Welcome to the April edition of Village News Magazine. In this edition I want to introduce you to new friends, Janet and Kirk Linahan, Owners of Christian Brothers Automotive. I watched their building go up on Holland Road near the new Lidl and fate brought us together. Read the interview in this issue. (Page 14) Lots of things to do this month. The first of April falls on a Sunday and that’s Easter. Ladies in their beautiful dresses and bonnets. It’s also April Fools day so it’s a double edge sword. Passover continues until the 7th. April 17th is tax day. If you haven’t begun to figure if you owe Uncle Sam, you might want to apply for an extension. The 22nd is Earth Day. Take a moment to enjoy the planet we live on. Take care of her as well. Arbor Day is the 27th. And the last day of the month is International Jazz Day. Couple shout outs. First to our IT guy David Cando for his dedication to helping our readers with computer problems and for doing the homework for me when I needed to replace my computer. I was about 2 years past due when I needed to make the switch. Now I have to figure out how to use Windows 10. It’s coming to me slowly but it’s very gratifying when I figure a new way of doing things. Second shout out goes to our Graphic Artist’s husband Rob. A computer genius who worked on my new computer to run faster, and to be the best one I have ever used. Thanks to you both! We wish you a wonderful month of April at whatever you do and we hope you enjoy this month’s read of Village News Magazine!
Please view this publication online www.VillageNewsVA.Com
14 Meet Christian Brothers Auto
Golf Tips 5 Golf Tips
Education Education 4 9 11 18
Fashion Trends Real Estate Computer Mandate Brunch Made Easy
FEATURE FEATURE 14 Meet Christian Brothers Auto 19 Is Your AC Up to the Test?
Neighborhood Neighborhood News News 12 Natural Virginia Beach Snow Geese of Pungo
Culture Culture 9 Gourmet SELECTS Pan-seared Chicken and Fudge 13 COCKTAILS on the house:April Rain
Humor 13 Golf Humor
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Shifting gears from the street's athleisure boom, there's a prettier, softer mood in the air, and girls who like to dress up will be thrilled. Minimalists and tomboys have plenty to choose from too: Next year is trouser suit and flat-shoe heaven. Keep reading to discover S/S 18's fashion trends, from colours to prints and key pieces to new details The spring 2018 fashion season has arrived... Only in fashion could an event described as a ‘week’ span a full month. From September to early October 2017, the fashion world – models, editors, stylists, buyers and #influencers – caravanned from New York to London, to Milan and finally to Paris to gauge the shape of style this spring.
The perennial wardrobe staple now comes in new guises. Chopped up (as at Valentino), embroidered (Alexander McQueen), patchworked (Maison Margiela)… anything goes as long as it’s not a standard issue beige mac.
And the queens of the catwalk ruled at Versace when Donatella took a victory lap in a show that was a tribute to her late brother Gianni, accompanied by five of his favourite supermodels – who somehow looked just as smashing in 2017 as they did in the ’90s.
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Remember to Act
April 2018
& Stay Classy!
Get The Ball Rolling If you are not chipping to get over something, then consider putting it. During chipping, you may chip to stop, check, back up, walk, or run the golf ball. While chipping, imagine tossing pennies to a specific spot. That is the image your mind should have while in the chipping process. Once you hit the spot, how far will the ball need to roll to get to the cup?
Ball Position Is Critical In chipping, ball position is very important. Did I say it’s very important? Well, it really is! The main focus in golf chipping is to strike the ball solidly.
me) just right of the right foot (or left of the left foot - if you are left-handed). I line the ball up to my right little toe. This will give me solid contact. Now, all I have to do is find the line I must hit the ball on and do it.
Adjust Clubface The face of the golf club can be adjusted - open or closed. Properly grip the golf club. Then rotate the face of the golf club so it lays flat relative to the ground, keeping the grooves parallel to your feet. This will cause the ball to fly high in the air.
To do this, the ball must be placed (for
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That’s what YOU want to hear! When it comes to selling condos and homes in West Neck, NO ONE has sold more than REALTOR
As a REALTOR® who has participated in more than 400 sales in West Neck, Karen is the community’s #1 REALTOR® in condo and single family home sales! When it comes time to sell or buy, be sure to contact Karen, one of... “The BEST in the Business!”
Karen Adcock
REALTOR, licensed in Virginia Keller Williams Realty Town Center One Columbus Center, Suite 1100 Virginia Beach, Va 23462 23 Years Experience KarenAdcock@KW.com
As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamlined furniture to lowmaintenance landscaping. Here's how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home: "Slow design" and minimalist decor Perhaps the most common association with Scandinavian style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of "slow design" focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time. Melding indoors and out Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors - natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. "Cottage culture" architecture style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods. Functional furniture: Storage and good looks Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworking, functional furnishings. A piece can be beautiful and also have utility like eye-catching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame. Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring 6
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Direct: 757-632-3237 www.SoldByKarenAdcock.com
Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashed floors create a clean, spacious look. That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cool-toned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a water-resistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining. If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavian style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficiently use the room. Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete.
Pan-Seared Chicken
Dinner & Dessert Good Enough to EAT!
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded thin salt and pepper to taste 2 shallots, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/3 cup dry white wine 1/2 cup chicken broth. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides in the skillet. Cover, and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear. Set aside, and keep warm. Mix shallots and garlic into skillet over medium heat, and cook until tender. Stir in wine, and cook until heated through. Stir in broth, and continue cooking 5 minutes, or until reduced and slightly thickened. Mix in the remaining butter until melted. Serve the sauce over the chicken.
No Cook Fudge Oh Boy! 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup butter 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter or margarine in large microwaveable bowl. Zap in microwave on medium until chips are melted, about 3-5 minute, stirring once or twice during cooking. Stir in nuts, if desired. Pour into well-greased 8x8-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate until set.
Drop us an email and let us know what you think. Courmet@VillageNewsVA.com
Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.
Here, Village News Shows you how.
The best way to clean wood floors might surprise you Although most people envision their dream home with shiny wood floors, many consumers are unaware of the best way to care for them, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association. "Not surprisingly, many homeowners are unsure of the best way to effectively and quickly clean hardwood floors. Some believe mopping with a bucket of water and a cleaning solution is best while others occasionally sweep or vacuum. Many cleaning methods can hurt rather than help a floor, for example, even a 'damp' string mop can leave excess water on a hardwood floor, and we know that water and wood don't mix," said Bona U.S. Director of Marketing Cate Vanegas. The key findings in the online survey, conducted in October 2017 by Public Opinion Strategies, found that just 24 percent of consumers answered "sweeping" as the correct way to clean wood floors. This answer was closely followed by 19 percent who believe using a soap- or oil-based cleaner is best, and 12 percent who believe using water and vinegar is the best solution. Just in time to open the doors and windows and welcome in spring, Bona has introduced its Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors with a larger mop head for faster cleaning, and a full-size cleaning cartridge of cleaner. The new pressurized cartridge dispenses the perfect amount of solution designed to care for and sustain hardwood floors. Lifestyle and design blogger Jennifer Rizzo (jenniferrizzo.com) recently refinished her wood floors, and notes the simplicity firsthand: "After all the dust bunnies are cleared away, I use a Bona spray mop to clean my floors. It's odorless, non-toxic and doesn't leave any
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residue. It also leaves my floors looking beautiful." With an estimated 25 million homes in the U.S. with wood floors, understanding how to clean them is essential to maintain and protect the investment. Try the following tips to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful. Regularly: Dust/sweep. While using a broom can be effective, it also just pushes the dirt around, so using a microfiber mop or cloth is the best daily defense against scratches and surface damage. Often: Dust and mop. After a quick spin around the floor to grab dust, use a microfiber pad mop and residue-free, neutral cleaner. Look for third-party certified cleaners that will be healthier for your floors and your family. As needed: When scratches pop up or the finish looks dull, consider a recoat or refinish to keep floors durable and beautiful. Ask an outside contractor for a water-based finish and dust containment system to ensure the job is VOC and toxin free. Things to avoid: Water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners. Vinegar (remember, it's an acid) and water will damage and dull the floor's finish, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on the floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
1. Mystery switches. Every switch should operate something, anything. A switch should not include warning labels (e.g., pull this cord at your own risk)! Make sure all fixtures have working light bulbs. 2. Water stains. Water stains are big fat red flags. If you have any concern about water intrusion anywhere, you must resolve the issue and repair damage before listing. 3. Quirky thrones. Home inspections can reveal lots of toilet weirdness, the most prevalent of which includes toilets that never stop running, or toilets that have loose bases, or toilets that require some special knowledge to operate. The beauty of toilets, is that they’re generally easy to fix before listing. 4. Fire in the hole! Fireplaces can be a source of concern to buyers if there is any uncertainty about condition, especially for buyers who have never owned a house with a fireplace. Therefore, prior to listing, make sure all fireplaces are clean and functional. 5. Slow train drain. If your sink or shower drains as slowly as a long-haul train takes to pass by, sure, the issue may be caused by a hairball. Buy a drain snake clog remover at Amazon, Lowe’s or Home Depot to clean out the clogs and muck. 6. Musty basements. Follow your nose, assess your basement. Does it smell musty? If yes, why? Do you need a dehumidifier? Do walls need to be sealed? Is a professional required to address water penetration issues? 7. Wiggles, shimmies, and shakes. You may know how to grab a handrail so it doesn’t wiggle or shake. But buyers
won’t know. Pretend that you’re the buyer – walk through the house and note items that need securing. 8. Oh, oh, oh it’s magic, you know-oh-oh. If there’s something in your home that requires a “magic touch” to operate, chances are it’s something that should be on your list of repairs. Buyers who walk through your house expect every item to work the way it’s supposed to – without banging, jerking, shoving, or secret combinations of lifting and turning. 9. Trip hazards. Loose carpet inside, uneven walk surfaces outside. Every trip hazard is an accident waiting to happen. When you list your home, you’ll have lots of foot traffic – fix the trip hazards! 10. Pressure. Is there low pressure at the shower? Does the shower lose pressure if anyone uses another water source in the house? Start by checking for a clogged shower head or a shower shut-off valve that has been inadvertently knocked partially closed. If that doesn’t work, retain a plumber to evaluate and fix the system. Source (with permission): https://www.usinspect.com
Karen Adcock
REALTOR®, licensed in Virginia Keller Williams Realty Town Center One Columbus Center, Suite 1100 Virginia Beach, Va 23462 Direct: 757-632-3237 23 Years Experience KarenAdcock@KW.com SoldByKarenAdcock.com
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The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net
Dear Village News Readers, Well it finally happened. Our editor, Peter Cousin has been needing a new computer for more than two years. I have harped on him to make the move from XP to anything else. Once his computer began not to work, wouldn’t open his browsers or locked up on him every few minutes, he finally agreed. I did some research for him and found his best bet was Best Buy. A new Dell computer loaded with Windows 10, and buying the Office 365 which consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook and will continue to update as changes are made by Microsoft included in the bundled price he made the
purchase and brought it home. I met him there and proceeded to back up everything on the old computer, save it to external hard drive and moved it all to the new Dell. Even his email, contacts and dates set on his calendar. If you’re ready to make the move, don’t hesitate in contacting me. It’s an exciting time to have a new computer and see all the advancements.
I always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”
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By Pam Monahan
The Snow Geese of Pungo One of my favorite experiences of living in Pungo is the annual appearance of migrating Snow Geese. These beautiful geese are generally visible in February and early March in Pungo farm fields as they make their way back to the Arctic tundra to breed, thus completing a round trip of thousands of miles! This annual migration of Snow Geese has been called one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America. And we are so very fortunate to be able to witness a small part of it. With that in mind, when I speak of the Snow Geese that appear here, I am talking about flocks numbering in the hundreds and sometimes thousands. They are very vocal and can often be heard from more than a mile away. You may have actually heard them flying overhead! The Snow Goose has two color plumage morphs, white (snow) or gray/blue (blue), thus the common description as "snows" and "blues". White-morph birds are white except for black wing tips, and this is what we generally see here. Blue-morph geese have bluish-grey plumage replacing the white except on the head, neck and tail tip. The immature blue phase is drab or slate-gray with little to no white on the head, neck, or belly. Both snow and blue phases have rose-red feet and legs, and pink bills with black tomia ("cutting edges"), giving them a black "grin patch". The colors are not as bright on the feet, legs, and bill of immature birds. The head can be stained rusty-brown from minerals in the soil where they feed.
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When the Snow Geese are in Pungo farm fields, they seem to be feeding on left over grain, wheat, or resting in preparation for their long trip back to the Arctic tundra. My experience is that I see them in the daylight hours, as they spend in night floating in water, probably in Back Bay or at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge just over the line in North Carolina. If they are threatened by a predator, such as a hawk, Bald Eagle, or coyote, they will immediately take flight, and that is truly an amazing sight as they all take off together, as if on cue. And the sound is not something you will soon forget. Snow Geese nest and breed in the Arctic tundra in the Spring and it is believed that they mate for life. The females return to the place that they were hatched to breed. She selects the location and builds the nest. Both parents protect the young and they can feed themselves after hatching. But they remain with their family until they are 2 to 3 years old. So, there are usually many family units in our Pungo fields. I urge you take take a leisurely drive in Pungo next February or March. In the meantime, there are many videos online of the migration. Watch some! You will be amazed!
Ingredients
2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce dry vermouth Garnish: lime peel Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lime peel.
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April 2018
Get ready for a new automotive experience! Meet Christian Brothers Automotive By Peter Cousin - Editor
I want to introduce you to new friends, Janet and Kirk Linahan, Owners of Christian Brothers Automotive. I watched their building go up on Holland Road near the new Lidl and fate brought us together. I made an appointment to speak with Kirk and Janet thanks to a referral. When I got into my car to make the short drive, I turned on my Jeep and wouldn’t you know it? My CHECK ENGINE LIGHT came on. When I arrived, I entered what appeared to be more of a professional office, like a Dentist or Doctor’s office instead of an automotive operation. Well appointed walls, chair rail, warm inviting lobby with over stuffed couch and chair. Beautiful bathroom, chairs and pictures on the wall and something you don’t see in an automotive operation; a window from the lobby into the garage so you can see what’s being done to your automobile.
In 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive was founded on a new idea in the auto service industry: What if the customer service experience could actually be an easy, pleasant one? With 178 operations around the country, we are the only one in Virginia. Our approach is called “Nice difference.” During our interview with the franchise we bought into them and them into us. That was that. We sold our house in California and flew to our new home in Virginia Beach. We’ve been here since November of last year. We love to walk the boardwalk when we get the chance. We’re full of love for this area and we’ve made such good friends in Virginia Beach. This is bigger than just automotive. This is something to do for the community. (Peter)What do you want the readers to know about you? The challenge of a new business is great and we work hard to gain the trust of every customer. We have the best equipment and super qualified staff. We love the people and being part of a community. We’re here, we’re honest and we’re very competent. We look forward to meeting your readers soon.
Met by Janet Linahan, smile on her face with a warm and welcoming handshake. As Kirk approached with hand out for a strong handshake, I handed him my key. Since the facility is digital, it didn’t take much time for him to write up a work order. After signing up to join our other advertisers, I asked if we could visit and learn more about them and their operation. Turned out to be like old home week for me. They had lived in Southern California from 1991 to 2017. Not far from where I grew up. We knew a lot of the same favorite hangouts. They have three children; Tyler 23, Kelly 21 and Jason 19. They all still live in California. I asked what the draw was for change in location with this well established franchise in Virginia Beach. They both love the military aspect of our town. Kirk was in the air wing of the Marine Corp. They both love the beach. They had been considering the purchase of a franchise for the last three plus years. (Kirk) We did a lot of research into various companies and we were impressed with the company philosophy which seemed to match my own. The corporation was in the middle of franchise talks with someone else but they backed out for unknown reasons. So instead of looking at two years wait time, we were looking at only six months. We said YES!
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Bill Jernigan Service Manager Left to Right: Mark Johnson - ASE Certified Pat Costello - Lead Master ASE Tech Roy Widgeon - ASE Certified
Kirk in his office
Oh yeah. Almost forgot. They replaced my ailing alternater and a stretching plate for the belt. Runs great and the pricing was less than the dealership. We give them Five Stars
For the extended interview, go to VillageNewsVA.com and click on the Special Feature Articles.
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Pull back the drapes, crack open the window and let in the warm, sun-soaked air. That's right, spring is right around the corner and that means it'll soon be time to chase away the grime and odors that have settled in over the long winter. For many, spring cleaning is something of a tradition, a ritual. But things have changed. The days of dipping an old mop into a tin bucket filled with gray water belong to another era. In the age of smart cars and smartphones, cleaning has become smarter as well. Here are a few smart innovations that will make your spring cleaning routine much more efficient and thorough. 1. Freshen up your style. A change in seasons is the perfect time to change up your wardrobe. Take advantage of this transitional period to purge items you haven't worn in 12 months or more - be honest with yourself! When you're free of unnecessary items, indulge in a trip to a specialty store offering storage and organization products to uncover new space-saving solutions. Unsure of what to get rid of? If a beloved item just needs a little love, run it through a steam-powered clothing care system like the LG Styler or delicates cycle in the LG TWINWash system - both certified by AAFA as asthma and allergy friendly(R) - to see if it's salvageable. 2. Breathe easy. It's easy to spend the lion's share of your time trying to tackle the stains, dust and smudges in your home. However, one of the most important parts of your home to clean is the part you can't see. We're talking about air quality, of course. Opening windows and placing plants around your home is a good way to start, but if you really want to get serious, put an LG PuriCare Air Purifier to work. With sensors to monitor the air quality, this cutting-edge purifier is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and is perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies.
making manual vacuuming a thing of the past. Over the years, the technology has advanced so that nowadays these nifty cleaning assistants are quieter than ever before - some even come equipped with a camera to monitor your home while you're away! 4. Use the power of light. The battle against germs is a year-round endeavor. This spring, instead of repeating the old routine of a rag and some harsh cleaner, which often can spread more germs than it kills, try a UV sanitizing wand. These simple devices use a powerful ultraviolet light to kill odorcausing bacteria and germs on hard surfaces. It's the same technology used in many hospitals and is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, even cleaning your kids' toys. 5. Let your appliances do more work. Have you ever wondered whether your oven, dishwasher and refrigerator could be doing a little more to reach their full potential? If so, you probably have yet to use the new generation of smart appliances. LG's line of SmartThinQ appliances are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to monitor dishwashing and laundry cycles, remotely clean the oven or even check the air quality at home from your phone or computer while you are out of the house. Far from being a chore, spring cleaning is a celebration, a chance to chase away the stuffiness of winter and bring a fresh, revitalizing feeling into your house. With the help of new technology, it's even easier to get a start on this season of growth and regeneration.
3. Multitask like never before. By now, most of us are familiar with robot vacuums. Having one of these zoom around your home on cleaning days frees you up to do other things, saving you time and 17
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Everyone is ready for spring weather after the long winter we’ve had. Having warmer weather is a refreshing change from freezing nights and nippy days. That breezy refreshment can easily turn into a headache if your AC unit isn’t up to speed. A malfunctioning or underperforming unit is a problem that can ruin anyone’s sunny disposition. That’s why it’s important to take care of AC repairs before it warms up. Solving your AC problem is easier and less painful than you may think! To ensure that your home stays comfortable this season, the perfect time for AC repairs and preventative maintenance is in the spring. The last thing you want is to have to send for an AC repair in the hottest part of the summer when HVAC specialists are at their busiest. Scheduling a springtime repair allows you to get an appointment with a knowledgeable specialist quickly and with no hassle. There are plenty of benefits to getting springtime AC maintenance and repairs:
With superior air flow and a quieter fan system, your air conditioner is felt and not heard. The value of a highefficiency system will speak for itself, and you’ll enjoy its benefits all summer long. Be sure to reach out to your HVAC specialist this spring. You’ll be glad you did before those toasty summer days arrive. Air Conditioning Specialists Your Comfort. Our Promise. 757-558-9122 Acspecialists.net • Emergency 24-Hour Service • Free Quotes • Year-Round Safety & Efficiency Service for your unit • Affordable Pricing • Financing Options Available • Senior & Military Discount
• Reliability – No need to worry about your unit breaking down on the hottest day • Saving money – Your utility bills will be kept low with the improved efficiency of your system • Greater lifespan – Regular upkeep helps your system last for years • Peace of mind – Enjoy your spring and summer to the fullest, your system will take care of the work Another tip is to consider investing in a highefficiency system. A high-efficiency system can make all the difference in the cost of your utility bills. A fullon replacement of an old system may be the best course of action to keep your monthly utility bills as low as possible.
Air Conditioning Specialists 2618 Airline Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Acspecialists.net