A word or two from our Editor
Village News Staff
Welcome to the March edition of Village News Magazine. I would congratulate you on making it through the winter but looking back over the years, some of the largest snow events have come in the month of March.... Stay tuned!
Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617
Purim, the Jewish holiday begins March 1st. The Academy Awards (or Oscars) come on March 4th. Oscars are Editor in us Co r awarded on the basis of 24 categories including Best te Pe Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Cinematography. Daylight Saving Time begins again on Sunday, March 11th. Yippee! Longer days and the hour jumps ahead by one. Wearing of the Green comes on March 17th with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This is a day where everyone is Irish (just a little).
Andrea Cousin Production Manager Andrea@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Pam Monahan Contributing Editor Pammonahan551@yahoo.com 757-301-9887
Happy Day is Tuesday March 20th when the start of Springtime arrives. Palm Sunday begins on March 25th. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ's last, triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Good Friday begins on March 30th. Passover begins on March 31st. A seven day Jewish festival which celebrates the Israelites fleeing from Egypt about 3300 years ago.
David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620
There are lots of days to celebrate during March. At whatever you do we hope you enjoy this month’s read of Village News Magazine. Please view this publication online www.VillageNewsVA.Com
Do you have any ideas for stories? If so send them to me: Peter@VillageNewsVA.com.
Featuring In This Issue
Golf Tips
5 Golf Tips
Education Education 4 5 8 11 15 18
Fashion Trends Don’t Overpay Your Taxes Real Estate Computer Mandate SPCA Goes Wild Brunch Made Easy
FEATURE FEATURE
Neighborhood Neighborhood News News
13 Natural Virginia Beach The Eagle has Landed
Culture Culture 7 Gourmet SELECTS 12 COCKTAILS on the house:Kiss Me I’m Irish
Humor 15 Golf Humor
19 Bust the Dust. Spring Cleaning for your HVAC System
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Fashion
TR E N D S T S
Fancy pants, anyone? Perhaps fancy jeans? The all-American staple got the formal treatment at the spring shows as designers paired them with evening attire and in some cases, “bewejeled� them enough to take you into a gala.
Satin was the dominant fabric during the London shows for two great reasons. First, its sheen instantly elevates any silhouette; second, its inherent fluidity and lightness makes it comfortable to wear all night long. Designers from Christopher Kane to Roksanda opted for liquid evening gowns and dresses.
Designers have long mined far-flung cultures for inspiration, this season landing in Japan with mandarin collars and kimono styles that featured prominently on the runways. Pictured: Blumarine, Albino Teodoro, Jil Sander, Gucci
Remember to Act
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& Stay Classy!
Keep it warm
Don't Chop Wood, Drive The Spike Don't Chop Wood, Drive The Spike. If you put a log on the ground and asked someone to take out a chunk of wood from the log they would most likely swing the ax into the log at an angle and create sliced out section from the log. This action is done with an abrupt angle of attack into the wood log.
Golf Tips
a spike into the end of the log with a sledge hammer they would use more of a level approach with a less descending strike and more of an approach from behind the spike level with the head of the spike vs. angular. This is the action you want to feel more of in your golf swing not a chopping action.
However, if you asked that same person to drive
Don’t Overpay Your Taxes With tax season in full swing, take time to consider how to get the most out of your tax return, which includes finding all the credits and deductions available to you. While many taxpayers claim common deductions, such as home mortgage interest and self-employment expenses, there are additional tax deductions that can lessen your final tax bill or increase your refund. These often-overlooked tax breaks could potentially save you hundreds – maybe even thousands – of dollars if you itemize deductions. To start, get to know the difference between tax credits and tax deductions. Tax credits reduce the amount you owe in taxes. In some circumstances, tax credits allow a refundable credit, meaning you may not only reduce the amount you owe to $0, but you can also get money back. Deductions, on the other hand, simply reduce your taxable income. Both can have a potentially significant impact on your taxes and are often worth the extra effort to include on your return. Child and Dependent Care Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Saver’s Credit or the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, Moving Expenses & Tax-Preparation Fees. Did you know: The IRS, as well as many states, allows taxpayers to catch up on missed credits or deductions, offering a three-year window for filing an amended tax return. You can secure unclaimed credits and deductions by filing amended tax returns to avoid losing any unclaimed funds from as far back as 2014. 5 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
Listed and Sold
That’s what YOU want to hear!
When it comes to selling condos and homes in West Neck, NO ONE has sold more than
SOLD
2321 Kingsman Arch
Karen Adcock 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!”
Virginia Beach
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
Direct: 757-632-3237 www.SoldByKarenAdcock.com
Tips for Winter Wellness When cold winds blow, it’s essential to take extra steps to protect your health. There are a number of techniques that can help keep your immunity high and your body in good condition to support wellness all season long so that you can enjoy the chillier months. There’s no magic formula for feeling your best, but consulting your health care provider is always a good idea when you’re contemplating new ideas to promote better health. Get up and moving: Without frequent use, muscles and joints can weaken and grow stiff, limiting your mobility. Exercise is also an important step in balancing your caloric intake, and physical activity gets your blood pumping, which has numerous benefits for heart health. Spice up your routine with herbal supplements Whether to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and nutrients or to give you a specific, targeted boost, herbal supplements can help support overall health. For example, the supplement turmeric, derived from root extracts of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely regarded to have numerous positive health implications. “Since 2013, turmeric has dominated the market as the top-selling ingredient in herbal supplements,” said Chris 6
VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
Oswald, licensed nutritionist at Nature’s Way. “As research on turmeric grows, consumers continue to recognize the health benefits of this amazing botanical.” Get ample rest: Adequate sleep allows the body to rejuvenate itself naturally, promoting a better mood, improved system function and increased stamina throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends older adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Beyond a good night’s sleep, be sure to take some mental downtime, too, to minimize stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact on your health. Find ways to relax through meditation, reading or listening to soothing music, which can help rest your mind and body.
Gourmet SELECTS Spicy Chicken Thighs with Sweet & Tangy Honey Glaze For the Chicken 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons chili powder 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed For the Honey-Vinegar Glaze 6 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons + 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, divided
Dinner & Dessert Good Enough to Eat!
Set an oven rack in the top position and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Prepare the glaze by combining the honey with 2 teaspoons of the vinegar in a small bowl; stir well. Broil the chicken for 5 minutes on each side (for a total of 10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the oven and brush half of the glaze on the chicken; broil for 1 minute. Remove the chicken from the oven and turn over; brush the chicken with the remaining honey mixture and broil for 1-2 minutes more, until the chicken is nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle it with the remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar. Transfer the chicken and pan juices to a platter and serve.
Peanut Butter Bars with Salted Chocolate Ganache Nonstick cooking spray, for baking dish 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup creamy peanut butter Kosher salt 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 8 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped into small pieces 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional Coat the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, stir to combine the confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and set aside. Place the chocolate and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until bubbles start to form around the edges. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let sit for 1 minute and then whisk until completely melted and smooth. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter mixture and refrigerate until the chocolate is cooled and set, at least 45 minutes and up to overnight. Sprinkle evenly with the flaky sea salt. Cut into squares to serve.
Drop us an email and let us know what you think. Gourmet@VillageNewsVA.com
Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat. Here, Village News shows you how. 7 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
I “Woodn’t” Want This to Happen to You! Wood Destroying Insects and Fungi The Hampton Roads area has a moist and humid climate and that make is prime real estate for both wood destroying insects and fungi. “There are only two kinds of homes — those that have termites and those that will get termites,” said Rusty Markland, operations manager of PestNow. But the reality is that there are more than just termites that homeowners need to guard against. There are other buggers that love moist wood such as carpenter ants, carpenter bees, old house borers, powder post beetles and wood destroying fungi. Below is a brief description of each.
accompanied by a reduction in weight and density. Wood damaged by such fungi may also appear soft, spongy and/or string like when probed and inspected. A recent survey by the NPMA revealed that over 38% of Americans have concerns over termites, 33% have had termite issues or know someone who has, and yet over 52% of Americans don’t have their homes inspected.
Termites- Termites are the most common wooddestroying insects. They eat wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can cause a lot of damage very quickly. The National Association estimates that termites cause over $5 billion dollars in damage annually. Termites emerge in the spring as swarmers, or winged termites, looking for new colonies to establish.
Lenders will not issue a mortgage on any property without a current inspection by a pest control specialist and written report that the property is free and clear of any active wood destroying insects and wood destroying organisms to protect their investment. All homeowners are advised to get annual termite and moisture inspections. Many pest control companies will perform a free annual inspection. If you need recommendations for pest control companies, please give me a call and I will be happy to recommend companies. As always, I am here to help you will all your real estate needs. If you or anyone you know wants to buy, sell or invest in real estate please have them contact me today!
Carpenter Ants- Carpenter ants build their nests by excavation wood. This excavation creates smooth tunnels inside wood which can deteriorate the structural integrity of the wood over time.
You looking to sell or buy a house? Village News gives Karen Adcock FIVE stars for service, dependability and the ability to sell your house or buy a home than anyone in the business.
Old House Borers- Old house borers attack softwoods such as pine, fir, spruce and hemlock. It usually attacks stored lumber, after which the wood destroying beetle is introduced into homes as they are built. Log homes infested with old house borers is a very common occurrence.
Call Karen today and tell her you saw this article in Village News Magazine!
Powderpost Beetles- Powder post beetles lay their eggs in the cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. They often attack hardwoods and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers, crates, and antique furniture. Wood decay fungi- Wood decay fungi feeds upon, consumes and destroys moist wood. Brown rot type fungi may stain the wood brown and the damaged wood will form cube like sections. Fungal damaged wood may take on a yellow or whitish coloration
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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
9 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
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Visit your local Mercedes dealership for a test drive TODAY! 10 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net
Dear Village News Readers, All of us here are hoping spring is on the way. We’ve all had enough snow to last us until next year. This month, I want to address an issue that seems to be continuing. People are having problems with their email system. Specificly Microsoft Outlook. One of the readers contacted me regarding a problem in receiving their email. They could send it out but couldn’t get it in. Knowing they were running XP still, and knowing that Outlook is a GoDaddy controlled program, I suggested they contact them and see if their setup numbers for
sending and receiving have changed. The tech on the other end seemed bothered that the customers was still running XP. They were not very helpful however our reader knew enough to ask for the change in numbers. Long story short, they were able to get their mail delivered. Problem solved? Not really. When you run an old system that not even Microsoft supports, it’s time to upgrade. Give us a call and let’s get you up to speed! 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!”
Make a Lasting Difference Whether you’re considering ways to give to deserving causes or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one for a special occasion, remember that not every gift is a tangible item. In fact, some of the best gifts are those you can’t touch at all, but those that make the world abetter place. Socially motivated gifts, of your own accord or on behalf of someone else, are much more than a one-time present. They have the potential to make a significant impact on lives or to further the work of a cause-based organization. Consider these giving options to make a lasting impact: Retirement plans: Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may actually become a tax liability. Naming a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for leaving a legacy and reducing income, and possibly estate taxes, for loved ones. A tax-exempt organization may be eligible to receive the full amount, bypassing income taxes. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA can be worth the full $100,000.
enjoying tax savings during your lifetime. Benefits include the ability to give a significant gift at a fraction of the value; tax savings that can be immediately realized; a reduction in the final taxes of your estate and the ability to pass gifts outside of your estate. Gifts of real estate: You may decide that the greatest gift you can make is to leave your home or other property to a charitable organization. This kind of gift is ideal for someone who intends to continue living in his or her home or property through their lifetime, but still make a charitable gift. You can leave this generous gift by signing an agreement with an organization about maintaining the property so you can use it throughout your
Life insurance plans: A gift of life insurance is an affordable way to make a significant gift while also 11 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
C O C K TA I L S
On The House
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Kiss Me I'm Irish Ingredients 2.5 oz of sparkling white wine 1 oz of Midori melon liquor 1 oz of Vodka 1.5 oz of lemonade In a shaker, combine ice, vodka, Midori and lemonade. Stir gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with sparkling white wine.
N a t u r a l Virginia Beach The Wood Duck I think the Wood Duck male or “drake” is the most beautiful duck native to Virginia. The drake has a crested, green head, chestnut breast, and other bold markings. Wood Ducks favor woodland ponds and swamps and I have actually seen them in the ditches of Indian River Road in Virginia Beach! As a wildlife photographer, I am also aware how skittish they can be. Perhaps it is because during the late 19th century, they practically became extinct because of hunting and loss of nesting sites due to logging. The Wood Ducks’ recovery to healthy numbers was an early triumph of wildlife management. I had seen many at a distance over the last few years and I was aware that many residents of the King Grant neighborhood in Virginia Beach had erected nesting boxes for Wood Ducks. I had been fortunate to see some new ducklings in the Kings Grant neighborhood ponds. But, I had never had an opportunity to get close to an adult male, until one day in April, 2017.
By Pam Monahan
Duck boxes. I stopped at a smaller, neighborhood pond as I saw a subtle movement in the water vegetation. It was a Wood Duck pair, foraging for food. I parked, slowly exited the vehicle, and slid down the side of my SUV to the ground to watch. I was fairly certain that if either one of the pair saw me, the encounter would be over. They continued to feed, seemingly oblivious to my presence. I continued to sit there. An hour went by. The male finally turned my way and started swimming towards me. He swam at a pretty good clip too, fairly intent on some new vegetation right in front of me, I think. I held my breath and then he just stopped. I started clicking. He started dabbling for food. This photo is when he came up for some air. That part of the experience lasted just 2 minutes, as the female started squealing. I don’t know if she saw me or something else but as I searched for her, he took off and the observation ended. It was my most productive time with this beautiful species and one I will always treasure. Thank you, Mr. Wood Duck!
I was driving through the neighborhood that April afternoon, noting all the Wood
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The Virginia Beach SPCA Goes Wild Visit the Virginia Beach SPCA shelter on any given day, and you’ll find close to 100 adoptable pets. You’ll see cats lounging together in their cat colonies or rubbing up against the glass as you walk past. You’ll find adoptable dogs ranging in breed from Chihuahua mixes to Husky mixes. You’ll even find rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and a few birds. But tucked away, in a quiet, isolated room in the back of the shelter, you’ll find where the wild things are. The Virginia Beach SPCA is one of only a handful of shelters nationwide that has a dedicated room just for wildlife care. This separate, self-contained treatment area provides a reduced-stress environment for orphaned or injured wildlife, including racoons, red tailed hawks, turtles, opossum, geese, great blue herons, and more.
The VBPSCA Wildlife Program is staffed by veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators and relies heavily on volunteers. VBSPCA wildlife volunteers answer a 24-hour emergency wildlife referral line, providing advice and directing callers to the nearest rehabilitator. Some volunteers also transport injured wildlife and other volunteers rehabilitate wildlife at their homes until they are ready to be released into the wild. Regardless of the volunteer role, the heart of the program revolves around fostering co-existence with our wild neighbors through education and advocating for the use of humane solutions in resolving conflicts with wildlife. If you come across an orphaned or injured wild animal, contact the VBSPCA wildlife referral line at 757-263-4762.
To support the wildlife program, visit www.vbspca.com.
It’s a lovely tattoo, but you have to wear a shirt to play here 15 VILLAGE NEWS March 2018
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Brunch Made Easy Gathering friends and family doesn’t need to be fancy. With its prime positioning between breakfast and lunch, brunch is a more casual and lighter alternative to the typical dinner party. When charged with hosting a mid-day gathering, a little pre-planning can go a long way toward ensuring your brunch get-together is as simple as it is scrumptious. Get creative with decor. When prepping your tablescape, think outside the box. Opt for unexpected serving dishes such as tartlet tins and vases, and transfer syrups and jams from their everyday containers to glass bowls or creamers. Fresh flowers and produce can add natural pops of color to the table and a bowl of fruit can make for an eye-catching centerpiece. Plan a variety of dishes. Make sure you have a mix of both sweet and savory dishes on the menu that can please a wide variety of palates. Earmarking some recipes that can be made ahead, like pastries and casseroles, can be a simple way to avoid waking up extra early to prepare. Save the morning of your event for dishes that are best served fresh, like this Herbed Spanish Omelet, which features potatoes; fresh, spring herbs; and red onions, and packs protein, B-vitamins and cancer-protective phytochemicals. Serve it buffet-style. Setting your spread out on the counter and allowing guests to help themselves not only makes it easier for the host to mingle, but it allows guests to customize their meals as they wish and gives the gathering a more casual vibe. Try themed stations, such as a coffee or mimosa bar, parfait bar or bread bar, in addition to more traditional dishes to let guests take the customization to the next level. For more brunch ideas and recipes, visit Culinary.net. Herbed Spanish Omelet Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 4 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded water 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup diced red onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten
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2 egg whites, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives salt, to taste (optional) fresh herb sprigs, for garnish (optional) Place potatoes in large pan. Cover with water. Bring to boil and cook, uncovered, 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain well. In deep, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and cook 5 minutes. Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste, if desired. Pour mixture over potatoes in hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes, or until bottom of omelet is golden. If desired, brown top under toaster oven. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories; 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat); 28 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 2 g dietary fiber; 106 mg sodium.
Bust the Dust. Spring Cleaning for your HVAC System You’ve survived another frigid winter season and now warm weather, blossoming trees, and longer days are on the horizon. Your HVAC system worked hard to keep you and your family cozy and comfortable during these chilly months. To keep it running efficiently through the spring and summer, a tune up is a must have. Having a knowledgeable and helpful technician perform a tune up will save you money so you can spend more time frolicking in the flowers and less
Keep utility costs low, improve your household air quality, and keep your system performing at optimal capacity this spring! We’ll be here to help. time worrying about an inefficient system -- and the costs that come with it. HVAC tune ups pay for themselves through improved energy efficiency, which will help reduce your monthly utility bill. A tune up by an HVAC expert can also prevent premature mechanical failures which will ensure a longer lasting air conditioning unit. Having to replace your air conditioner, on the other hand, will cost several thousand dollars. Even small repairs can come with a hefty price tag. A qualified technician can often find and fix small problems through a regular inspection that, left unnoticed, could grow into larger, more expensive issues. It is better to be safe than sorry this spring! Yet another great benefit to a spring tune up is your home’s improved ability to aid in the fight against allergy season. As most people know, spring is the worst time of the year for allergy sufferers. You want to do all that you can to reduce the runny noses, endless sneezing, and red, scratchy eyes. Contaminants like dust, pet dander, smoke, and allergens build up in air ducts and recirculate throughout your home, affecting the air you breathe. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned is an excellent way to improve indoor air quality in your household by eliminating and keeping allergens at bay. Dust buildup is another cause for concern. Left unchecked, buildup in your vents can cause your system to lose its full operating efficiency, meaning it isn’t capable of keeping your home as cool and comfortable as it can.
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Everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patty’s Day