Dishin with Denise… Spiralize Your Spring… with Zucchini Pasta

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April 19, 2015

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.

Spring is in the air ~ you can see it everywhere…hopefully this past winter didn’t pile on too many extra pounds. It’s time to lighten up our meals and get more vegetables into our diets. Healthy starts at “Home” in your kitchen. For those of us that love to cook ~ we are lucky ~ we get to choose what’s on the menu. We can use the freshest ingredients that go into our recipes and this is essential to the idea of healthy cooking. I am not sure if you know this? It’s true…I am a pasta lover/addict!
   For me this is my new pasta replacement…or fix~ that truly satisfies those cravings.
   This spring ease off the carbs and discover pasta reinvented. Here’s a dish you can create using fresh zucchini as pasta ~ you see it’s not so much about avoiding foods you love ~ it’s about discovering new ways to make them healthier. This vegetable pasta is quick, easy and loaded with nutrition. Heated or served raw as salads the possibilities are endless. I love making a sausage meat Bolognese sauce and tossing with yellow and green zucchini with some carrot (for sweetness) until done~slightly aldente, topped with fresh basil, grated cheese, and that glass of wine. Do go and buy yourself a spiralizer, a great kitchen helper. A small investment for such a delicious return.
   A new must have kitchen staple. Easily found at your local Bed Bath and Beyond, William Sonoma, or Amazon.com.

Sautéing the zucchini in a wok with olive oil you get to select your desired doneness. I like mine soft as it fools me into believing its pasta. It has been fun creating new and exciting pasta and noodle recipes with the spiralizer. Go ahead and refresh your routine, with seasonal fresh
produce. A creative new delicious way to healthy meal
alternatives…that won’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.
Get your fork twirling and yourself spiralizing… Happy Spring Time xo Dishin’ with Denise

2 Lbs sweet or hot Italian sausage
(or combination) decased
2 cans San Marzano tomatoes blended
1 vidalia onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
½ cup olive oil
Fresh basil~ approx ¾ cup chopped
8 zucchinis (green and yellow~ spiralized
2-3 carrots spiralized
Red pepper flakes
Fresh black pepper and salt to taste

   Sautee onion in olive oil until soft and golden, add red pepper, and garlic, stir for 2-3 minutes (do not brown)
   In separate pan, decase sausage meat, chop up and brown; (takes about 20 minutes) add tomatoes, onions,
garlic and cook for 30 minutes on medium Add zucchini carrots, basil, salt and pepper. Toss until vegetables are soft or desired. Approx (15 minutes)
   Topping suggestions: Grated cheese, toasted pignoli nuts, toasted Italian breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese,
petite frozen peas

High Performance Organic Agriculture May Spell The End For GMO’s

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April 19, 2015

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.

GMO technology promised to "feed the world" with the use of less pesticides and higher crop yields. Opponents argue that instead it has resulted in increased use of more toxic pesticides, super weeds, depleted soil and lower yields. Further, that genetically modified foods have untold health consequences, are banned or labeled in approximately 61 different countries around the world and that the claimed benefits are tantamount to nothing more than a promise in the dark. In the United States, there is an ongoing Davey versus Goliath war between the American people and the Biotech Industry to pass laws that simply require the mere labeling of GMO foods. This war exists notwithstanding that reportedly 90 percent of the American people are in favor of GMO labels. Today GM food has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. Accordingly, the likes of Monsanto, DuPont et al., will fight to protect their profits like a mother protects a newborn. This may all soon change as the Amish claim to have found a better way.
   In the 1940's our farmers used approximately 20 million pounds of pesticides with a crop attrition rate of about 7 percent. Today approximately 850 million pounds of pesticides are used and the crop attrition rate is about 13 percent. Keenly aware that there was something seriously wrong with this picture, a young Ohio Amish farmer named John Kempf tried a different approach. Instead of bombarding plants with pesticides, Kempf experimented with building up the immune system of his plants with non-chemical nutrients and soil replenishment. By utilizing plant sap analysis, Kempf was able to determine specific mineral deficiencies in the plants and supplement them with soil enrichment. The results were plants with strong immune systems, capable of maintaining their own health without the use of pesticides.
   Kempf's experiments and studies have shown a dramatic increase in both crop quantity and quality. As compared to conventional farming methods, Kempf maintains his high performance organic agriculture methods result in a 10-30 percent increase in yields, a 40-50 percent increase in nutrient density and a 50-60 percent increase in the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Through his consulting company Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) established in 2006, Kempf is on track to convert 10,000 or more conventional farms to regenerative farming methods.
   AEA maintains that their biological approach to farming is proven to be more effective than conventional farming and far more beneficial health-wise to the consumer. This begs the question as to why our president and main stream media still champions the likes of Monsanto and DuPont, when they should be looking in to replacing them with the likes of a young Amish man named John Kempf.

Embrace the Moment

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April 19, 2015

You can see John Salustri’s furniture designs at harborwoodfurniture.com.
You can also email him at john@harborwoodfurniture.com

I ’m writing this on the first day of spring, and it’s snowing. And while there’s a certain irony in that, it’s all good. We’ve survived worse. We are, after all, New Yorkers, survivors by nature. (Yes, it counts in the suburbs.) All that aside, I too was looking forward to spring . . . until I heard the forecast, reminding me of how little control we actually have.

And therein, dear Congregants, is the sermon for the day. Things go wrong in the calendar, in our lives, in our DIY projects. The best we can do is accept the cards dealt us and move on. (Or as the old saying goes: Man supposes; God disposes.)

Now, I have little control over the calendar and much less in daily living (at least it seems on Mondays), but when it comes to DIY, well, don’t even go there. DIY is essentially a craft of trial and error, experimentation and trying out new skills.

When tackling a project at home, I suggest a very linear approach. In other words, plan what you need, assemble your tools and materials and allow yourself time to complete the project properly—building into that time the grace of redoing something that breaks, fails to please or is just plain wrong. I say grace because we too often work our projects—and for that matter our calendars and our lives—with one eye toward the next thing to be done.

Nothing works right in rush mode. When it comes to DIY, especially DIY with power tools, you have to remain in the moment. Focus on the here-and-now and let the challenges of later remain there.

Here’s a for-instance from my own DIY resume. I am not a plumber, but I did not want to pay a plumber the $47,000 he would charge for the 10 minutes he would need to fix a dripping shower control. Initially I dreaded the idea of giving up a Saturday I had planned as a day of relaxation with the boys down at the club to deal with pipes and washers and water. (Confession: There really is no club. Come to think of it, there aren’t too many boys anymore.) I even had visions of tearing down a wall if the leak was deeply hidden. But the reality of the situation left no choice but to get in the moment. Or, as W.C. Fields once said: “Take the bull by the tail and face the situation.”

Rather than cursing the faucet, the washers, the wall, the principles of water and myself, I resigned myself to the fact that there would be on this particular Saturday, some blood, multiple trips to Big Orange, and nothing else accomplished on my DIY list. So, I set up a comfy lawn chair in the bathtub (really), aligned my tools along the rim and gave myself up to the leak.

In fact, the day involved two trips to Big Orange and a third to a plumbing supply house to get the rather obscure parts required for the job. Luckily there was no wall reconstruction in this particular job. But the “moment” actually took four hours (I told you I wasn’t a plumber), and if an actual pro had taken the amount of time it took your humble correspondent to repair the leak, I would have had to adopt him. But at the end of the day—for that’s what it was—the leak was fixed.

I know plumbing professionals around the Island are snickering at my inefficiency. That’s ok. DIY is also the pursuit of personal accomplishment, and wasteful of time as it might seem, I accomplished what I set out to do. And it was a pleasurable experience, something beyond cost or time, because I kept my focus singular.

So it should be for you. As you’ve heard me say countless times in this space, the chores you tackle around the house should be a source of joy in a sometimes cluttered and breakneck life, a chance to exercise a different set of muscles and a different part of your brain. There are other places you can go to fee the anxiety of daily life.

So strap on that tool belt, slip into the moment and get busy. And then tell me you’re not smiling a bit more when you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.

Get Hooked… On Fishing

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April 19, 2015

Jan Christopher Porinchak is a middle school art teacher, Scientific Illustrator, and Cornell Cooperative Certified Master Naturalist. He holds level 1 archery coaching certification through USA Archery. Contact Jan for archery instruction, illustration work, and for educational natural history hikes for your youth group at NatureWorks, Jan’s work can be viewed at: natureworks-illustration.com he can be reached at eachtowel1@verizon.net.

Spring is here, and naturally a mans attentions turn to . . . fishing!
   First, the fishing rod. I suggest one in the 7’ range with a “medium action.” Action, refers to the flexibility of the rod.
   There are several types of reel. A spinning reel is a good all around choice, and easier to master than conventional style reels. Make sure your rod is made to accommodate the type of reel you purchase.
   Many types of lines for your reel are available. Monofillament or “Mono” is best to begin with, as the knots are easier to tie. 6lb test is sufficient for most fishing situations, while 8lb can be used if you expect to be fishing for larger game in weedy bodies of water. The spinning reel fits in the reel seat on the underside of the rod, and should be cast and reeled in with the reel slung under the rod.
   A great way to start out is by targeting so called “pan fish.” These are small to medium sized fish that fit great in a frying pan! Perch, Sunfish, catfish and Crappie are pan fish which can be easily caught with bait.
   Rigging is simple. Attach a “bobber” (float) to the line using the clips provided on the bobber. Next, attach a # 8 hook about 18” below the bobber. If you find your hook and bait are dredging up debris from the bottom, raise the hook depth by sliding the bobber closer to the hook. Bait for panfish can include earthworms, crickets, mealworms, and small minnows. Most of these are available at your tackle shop or pet store. If you are fishing for catfish, replace the bobber with a small weight called a “split shot”. This can be clipped directly to the line, and will sink your bait to the bottom were catfish lurk.
   Trout are attracted to small, shiny, brightly colored spinners. These are metal lures with blades which flutter attractively when retrieved. They are sometimes adorned with fur, and usually have treble (three) hooks. Use light line when fishing for this species. Trout can also be caught with bait and bobber set ups.
   Bass are the bruisers of freshwater, you will want heavier line when fishing for them. Many styles of lures are designed to catch bass. Poppers float on the surface. Cast them out, and retrieve with short tugs to cause the lure to “pop” and gurgle enticingly. Soft lures which mimic worms, salamanders, and frogs are worked slowly along the bottom to draw a strike. Minnow shaped “stick baits” are effective in weed free waters. They come in styles which swim at various depths when reeled in.
   You may wish to purchase a lure bag to store your new fishing “toys.” Round out the supplies needed with a pair of scissors for cutting line, fishing pliers for removing hooks from fish, and a tape measure to make sure your catch is of legal size if you plan on keeping them.
   Finally, don’t forget to purchase a fresh water license, which is required. Enjoy this new sport – I’m sure you’ll be as hooked as I am!

Smart Wearables: Something to Consider for Your Peace of Mind

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April 19, 2015

Jennifer Schenberg is a marketing and public relations expert and CEO of Long Island-based PenVine.Jennifer founded PenVine 12 years ago to support innovation and growth for companies and people in the technology, mobile, entertainment, energy and clean/green industries. Visit PenVine at www.penvine.com or on Twitter @PenVine, or reach Jennifer at jennifer@penvine.com or 917-445-4454.

Remember when you were a kid, and your mom or dad needed a way to keep track of you? I remember when I was younger, my mother attached some sort of spiral stretchy thing to my wrist, and attached the other end to her wrist. It was a makeshift way of keeping us connected, while reminding me not to wander off. Many years later, while living in NYC, I remember seeing a toddler in a body harness attached to a leash that her mother held. Its like walking a dog, I thought. What is the world coming to?
Does the idea of being able to track the real-time whereabouts of your child sound appealing to you? This time with no physical restraints and no doggie “come” and “sit” commands? If you said yes, there are a number of new digital wearables that can help you keep track of your kids — on a digital leash.

Smart Wearables for Babies and Kids

   There are different types of wearables to consider based on your child’s age. For babies, wearables can measure oxygen levels, heart rate, temperature and body position. They slip right onto your newborn's foot, ankle or stomach, depending on the device, and monitor their vitals right on your phone. Products like Mimo, Owlet and Sproutling are available for about $200-$300.
   For children 3-11, there’s a glut of tempting, cool-looking smart wristwear and wristphones to choose from. Priced under $200, these sturdy wearables let you pinpoint your child’s location using vibrations to let her or him know if they've gone too far, and a smartphone alarm to alert mom and dad.
   Wristphones like Filip and Burg 31 have one-touch emergency calling and allow kids to voice-dial phone numbers, just by saying something simple like “Call Mom.” A snap bracelet called Paxie Band adds the ability to monitor a child’s vitals, including body temperature and heart rate. They’re even coming out with a smartwatch that has downloadable games and apps designed to teach kids about responsibility and kindness and reward exercising (AmbyGear). Don’t like wrist wearables? How about a tag that’s attachable to your child’s backpack or belt loop (iTraq)?
   All of these devices enable GPS tracking using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or cellular connectivity to interact with a parent’s smartphone.
   With any new technology, there are disclaimers and important opinions to consider. Some in the medical field say these wearables guilt parents into buying them, and give parents a false sense of security that they can prevent something, when they likely won’t (such as SIDS). Others say that constantly checking a smartphone app that monitors vitals can bring on unnecessary stress to parents.
   The peace of mind gained at the playground alone is immeasurable. Even in the suburbs, parents need to watch their kids every second, and keep close tabs on babies and toddlers, even at home. If your head isn’t spinning from the abundance of options and features, then it’s time to weigh priorities – price vs functionality, features vs fashion. Make an educated decision. Know that a smart wearable does not save lives. Do you think a smart wearable device is for your child?

Chef Tapu of Paradise Diner

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April 5, 2015

Tapu began cooking with his mother at a young age. He moved from Bangladesh to pursue his passion for cooking here in the United States. He landed his first job in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he was chosen to join the members of the banquette chefs. Tapu then worked at the UN Plaza hotel and New York Palace hotel also in New York City. He now works alongside his brothers at The Paradise Diner bringing high quality, delicious meals to families on Long Island.

Vegetable Quinoa with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:
1 Cup of Quinoa
1 Medium Onion
1 Small Red Onion
1/4 Cup Diced Cabbage
1 Cup Chic Peas
1 Small Diced Zucchini
1 Long Carrot Diced
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Pinch of Tumeric
Pinch of Moroccan Spice
1/2 Tsp. Chopped Garlic
2 Thin Chicken Breasts (Boneless)

Preparation:
Boil quinoa in water with salt. Strain and set aside. Saute vegetables until soft. Add spices to vegetables, then add quinoa. Chicken Breast – season with salt & pepper, olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Heat grill. Place chicken on grill to make grill marks. Bake chicken for 6 minutes each side at 350°. Serve with sliced cherry tomato and cabbage garnish on the side. (Serves 2)

I chose this recipe because quinoa is very popular and healthy. This recipe is also easy to make at home.

Technology Killed Chivalry… Or has it?

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April 5, 2015

Anthony has over 20 years in the
IT field. He was worked for many Long Island companies and serves as an IT advisor for several organizations. Anthony enjoys being able to assist companies as well as the community with computer issues and show them that technology is not a ‘scary’ word. anthonypatanejr@gmail.com

I remember as a kid I would stand outside the supermarket as my mom went food shopping and I would hold the door for women as they entered the store. I also remember picking up my wife (then girlfriend) and unlocking the car door and opening it for her to get into. That was chivalry back then.
   Nowadays technology limits these chivalrous acts with automatic doors opening and closing for us, car remotes that unlock car doors, and even paying the bill at a restaurant by a smartphone.
   Here are a few ‘state of the art’ tips to keep chivalry alive:
   Planning a weekend getaway? Priceline.com allows you to name your own price and book a 4 star hotel for a 1 star rate. Tip: Book as close as you can to your destination date for the best price.
   Looking for a special restaurant? Opentable.com allows you make reservations from your computer or smartphone. Another good restaurant site is Yelp.com. Yelp helps you filter out specific type of restaurants (trendy, cuisine, prixe fixe). They both offer real reviews and ratings of restaurants.
   Send random text messages- Just like handwritten notes, take time and send your significant other a nice text message, just for no reason.
   Surprise her on a weekend night by ‘DVR’ing’ a ‘girly’ movie that she has wanted to see. Most cable services like FiOS or Optimum allow you to schedule shows remotely for spontaneity.
   Looking for love? The Bar/Club scene has rapidly declined as pickup spots with all of the online dating websites like match.com, POF.com, and many others. One tip here is to be honest with your profile and pictures; it will go a long way for a true online and in-person connection.
   Social Media- Facebook or twitter is not your primary forum for broadcasting your love or like of that someone special. Look into her eyes and tell her face to face before you post it for everyone to see the first time. If you are on the market and dating, limit yourself to what is public. This will add more excitement to the first date and allow for more of a natural conversation with a lot of topics she wouldn’t find on your Facebook profile.
   Is distance a barrier? Not anymore. Use Skype.com. Skype will allow you to connect to people with your smartphone or computer camera anywhere in the world. Skype allows you to see and talk to that special someone in real time and allows for an almost a ‘live’ experience.
   If you are on a date put your phone down- Nothing is more annoying when you are on a date than looking at your phone even once. Excuse yourself if you have to make an important call.
   Open a door for a lady (when they are not electric), wait in the elevator until all women exit (ladies first), save the last bite for her at the restaurant, and helping her put her jacket on will go a long way. These are tips that technology cannot take away. Chivalry will live on.

The Impact of Obamacare on Your Tax Return

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April 5, 2015

Eric Weinstein is a Certified Public
Accountant who recently relocated to the Commack/Dix Hills area, where he provides accounting services to individuals and small businesses. He is a professor of accounting and business at Suffolk County Community College, and has authored five college textbooks on a variety of topics, including Payroll Accounting. He is enjoying meeting new clients in the area, and can be reached via phone at 516-662-7165, and e-mail at weinstee@yahoo.com.

With the April 15th tax deadline fast-approaching it is time to turn our attention to personal tax returns. Many taxpayers have been concerned as to how the Affordable Care Act (commonly referred to as Obamacare) will impact their 2014 tax returns. While the majority of taxpayers will be minimally impacted, certain taxpayers could be surprised by their returns.

• What is the impact? All taxpayers must indicate on their tax returns whether they had health insurance coverage during 2014. They also must indicate whether that coverage was obtained through the Marketplace. For those taxpayers who had health insurance that was not obtained through the Marketplace (estimated at over 80% of taxpayers), this is the extent of the impact. For taxpayers who did obtain health insurance through the Marketplace, Form 1095-A (which policyholders should have received a few months ago) reports all pertinent information relative to the insurance held. Depending upon the taxpayer’s earnings during 2014, the inclusion of data from Form 1095-A could either improve or worsen the 2014 tax return. Lastly, for taxpayers who did not carry health insurance, unless they qualify for an exemption they will be subject to a penalty (referred to as a Shared Responsibility Payment) that will be levied as part of the tax return.

• How is the impact calculated? If you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, you estimated your 2014 earnings when doing so. These estimates are now compared to your actual earnings during 2014 to determine whether you paid too much, too little, or the correct amount for your coverage. Your 2014 tax refund (or amount owed) will be adjusted to account for this comparison. For individuals who did not have health insurance coverage, and did not qualify for an exemption, the penalty assessed can range from $95 to thousands of dollars (a worksheet associated with Form 8965 is used to calculate this penalty).

If you are among the many taxpayers who either purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, or did not have coverage during 2014, take some time to research and understand the above information. Not only will this benefit you when reviewing your 2014 tax return, but it will also allow you to more effectively plan for your 2015 tax return. If you have any questions about the impact of the Affordable Care Act on your return, contact your accountant for more information.

Dishin with Denise… Easter Bread

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April 5, 2015

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.

Breaking Bread ….. hippity hoppity… Easter’s on it’s way! With it~ the magical awakening of nature , a new fresh season of renewal~ springtime. This Easter bake these festive breads for family and friends~ delighting and inspiring while creating a wonderful long enjoyed tradition of mine. I have lovingly made these festive breads at Easter for almost 30 years now. A day of labor~ a gift of love~ “ the giving and the breaking of bread is LIFE! ”
Once upon a time..I would spend the day with my little boys, coloring eggs, mixing the dough, wrapping the breads up in cellophane and tying up with colorful ribbons. In prearation for the dinner we would then place a bread loaf at each placesetting on the table. This would set the scene for the Easter bunny’s arrival and the special feelings of giving. Afterwards we set out in the car to make deliveries to loved ones with our decorated gifts for them to share and enjoy their family celebrations. The making, giving and sharing was the real blessing… that all begins in the kitchen and ends with appreciation and giving thanks. Bread ~ it gives nourishment to the body and soul. May this Easter bring you renewal in the heart along with much joy Easter is a promise God renews to us each Spring! Happy Easter! MAKE and break some bread. Denise xo
Easter Bread
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
6 cups all- purpose flour
5 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ lb salted butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 or 12 raw, colored eggs
1 or 2 egg whites beaten for wash
non- pareils

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar, baking powder, and flour
2. make a well in the center of the dry ingredients
3. stir together eggs, melted butter
4. add milk, flavoring and work mixture into a dough
5. roll dough into a long log, cut into 6 equal portions using 1 portion at a time, roll into long rope and criss cross over each other, placing 1 or 2 eggs into loop form of dough.
6. brush breads with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with non-pareils
7. place on parchment lined baking sheet
8. bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until bread is golden, makes 6 breads

Frankenapples

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April 5, 2015

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.

Ironically on Friday the 13th of February 2015, the USDA officially announced their approval and green light for "Frankenapples" also known as "Snow White" or genetically modified apples. Yes the USDA, designed to protect the health of the American people, has proclaimed that genetically modified (GM) apples are safe for human consumption. Notwithstanding the USDA's rubber stamp of approval, many people still question the safety of these GM apples and for good reason.
   The Biotech Industry's genetic modification of our food, involves the manipulation of the DNA and RNA of our food. Many scientists have warned of the need for extensive additional testing of DNA manipulation and RNA interference, in order to safeguard against untold side effects. Unfortunately these warnings against fooling with Mother Nature, have apparently fallen of deaf governmental ears.
   USDA data reportedly shows that conventional apples have previously tested positive for up to 42 different pesticides, including organophosphate and pyrethroid. Both of these pesticides are known endocrine disruptors with potential neurological side effects. Organophosphates are further considered to be the basis for nerve gas used in chemical warfare and linked to the development of ADHD in children. As if these concerns were not enough, we now also have to consider the potential ill effects of genetic modification when choosing to eat something as simple as an apple.
   Notwithstanding all of this, the USDA has approved GM Arctic Granny and Golden apples, in part to remedy the problem of apples turning brown from oxidation. In addition, GM peaches, pears, cherries, bananas and oranges are likely to soon follow. As it stands now, some form of genetic modification is present in approximately 85% of the food found in our typical supermarket. Now with fruits joining the GM band wagon and the colossal failure of our government to implement a federal GMO label law, people wishing to avoid high levels of pesticides and GMO's in their food are compelled to buy strictly organic.
   President Obama initially campaigned with the promise to pass a GMO label law, because he at that time believed the American people had the right to know what is in their food. Unfortunately, upon being elected president Obama broke that promise to the American people and quickly became very Biotech Industry/Monsanto friendly. However, it appears that President Obama's personal beliefs regarding GM food differs from his political beliefs. Reportedly, only organic food is served in the White House, suggesting that GM food is safe enough for the American people but not the First Family. Make sure you choose wisely for your family as well.

Does Your Student Have Test Anxiety or Academic Stress?

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April 5, 2015

Dr. Paulette Nadel Ed.D.is an experienced, professional Career Life Coach. She is the founder of CareerHelp411.com, an online
resume and career coaching service. With a Doctor of Education degree from New York University in Leadership and Organizational Studies, Dr. Paulette has coached and counseled clients for over twelve years. She can be reached at DrPaulette@aol.com.
516-445-2104

Many students suffer from test anxiety or academic stress. These can affect students in all grades and at all ages. Stress can be related to homework, tests and exams, grades, projects, papers and more. Parents often ask me about ways to reduce test anxiety and stress. Here are some helpful tips:
   •   Be Prepared. Students who are more organized and have better study habits tend to be less stressed. Prioritizing assignments, keeping a calendar of upcoming exams and projects can be very helpful. A regular consistent homework routine can reduce stress as well.
   •   A Good Night Sleep. A restful good night sleep is very important in reducing stress in students. Once again a regular routine is helpful. Unfortunately, when students are stressed they may have more difficulty sleeping. Taking time to relax before bed can help with this.
   •   Building Confidence and Visualizing Success. When students are better prepared they feel more confident. They often will be able to visualize themselves doing better on exams and assignments.
There are many ways to reduce stress in students. Exercise and sports activities are great ways to relieve anxiety. Also, just as with adults, breathing exercises can help students as well. Breathing exercises can be done almost anywhere and simply take a few minutes. They are especially effective before tests and exams. Breathing exercises before bedtime can even help students have a more restful sleep.
Music also can be a great stress reducer for students. Listening to music before exams can help students relax. Upbeat music can help lift student’s emotions. Some students like to listen to soft music while studying. This can be calming as well.
Journaling can be a helpful stress and anxiety reducer too. When students keep daily journals they have an outlet for their emotions and thoughts. Putting their thoughts on paper eliminates dwelling on them internally and can effectively reduce anxiety.
The important thing for parents to remember is to be aware of stress and anxiety in students. As long as parents are aware and watchful the test anxiety and academic stress can be more easily managed.

Nature: A Love Affair

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April 5, 2015

Maria DiGiorgio is a lifelong New Yorker, who currently resides in Commack, with her family. She is a devoted wife and mother, an educator and designer. Maria is active in her community, as a PTA mom and Girl Scout leader. She has a passion for interior decorating and loves to garden. She is an avid reader, and enjoys writing about life experiences and parenthood, as well as her personal observations about the world around us.

After the cold and frigid temperatures of winter, there is nothing more enticing than the thought of getting outside and being active, in nature. Although there is beauty in snow-covered trees and in the sound of a crackling fire to sit by and pine away the night, the spirit longs to be free and unencumbered. There is a need to be liberated from the heavy, lumbering clothing, the dire forecasts and the isolation winter can bring. We are at the point where we are getting inklings of spring. Crocuses are in bloom, the beginning shoots of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are starting to emerge from the frozen earth, and the sound of birds chirping (a most certain sign of spring) is starting to pierce the silence of still mornings. A light has begun to shine and with it, an urge within us, to become one with the earth.
Communing with nature is a very natural and necessary instinct. We all share it, perhaps, only, in differing degrees. Some people enjoy participating in all kinds of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, hiking, boating or biking. Others enjoy engaging in sports, such as tennis, swimming, volleyball and baseball. Whatever speaks to you, there is a place for everyone: an outlet for creative juices to flow and excess energy to be expended. Nature has a wonderful way of grounding us and helping us to realize our potential. It can inspire us to try new things or to cultivate skills and interests we already possess.
There is a peace and a serenity that come with being in nature. The beauty the earth holds speaks to the beauty within each one of us. We become kindred spirits with the flowers, the birds, the clouds and the sunshine. The rainfall refreshes our outlook on life and living. There is a constant reminder of the cycle of life, and how we each fit into this master plan. We are reminded, too, of the fragility and the strength of life, through the unique and glorious qualities that inhabit our surroundings. It is this awareness that brings us a feeling of being one with nature.
When communing with nature, we can gain greater insight into the things we are dealing with. Observing insects, tending to a garden, noticing the changes that are continually taking place in our environment are just some ways to make us pause, take a deep breath and become quiet and centered enough to tune into our own internal atmosphere. The tranquility and the vitality nature offers is rejuvenating, on many levels. It affects our minds, bodies and spirits. Nature provides us with endless opportunities to nurture ourselves, and all living things. In doing so, we become renewed in our convictions, in our resolve and in our ability to live life to a fuller degree.

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

ET Week Media Group

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

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