Autumn is here. Despite the cooler weather, many of us are still enjoying time outside. Whether you find yourself cuddled up by a fire pit or planting colorful mums that brighten your day every time you pass them, fall home improvement projects may be something that you find on your mind lately. This season is when many of us decide to take the step and get some of those projects done, so we've gathered informative editorial that can assist in your decision making process if you decide to tackle one (or many)! Plus, don't miss local news throughout and a delicious recipe that football fans won't be able to resist.
“ I save 20% a month on my energy bills after upgrading my lighting and HVAC system.”
—
John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park
John Riley loves comic books. And for the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old at his shop in Williston Park. PSEG Long Island has been with him every step of the way. With $16,000 in rebates, John was able to switch to LED lighting and replace a leaking 50-year-old oil tank with a superefficient heat pump system.* These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.
How can we support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project.
Renovations That Help Sell Homes
Theadage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.
• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-ityourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.
• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.
• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawerstyle microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.
• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.
• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.
Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.
Factors To Consider Before Renovating A Driveway
Driveways
are oftenoverlooked components of home exteriors, but driveways provide functionality and points of egress to a home. Industry experts estimate that a new driveway costs between $5,000 and $7,000, though the price will vary based on the materials homeowners choose and the square footage of the driveway. When deciding
whether or not to renovate their driveways, homeowners can review these considerations.
Materials
Driveways can be made from a variety of materials, even grass or soil. The following are some driveway materials homeowners may choose from:
• Gravel
• Chip seal
demolished and removed. The ground underneath typically is smoothed and tamped down. Substrate or wire mesh also may be installed. After the new material is laid, there may be a period of time for settling and curing, during which use of the driveway is prohibited.
DIY Or Professional?
While sealing and minor repairs generally can be handled by a homeowner who has researched the process, large repairs or driveway replacements should be left to professionals for the best results. Driveway slope needs to be considered for proper rain runoff, and the professional will understand the thickness and preparatory steps necessary to ensure driveway durability. Installation of a heated driveway requires a specific skill set and this is a job best left to professional driveway contractors.
• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Rubber
• Exposed aggregate
• Pavers
• Permeable pavers
• Heated
Repair Or Replace?
Nearly any size crack can be patched with concrete or cold-patch asphalt, or specialty materials, according to This Old House, an online home improvement resource. Repairing and resealing a driveway can help prolong its longevity. Plus, this is a more cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget who want to improve curb appeal and safety. Large holes or unsightly damage may require a driveway replacement. This also will be the case if a homeowner hopes to expand the driveway. Replacing a driveway requires a time commitment. The existing driveway needs to be
Driveway Enhancements
The options do not end with the driveway material. There are other ways to boost aesthetics.
• Illumination: Homeowners can install recessed LED lights into the driveway to define the edges and add aesthetic appeal.
• Stamped texture: Homeowners opting for the affordability of concrete can ask for a stamped design that mimics the look of stone or pavers.
• Gates: One doesn’t have to live in an exclusive community to have their property enhanced by gates. Gates can give a home a distinguished look.
• Edging: Driveways can be edged with another material to create definition between the driveway and lawn or to provide the perfect spots to plant beds.
How DIY Can Be Bad For Homeowners’ Bottom Lines
Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects. Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom
line than homeowners may recognize.
• Permits: Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contractors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits). DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be
order to complete projects on their own. Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in estimates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.
harmful in the short- and long-term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project. In the long-term, homeowners who did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy (CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.
• Ancillary costs: The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in
• Repairs: Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch.com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.
Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.
Give Your Living Room A New Vibe
An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe. A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.
Organize First
Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at
a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.
Seek The Assistance Of Professionals
Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that
may be worthy of a magazine spread.
Promote Wellness
You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.
Light It Up
One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use
a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.
Create An Industrial Or Urban Vibe
Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.
Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.
Serve Up This Plant-Based App To Vegan Guests
Welcoming
Pâté-Stuffed Mushrooms
Makes 8 to 10 mushrooms
8 ounces medium cremini mushrooms (with caps larger than a silver dollar), stems removed and reserved for pâté
1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
1⁄4 cup avocado oil
Pinch salt
Pâté
1 cup walnuts, toasted
Stems from 8 ounces medium cremini mushrooms, roasted
1⁄4 white onion
4 garlic cloves
1⁄2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1⁄8 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch nutmeg powder
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon tamari or soy-free sauce
guests into your home for a special occasion often involves crafting an entertaining menu that will appeal to the masses. However, it also is essential to have options for those who may have dietary restrictions. Vegan diets are surging in popularity as health concerns, climate change and animal welfare are driving many people to turn to plantbased diets. It stands to reason that someone who has adopted a vegan lifestyle may be coming to dinner sometime soon, and it is important to offer foods such guests can enjoy. This recipe for “Pâté-Stuffed Mushrooms,” from “Plant-Based Gourmet” (Apollo Publishers) by Chef Suzi Gerber can be served as a tasty appetizer or even serve as a plant-based main course.
Directions:
1. Combine the mushrooms with the balsamic vinegar, avocado oil and salt in a zip-top bag; seal, and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
3. Combine all the pâté ingredients in a food processor and process until all ingredients reach a consistent small dice, the size of coarse sea salt.
4. Place the mushrooms open side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 12 minutes, flipping after 8 minutes.
5. To serve the pâté warm, remove the mushrooms, fill with the pâté, and return to the warm oven for 2 to 4 minutes; otherwise, let the mushrooms cool, then fill with the pâté and serve at room temperature.
Each Winner Will Recieve a Pumpkin Full of Goodies and Their Picture Will Appear in Pennysavers Got
Each Winner Will Recieve a Pumpkin Full of Goodies and Their Picture Will Appear in Pennysavers Got
Three prizes will be awarded, one for each age group. Just mail or drop off your entry by 4 pm on Thursday October 24, 2024 at the Howard Hanna Coach Realtors Office, 212 Commack Road, Commack, NY 11725. Winners will be notified by Friday October 25, 2024.
Three prizes will be awarded, one for each age group. Just mail or drop off your entry by 4 pm on Thursday October 24, 2024 at the Howard Hanna Coach Realtors Office, 212 Commack Road, Commack, NY 11725. Winners will be notified by Friday October 25, 2024.
Northwell Expands Behavioral Health Services
Northwell
Health recently announced that it has entered into affiliation agreements with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services (CN Guidance) and Family Service League (FSL) to expand access to quality behavioral health services for Long Island residents.
Demand for behavioral health across all demographic segments and issues keeps growing both locally and nationwide. Northwell, New York State’s largest health care provider, operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals – South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens – and offers a host of inpatient and outpatient care options across the greater New York region. The new affiliation agreements will allow Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL to advance their common goal of creating a stronger, deeper network of care for people in the communities they serve.
This collaboration will result in smoother referral processes for area residents between these specialized community-based organizations and Northwell facilities. Both CN Guidance and FSL are implementing 24-hour crisis stabilization centers, with FSL’s open now and CN Guidance’s opening in 2025. In addition, patients already being seen by CN Guidance and FSL professionals can be referred for more coordinated, complex care through Northwell’s extensive roster of health services. These complementary relationships will expand access to care in service to the diverse behavioral health needs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“Northwell has worked closely and productively with CN Guidance and FSL for many years and we understand the enormously positive impact they make in our communities,”
said Michael Scarpelli, executive director of South Oaks and Zucker Hillside hospitals. “These affiliation agreements will foster even greater collaboration and strategic partnership to help more Long Islanders get the high-quality behavioral health care they need when they need it.”
"The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” said John Q. Young, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services at Northwell. “Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL will now be able to better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders.”
Huntington-based Family Service League, established in 1926, serves more than 50,000 people each year – from children to seniors as well as the underserved and homeless – through 60 mental health programs at 20 locations.
“Family Service League looks forward to continuing to work closely with Northwell Health to improve access to holistic care, further our integrated service delivery models and improve quality outcomes,” said Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO of FSL. “All of which strengthens the client’s experience and will have a positive impact on our community.”
Hicksville-based CN Guidance is a nonprofit serving all of Long Island and focused on providing mental health and substance use help. With more than 34,000 patient encounters in 2023 alone, CN Guidance delivers highquality, person-centered care through more than 60 programs, including specialized programs for Veterans, youth, older adults and those with residential care needs.
“This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jeffrey Friedman, CEO, CN Guidance. “By leveraging Northwell’s resources and expertise, we can expand our services, further reduce wait times, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes. Together, we are committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”
Northwell plans to create a Virtual Navigation Hub to help connect patients with the most appropriate and timely care, harnessing the power of the affiliations with CN Guidance and FSL professionals.
These agreements are particularly timely in that September is National Recovery Month as well as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with a lifeline specialist for support.
For more information or to book an appointment, call (888) 321-DOCS or go to: https://www.northwell.edu/ behavioral-health.
What To Do This Fall To Prepare Your Garden For Next Spring
Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall.
Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.
is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.
• Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for
the garden to thrive in the spring.
• Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter.
A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall.
• Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.
• Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil
Curb Appeal
Ajoint study from researchers at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington found that curb appeal can have a significant impact when selling a home. That study, which examined Google Street View photos and sales data from more than 88,000 properties, found that homes with high curb appeal sold for an average of 7 percent
more than similar homes with less inviting exteriors. The study also revealed that in slow markets with greater housing inventory, homes with high curb appeal sold for as much as 14 percent more than homes with uninviting exteriors. Homes defined as having high curb appeal for the study included those with features including well-maintained lawns and professional landscaping.
Treat Fellow Football Fans To Slow-Cooked Ribs
And Homemade Sauce
Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season, but fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.
Baby Back Ribs
Serves 4
4 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce
Makes about 1 1⁄2 cups
1 cup ketchup
1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Baby Back Ribs Directions:
1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F.
3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.
4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.
5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.
4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.
6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.
The Most Popular Rooms To Remodel
Homeimprovement trends come and go. In a testament to that reality, the wildly popular open floor plan concepts that have dominated homeowners’ desires over the last decade-plus could be falling out of favor, a shift that Rachel Stults of Realtor.com linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in a 2023 interview with Business Insider. Stults noted open floor plans will likely exhibit some measure of staying power, but
Did You Know?
Parents
who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
linked the shift toward more traditional layouts to COVID lockdowns and the desire for more privacy among residents.
The shift away from open floor plans is a testament to the fleeting nature of home renovation trends. But trends still deserve a place at the table among real estate investors and homeowners who want to renovate their homes with an eye on projects that could be most appealing to prospective buyers. As homeowners balance their own preferences with those that might help them sell their homes down the road, they can consider this list of the most popular rooms to renovate, courtesy of the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research.
1. Kitchen
2. Guest bathroom
3. Primary bathroom
4. Living room
5. Guest bedroom
6. Primary bedroom
7. Laundry room
8. Closet
9. Dining room
10. Home office
When considering renovating these or other rooms, homeowners should know that Houzz researchers found that the median spend increased for most interior room upgrades compared to the previous year. However, the median cost to upgrade living rooms and home offices remained unchanged.
The Top Ten Most Popular Projects
Homerenovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular.
Why It Pays To Hire Contractors
Asense
of pride comes from a successful do-it-yourself home improvement project. However, quite often inexperience and time constraints lead homeowners to turn to professional contractors to make sure jobs get done correctly and on time. Allied Market Research reported in 2021 that the home improvement services market is predicted to reach $585.3 billion by 2030. The following are some reasons why renovation-minded homeowners benefit from the services of professionals.
• Tasks Can Be Over-whelming: A home remodel is a large undertaking with many different steps. Contractors who have been around the block a time or two understand how to organize and manage time to get the job done. Plus, they’re devoting all of their attention and time toward the remodel when on the job. This differs from when a do-it-yourselfer tries to work on a remodel in between other responsibilities.
• Network Of Suppliers: A good general contractor will have a list of material suppliers he or she routinely uses. Often contractors become preferred sellers, which means they get a lower wholesale rate, and will often pass those savings on to the customer.
• Licensed And Bonded Protection: Licensed and bonded contractors not only have the skills for the job, but they also have insurance protection behind them. Therefore, if an injury occurs or the job goes awry, the homeowner will be protected from liability. A license means the contractor will have to uphold licensing standards, which could mean staying current on trade practices and skills.
• Expertise: Experienced con-tractors have done the work they have been hired to do many times, which means their skills are finetuned. Knowing the correct way to do a job results in fewer errors (and thus fewer repairs), shorter time periods to get the work done, and potentially lower costs overall.
• Frees Up Time: Homeowners who hire out for remodeling can utilize their time in other ways, such as on the job or spending time with family.
• Reduces Stress: Putting the work in capable hands means homeowners do not have to educate themselves about how to do the task, purchase tools, prevent injuries, and/or deal with potentially negative outcomes.
GENESIS FUEL OIL
Get Into The Spooky Spirit This Halloween
Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trickor-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a
scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
Long Islanders Donate
25,000 Meals
PSEGLong Island thanks generous Long Islanders for helping make its fourth annual PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island initiative another success. In the seven collection events that took place from Memorial Day through the end of September, the equivalent of 25,000 meals was collected for Island Harvest Food Bank and distributed to members of the community through local food pantries and soup kitchens. In the past four years, this initiative has collected and distributed the equivalent of nearly 130,000 meals to people on Long Island struggling with food insecurity.
“We are grateful to the people of Long Island for their kindness and compassion in supporting PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food collection initiative this year,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “In each community we visited, we met wonderful people with a genuine desire to help their
neighbors in need. Our employees stepped up once again by donating more than 650 pounds of food, which equates to more than 550 meals, and volunteering at the collection events throughout the summer. This is one of the ways PSEG Long Island supports our community, along with providing safe and reliable power.”
Breaking down the results, 14,736 pounds of food was collected at the seven sites, along with $6,350 collected online and in cash donations and gift cards.
“PSEG Long Island’s continued support of Island Harvest’s efforts in addressing the needs of people who are food insecure once again proves that partnerships between companies and nonprofits are indeed making a difference in the lives of our neighbors faced with uncertainty,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest. “We are grateful to the PSEG Long Island employees who worked so hard to make Power to Feed Long Island a success, and we extend our thanks to our longtime partner Stop & Shop for hosting the food drives, and of course, special thanks to the numerous Long Islanders for their generosity too.”
“Stop & Shop is proud to support Island Harvest in their mission to combat food insecurity across Long Island,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager, Stop & Shop. “PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed food drives held at Stop & Shop locations across Nassau and Suffolk were a great success and will help our neighbors in need. We want to thank our caring customers for their support and donations to this important initiative, as we work together to fight hunger and help our local community members.”
Power to Feed Long Island was created by PSEG Long Island in 2021 to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity on Long Island and to provide the public with venues where they live and work to donate food and personal care items to their neighbors. Food collection events were held at seven Stop & Shop supermarkets this year ─ in Carle Place, East Northport, Levittown, Massapequa, Oceanside, South Setauket and West Babylon ─ from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.
PSEG Long Island created this event during the pandemic and continued to hold events each summer because the need continues to be great. Summer is a difficult time of year for food banks, pantries and programs because vacations cause a decrease in donations and collection drives are not as prevalent. It is also a time when children out of school are not receiving daily free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch, which puts a heavier burden on their families.
