda in bowl. 
Use electric mixer and beat in large bowl the butter, sugar, and lemon peel until well blended. Add the 2 eggs 1 at a time blending well after each. Add lemon juice and the flour mixture, stir in walnuts. Divide into 3 logs and wrap tight in plastic wrap. (form 8” long logs). Next flatten to 2 1/2” wide. Chill in refrigerator for 3 hrs. Set oven at 325 degrees. Line cookie pans with parchment paper. Brush logs with egg glaze. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for approx. 50 minutes. Lower oven to 300 degrees, remove logs and let cool. Use long serrated knife and cut logs crosswise into 1/3 inch slices. Now arrange cookies side down on baking sheet and rebake until golden around the edges approx 20 minutes. Refrigerate. Serve and Enjoy! Turn Lemons into Summer!   xoxo Denise

 

Classic, Cool Family Fun

 

    Enjoy summer favorites from classics of the past.

     Summer is the season when many of the best childhood memories are made. That's why introducing future generations to treasured pastimes is an ideal way to ensure classic summer moments live on for years to come. 
        
Reminiscing on the Road 
    Whether traveling across the country or state, a road trip is a terrific way to bond with family while exploring the world away from home. 
    Long trips on the road don't have to require the latest technology like cell phones and tablets. To relieve boredom, parents can teach their kids classic road trip games from their youth like I spy, 20 questions or the license plate game. These timeless activities are a great way to have fun, pass time and encourage family bonding.

Nearby Neighborhood Fun
    The joys of entrepreneurship with a lemonade stand at the end of the driveway can be just as fun for today's children as they were for their parents. Making and sharing "summer camp" style friendship bracelets creates memories. Creating a colorful world in the driveway or on the sidewalk with chalk can also bring out a child's artistic side, and can lead to other summertime favorites like hopscotch with friends. 

Refreshing Summer Snacks
    Nothing says summer like enjoying a frozen treat on a hot day, and many generations have fond memories of chasing the Good Humor Man driving that iconic Good Humor Truck down the street. Known as the original ice cream truck brand, Good Humor has been reimagining America's favorite candies and desserts as frozen treats for more than 90 years. 
    Just as other classic summertime traditions have modernized over the years, so has Good Humor. This year, the brand is introducing a new six-pack of Good Humor Girl Scouts Thin Mints bars, inspired by the classic Thin Mint cookie, which is available in grocery stores nationwide. Other classic favorites have also been updated to offer fans more of what they love, from more strawberry flavor in the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bar to more OREO pieces in the Good Humor OREO bar to more peanut butter swirl in the Good Humor REESE'S peanut butter cup.
    Learn more about summer's favorite frozen treats at www.goodhumor.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

A Tradition of Cool Summer Fun
    On a warm sunny day, not much can beat the cool taste of a delicious ice cream bar. It probably even harkens memories of your youth, but the origins of this favorite frozen treat date back much further. 
    It all started in 1920, when Harry Burt created a delicious chocolate coating compatible with ice cream. After his daughter said it was too messy to eat, Burt froze sticks into the ice cream to make a handle, creating the first Good Humor bar, which was also the first ice cream on a stick.
    That year, Burt outfitted a fleet of 12 street vending trucks with freezers and bells from which to sell his creations, and the original ice cream truck was born. Operators of those trucks – and many other mobile vehicles for years ahead – came to be known as the beloved Good Humor Man. In those early days, they were required to undergo a rigorous three-day training, in which they learned to tip their hats to ladies and salute gentlemen. 
    Today, the line of classic Good Humor sandwiches, bars and cones are available in several varieties nationwide in individually-packed single servings at convenience stores, drug stores, newsstands, parks, trucks, kiosks and entertainment venues, or in multipacks at grocery stores.

(Family Features) 

 

Hauppauge Special Education Parent Teacher Association

 

Dear Business Owner,
    The Hauppauge Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) will be hosting our first Golf Outing on Monday, October 5th at Great Rock Golf Club. This fundraiser raises money for the children of our district by raffling donated prizes. This will enable us to provide supplemental learning supplies and additional activities to the special needs students of the Hauppauge School District. Your generosity helps to support these valuable materials and experience.
    Donations may include gift certificates or gift cards, merchandise, tickets for family events and monetary contributions. We anticipate this fundraiser to attract approximately 100 people from the community and is a great opportunity for you to promote your business or company. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and would benefit our cause.
    In appreciation for your donation, your business will be displayed on the donated item(s), recognized in the printed material given to all attendees that evening and announced during the basket presentation. We encourage our guests and community members to support all businesses that have generously donated to our children.
    If you would like to make a donation, your support for the children in the Hauppauge School District is greatly appreciated. If you need to reach us regarding your donation, you can contact Debbie Fernandez at 516-527-8834.

With Sincere Gratitude,
Hauppauge SEPTA Executive Committee
Diane Phelan, President 631-582-9830
Robyn Tsiokos, Vice President
Debbie Fernandez, Treasurer
Eileen Barr, Recording Secretary

Hauppauge SEPTA
Special Education Parent/Teacher Association
P.O. Box 6006, Hauppauge, NY 11788

 

Sensational Savannah!

Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel
enthusiast who is a stay home mom of three in Dix Hills.  
She loves to plan her family’s vacations and helping her friends and relatives with their vacation ideas.

    When Lady Astor of England visited Savannah in 1946 she remarked that the city was like a “beautiful woman with a dirty face.”  Things have certainly changed since then.  Savannah has cleaned up its face and is a historical and beautiful gem of a city.
Downtown Savannah, which is made up of 22 park like squares, largely retains the original town plan designed by founder James Oglethorpe in 1730.
     Bring your walking shoes because Savannah is a wonderful city to see on foot.  The historic district is in a compact area that is easy to navigate and explore. 
    Did you know that the bench that Forest Gump so famously sat on was in downtown Chippewa Square?  The bench however, now resides in the Savannah History Museum.  In addition to the squares there are many historic homes such as The Juliet Lowe House, the birthplace of the founder of the Girl Scouts.  Don’t miss the iconic “Bird Girl” by Sylvia Shaw Judson at the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center for the Arts.
      You can stroll along River Street and enjoy the waterfront views.  Broughton Street, which is the center of the downtown shopping area, has been fully revitalized and is thriving.  Be sure to make time to visit beautiful Forsyth Park with its stunning fountain constructed in 1858.
     A perfect hotel in the center of it all is the Hampton Inn Historic District.  This family friendly hotel oozes old Savannah charm with its brick walls and hardwood floors.  It offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi and a rooftop pool to cool off in on warm summer days.  For reservations and information go to http://m.hilton.com/mt/hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/index.html.
     A fun and relaxing way to see the city is to take an Old Town Trolley hop on hop off bus tour. The friendly conductors narrate your tour with a fascinating and fun mix of history, trivia and humorous stories.  The trolleys run every 20 minutes from 9am to 6pm. For more information and to purchase discounted tickets on line go to www.trolleytours.com/savannah/.
     Southern food is at its best in Savannah.  An old favorite is the Pirate House on Broad Street about a block from the Savannah River.  The building dates from 1753 and there is actually a pirate that roams around and visits with the guests.  At $13.95 the lunch buffet is a real comfort food treat.  For more info click on www.thepirateshouse.com.
     Savannah is aptly called the “Hostess City of the South.”  Now is the time to say YES to their wonderful hospitality and pay Savannah a visit!

 

Trends In The Home Industry Today

Natalie Weinstein is President of 
Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, 
The Natalie Weinstein Home 
Decorating Club and Uniquely Natalie, 
a quality consignment outlet. Hear 
Natalie’s design tips on WALK 97.5 FM, enjoy her Long Island Focus featured in House Magazine or call: 631.862.6198

    Long Island building and rebuilding is on the rise. Homeowners are now, more than ever, inclined to purchase “fixer-uppers” for less money and undergo renovations, especially kitchens and baths, with the help of certified designers, architects, and contractors to improve the value of their investment and get exactly what they want. Homeowners are finding their style on the internet before shopping or seeking design advice. Homeowners have become more inclined to go “green” because green product costs have gone down.
    Because there are so many more over “55 communities”, seniors are staying on Long Island and downsizing as well as buying smaller homes. Many are giving or “selling” their homes to children who couldn’t really afford to live here. (Now seniors are babysitting their young grandchildren so both parents can work to afford a better Long Island lifestyle.) Seniors are also renovating their homes to accommodate returning adult children (and their families) who are not able to purchase a home yet, allowing them to save for one.
    As a new high end furniture consignment store owner, I see young people as well as older people buying good quality previously owned furniture, online and at the premises, to meet their budgets rather than buying new poorly made cheap furniture. But younger homeowners are not interested in keeping the “collectibles” of crystal, china, Lladros, etc. that their parents and grandparents amassed. The value of these items, therefore, has gone down and those who have become collectors are buying these items for a fraction of their original value.
    Unfortunately, there is a trend, today, towards “disposability” – the notion that nothing needs to last. “We buy cheap, have the kids wreck it, and then throw it out and get something else.” Some big box stores promote the savings, but there are no savings because there is no value. Instead it promotes a generation that doesn’t appreciate quality and its worth, and doesn’t care for or take pride in their homes. The role of the professionals in the design world, more than ever, should be to educate the public – to help them know the differences in what they are buying and opt for quality as well as value, understanding the true worth of their homes as a way to empower and nurture all who live there. The good news is – we’re making progress!