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Dear Business Owner, With Sincere Gratitude, Hauppauge SEPTA |
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Hauppauge Special Education Parent Teacher Association
Sensational Savannah!
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Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel |
| 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! |
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Trends In The Home Industry Today
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Natalie Weinstein is President of |
| 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! |
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Three Steps To Great Sports Photos
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 Larry Kelly has been taking photos for many years. He refined his skills as an amateur photographer and went digital in 2006. A retired environmental law enforcement officer, he enjoys photography, writing, and coaching others. He can be contacted at lwkelly113@gmail.com. |
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The big game’s coming up, you’re pumped but don’t want to drop the ball. Here’s your game plan for taking great sports photos. 1. Know Your Camera: Spend time before the big game with your camera’s manual, or exploring the menus. Many cameras have a “sports” or “action” mode setting. This setting can give good results with a minimum of tech knowledge. Don’t leave the camera on full “Auto.” Find out how to set continuous shooting, or “burst mode, ” and continuous focusing. The camera will track focus on a moving person when the shutter button is held down half way, and then take a number of shots as the button is pushed and held. That’s how to catch action. If you do have some camera knowledge and know how to make adjustments, set a fast shutter speed (1/640 sec is a good start). An aperture of f/4 to f/5.6 will blur the background but also keep action sharp, like a pro. 2. Know Your Game: You don’t need to be an expert, but the more you know about the game the better able you will be to catch those ‘’decisive moments” and great plays. Watch practice sessions, or even catch the sport on TV. Bring your camera to team practices to also practice your skills. Game time is not the time to fumble around with settings and tactics. Knowing your game also means knowing where you can stand to get the best shots. Usually, positioning behind or near a goal can give you great shots. 3. Know Your Playbook: A) Have the sun behind you, if at all possible; B) Follow the action, then shoot just before the height of the play begins; C) Aim your focus point at the face, head, or chest of the player and keep shooting; D) Position your athlete in the frame so that it looks like they are moving towards open space in the frame. For example, if they are running left to right, position your player in the left part of the frame; E) Don’t stop shooting after a score, get the high-fives too; F) Cheerleaders, crowd reactions, and team mascot antics make good pictures too; G) Take lots of pictures and be sure to have a spare battery and memory card. I hear the opening whistle! Go get ‘em, Champ! |
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Take The Waters
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 Sandy Alcide is a cosmetic chemist, Licensed Esthetician and the CEO of Motion Medica Botanical Skin Care. Sandy has been a skin care consultant for fitness models for over 10 years. She is soon to be the only Certified Oncology Skincare Esthetician on Long Island. Sandy is a resident of Nesconset and she can be reached via her website. www.MotionMedica.com |
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The word spa comes from the Latin phrase salus per aquam, "health via water." Hydrotherapy is the basis of European kurs, mineral water-based treatments that incorporate hot and cold soaks, steam, baths, showers and the drinking of mineral water to help aid specific ailments. You can create this experience in your own bath to tap into the health-promoting benefits of water. 1. Take a five-minute shower to soften your skin. Turn off the shower, and using a handful of sugar scrub, gently rub it over your skin, beginning at neck (avoid your face!). Work down to your feet. Rinse off the sugar with warm water, then slowly decrease the temperature and stand in cool water for about two minutes to prepare you for a hot soak. Pat yourself dry. 2. For centuries, Europeans have "taken the waters", soaking in and drinking mineral water from local hot springs for their curative benefits. Even the water in a home bath can offer great benefits. Simply fill a tub high enough to immerse your body completely. Add 1/2 cup of mineral bath salts to the water and mix them until dissolved. Ease into the tub, lie back, close your eyes, and simply rest for at least 20 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply. Inhale deeply through your nose to fill your belly. Exhale slowly through your mouth. 3. During this ritual, you may perspire, it's important to keep the body well hydrated. Pour yourself a glass of cool mineral water prior to entering the tub, and drink often as you soak. After you finish your bath, dry yourself off and put a warm robe on as you prepare for your at-home body wrap. Refill your water glass and keep it nearby. You'll want to continue drinking lots of water after the treatment. 4. Your resting wrap. A rest period is the most important step of a bathing ritual. During this time your parasympathetic nervous system works to restore your body. Spread two or three heavy blankets on a bed or over a chaise. Use a soft blanket on your skin. Remove your robe and lie on the blankets, wrapping them comfortably around your body. With eyes closed, rest for 20 – 30 minutes. AROMATHERAPY IMMERSION BATH In Germany, entire spa programs have been developed to incorporate the power of essential oils into treatment, including immersion baths, which infuse baths with active beneficial agents such as herbal extracts and essential oils. To enhance your bathing ritual, try an infusion. Add four drops each of Ylang-Ylang, geranium and rose essential oils to your bath. Ylang Ylang is euphoric, geranium helps balance emotions, and rose is sensual and calming. |
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Inflammation In The Body
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 Kristin has been working in the natural products industry for over fifteen years as an expert in holistic beauty products, nutrition and supplements. Also a fitness instructor, she is passionate about the mental and physical benefits of fitness and encourages people to reach their goals while having fun. She just completed her first book, a memoir. Follow her on Twitter @kristinjoylavin or visit her website: www.kristinjoylavin.com |
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A minimal amount of inflammation can be a good thing because it protects us from foreign invaders such as germs and can aid in the healing process when we are cut, scraped or burned. Our bodies also protect us through inflammation when we have allergic reactions from pollen, pets or food. It’s the other types of inflammation that are of concern to us, the more moderate to severe types that lead to disease over time. Types of Inflammation Prevention | Support Quit smoking – Smoking ups your risk and makes symptoms worse. Diet – Avoid/reduce sugar, night shade veggies, trans-fats, caffeine, soda, dairy. Exercise – 4-5 days per week with some enjoyable, off the couch and away from the computer, exercise will be highly beneficial in prevention and support. Control your weight – Inflammation is prevalent in over weight people. Reduce stress – Since eliminating stress is nearly impossible try to manage it effectively with yoga, exercise, meditation, tai chi or prayer. Vacations are said to reduce stress and anxiety as well. Book a trip or enjoy a staycation! Up your vitamin D levels – Test your blood and aim for a result of 50-70 blood level. Supplementing is essential. Since we use sunscreen and have long winters it is hard to produce vitamin D from the sun especially in the Northeast. Low vitamin D is linked to MS and RA among other diseases. Acupuncture – can help with pain and help with the flow of Chi in your body, the universal life force of energy. A blocked flow leads to pain and illness. Therapeutic support Tart cherry – Either in juice form or supplement form has amazing anti-inflammation effects stemming from the skin of tart cherries. Also great for post exercise too. Turmeric – Supplement form can be taken daily or try adding the powder (in the spice section or supplement section of grocery store) to your stir-fry, eggs, soups and marinades. Ginger – Teas, supplements, fresh pressed juices or add fresh ginger to your recipes Resveratrol – Available in supplement form or in red wine ingested in moderation. Quercetin – Available in supplement form (great for seasonal allergies too!) Fish oils – Effective in joint inflammation as well as coronary disease. Try Carlson Labs. The most deadly form of inflammation is the silent one that can be asymptomatic as it progresses and that is cancer and heart disease. We all know that a collective effort, like above, works best in prevention or healing. Note: Be cautious of using anti-inflammation drugs. They can have powerful side effects and long terms negative effects. Always consult your doctor and consider visiting a holistic doctor for a cohesive approach to treating your disease. |
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Taking The Pain Out Of Your Job Search
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 Don Benenson, SPHR, is the owner of MVP Resumes. He has over 30+ years of corporate HR experience and happily helps clients with resume preparation and interviewing skills. He can be reached at 631-428-5877 or at mvpresumes@yahoo.com |
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It’s like having root canal done minus the Novocain. That’s how the majority of my clients feel about the entire job search process. Finding a good job has become quite difficult and hopefully some of the tips that follow will help alleviate the pain. Less is Actually More It’s better to apply to two jobs a day that you feel well qualified for than to apply to ten that are a stretch for you. You need to be honest in evaluating what you bring to the table that would result in a hiring manager having an interest in speaking with you. In fact, “take 5”. Take 5 means writing out in very specific and concise language five statements that describe what makes you special at what you do. As you look at any job posting that catches your eye, do a comparison of the key qualifications with your Take 5 list. The more matches, the greater the possibility that you’ll make it to the hiring manager’s short list. One of the primary causes of pain in the job search process is not hearing back at all when you submit your resume as well as being rejected. Read the position description carefully and don’t apply for jobs based on the premise of “getting lucky”. You Got 15-20 Seconds When I worked in corporate HR this was the typical timeframe an applicant had to interest me based on their cover letter or resume. A resume where the first entries matched with the key qualifications of the position got the thumbs up. I’d read on hoping that the story kept getting better. The resumes that didn’t hook me got put in the pile that no job seeker wants to be in. Success is Found in Your Sweet Spot One on my clients spent 15 years in banking and seemingly woke up one day and said enough is enough. After some time thinking about what she wanted to do, being a college admissions counselor seemed to strike her fancy. She was not in a position to take a pay cut. If your job search plans involve a significant career transition, then you better be willing to work your way up from a lower level role. The reality is that after about ten years of doing whatever it is you do in whatever industry you’re in, your pretty much pigeon holed. Of course, certain occupational skills like sales and customer service are highly transferrable. But if you’re an accountant who has grown tired on crunching numbers all day who now wants to have fun and be an event planner for a Fortune 500 hotel chain, it’s just not going to happen. I would encourage all of you to answer the question, “what is my occupational sweet spot?” and keep that in mind as you consider your job search options. Analyze, Analyze, Analyze! Keep detailed records of the jobs you’ve applied to and the outcomes. If your phone isn’t ringing you have a resume problem. If it rings and you don’t pass the telephone pre-screen, then you have an interview problem. Same goes for going on a face-to-face interview only to get the gut wrenching thumbs down decision. While it’s certainly more comforting to blame your lack of results on the collective stupidity of hiring managers, it’s better to take an honest look at what’s going on and take action to fix the obstacles that are hindering your success. |
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Ready For A Road Trip
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(Family Features) |
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If your upcoming travel plans include a road trip, the last thing you want is unexpected car trouble to leave you stranded at the side of the road. A pre-trip vehicle check is the best way to ensure that your car is ready to get you to your destination. "Taking steps to have auto repairs performed before long distance driving will not only give you peace of mind, but will also help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down when you're miles from home," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. Protect your vehicle and your own safety by following these recommendations from the Car Care Council and complete a thorough pre-trip checklist before hitting the road: • Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. • Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power. • Check hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system. • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle's fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. • Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. You can also make sure your vehicle is road-trip-ready by taking better care of your vehicle throughout the year using tools such as the Car Care Council's free personalized schedule and email reminder service, which can help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions about your car. To access this convenient service, or to order a copy of the council's Car Care Guide, which is available electronically or as a booklet you can store in your glove box, visit www.carcare.org. #12445 Source: Car Care Council |
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Dishin with Denise… Growing Up “Rich” On Escarole!
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 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. |
| As a child I grew up eating escarole just about each and every day of the week. Back then, I didn’t quite understand or appreciate how incredibly valuable this delicious green was. I am sure, if tested my DNA would include escarole in its molecular breakdown. My mother and grandmother always had some ready, washed and wrapped in paper towels in the refrigerator just waiting to be thrown or slipped into something they were cooking. Smart ladies! A wonderful nutritious green plant belonging to the endive family with a broader paler and less bitter taste. High in folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A and K, it’s packed full of flavor. As a child escarole or “scarol” showed up everywhere~ in almost every meal at my house. It appeared in chicken broth with baby meatballs as salad on grilled steak sandwiches, it was there with rice and beans, it floated in the chicken and beef soups, had it’s origins in minestrone ~and oh yes even lentil soup revealed traces of this green stuff! She was seen sautéing it in garlic and olive oil, stuffing it etc, etc. Having 4 hungry children she knew this inexpensive vegetable made right was a frugal way to ensure healthy eating … with a truly “rich return”, just everyday… Italian. As a young mother this was probably the first blended vegetable I prepared for my babies. …My boys and my grandchildren have a real love for escarole. Growing up in the 60’s I was afraid my friends would think we were an… odd family…as they were usually not familiar with this green stuff served on their plate when invited to eat over. I’d ask my Mom “why can’t you just serve ordinary vegetables, like carrots?” Ha! She’d just smile…she knew what she was doing. Today if my Mother were here she’d have to agree …grilling escarole is a favorite way to prepare this vegetable. Especially…now during the summertime with our local farm stands. We recently grilled it with salmon ~ yum! Also try it alongside grilled Italian sausage, a piece of grilled crusty bread, a glass of wine and of course eat outside for increased flavor and special effects! Embrace these beautiful warm summer days with good meals, good friends, and family all outdoors till dusk takes you into the night! La Vita e’ Bella! xo Denise Wash 1 large whole head of escarole (cut lengthwise in half) in a colander, carefully making sure in between leaves are rinsed well. Let drain, use paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush with olive oil, salt and fresh black pepper. On a low flame carefully (try not to burn) grilling and turning frequently for approx 10-15 minutes or desired crunch. Can sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of oil. Enjoy! |
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Summer Sun Fashions
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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
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Be comfortable, look great! |
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Yoga For Wellness
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 Nancy Kelly is a yoga teacher and personal trainer who teaches hatha, vinyasa, prenatal, restorative and children’s yoga. She encourages her students to use their yoga practice as a method to improve their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. She can be contacted at nkelly1127@gmail.com. |
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The health benefits of yoga have long been reported by practitioners and are now being confirmed by scientific research. These benefits are not limited to the body but they are the most common and why many people come to a yoga class. A regular practice of yoga, however, can affect all four dimensions of wellness which are the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. Physical Mental Emotional Spiritual |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000.