Welcome to the April edition of Village News Magazine. I view April as the transition month between cold and hot of summer. Let’s see how this month plays out.
Village News Staff
Lots to do in April and events that affect our lives. April 1st is better known as April Fool’s Day. Get ready for your friends to pull a fast one on you. :) April 5th is Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus Christ's last, triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Passover for our Jewish friends starts on the 9th and continues through the 16th. Good Friday is the 10th. Good Friday serves to commemorate the day that Jesus was crucified. And April 12th is Easter. Break out those beautiful bonnets ladies. April 15th is TAX day.Tax Day marks the last day to file income taxes in the United States. Earth Day is the 22nd. April 24th is Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a celebration of trees and their importance to providing shelter, stabilization for the ground, and beauty to the beholder. April 30th is International Jazz Day. It serves as a celebration of jazz music and its contribution to education, peace, unity, dialogue and cooperation. Jazz is a form of music that was born in New Orleans in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Since then, it has spread around the world and evolved into many different types of jazz music.
Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Andrea Cousin Production Manager Andrea@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 David Gilmet Business Development David@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Shannon Brown Business Development Shannon@InsitePublishing.com 757-335-9239 Pam Monahan Contributing Editor Pammonahan551@yahoo.com 757-301-9887 David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620
At whatever you do this month, we hope you enjoy this read of Village News Magazine.
Golf Golf Tips Tips 5 Golf Tips
Education Education 15 Celebrating Easter 4 Fashion Trends April 21 Questions to lower your pet med costs 22 Your April 2020 Horoscope
FEATURE FEATURE 12/13 AMC911 Foundation Repair Is Your House Making a 911 Call?
Neighborhood Neighborhood News News 11 Natural Virginia Beach - Eastern Cottontail
Culture Culture
6 Gourmet SELECTS: Beef & Cheese Manicotti 8 COCKTAILS On The House: April Rain
Humor 7 Golf Humor
3V
April 2020
PUFFED SLEEVES They saw a subtle revival last year, but in 2020 it's time to make way - both mentally and physically - for the puffed sleeve. Whether the swell is focussed on your shoulder, or more gradual down your arm, we already can't get enough of the puff.
Circa 1950
Richard Quinn, Zimmermann, Huishan Zhang
WRAPPED ANKLES If you've been keeping an eye on street style over the last couple of months, you'll have noticed that several have been tying their sandal straps around their trousers. Not a fleeting trend, forecasts suggest this look will be lapped up this summer.
JW Anderson, Toga, Charlotte Knowles
LOW-SLUNG TAILORING High-waists have dominated the sartorial landscape for years, but next season things get a whole lot looser with low-slung tailoring taking centre-stage. Pair it with elegant heels to avoid an overlyslouchy look.
Roland Mouret, Jacquemus, Victoria Beckham
4V
April 2020
Tips from Tiger Woods Standing over an important putt can put pressure on your game—and your grip. Borrow one of Woods' tips on short putts by using a light, consistent grip to help you feel more relaxed over those tough testers. A softer grip will let you release the putterhead, which Woods says is a critical factor on super-fast greens. “My grip pressure on an average tour green might be 5 on a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the lightest and 10 the tightest,” Woods explains. While the greens at your home course might be slower than the ones on tour, that doesn't mean your grip pressure should be different. Woods uses lead tape on the bottom of his putter when facing slower greens. He says the tape helps him find a consistent stroke, no matter where he’s playing. Find some time to practice with a lighter grip pressure than you're used
to—think about Tiger’s 5. Keep in mind, it's important to get comfortable with any grip change, including your tension level, before using it one the course.
2020 Combo Associate Memberships ALL of 2020 for the low price of $299 or $29 per month* (Limited Combo Associate $199 year/$19 per month Includes Heron Ridge, VB National & Riverfront Golf Courses Call For Details (757)426-3800
5V
April 2020
What you’ll need 4 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 1 pound ground beef Salt and freshly ground black pepper 14 (8-ounce package) manicotti 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta 3 cups shredded mozzarella 1 cup grated Parmesan 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 cups marinara sauce 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces Heat a heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, onion and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until the meat browns and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and cool. Brush 1 teaspoon of oil over a large baking sheet. Cook the manicotti in a large pot of boiling salted water until slightly softened, but still very firm to the bite, about 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the manicotti from the pot to the oiled baking sheet and cool.
Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No problem!
Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.
Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, 1 1/2 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix. Stir the cooled meat mixture into the cheese mixture. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish. Fill the manicotti with the cheese-meat mixture. Arrange the stuffed pasta in a single layer in the prepared dish and spoon the remaining sauce over. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, then the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the stuffed pasta. Dot entire dish with the butter pieces. Bake the manicotti uncovered until heated through and the sauce bubbles on the sides of the dish, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the manicotti stand 5 minutes and serve.
6
April 2020
Here, Village News Shows You How.
Visit Your Hampton Roads BMW Dealership for a Test Drive TODAY!
24882488 North Landing Road, Suite 107
7V
April 2020
The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net
Dear Village News Readers, Oh my. Happy April to you everyone. This is a special month with a lot of activity including paying Uncle Sam OR maybe getting a refund. Wouldn’t that be nice. It’s kind of funny that most computer companies have a special pricing celebration every mid-April for that very reason. They know that many of you will be receiving your refunds and they want to make sure you know they are running specials on their finest and newest versions of the computers. Are you ready to step up to something new? Peter (our editor) recently purchased a new Dell floor top model and he’s amazed at how advanced it is compared to what he had before.
If you’re looking to upgrade let us know. Not only can we help you decide on the model that best suits your computer needs, we may even be able to help you secure it through our vendors. If not no worries. We an still assist you and make recommendations. Once purchased, we can set it up and move all your data and pictures to the new unit. Make sure to call us in advance of your purchase so we can recommend something you’ll be happy with for many years to come. David 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!”
April Rain Cocktail Bright, refreshing, and just slightly dry, the April rain is a wonderful cocktail that's sure to put you in a spring mood. It's a simple variation on the vodka martini that gives the popular cocktail a lime twist.
2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce lime juice (fresh) 1/2 ounce dry vermouth Garnish: lime peel
8
April 2020
What is nice about this recipe is that it has a drier profile than other lime-flavored martinis. The only sweetness comes from the lime juice, which simultaneously adds a little sour to the drink. It's uplifting and a nice change from the sweet, fruity vodka martinis that are so popular. You'll find that the April rain makes an excellent dinner cocktail. Enjoy one before the meal as an aperitif or with dinner as it's a delightful palate cleanser for any type of food, even spicy dishes.
9
April 2020
10
April 2020
By Pam Monahan
The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit The Eastern Cottontail is the most common rabbit in North America and is the species we generally see in Hampton Roads in our yards. The Eastern Cottontail is an herbivore. It eats a variety of different plants including grasses, clover, fruits and vegetables. In the winter it eats the woody parts of plants like the twigs and the bark of brambles, birch, oak, dogwood and maple trees. Lots of folks think of them as a pest, because they will chow down in your personal garden. Mating season is between February and September. During mating season, males, called “bucks,” often fight with each other. The males and females, called “does” also perform a kind of mating "dance". The buck will chase the doe. Eventually the doe will stop and face the buck and box at him with her front paws. At some point, one of them will leap straight up in the air and then the other one will jump up in the air too. It’s quite interesting to watch! The doe builds a nest in a depression in the ground and lines it with soft materials and fur from her chest. She gives birth about a month after mating. She has between one to nine babies, although she usually will have four to five young. The
doe feeds the young twice a day. The babies are weaned after about three weeks and leave the nest after about seven weeks. She may mate again just hours after giving birth. Does can have three or four litters a year. Eastern Cottontails are ready to mate when they are three months old. Humans often find cottontail nests on their property and believe that the young have been abandoned, when they don’t see the mother. But, she is close by! The doe leaves the nest after feeding the babies in the morning, not returning until dusk or early evening to feed them again. If you are lucky enough to find Eastern Cottontails nesting in your yard, please allow them some space to raise their family. I suggest observing from a respectful distance and keeping your pets and young children supervised and away from the area while they are there. You will enjoy watching this circle of life. Information from Nature Works (NHPBS)
11
April 2020
When you notice signs of foundation damage, either cracks in your foundation walls, or doors and windows sticking upstairs, the next step you take is critical to the long-term health of your home and your wallet. Because foundation damage usually happens in stages, the stage at which you address it will determine the extent and cost of the repairs you’ll need. Foundation problems that aren’t directly tied to poor construction, drought, or building on poor soil the wrong land, typically begin with too much water The McClung Family directed around the foundation. At the beginning stages of foundation problems, redirecting the water may be all you need to stop further damage. However, if the water has been oversaturating your foundation for a while or the damage is now more advanced, you’ll need to both manage the water and repair the foundation. When calling on multiple contractors to repair the issue, don’t be surprised if each opinion differs greatly. One contractor might address only the symptoms while another also identifies and treats the root cause. So how can you figure out if you’re being recommended a band-aid or a true long-term cure? Below are some things that can help you decide. 1. Proper Diagnosis – A quality foundation repair estimate should be based on information collected during a comprehensive review of your property. The estimator should have discussed with you the problem’s history, performed a close visual inspection of the current state of the problem, and when required used instruments to accurately measure and determine the extent of the damage. 2. Unquestionable Methods – The repairs outlined in the estimate should involve a quality repair that goes beyond non-specialty DIY materials found at your typical “Big Box Stores”. It should be using heavy-duty commercial grade materials installed liberally along the structure to be repaired. In broad terms, if a company is recommending a nail, you should find a company who will routinely use screws or bolts instead. 3. Price – Foundation repairs can be expensive when done correctly. Your foundation is no place to cut corners because it’s keeping the rest of your house standing. If the repair you choose doesn’t fix everything the first time, you will be the one paying the price a second time to have it repaired correctly. 4. Complete Solutions – Make sure the professional you’re talking to about repairs explains what is happening to your foundation, why it’s happening, and exactly what measures are going to be taken to correct the current damage and the source that’s causing it. Don’t let a contractor leave you with unanswered questions. 5. References – Repairing foundations properly, especially ones that have become unstable, requires a lot of experience. Look for a company that can provide references of people they’ve helped with similar problems to yours and is well respected in the industry and by their vendors. 6. A Clear Contract – Your foundation repair estimate should provide clear details as to what will and will not be done as part of your project. Make sure to read and understand all the details as to what is and isn’t covered, as well as the General Conditions. 7. Complete Warranty – Some warranties promise to repair or replace the materials used to fix the foundation, but say nothing about protecting the foundation from further damage. The better warranties protect the results. Remember a warranty is only as valuable as your ability to get it enforced. Foundation repairs are serious business and you should hire only the true expert. At AMC911 Foundation & Waterproofing Repair Systems, we treat every customer’s project as if we were doing it at our own house. Please make the best call and call us, we will be glad to prove you right
AMC911.COM 12
April 2020
757-985-3024
Must present at time of estimate. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or financing. Expires 5/15/2020
757-985-3024
13
April 2020
FEATURE
Celebrating Easter In case you don’t remember from your childhood, Easter is the time of the Christian year when Christians remember the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus, who they believe was the son of God, died for everyone's wrong-doings and then came back to life three days later to defeat death and evil: so if you believe in Him you will live forever in Heaven. Easter Sunday or Easter Day is the most important day of the year for Christians. It is when they celebrate that three days after being killed, Jesus rose from the dead, sometimes called 'the Resurrection' and defeated evil forever. A lot of Churches start the Easter Sunday celebrations at Midnight on Easter Eve. Candles are used in churches all over the world to start the Easter Day Midnight celebrations. Candles help Christians to remember that Jesus is the light of the world and that when he rose to life on Easter Day he got rid of the darkness of evil. In some churches, the service starts in darkness. Then twelve candles are lit and these are taken round the rest of the church lighting the other candles. When a candle is lit the Priest says 'Christ is Risen!' and the congregation respond 'He is Risen Indeed!'. In Greece, fireworks are sometimes used to start the service. Churches are filled with flowers on Easter Day. These represent new life. Priests wear their best, brightest robes in celebration. If a Church has a model of a tomb in it from Good Friday, it will be empty with the stone rolled away, as it was on the first Easter Day. Easter Day is the end of Lent and means the end of some people's fasting. In Italy, the Pope holds a very large Mass or Communion service in St Peter's Square in the Vatican City. Thousands of people from all over the world go to it to celebrate Easter Day. Lots of Christians also go to Sunrise services held early in the morning to celebrate the start of Easter Day. Easter Eggs are normally given out on Easter Day. I like the little solid chocolate ones!
15
April 2020
Recipe: Garden Frittata Are you following a gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, Whole 30 or other special diet? The problem with sticking to a diet is that it can feel restricting, because you're only allowed to eat certain foods, and that can get boring fast. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner has a few expert tips to help you succeed with any diet routine:
Ingredients: 4 Eggland's Best Eggs (large), beaten 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped fresh spinach 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
* Keep it convenient. Focus on foods that are easy to prepare. * Keep it fun. Focus on foods that you actually enjoy eating. * Keep it varied. Focus on foods that are versatile and can be used lots of ways. There's one ingredient that food lovers can count on while dieting that is easy to make, versatile and delicious: eggs. Eggs are packed with protein and essential vitamins and nutrients, perfect to keep dieters energized and feeling full throughout the day. For a quick meal that fits most specialty diet plans and can be eaten any time of day, try scrambling peppers, mushrooms and eggs in a pan and top with fresh avocado. When buying ingredients at the grocery store, remember that not all eggs are created equal. Look for Eggland's Best eggs with the bright red EB stamp on each egg, as they have superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs. These eggs provide 10 times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs, which is an important nutrient for maintaining the immune system. Plus, they have 25% less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s and vitamin B12 and six times more vitamin D. Whether hard-boiled, poached, scrambled or mixed into a favorite recipe, Eggland's Best eggs are easy to use in dishes and customize to your tastes. If you're looking for recipe inspiration, try this tasty Garden Frittata recipe: Garden Frittata Fresh vegetables mixed with eggs and cheese make for the perfect meal. Note: This recipe adheres to the rules of many specialty diets, including vegetarian, keto and gluten-free. 16
March 2020
Directions: Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add garlic and onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add spinach, saute 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Whisk eggs and salt together in bowl. Add eggs to vegetable mixture in pan; sprinkle with basil. Cover; continue cooking 4-6 minutes or until center is almost set. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into wedges. Garnish with chopped tomatoes.
17
April 2020
18
April 2020
19
April 2020
20
April 2020
2 simple questions may lower your pet's medication costs considerably If you own a pet, you're in good company. In fact, 67% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the 20192020 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association. Pets provide unconditional love and countless memories, and in return they look to their humans to care for them as best as possible. While regular exercise, a balanced diet and annual wellness exams are essential for keeping pets healthy, sometimes they require more care. This includes when an animal needs a medication, which can be costly, especially if it's for a chronic condition. Fortunately, if you discover your pet needs a medication, you have options for managing the expense. Few people are aware that by asking your veterinarian two simple questions, you could lower your costs considerably: * Is this medication available at my pharmacy? * Will you write me a prescription that I can fill at my pharmacy? Using your local pharmacy for pet prescriptions Many pet parents don't know that most of the medications their pets use are the same ones people use, potentially at the same or a different dosage. That means that many of the pharmacies you visit for your needs can also be used for your pets' prescriptions. The top five conditions pets share with people are diabetes, asthma, infections, anxiety and depression. What's more, filling your pets' prescriptions at a retail pharmacy is often less expensive than getting it filled through the vet, plus it saves time because you can get all your family's prescriptions at once, including your furry family members.
consider using a pharmacy savings card, like the Inside Rx Pets savings card offered by Inside Rx. This free prescription savings card helps reduce costs up to 75% on pet medications when purchased at a local pharmacy or when ordered for home delivery. The card can be downloaded and presented at one of the 50,000 participating pharmacies located across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These include national chains such as Kroger Family of Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens. Learn more at insiderx.com/pets. Always follow prescription directions Remember, it's important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for the prescription and dosage and not try to manage your pet's condition on your own. Do not use over-thecounter (OTC) pain relievers you buy for yourself with your pet as experts note this can be dangerous. "Although these products are approved for use in people, many of them are not safe for pets. For example, acetaminophen can cause severe illness, and even death, in pets. Talk to your veterinarian before you give any medication to your pet," the American Veterinary Medical Association states. To keep prescription drug costs manageable for pets, ask these two simple questions and explore savings options at your local pharmacy. Laws vary by state, but over 40 states require veterinarians to write a prescription if asked, so it's worthwhile to inquire. You'll help your pets feel their best while helping ease your budget as well. Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 20192020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
How to get pet prescription discounts To save even more on your pets' prescriptions, 21
April 2020
Whether hosting family and friends for your first or fifteenth time, you want your home to be ready to impress. Here are five simple ways to make sure your home is refreshed and ready for any entertaining occasion. 1. Refresh kitchen counters: Since the kitchen is where people mingle the most, don't leave old, dirty caulk to be the focal point behind your delicious spread! Spruce up your countertop and backsplash by removing and replacing the old caulk. Consider using a caulk that's formulated specifically to ward off dirt and mold. 2. Repair imperfections and paint on walls: It's inevitable that scuffs and scratches will appear on walls over time. A fresh coat of paint in key areas, like the living room, bathroom and guest bedroom, will help the entire home feel clean and fresh. Be sure to first prep walls by filling holes and cracks with spackling compound for a smooth finished surface. DAP DryDex Spackling takes the guesswork out of drying time with an indicator that goes on pink and dries white so you know when it's ready to sand and paint. 3. Clean and prep the floors: If you have the time, schedule a carpet cleaning before your guests are scheduled to arrive. And, consider applying a fast-drying polish to hardwood floors for a squeaky-clean finish. It's also a good idea to keep a multi-surface vacuum in an easy-to-
Were you born
access location for quick spot cleans and pick-ups. 4. Salvage broken décorL Don't fret when you notice a décor item has cracked or broken. Instead, grab a strong, fast-setting glue to make simple, long-lasting repairs before guests arrive. DAP RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive sets in 30 seconds and is two times more durable than other super glues - there's even a plastic primer available that will help with hard-to-fix plastic décor. 5. Update decorative accessories: Small updates like adding plants, rugs and throws to your space are lowcost but high impact. Lighting is another quick change that can really help warm a space. Consider swapping out the shades on your lamps or installing updated light fixtures for an entirely new look, but for a fraction of the cost.
in April?
April is the fourth month of Gregorian calendar, but it is also the month when the warmth of Spring can best be felt. The month of April kicks off with the silliness and lightheartedness of April Fool's Day, but the mood quickly shifts as Tax Day approaches. Internationally, April is just as important. Whether it is Earth Day, Freedom Day in South Africa, or Buddha's Birthday , the month of April holds many other memorable events across the globe. The two zodiac signs associated with the month of April are Aries and Taurus. People born from April 1st to April 19th are members of the Aries sign. The Aries can be identified by their innate determination and passion. For those born from April 20th to April 30th, they are born under the Taurus sign. The earthly Taurus is recognized by realistic, pragmatic and practical nature. For more information on those born in April. 22
April 2020