Home Blog Page 3

Out & About: March on the North Fork

A Month Filled with Flavor, Fun, and Festivities

As the crisp winter air gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, the North Fork comes alive with a delightful array of events to tantalize your taste buds and lift your spirits. From wine and cheese pairings to live music and comedy nights, March offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. So, mark your calendar and get ready to indulge in these can’t-miss experiences that will make your March on the North Fork truly unforgettable!

Barrel Tastings at Pindar Vineyards
Date: March 1–29, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pindar Vineyards, Peconic, NY
Cost: $50 per person

Kick off the month with a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made! Enjoy exclusive barrel tastings, followed by a private tasting with the group in the tasting room. Limited availability – reserve your spot online!

Wine & Doughnut Pairing at Pindar Vineyards
Date: March 2–22, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pindar Vineyards, Peconic, NY
Cost: $30 per person

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind pairing experience! Pindar Vineyards teams up with NoFo DoCo for a wine and doughnut tasting that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy three uniquely crafted doughnuts paired with three of their finest wines. Reservations are required.

13th Annual Comedy Night at Greenport Harbor Brewery
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, Showtime 8:00 PM
Location: Greenport Harbor Brewery, Peconic, NY
Cost: $45 in advance, $50 at the door

Laugh the night away with three top comedians! Co-headliners Kerri Louise and Brian Scott McFadden will have you in stitches, with a special guest appearance by Mike Ellison and Dr. Harry Freedman. Enjoy a cash bar and small bites while you take in the show!

Macaroon & Wine Pairing at Sannino Vineyard
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Sannino Vineyard, Cutchogue, NY
Cost: $35 per person

Perfectly paired macaroons and estate wines – what’s not to love? Sannino Vineyard has teamed up with Petite + Sweet Macaroons for a custom macaroon and wine experience. Drop by anytime between 11 AM and 5 PM for this delightful pairing.

Live Music at Pindar Vineyards
Date: Every Weekend in March (March 1–31 2025)
Time: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pindar Vineyards, Peconic, NY

Enjoy live tunes while sipping on your favorite wine at Pindar Vineyards throughout the month of March. From local favorites like George Barry and Steve O’Brien to acoustic sets and soul-stirring performances, it’s the perfect way to unwind.

Make the most of March on the North Fork with these fun, flavorful, and unforgettable events! Whether you’re into comedy, wine, food pairings, or live music, there’s something special for everyone. See you all there!

Jaclyn Holzmaier

Upclose: West Hills Chiropractic

Pictured left to right Dr. Robert Hoffmann and Dr. Joseph Mills

400 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
631-823-1708
www.westhillspaincenter.com

For those less familiar, chiropractors use their hands to apply controlled pressure to parts of the spine, to improve your body’s physical motion pain free. For over 40 years, Dr. Joseph Mills, owner of West Hills Chiropractic is proud to tell me that he has devoted his life to providing people with a non-invasive alternative to managing or better yet eliminating pain suffering. “Our success stems from our ability to provide personalized care and treatment for our patients. The stress of the pain itself makes matters worse, which is why showing people you genuinely care helps. We are the only chiropractic office that I know of that keeps its doors open for as many hours as we do. In most cases Mon day to Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 12pm”, says Dr. Mills.

West Hills Chiropractic treats patients suffering from injuries, sciatica, neck and back pain, neck, whiplash, headaches/migraines, and other common ailments. As Dr. Mills explains, “Our goal has always been to deliver non-invasive techniques to help our patients overcome their symptoms and regain their quality of life. You may think that all chiropractors utilize the same techniques, not so at West Hills Chiropractic.. A revolutionary piece of equipment and treatment called VAX-D is exclusive to West Hills Chiropractic. More commonly known as Vertebral axial decompression, is an alternative procedure that patients can try to relieve back pain, from various ailments, including herniated discs and sciatica. By stretching the back, VAX-D relieves the pressure caused by herniated discs and other conditions. VAX-D can be effective at relieving back pain in as few as twenty sessions. With a success rate of 85%, curing chronic neck, lower back pain and sciatica relief can be realized.

“We do not just offer random treatment to our patients. Certain treatments are not suited for everyone. Once I get to know the patient, if we determine in their history that they have any type of bone cancer, bone infection they would not be a valid candidate , and we also never treat a patient on the VAX-D table without an MRI older than 5 years and always suggest a new one if possible.”

In the end, chiropractic treatment is something that should be considered before surgery. Some doctors may advise surgery to their patients who suffer from back pain, and while surgeons are skilled and technology has advanced to the point of fewer risks, surgery is invasive and may require long healing periods. Though surgery may be the final solution, there are risks associated that can potentially leave patients in greater pain than they were before. West Hills Chiropractic offers several treatments that can decrease pain and improve mobility. If you are in agonizing pain due to a recent injury or struggling with chronic health challenges for some time, consult with Dr. Mills and his staff that can help you work toward a pain free life.

In addition to running West Hills Chiropractic Center, Dr. Mills also has deep ties to the community and is paying it forward. In 1998, Dr. Mills and his wife, MaryAnn, started an annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients called, “Party for Life,” which was inspired by their friends’ son, Peter Careccia. Peter had a non-malignant spinal cord tumor and after several removal attempts, Peter passed away at the age of 14. To date, this event has raised 3 million dollars for charity and has benefited thousands of kids. Each year, the Party for Life fundraiser unites a stem cell donor and recipient for the first time. Dr. and Mrs. Mills also take Camp Adventure kids and their families to Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, complete with transportation and a tailgate before the game. Camp Adventure is a recipient of Party for Life’s generosity.

This story was designed to provide insight into West Hills Chiropractic. ET Week Media does not endorse or make any claims that chiropractic procedure is suited for all people suffering from pain. If you are considering treatment, be sure to consult a trained professional, like Dr. Mills before undergoing any procedure.

 

Personal Development: Be Kind

Kindness towards all people brings light to our world. 

W e can never truly know just how much a kind word, action or gesture can mean to another person.  What may be a very simple utterance or overture, can be the difference between hope and despair, feelings of inclusion versus exclusion, and can remind us of our shared humanity! It doesn’t take a lot to make an impact in someone else’s life.  A thoughtful phone call to check in, a little note in your child’s or significant other’s lunchbox, to let them know you love them, a quick visit to an elderly neighbor’s home, to see if you can help out in some way.  Little things ABSOLUTELY mean a lot, and with all the pressures, responsibilities and distractions this world places upon us, we need to be intentional in our efforts to remember how important our kindness is to others.  Kindness (like courtesy) is contagious. The more we spread, the more it grows.  When we give, we receive the gift of feeling good in ourselves, knowing we have made a positive difference for another. The recipient of our thoughtfulness also feels good, knowing they are seen, valued and heard! It doesn’t have to cost much or anything at all. Time is a precious commodity and one we have to cultivate carefully. Instead of spending endless hours scrolling Instagram or bingeing Netflix, make up your mind to incorporate small acts of kindness, this new year.  Make it a family affair! Include your spouse, your kids, and your friends.  Decide upon a few small first steps and notice how uplifted you will begin to feel, just in brainstorming simple ways to bring kindness to others. It is a gift that keeps on giving and becomes a beautiful testament to a life well lived! Kindness towards all people, whether they be known to us or not, brings light to our world.  Setting wonderful examples for our youth and for our community is another important part of this process.  Contribute to a charitable event or participate in fundraising for a worthy cause.  Bring awareness to the needs of others, at large.  Oftentimes, people are reluctant to “bother” others or feel uncomfortable in stepping into a leadership role.  You don’t need to concern yourself with these notions. Those who wish to participate can and will. Many times, you will find that people are unaware of the needs of others, and actually will appreciate your efforts to inform them. Whether near or far, make sharing and spreading kindness a resolution for life, and bring untold happiness and joy to all, whose lives you touch, including your own!

The Baking Coach: Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

Prep Time:  20 min. Servings:  10 – 12

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:


  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp. white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup or ½ of a stick– unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • ½ cup buttermilk – To make buttermilk use 1/2 cup milk
    plus ½ tsp. lemon juice or white vinegar
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter – melted
  • 2 tablespoons milk, optional for brushing just before
        going into the oven

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT :


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda,
        baking powder, and salt.
  4. Using your fingertips work butter, then mix in raisins and seeds.
  5. Stir in ½ -cup buttermilk and egg.
  6. Turn dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead slightly.
  7. Form dough into a round shape and place on prepared
        baking sheet.
  8. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with ¼ cup buttermilk;
        brush loaf with this mixture.
  9. Use a sharp knife to cut an “x” into the top of the loaf.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick
        inserted into the center comes out clean. You may continue
        to brush the loaf while it bakes.
  11. Cool on a wire rack.

Fashion & Beauty: Spring 2025 Fashion

 Bohemian chic, floral, baby pink and recycled pieces are on on trend for spring!

After one of the harsher winters in recent years, it’s no wonder Long Islanders are rolling out the red carpet for spring. With temperatures finally beginning to creep up, coats, boots, and scarves are getting put away from these eye-catching new trends. As with everything in fashion, some of these trends are recycled and may already live in the back of your closet, and others give you the perfect excuse for an afternoon of shopping! 

Boho is has been back, and this spring it’s better than ever. The result of a years-long 70s revival across the fashion space along with the reemergence of hippie anti-establishment values, bohemian chic is everywhere. Delicate hand-beading glittered on models in sheer maxi dresses walking down the runway. Romantic, ruffle blouses and clog heels strut up the street on cool, young professionals. Anyone who still owns a pair of Frye boots, this trend belongs to you! 

An offshoot of boho is the fluid silhouette. A clean break from the excessive layering we’ve seen so much of, the looser, unrestricted shapes of spring fashion shows a real desire for movement and breathability. Big, bell sleeves have been popping up on celebrities across various red carpets, and now, it looks like these bold, free-flowing outlines are available to the everyday shopper, too. To match these shapes, the fabrics favored are also airy and slippery; satin and silk that runs off the skin like water, or thin cotton that billows when you walk. 

Florals are so synonymous with spring that we can all hear Meryl Streep drolly remarking on how groundbreaking the idea is. Well, this spring, gingham is the supreme reigning print. Button up dresses and high waisted linen shorts in soft pastel brown and white, or navy and white, gingham offer a refreshing take on what can easily be a garish pattern. It’s a classic, preppy look that is easily incorporated into any wardrobe. 

If you’re diametrically opposed to gingham, a more entry level trend this season is baby pink. The color of spring 2025, sheer pink is the perfect way to herald in warmer days. Evocative of florals without ever having to go near a print, petal pink is understated, feminine, and elegant. A simple blouse or dress in this color on the first sunny day will have you feeling like the secret queen of springtime.  

Spring is all about renewal and reawakening. Nothing is more spring than digging through your closet and finding some gorgeous item with the tags still on it. Breath life back into what you already have and put together new and exciting outfits from preexisting items. If you’ve still got the shop-o-holic urge after that, then maybe this guide will guide you to a trendy new top! 

Home & Garden: Jump Start Your Flower Power!

On Long Island we wear the label of “cold climate gardeners.” But that sounds more grim than it really is. You can keep things growing for most of the year! To satisfy your green thumb passion and enthusiasm through the chilly months, the answer is to start your seeds indoors in early spring. All you need is a sunny windowsill or a grow light, starter trays, potting soil and of course your favorite flower seeds. So, while you’re waiting for the last of the frost, you have a beautiful mini garden right inside your home.

Most of us gardeners wait patiently to head to the nursery in late April or early May. We buy our annuals and perennials and are thrilled with the instant gratification. But subsidizing that expanse with trays of indoor starters plants is wonderfully cost-effective. You also have the added bonus of growing more unique varieties of flowers then are available at the local nursery.

Now… here is the fun part! You can either order your annual and perennial seed varieties (along with vegetables and herbs) through seed catalogs or at your local gardening center. (Be sure to check out your the local variety store for surprisingly great prices on seed packs.)

Read the package carefully for instructions on starting seedlings inside. Since some varieties do not transplant well from starter trays into the garden, the seed company will recommend that certain seeds should only be sown directly into the soil after the last frost. While you are reading the seed pack, it’s a good idea to double check the expiration date and make sure the seeds are packaged for the 2025 growing season.

Typically, starting seeds indoors can be done 4 to 10 weeks before the last frost, depending on the variety. The quick germinators include zinnias, sweet pea, nasturtium, marigolds and sunflowers. Flowers that need a longer lead time include petunias, snapdragons, stock, bee balm, coneflower, lobelia, verbena and bachelor buttons.

Resist the temptation to plant in the trays too early. This leads to “leggy” and “weak” seedlings that will struggle to survive when transplanted to the outside garden. It’s a good idea to rotate the seed trays every few days to ensure the seedlings grow straight and avoid the planets “bending and reaching” for the light.

Remember too, that indoor seedlings need to be “hardened off” (or acclimated to the outside conditions), especially the strong rays of direct sun and wind. When it is warm enough, bring your trays outside, place them in a shady location then gradually increase their exposure to direct sunlight before transplanting them into the garden.

Another unsung benefit of planting starter seed trays is that you learn to identify seedlings. Once you know what to look for, you can spot the self-starters of many varieties as they emerge from the soil the following spring—and no work required!

Yes, starting seeds inside takes some effort. But if you are a gardener, you a “doer” too. Though the trays from the nursery are stunningly beautiful, nurturing your own collection of seedlings feels special because you have created something from nothing—and in that act there is magic and greatness!