Welcome to the September edition of Village News Magazine. Three events stand out in September. First, September first is my 70th birthday. My friends and I never thought I would last this long... but I made it. Definitely a milestone. Next is Labor Day weekend. Labor Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the achievements of the US worker. It is national celebration which recognizes the contributions that American workers have made to the prosperity of their nation. Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September as a three day weekend. A celebration for most, this was the weekend my Dad died so it has a little more meaning to me. Lastly, the 11th is a tragic celebration of the most horrific days in our lives with the destruction by two airplanes, flown by terrorist, crashing into the twin towers in New York and changing our lives for ever moving forward. This day is commonly referred to as 9-11 (Nine-Eleven). It is believed that 2,977 people died in the attacks. President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11th Patriot Day in 2002. Fall begins on the 22nd of September. Oktoberfest begins the same day. Lots of beer will be consumed locally and across the world. There are certainly lots of events taking place in September. At whatever you Please view this publication online choose to participate in, we hope you enjoy yourselves, your friends and www.VillageNewsVA.Com neighbors and we also hope you enjoy this month’s read of Village News Magazine.
Golf Tips 5 Golf Tips: Laws of practice
Education Education 4 Fashion Trends 8 Real Estate - I can see clearly now 1 0 Computer Mandate 11 If it can rain, it can flood 15 Your pooch’s mealtime
FEATURE FEATURE 19 How to buy a heating & AC system
Neighborhood Neighborhood News News 12 Natural Virginia Beach The Green Heron
Culture Culture 7 Gourmet SELECTS Fondue & Baked Apples 10 COCKTAILS On The House: M Gin & Tonic 16 Eating Righ t
Humor
15 Golf Humor
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Spring 2018 is all about this Millennial Pink-adjacent hue, industrial-grade rubber, and the bag you denied your whole life. Read our forecast of the biggest trends for of the season, ahead.
Who needs stiff corsetry when ruching is so much more comfortable? Fabric gets pushed around this spring with DIY pullthrough details at Tory Burch, Kardashian-worthy curve-huggers at Tom Ford, and boudoir details at No. 21.
Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors Collection are hinting that Millennial Pink will be replaced by pasteladjacent lavender come springtime. This soft purple hue is the next itcolor, making a turn in knits, suiting, and whimsical formal wear.
Remember to Act 4V
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& Stay Classy!
I have good news: You have the ability to play much better golf than you ever dreamed possible. Even if you're just a 90s-shooter, the talent to break 80, or shoot par, or even turn professional dwells within you. That's right, in terms of raw talent, those shot-shaping millionaires on TV don't have anything you don't have. But if you want to become great — or heck, just darned good — it will take more than practice. It will take hard work and a new understanding of what's effective on the range, what isn't and why. It will take something called deliberate practice. — getting good at golf — deliberate practice is about improving by pushing your practice beyond your comfort zone. I don't mean mindlessly pounding balls in order to build muscle memory. (Your muscles don't have memory. Only your brain does.) I'm talking about expanding your abilities by putting your brain
through something akin to an ongoing golf boot camp. Only by practicing with purpose and (a little) pain will you learn to bend the ball to your will. 1. DELIBERATE PRACTICE IS HIGHLY PERSONALIZED What you need to work on is unique to you. Few everyday golfers understand how to practice in a way that leads to actual improvement. You need a personalized plan that stretches your comfort zone. Only you. If you hit your wedges close from 120 yards, start trying to hit choke-down 7-irons the same distance. If money matches make you feel edgy, it's time to bet $5 per side to get your mind more comfortable playing for cash. Find the areas where you want to improve, then focus on drills that challenge you. But remember that…
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Dinner & Dessert Good Enough to EAT!
Gourmet Fondue
1 garlic clove, halved 1 pound Gruyère cheese, grated 1/2 pound Emmentaler cheese or other Swiss cheese, grated 1 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons kirsch Freshly ground pepper Freshly grated nutmeg Rub the inside of a cheese fondue pot or medium enameled cast-iron casserole with the garlic clove; discard the garlic. Combine the grated Gruyère and Emmentaler with the wine, cornstarch and lemon juice in the fondue pot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses begin to melt, about 5 minutes. Add the kirsch and a generous pinch each of pepper and nutmeg and cook, stirring gently, until creamy and smooth, about 10 minutes; don't overcook the fondue or it will get stringy. Serve at once.
Gourmet Baked Apples 6 apples - peeled, cored and sliced 1/2 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup whole milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish, or coat with non-stick cooking spray. Place apples in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Stir spice mixture into apples until evenly distributed. Fold in raisins and walnuts. Spoon into prepared dish. Pour milk evenly over apple mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until soft and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Drop us an email and let us know what you think. Gourmet@VillageNewsVA.com 7V
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Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.
Here, Village News Shows you how.
While gazing through your window one sunny morning you notice your double-pane windows (or patio door) is starting to look a little cloudy. You clean the glass only to discover that the cloudiness is not on the surface but instead it is between the panes of glass. Some days (and especially at night) the cloudiness may temporarily disappear, but then it comes back and over time it becomes larger, thicker and more noticeable. You might think that this is just a cosmetic issue but actually the window seal has failed and the window is no longer providing its intended thermal performance. Double or triple multi-pane windows were developed to improve upon thermal performance of the older, single-pane style windows. The R-value is greater, not only because there are two panes of glass, but because there is air or gas sealed between the two panes of glass. R-value is the measure of a material's ability to retard the flow of heat. With the addition of extra panes of glass, different gases (like argon and krypton), and coatings (like “low-E”) between the panes, the insulating values of double pane windows can be up to six times greater than that of single pane windows. Windows take a lot of abuse including large swings in temperature, humidity, wind, sun, impact from outside objects and use. Over time seals between the window panes can fail due to exposure to water, excessive heat from sun exposure, and age. When a window seal fails humid air is permitted to enter the air gap between the panes. As moisture condenses and evaporates, deposits inside the window create clouds. When windows fog and fail, the glass must be replaced. Depending on the condition of the rest of the window, there are three options: 8
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1. Replace the defective panes of glass. The panes of glass must be special ordered and sealed from the factory in order to provide the same thermal performance as the original window. 2. Replace the sash- Replacing a sash is more expensive than replacing a pane, but it will be a better fix for a longer term. Additionally, even if you wanted to replace the panes, some sashes do not allow for replacing just the glass. Replacement window companies produce sashes which fit most common window assemblies. 3. Replace the entire window assembly. This is the most costly option and is only necessary if there are clouds plus other p roblems with the windows. Failed window seals are one of the top ten items that are most commonly flagged by a home inspector. Please contact me if you need assistance finding a qualified window repair contractor or glass supplier. As always, . If you’re thinking about buying or selling soon and would like to discuss your options please contact me today!
Need more information? Call me today for a professional consultation.
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, A few months ago we discussed upgrading computers for your home/business. At that time, costs had been kept down and why our Editor, Peter Cousin decided to upgrade to Windows 10 and a new Dell computer. Unfortunately, costs are being driving upward by the new tariffs imposed by the President of the United States. In an effort to level the paying fields for items made of metal, in turn the manufactures (mostly over seas) will now pass the expense on to the consumer (you).
August 1, 2018 when these tariffs take place. But there are still some good pricing left on those items still on the shelves. As you can imagine, they will go pretty quick. Contact me after you read this and let’s see what I might be able to do for you. This is a nasty situation that is and will hurt consumers around the entire country. Let’s fight back and get you the best pricing out there. 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!”
There really isn’t anything you can do after
M Gin & Tonic 1 oz Blaum Bros. Oak Reserve gin 1 2 oz Fernet-Branca liqueur 1 2 oz Carpano Antica Formula vermouth 3 4 bottle Fever-Tree Indian tonic water Oil from orange peel Garnish: 2 dehydrated lemon wheels 1 cinnamon stick 4 star anise Fill a Burgundy wine glass halfway with cracked ice. Add the gin, fernet and vermouth, then top with the tonic water. Garnish with 2 dehydrated (or fresh) lemon wheels, 1 cinnamon stick and 4 star anise. Express the oil from an orange peel over top.
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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
Direct: 757-632-3237 www.SoldByKarenAdcock.com
If it can rain, it can flood: Why flood insurance is a wise bet for homeowners The federal government considers floods the nation's most common natural disaster. They strike every state and leave homeowners with huge repair costs. Why? Because typical homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Those policies may provide protection for water damage when it comes through a hole in the roof or from winddriven rain. But coverage doesn't extend to damage caused by water from a storm-swollen river, torrential rainfall or other flood-inducing conditions. Homeowners are required to purchase flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage and live in a highrisk flood area as identified by the National Flood Insurance Program. For others, though, it's optional. With premiums starting as low as $171 a year for a home and its contents, it's coverage homeowners should highly consider. "Floods can occur anywhere," says Corise Morrison, executive director of residual markets for USAA. "Low risk does not mean no risk."
of flooding exists over a 30-year mortgage. In moderate- to low-risk zones, the chance of flooding is reduced but still present. More than 20 percent of the NFIP's claims come from people with property outside of high-risk areas, according to federal estimates. USAA sells and services coverage under the NFIP. The program's maximum coverage is $250,000 for a home and $100,000 for its contents, but USAA can refer members to a broker if additional coverage is needed. The program also provides coverage to condo owners and renters. Homeowners can assess their risk for natural disasters plus get tips on how to minimize them and protect their personal property with USAA's Property Risk Assessment Tool. But don't wait until an extreme storm is approaching to act. Normally, flood coverage won't begin until 30 days after purchase.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes flood-risk ratings for areas based on hydrologic studies and other data. In high-risk areas, a 1 in 4 chance 11
September 2018
By Pam Monahan
The Green Heron is an elusive bird and I guess it is for that reason that I really enjoy them when encountered. This small heron is solitary at most seasons and often somewhat secretive, living around small bodies of water or densely vegetated areas. Seen in the open, it often flicks its tail nervously, raises and lowers its crest. The "green" on this bird's back is an iridescent color, and often looks dull bluish or simply dark. It is a beautiful bird. So, when I found the nest of this species, it was truly special for me. Green Heron nests are notoriously difficult to find. The nest site is usually in shrub or tree 5-30' above ground, but sometimes on ground; often very close to water but can be quite distant. The nest is a platform of sticks; the male begins construction, then female builds while male brings materials. This particular nest was in a mimosa tree, over a small, local pond in a residential neighborhood. When I found the nest, it was already complete. One of the pair appeared to be incubating eggs or perhaps brooding chicks. It rose nervously at my approach, so I stopped and froze in place. It settled back down on the nest. I retreated back a few steps and got behind a tree to take a few photos. A second heron came in with a stick and the one on the nest accepted it and placed it. How sweet! I left.
It was another week before I returned. When I got back, the babies were scrunched down in the nest. Neither parent was visible, so I slowly edged closer with my camera. Young baby birds have generally not yet developed a fear of humans, but I am careful anyway. I stopped suddenly when I heard an adult’s loud, unmistakable call: “ S K EO W !” The heron landed almost directly above me and called to the chicks, “cuk, cuk.” The chicks recognized their parent and started begging, “tik, tik, tik, tik.” They stood up and I counted four of them. I raised my camera. The adult landed beside the nest and it was just a mass of feathers and curious sounds as the chicks were fed. It was over in about 30 seconds. The adult flew and the chicks immediately settled down into the nest. There was such a mass of branches and leaves obscuring the view that I only got a couple of photos of this incredible experience. But I will treasure them. I am happy to report that all four of these Green Heron chicks successfully fledged the nest and are now on their own. They will be heading South for the winter, as do many migratory birds. Godspeed.
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Dogs and their owners have many things in common, but perhaps one of the biggest commonalities is that they both love to eat! When preparing meals for your four-legged family members, it's important for the meal to be packed with flavor and nutrients, and to create a dining experience they enjoy and look forward to. Help give your pets the ultimate mealtime experience with these tips: 1. Create a mealtime routine Animals love routine. It's important for dogs to establish a mealtime routine whether they get fed first thing in the morning, after their walk or as small meals throughout the day. By establishing a routine, your pooch will quickly catch on when it's mealtime. 2. Purchase a puzzle bowl or toy: Does your dog eat too fast? Do you want them to make a game out of their meal? Puzzle bowls and food dispensing toys are a great way to stimulate your dog's mind during mealtime. They allow them to slow down to truly enjoy their food, making mealtime fun! Head to your local retailer to choose the correct bowl or toy for your dog. 3. Provide your dog with a meal that gives them variety: Dogs and humans alike enjoy food with variety! That's why for nearly three decades, Kibbles 'n Bits(R) has been making dog food with its signature combination of crunchy kibble & tender bits to bring joy to your dog's every bite. With varieties including Bacon & Steak Flavored dry dog food and Steak & Cheese Flavored dry dog food, you will be sure to find the perfect match for your furry friend. 4. Turn mealtime into a dance party: Have you ever danced due to excitement? Well, now your dog will, too. Play a song before each mealtime to signal when it's time for your dog to eat. This new bonding ritual will create more fun for all family members and will have your dog busting moves in anticipation in no time!
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Tire confidential: Tips on picking the right one for you To most people, a tire is a tire is a tire. To the naked eye, that's absolutely correct: They are black and round. However, upon further inspection, tires are one of the most technologically advanced parts of a car, influencing the braking, steering, comfort, handling, safety and fuel efficiency. They are also the only parts actually touching the road. Whether it's the daily commute, family road trip, cruise to the beach, off-road adventure or grocery run, tires absorb constant pounding over all sorts of surfaces in all kinds of weather conditions. Thanks to stout engineering and technology, they continue to perform with amazing effectiveness and last longer than ever. However, no matter how longlasting tires are, there's a time when you'll need to replace them, and picking the right one for your vehicle can be challenging. "Cornering, acceleration, wet road traction, tire wear, ride, styling and fuel economy can be modified by changing tires," says Alan Holtschneider of Yokohama Tire. "Knowing what types of tires are available is important because it can save money and fuel and vastly improve a vehicle's ride and handling." Holtschneider said the first step to selecting the right tires is to consider how you will be using them. * Think about how far (and fast) you normally drive and add in the weather and road conditions you generally encounter. * Determine how you want your vehicle to perform. * Calculate how much money you want to spend.
* All-season tires are the most popular because they can work all year, depending on where you live. All-season tires can even handle moderate snow. * Summer tires are generally more performance/handling-oriented and are not recommended for winter/snowy conditions. * Winter tires are great in the snow but don't perform as well in non-wintry conditions. There are sub-categories, too, like ultra high performance, light truck and grand touring tires, says Holtschneider. "For example, the AVID Ascend GT fits into the grand touring segment. It's a highly advanced all-season tire delivering improved wet/snow braking and handling, long mileage and superior comfort." After selecting the tire that best meets your needs, Holtschneider suggests keeping them properly maintained. Here are some tips: * Check tire pressure at least once a month - this takes about five minutes. Consult the vehicle's owner's manual or placard on the driver's door to determine proper tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold. * Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tire's tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy a new tire. * Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, the lowest legal limit. It's best to replace them before they reach 2/32 for optimal performance, especially in bad weather.
* Decide how long you plan to keep the vehicle. With countless tire sizes and types, there are a few things to know, according to Holtschneider. The three basic tire categories are all-season, summer and winter.
For more tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101.
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By Jeff Marl - General Manager - MSCO
Purchasing a new heating and cooling system is something nobody wants to do and unfortunately, few people have experience buying or planning for it. It can be one of the dreaded top ten worst experiences of your home ownership experience. Remember, not all Heating and Cooling installation providers are created equal and while they might talk the talk, many fall short of hitting the mark. Below are a few basic key signs that can help you avoid the pains of a bad decision. Beware of contractors who give you an estimate over the phone without first evaluating your home. Any contractor worth their salt knows that they can’t give an accurate installation estimate without seeing the scope of the work involved. Quotes over the telephone usually lead to a higher price once the jobsite is inspected, cost overruns that roll back on the homeowner, or a shoddy job because the contractor is trying to stay in budget. When a good estimator inspects the home, they’ll take several key details like the type of insulation, windows, roof color, ducting condition, and numerous other factors to ensure you get a great job. The diligence of the estimate often reflects the diligence of the work. Choose wisely! Newer companies can seem lower on price because they don’t have the overhead of a solid service department, training for new or developing employees, employee benefits or insurances, and a depth of experience to ensure your service is not interrupted. Ideally you want a company with a long history of consistent and dependable service as well as a consistent track record of quality work and customer satisfaction. A trustworthy HVAC company will be as thorough and transparent as possible upfront, explaining all estimated charges and why they recommend them. They should be receptive to your questions, giving you clear answers. If an estimate makes you concerned about their honesty, their work is not likely to be much better. They should have confidence in what they say, enough to put it in writing. Look the companies up on the BBB (Better Business Bureau) website. The BBB has been around for a long time and you can see how long a company has been a member, how many complaints (if any), and how they were resolved (if they were). Another great source is go to their Google reviews. There are lots of sites where customers review companies, Google often has both the largest number of reviews and the most commitment to transparency. Check their licensing. Contractors are required to be licensed to do business so make sure they are and have the correct trade certificates as well. A company must also have at least one Board of Contractors Tradesman “Master” for each discipline they service. A common mistake some people make is to pick the contractor strictly on price. Price needs to be a consideration but as a point as far down the list as possible. The first consideration is if the job you are buying will do what you need it to, followed closely by solving your comfort issues, improved air quality, improved reliability, the dependability of their service department, do they provide regular maintenance, and do they stand behind their work.
757-427-0016 805 Seahawk Circle Virginia Beach, VA 23452 www.MSCO.PRO
MSCO – Mechanical Service Company has been here over sixty years, we have numerous qualified and certified tradesmen on staff, our service department is world class, and we stand behind our work. If you have a question, please call us – we will work with you to find the right solution to fit your needs.