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 Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and energyofnewlight.com. She recently self-published her first collection of poems available at Huntington’s Book Revue. Kathy offers freelance editing, writing, and proofreading (kahorowitz@gmail.com). |
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This Valentine’s Day, I suggest planning a healthy activity with your partner that celebrates who you are to one another, what you enjoy doing together. Although your first inclination may be to make reservations at that favorite restaurant and secure that corner table for lovers, my healthy picks are: • Hike Long Island. There are over 200 hiking trails around the island (www.ligreenbelt.org). My favorite is West Hills County Park, Melville. You can begin at the parking lot and hike north over Sweet Hollow Road near the riding stables where there are marked trails. Remember Long Island is horse country so you’ll be sharing the trails. Hike up to Jayne’s Hill, the island’s highest spot, and you’ll have a fabulous view of the ocean not to mention a verse from Whitman’s “Paumanok” inscribed across a boulder. • Go ice skating. Rent or bring your own to Superior Ice Rink, Kings Park or The Rinx, Hauppauge (www.longisland.com/rinks). Eisenhower Park and the Rinx at Port Jefferson boast outdoor rinks. Of course, there’s always Rockefeller Center or Central Park’s famous Wollman Rink. And if you’re not Torvill & Dean, it’s always nice to hold onto your partner’s hand to steady you or enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa. • Visit a New York chocolate factory. For tours, tastings, and classes, you and your sweetheart can visit one of four: at Li-Lac Chocolates you can view chocolate making behind glass walls; at Cacao Market by MarieBelle you can sample hot and cold chocolate drinks; at Raaka Chocolate a 45-minute tour can teach you how their Vanilla Rooibos bars are made; and at Voila Chocolat you can craft your own truffles. • Ballroom dancing. Take a lesson with your sweetheart so that you can both learn a new form of communication (www.rhythmden.com). You may not be polished as those on Dancing with the Stars, but you may find you have a hidden talent. • Cook a favorite meal together. I asked my partner to help prepare and cook our first special meal of chicken francese. He became my sous chef and we had so much fun slicing, peeling, and sautéing that we made a short video. So if you’re not up to visiting that favorite restaurant, which most likely will be packed, I recommend reconnecting with your loved one in a heart healthy way so that you can create new memories. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 