Winter 2021 - Edition Two

WINTER 2021

Uplifting News During Trying Times See Page 8

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Winter 2021

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Winter 2021

SEASONS® MAGAZINE

Winter

Welcome To Our Winter Issue Of

We love serving our local communities giving readers a timely publication for each season!

HIGHLIGHTS and

Winter reminds us of snowy days, homemade recipes, warm fireplaces, brisk walks and building a snowman with our children.

It’s also the season of major holidays such as Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Ash Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover and more. We’ve chosen the best of many editorial pieces to feature in this issue, giving our readers informative articles to engage in.

As always, we applaud the hard work of our essential workers. Thankfully we’ve seen drastic improvements in our efforts to put this tough time behind us. Our company remains strong and resilient to this day and our customers and readers are of the upmost importance to us.

We’re proud to announce the recent expansion of Seasons® magazine, which includes our two new editions, together serving the towns of Syosset, Woodbury, Plainview, Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh. We now publish this magazine in 12 local editions, reaching over 100,000 homes by mail. Don’t forget, all of these editions can be read online as well!

Please stay safe and enjoy the winter season!

- The Staff of Long Island Media Group

How Helping Others Helps You Tips For Buying Jewelry This Valentine’s Day

10 14

What Is Mardi Gras?

19

Top Tips For Organized Tax Filing

22 28

What You Can Do To Help Local Wildlife

PUBLISHED BY LONG ISLAND MEDIA GROUP Publisher: Jeff Lambert • Art Director: Josh Marlowe Editor: Felicia Edwards • Marketing Manager: Noelle Stanuch 565 Broadhollow Road, Suite 3, Farmingdale, NY 11735 Office: 631.226.2636 - Fax: 631.293.3952 www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

Copyright © 2021 by Long Island Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, and such responsibility, if any, shall be limited to the first use of advertising, in the case of repeated use. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising at its sole discretion. The advertiser shall represent that all artwork and copy provided by the advertiser is owned by the advertiser, and it has the right to utilize such in this publication.

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An abundance of

goodness prevails

Winter 2021

amidst trying times

Angels of Long Island is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to

assist and advocate for people in our Long Island community who are in need of assistance.

Debbie and Brittany, a mother and daughter duo turned a small Facebook group into this fast growing non-profit organization that helps countless Long Islanders in need. The group continued to gain in momentum and members, so much so that Debbie and Brittany decided to open up a storefront location in Patchogue called Angels of Long Island, which is a must see.

From furniture to clothes, glassware to footware, toys to lamps, you’ll be sure to find something you love at Angels of Long Island. All proceeds go directly to help them fulfill their mission.

Angels of Long Island loves to hold outreach events to help those in need throughout our Long Island community. This past December they held a huge outdoor Christmas outreach event. Children were able to choose up to five gifts, along with hats, gloves and scarves. Their entire family could also take home tasty holiday meals, along other food items to stock their home with. All of this was free of charge to those who came.

Starting March 1st, our very own Long Island native angels, Debbie and Brittany, will be collecting coats to distribute.

If you have a new or gentle used coat, please bring it to their store as a donation. Curbside pickup is available.

Just like many others, the pandemic has hit them hard but their desire for giving back to the community and making a difference cannot be shaken. If you would like to donate or volunteer, they welcome you with open arms to do so when they reopen in March.

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WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AND WILL REOPEN MARCH 1ST!

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How Helping Others Helps You

F

Learn a new language. North America is a melting pot that’s home to people from many different parts of the world.

Learning a new language may facilitate interactions with fellow community members who might not speak English as a first language.

ew paths to positive personal growth are more noble than resolving to help others through increased acts of generosity and kindness.

According to Psychology Today, doing good for others, no matter how big or small the deed, feels good but also provides reciprocal benefits. The link between volunteering and lower rates of depression has been well-documented, and there is neural evidence from MRI studies suggesting a link between being generous and signs of happiness in the brain.

Help someone you know. It’s commendable to want to assist a charity or a global cause, but what about people close to you who may need a boost? Whether you’re lugging boxes to help a friend move or babysitting a niece or nephew so their parents can enjoy a much-needed night out, when you help someone, those good deeds will return to you in time.

The following are several ways to improve oneself by being more mindful of others.

Be aware of social issues.

Read your local newspaper to stay up-to-date on the pulse of your community as well as the world. Educate yourself about current issues that are affecting people from all walks of life.

Understanding the needs or plights of others may boost your willingness to get involved with

nonprofit organizations. It also may make you more empathetic and compassionate toward other people.

Volunteer at a charity. Find a charitable group with which you

can volunteer your time. This is a great way to support a cause you believe in and makes it possible for you to collaborate with others who are like-minded, potentially helping you make new friends.

People should consider goals that involve helping others.

While this assistance can benefit the people who are on the receiving end of the care and attention, those who are giving of themselves also reap considerable rewards.

How Hobbies Promote Personal Growth

H

obbies can help people escape the daily grind.

Though it’s easy to view hobbies as enjoyable ways to pass the time, they also can be vehicles that enrich your life.

Hobbies are especially good at helping people learn new skills. They also may help boost professional and personal development.

Hobbies play a vital role for a variety of reasons, and some hobbyists may be surprised to learn just how much their favorite form of escapism is benefitting their lives.

• Hobbies may help to relieve stress by keeping you engaged with something you enjoy.

Reducing stress may help you remain calm and be more productive at home, at work and in school. Reduced stress also translates into improved mental and physical health.

• People who engage in hobbies experience new things and may interact with different people through their interests. This

can give you various topics to discuss in conversation and make you more interesting to others. Learning skills through hobbies also means you will obtain specialized knowledge that you can impart on people with similar interests.

• Hobbies can be creative outlets that take your mind off of other things. For people who have trouble with meditation and other mindful ways to shut off their brains, hobbies can be a form of escapism that leaves you alone with your thoughts. According to the self-improvement resource Personal Growth, most hobbies actually have a meditative effect on your thoughts because, no matter what you are doing, your awareness becomes completely focused on the hobby.

• Hobbies can improve your social life and foster creative bonds with others, providing great ways to meet and get closer to people who share your interests.

• Hobbies can help stave off boredom, providing productive

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outlets when there is nothing else available to fill the time.

Hobbies can be more beneficial ways to spend your time than playing games on a phone or watching television.

• Hobbies also may be educational and enrich knowledge through skill building.

People who start with one hobby

EDITION TWO

may find connections to other ones, further developing their knowledge and skill sets.

If embracing new hobbies is on your list of resolutions for the upcoming year, individuals can rest assured that engaging in hobbies promotes personal growth in various ways.

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Winter 2021

Combine Decadence With Refreshment This Valentine’s Day! Chocolate is often described as “decadent,” and rightfully so. Few foods can make people feel as if they’re being indulgent as well as chocolate. Perhaps that’s what makes chocolate such a great fit for Valentine’s Day. When giving that special someone some chocolate on February 14, you’re not just giving them something delicious, but also a chance to indulge in a forbidden fruit.

Chocolate desserts can be more than merely decadent.

In fact, this recipe for “Pasticcio di Cioccolato con Lampone (Individual Chocolate Cakes With Fresh Raspberries)” from Michael White and Joanna Pruess’ “Fiamma: The Essence of Contemporary Italian Cooking” (Wiley) is both decadent and, thanks to the fresh raspberries, refreshing. The individual cake is an ideal Valentine’s Day gift, as it serves to emphasize how that special someone is the only one for you.

Pasticcino di Cioccolato con Lampone (Individual Chocolate Cakes With Fresh Raspberries) Makes 8 servings 11⁄3

cups cake flour, sifted

1⁄4

teaspoon baking soda

6

large eggs

1⁄3 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted 6 1 1 1

1⁄4 1

tablespoons unsalted butter cup granulated sugar

teaspoon vanilla extract cup heavy cream

cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted pint fresh raspberries

Vegetable cooking spray Pinch of sea salt

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DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray or fill 8 of the cups with paper or foil liners.

2. Sift the flour, 1⁄3 cup of cocoa, salt, and baking soda into a bowl and set aside.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan and set aside.

3. Combine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Set the bowl over a pan partially filled with simmering water. The water should not touch the bowl. Using a whisk, beat the egg-sugar mixture until it feels very warm to the touch and all of the sugar has dissolved. Immediately remove the bowl from the heat and transfer it to the electic mixer.

4. Whip the egg-sugar mixture on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until it triples in volume and is very thick and light colored. Add the vanilla and whip 2 to 3 seconds longer to blend. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the flour-cocoa mixture.

5. Place about 11⁄2 cups of the batter in a separate bowl and fold in the melted butter. Do this gently, as you do not want to overwork the batter. Fold this into the remaining batter. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center of one cupcake comes out clean. Remove and cool completely on a rack.

7. While the cupcakes are cooling, combine the heavy cream with the confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of cocoa, beat into soft peaks, and set aside.

8. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and place them on dessert plates. Spoon the whipped cream on top, divide the raspberries among the plates and serve.

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Tips For Buying Jewelry This Valentine’s Day

V

alentine’s Day is rife with tradition. Couples may have their own unique traditions, but others, like Valentine’s Day date nights, are widely popular.

One Valentine’s Day tradition many couples embrace is the exchange of gifts. Shoppers might not need much advice when purchasing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or flowers for their sweethearts.

However, when shopping for jewelry, Valentine’s Day celebrants may feel as though they’re in over their heads. The following tips, courtesy of the Better Business Bureau®, can help shoppers as they navigate the potentially confusing process of buying jewelry.

Diamonds

The BBB notes that diamonds’ value is based on color, cut, clarity, and carat. Often referred to as the “4 Cs,” this criteria refers to the grade of the color (color), the way the diamond is finished (cut), how flawless the diamond is (clarity), and its weight (carat). When shopping for diamonds, the BBB advises asking jewelers if they have the most up-to-date testing equipment, which makes

it easier for them to distinguish between diamonds and lab-created gemstones. That’s important, as lab-created gemstones resemble diamonds and may not be detectable if jewelers are using testing equipment designed to identify cubic zirconia.

Colored gemstones

Colored gemstones are very popular, and the BBB notes that various new stone treatments have been developed to improve their appearance and durability. However, the BBB also notes that such treatments may adversely affect the value of the gem and necessitate special care in order to maintain the gem’s appearance. When shopping for colored gemstones, ask the jeweler if an item has been treated and if there’s any special maintenance required. Imitation or assembled stones may look like natural stones, so shoppers should ask if a stone is natural, synthetic or imitation before purchasing anything.

gold, but the BBB notes that gold is naturally soft and, as a result, is typically mixed with other metals to improve its hardness and durability.

The karat-quality marking indicates what proportion of gold is mixed with other metals. For example, the most common mark for gold jewelry is 18K of 750, which signifies an item is 75 percent gold. Lower-karat gold jewelry may include copper, silver, zinc, or other metals. Consumers should ask about these alloys and determine if the item’s ultimate

recipient is allergic to certain metals or if he or she has a high acid content in their bodies. People with high acid content in their bodies may have their jewelry turn black as a result.

Buying jewelry can be intimidating.

However, jewelry buyers can work with their jewelers to find a beautiful piece their sweethearts will be proud to wear this Valentine’s Day. More information on buying jewelry can be found at www.bbb.org.

Gold

When used alone, the word gold implies an item is all gold or 24 karat

Why Roses Are Such A Must Have On Valentine’s Day?

M

any things are symbolic of Valentine’s Day. In the 1800s, heart-shaped boxes of candy became wildly popular ways for sweethearts to express their affection for each other, and since then they have become one of many symbols of Valentine’s Day, but one such symbol traces its history back even further than that.

Roses are now as symbolic of Valentine’s Day as those heart-shaped boxes, and, in fact, have long maintained a connection with feelings of love. The Ancient Greeks and Romans, for example, wore rose garlands during wedding ceremonies.

The practice of giving Valentine’s Day flowers can be traced to King Charles II, who served as King of Sweden from 1809 as well as King of Norway from 1814 until his death in 1818.

During his travels, King Charles visited Persia, where he learned about the use of flowers to express certain emotions.

Red roses were used to express deep www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

EDITION TWO

love, and King Charles shared the language of flowers when he returned home to Europe. It soon became quite popular.

Europeans were learning about the symbolic power of flowers even before King Charles’ visit to Persia. In fact, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey, began sharing the practice of assigning meaning to objects via letters she wrote home to England in 1716. Lady Montagu noted how the locals had assigned meaning to various colors, flowers and plants in order to send secret love letters to one another. However, Lady Montagu was incorrect in her interpretation, as historians would later note. Despite her misinterpretations, Lady Montagu’s perception of the flower language would spread, and many people still associate certain flowers with certain emotions.

Never is that more apparent than on Valentine’s Day, when red roses remain a popular way for lovers to express their deep love for each other.

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Winter 2021

The new year is the perfect time to declutter and organize and your home! We are spending more time indoors and having a place for everything with everything in its place can bring a great sense of calm.

Declutter and purge unwanted items Getting rid of expired food in the pantry or that old pot you haven’t used in years creates space for those new gadgets or makes it easy to find the items you do need.

Throughout the year, you probably accumulate all sorts of things in your pantry. From expired cans and water bottles without the lids, to half-eaten bags of chips and old baking supplies; your storage space may need an overhaul. By removing the contents, throwing away expired items, and donating food you will not eat, you can start with a clean slate.

The Range Zone - streamline your cooking process & create convenient access to the tools you need for meal prep. Spices, flat items, storage containers and pots & pans are some of the more common pain points in The Range Zone. Storing spices flat and lids upright are a few examples of game changers easily achieved with custom pull-out shelving designed to solve your unique needs.

The Food Zone - the beginning of your meal prep begins with your food storage. Smart storage creates more access, more time, & less waste.

Rearranging The Food Zone can make meal time a snap. Storing like height items together in your pantry can save lots of space, pull-out shelving can make it all easily accessible.

Organize your storage around where you use the items

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Gumbo...A Hearty Seafood Stew For Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is a period of revelry that takes place on the Tuesday prior to the start of the Christian season of Lent. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is celebrated in various regions of the world, but perhaps nowhere are celebrations as festive as in New Orleans, where the FrenchCreole culture mingles with the parades, brass bands, tossed beads, and all around good fun and great food. There will be no Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in 2021 due to COVID.

This is a hearty seafood stew that can be the ideal choice for this celebrated day. Try this recipe for “Sunday Gumbo” from “Casseroles, Slow Cooker & Soups” (Taste of Home Books) from the editors of Reader’s Digest/ A Taste of Home.

Sunday Gumbo Yield: 16 servings

DIRECTIONS

1 p ound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1. In a Dutch oven, brown the sausage and chicken in oil. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. In the drippings, saute the red pepper, onion and celery until tender. Stir in the seasonings; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, rice and sausage mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.

1 p ound Italian sausage links, cut into 1⁄4-inch pieces

3 t ablespoons vegetable oil

1 m edium sweet red pepper, chopped 3 celery ribs, chopped

2. Stir in the tomatoes, shrimp and okra; cook for 10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally.

1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 cans (14.5 ounces each) chicken broth 2⁄3 cup uncooked brown rice

1 c an (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 p ound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 cups frozen sliced okra

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What Is Mardi Gras And Why Is It Celebrated?

M

ardi Gras dates back centuries to the ancient Roman custom of indulging before a period of fasting. Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” traces its origins to France, and these traditions were transfered throughout the world as France colonized different regions.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on Feb. 16 in 2021.

Parties and fanfare are just one of the ways Mardi Gras is usually used to commemorate the last day before the period of fasting and repentance known as Lent in the Christian calendar. While some people embrace the Mardi Gras carnival atmosphere, others participate in Shrove Tuesday, which is a more sedate celebration. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians once adhered to. This tradition includes the confession of sins. There will be no Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in 2021 due to COVID. Indulgence is part of both Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday traditions.

During Lent, certain foods, which historically included meat, fish, fats, eggs, and milk-based foods, are given up. On Mardi Gras and the period leading up to it, families would feast on all the foods they would give up during Lent. Pancakes were popular items during this time because they are made from eggs, fats and milk. Although many people no longer abstain from all of these foods, the custom

of filling up before giving foods up has remained.

Celebrations would last until midnight on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Christians then forgo festivities in exchange for solemn reflection and preparation for the joys of Easter.

New Orleans is by far the most popular location in North America in which to celebrate Mardi Gras.

However, according to the History Channel, New Orleans did not host the first North American Mardi Gras. French soldiers feasted and wore masks as part of Mardi Gras festivities in 1703 in the newly founded city of Mobile in presentday Alabama. Mardi Gras gained steam in New Orleans soon after the city’s founding in 1718.

Mardi Gras celebrations can be lavish and raucous. During such celebrations, copious amounts of food and drink are typically consumed, and krewes, which are organizations of revelers, host Mardi Gras balls and ride floats in the New Orleans parade. These krewes also toss beads to revelers.

The King Cake also is featured during Mardi Gras celebrations.

This cake, typically made with brioche dough, is only available during Mardi Gras season. The bread-like cake is braided, dusted with cinnamon and glazed with Mardi Gras colors. A small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake.

Whoever discovers it in his or her slice must buy the cake or host a party the following year. Mardi Gras is a celebration that immediately precedes the Christian season of Lent. Fanfare, food and friends are keys to the festivities.

Celebrating The Chinese New Year

E

ach year, millions of people across the globe celebrate a unique holiday that is rich in tradition, spectacle and pageantry.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated around the world, even by people who do not trace their heritage back to China.

Usually the Chinese New Year festival period lasts for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's eve to the Lantern Festival. In 2021, it is from February 12 to February 26th.

Fireworks are a large part of Chinese New Year festivals.

According to Chinese mythology, a monster named "Nian" would come about every New Year's Eve, forcing people to hide in their homes. A brave boy fought Nian off using fireworks, and the following day the public celebrated their survival by setting off even more pyrotechnics. Fireworks became a key component of celebrations from that point forward.

Some other traditions associated with the holiday include burning fake paper money and printed gold bars in honor of deceased ancestors. It is believed these offerings will bring fortune and good luck to ancestors in the afterlife. Other customs include cleaning homes thoroughly prior to the dawn of the new year,

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welcoming family for a big reunion and avoiding activities deemed to be taboo. Such activities may include hair cutting, using scissors and other sharp objects, arguing, saying unlucky words, or breaking things. Children receive money tucked inside of red envelopes to help transfer fortune from elders to younger generations. In addition to red envelopes, homes and decorations are adorned in red.

The red color was purported to be instrumental in scaring away Nian and bringing about luck.

Another component of Chinese New Year is the Chinese zodiac.

One animal represents the entire year, and there are 12 different animals. The animal a person is born under can help decide his or her career, health and relationship status. 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The years of the Ox in the Chinese Horoscope are: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021.

The Chinese believe your ben ming nian, or the year of your zodiac animal, is the unluckiest for you because it is a rebirth year and a time when children can easily be taken by evil spirts. Wearing red all year is a defense against this.

Chinese New Year is a spectacle that Chinese and non-Chinese alike can behold.

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Top Tips For Organized Tax Filing international holdings, this is a must-have tax season tool, as its functions include currency exchange. This model also has a built-in tax feature that lets you store a frequently-used rate and pull it up when needed, as well as a check function that allows you to scroll up to 150 steps of previous calculations.

2020 was a particularly stressful year -- but filing its taxes doesn’t need to be. With the following tips, you can stay organized and cool-headed throughout the process.

File Early

File early so you check this major to-do off your list and relax. The good news is that the sooner you file, the better. This is true no matter what your circumstances are. If you owe money, you’ll have that much more time to plan your payment. If you’re due for a refund, filing sooner means you’ll have your money sooner, money which can be used to pay bills, be invested or be added to a rainy day fund. To that end, take some time to glance at your overall financial picture so you can make a smart game plan for directing your refund usefully.

Check Your Work

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Your financials and personal data are especially vulnerable during tax season. Be sure to keep all the paperwork associated with your taxes organized securely.

As forms arrive by mail, file them neatly in one place that’s locked and secure. Sensitive information can easily be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. If you’re storing information electronically, be sure to use strong passwords and work only on a secure network.

By giving yourself the right tools and plenty of time, you can better ensure timely, accurate tax preparation. (StatePoint)

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Factors To Consider Simple Ways To Save To Maintain Winter Safety On Heating Costs

A

s temperatures drop for much of the country, and depending on where one lives, snow, wind and ice are to be expected.

As beautiful as snow-covered landscapes can be, winter presents unique hazards, notably slippery roads and surfaces. Chilly temperatures also can put people at risk if they spend prolonged periods outdoors unprotected.

According to the insurance company Carsurance, more than 156,000 crashes occur annually due to icy roads. Roughly 17 percent of all vehicle crashes happen in winter conditions. Winter hazards are not exclusive to driving, however. That means winter safety involves a consideration of a host of factors.

Changing visibility

While slippery surfaces may contribute to some accidents, visibility can quickly change with winter weather. Blowing snow can contribute to whiteout conditions.

In addition, fog can be hazardous to drivers, aviators and mariners and contributes to thousands of travel accidents every year, advises the National Weather Service. It’s important to slow down, leave plenty of distance, use your low-beam headlights, and recognize when it may be safest to pull over, such as when visibility is significantly compromised.

Snow removal

gas that can go undetected as it builds up in enclosed spaces.

Never warm up the car inside of a contained garage. Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors, and have furnaces, water heaters and other fuelburning appliances checked and serviced by a qualified technician annually. Be sure that carbon monoxide alarms are on every floor of the home, and take it seriously if the alarm goes off.

Black ice

Black ice is a common winter foe.

Black ice forms when temperatures rise above freezing during the day, melting any snow on the ground and causing surfaces to become wet. If the temperature drops once more while the ground is wet, a thin, transparent sheet of ice can form.

Black ice also may occur if moisture in the air condenses and forms dew or fog, and then the temperature drops below freezing, says the National Weather Service. Black ice gets its name because it looks black on asphalt roads. However, it also can form on sidewalks and overpasses, or spots shaded by trees or other objects. Slowing down and exercising extreme caution are essential.

Winter is a beautiful season, but it can be just as hazardous as it is awe-inspiring. Taking steps to stay safe in unpredictable conditions is a necessity each winter.

Shoveling snow or using a snowblower are common wintertime activities. Yet strenuous levels of activity in cold temperatures could put people at risk of heart attack, particularly if they are not acclimated to physical activity. Always warm up prior to shoveling snow to prepare the body for exercise. Go slowly and take frequent breaks. Avoid twisting and tossing snow over your shoulder, which can contribute to back injuries.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Winter weather means turning up the heat or doing more indoor cooking. Carbon monoxide is produced through the burning of fuel in various forms, including stoves, engines, gas ranges, portable generators, and grills. The National Safety Council says carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

C

omfort takes center stage each winter. As people look to stay warm, many may be quick to turn up the thermostat so their entire home is toasty warm, but much like cranking air conditioners during the dog days of summer, turning up the thermostat each time the winter winds begin blowing can prove costly for homeowners.

According to estimates from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, homeowners spent an average of $911 on home heating costs in the winter of 201920. The winter of 2020-21 could prove even more expensive, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force much of the world to practice social distancing. That means many professionals are still working from home full-time, while even those who aren’t are no doubt spending more of their free time at home. All those hours spent at home figure to increase reliance on heaters this winter, which means heating bills are likely to go up as the temperatures go down.

Finding ways to save on heating costs will no doubt prove a priority for many homeowners this winter, and the following are some ways to do just that.

Add insulation

Extra insulation throughout the house can dramatically reduce home heating (and cooling) costs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces and basement rim joists can help homeowners save as much as EDITION TWO

15 percent on heating costs.

Lower the temperature on your water heater

Another way to trim your energy bill this winter is to lower the temperature on your water heater.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that, for every 10 F reduction in temperature on their water heaters, homeowners can save between 3 and 5 percent on their water heating costs.

Close the flue on your fireplace

Fireplaces can keep a home’s inhabitants warm in winter, but only when they’re in use. When they’re not being used, fireplaces can allow heat to escape a home. When the fireplace is not being used, close the flue to prevent heat from escaping the house. Keeping all windows and doors closed throughout the day is another way to prevent unnecessary heat loss.

Have your HVAC system serviced before winter begins Inefficient HVAC systems cost homeowners considerable amounts of money each year.

Annual maintenance performed by a certified HVAC professional can ensure filters are clean and operating at peak efficiency, saving homeowners the costly trouble of having to turn up the thermostat to overcome dirty systems.

Home heating costs figure to increase this winter as people spend more time at home. Various simple strategies can help homeowners stay warm without overpaying to heat their homes in winter.

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SEASONS® MAGAZINE

The Meaning Behind Popular

St. Patrick’s Day Symbols S

Celtic cross

aint Patrick is commemorated each March 17 as a man who championed Christianity over paganism in Ireland.

St. Patrick was so influential in Ireland that he was proclaimed a saint by popular appeal (as there was no official process for canonization in place until the 12th century). He would later become the patron saint of Ireland.

Many historians surmise that St. Patrick was so successful in converting the Irish to Christianity because he did not attempt to have them abolish all of their old beliefs.

Rather, he modified traditions and symbols to fit his teachings. One example of this is the Celtic cross, which blends the formerly pagan traditions of honoring nature and sun worship with Christianity. The Celtic cross marries the traditional image of the Christian cross on which Christ was placed, with a sun at the core. It exemplifies a Lord who has dominion over all creation, but serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to enjoy all that God has created.

St. Patrick lived a storied and influential life.

He is perhaps most notable for using many different items as symbols for explaining the mysteries of the Christian faith. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that is quite rich in traditional symbolism. Even though many of these symbols are familiar and even celebrated, people may not know the full meaning behind their usage.

that prohibit snake migration, according to National Geographic. Driving snakes from Ireland was likely metaphorical in that the serpent was seen as an evil entity in Christian scripture. St. Patrick drove pagan beliefs out of Ireland and ushered in new ways of thinking.

Shamrock

The shamrock is one of the most recognizable symbols utilized by St. Patrick.

This three-leaf clover is native to Ireland and a plant with which the Irish long have been familiar. St. Patrick demonstrated the meaning of the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — by showing the public that the shamrock is one leaf with three parts, just as Christians believe God is one entity with three persons.

Green

The wearing of green, as well as inclusion of a band of green in the Irish flag, is reminiscent of the verdant nature of Ireland itself. Blue was initially the color associated with St. Patrick and later his namesake holiday. In the 19th century, this was slowly changed to green, a transition that was likely inspired by nature and shamrocks.

Green is now the color most associated with Ireland, and there is the tradition of pinching people who forget to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Snakes

There is a legend that St. Patrick was responsible for banishing snakes from Ireland. However, there are no snakes in Ireland, nor have there ever been, as Ireland is an island surrounded by cold waters www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

These are just a few of the many items and images that are symbolic of St. Patrick’s Day. EDITION TWO

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What You Can Do To Help Local Wildlife

A

s the world’s population has increased, so, too, has the need to accommodate such growth. Areas that were wild as recently as 100 years ago may have long since been overrun by housing and urban development, leaving little space for local wildlife to call home.

According to the World Wildlife Federation’s “Living Planet Report 2018,” populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians declined by 60 percent in the roughly 40 years prior to the report’s release.

The WWF notes that the primary threats to wildlife populations, which include habitat loss and degradation, can be directly linked to human activities.

If human activities contributed to the decline of wildlife populations, then there’s hope that human activities also can spur the return of such populations. The Animal Welfare Institute notes that the following are some things that ordinary citizens can do to help local wildlife.

• Exercise your right to engage in the political process. Voting may be the simplest way to engage in the democratic process, but it’s by no means the only way people can make their voices heard. Write to local and national government officials and encourage them to

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SEASONS® MAGAZINE

support and/or introduce policies that protect wildlife.

• Plant native species. Native species of flowers, trees and bushes provide food and shelter to local wildlife.

When designing landscapes and gardens, speak with a local lawn and garden professional about which species are native to your area and do your best to plant those species.

Gardeners may be frustrated when local wildlife eat plants or flowers they worked hard to plant, but the right species may even grow back during the same season after being eaten by local wildlife.

• Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard. A pristine lawn can be eyecatching, but lawns do not provide significant food and shelter to local wildlife. Garden beds, native plants and flowers provide both aesthetic appeal and food for local wildlife.

• Insect-eating birds can survive an entire winter by consuming insects that spend their winters on dead plant stems. Homeowners can speak with a local lawn and garden center to determine wildlife-friendly ways to approach fall cleanup in their yards.

• Volunteer with local environmental organizations. Local environmental organizations are always in need of some helping hands, and these groups do tremendous work to protect and restore local ecosystems. Organizations may sponsor a host of programs that can benefit local wildlife, such as beach cleanups, invasive plant removal projects and native plant planting days.

Taking steps to protect local wildlife can be a great way to restore local ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Identify Winter Birds In Backyards

B

irds flittering around the neighborhood are a common sight during spring and summer, and these welcome guests can be enjoyable to observe as they nest, feed and interact.

When the weather cools in fall and winter, many birds seek out warmer climates, but a good number of these feathered friends stick around.

Certain birds can be found all winter long across regions of North America. The Great American Bird Count is a program that is run by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Its purpose is to seek the help of volunteer birdwatchers across North America to observe and count all the birds seen in a 15-minute interval during a four-day data collection period.

This program helps identify birds that are most commonly seen in cold temperatures and study the composition and distribution of the winter bird populations across North America. Birds seen during this time may change from year to year, though certain species are more likely to be around in the winter months.

• Northern cardinals: One of the more iconic winter birds, the bright red cardinals are around much of the year but perhaps most noticeable against the snowy, stark landscape of a winter’s day.

Cardinals use their bright, powerful bills to crack open seeds and cut through sugary fruits to help them survive the winter.

• Tree sparrows: Tree sparrows are large-bodied and long-tailed sparrows with gray and reddishbrown streaking along the edges of their feathers. They also wear a bright chestnut colored cap.

Despite their name, tree sparrows spend much of their time on the ground feeding. The bird count has unveiled a greater number of tree swallows in recent years. These birds are insectivorous, so milder winters may be contributing to their increased presence.

• Tufted titmice: Tufted titmice resemble cardinals in body and head shape, albeit on a smaller scale, but they are pale gray in coloring. These are bold birds who defend territory with scolding calls.

• Blue jays: These common, vibrant birds are well known to many www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

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people. They are large-crested songbirds with broad, round tails.

They have white or light gray feathering on the underside of their bodies with various shades of blue, black and white on the top.

A favorite food is acorns, and these birds are often found on forest edges. Their calls are loud and carry long distances.

• Mourning doves: Many people hear mourning doves before they actually see them, as their soft cooing often comes from roof rafters and tree branches. These birds have plump bodies and long, tapered necks, with a head that looks particularly small in comparison. They tend to be brown to buff color. When the birds take off for flight, their wings make sharp whistling or whinnying sounds.

• American goldfinches: These birds are sometimes called the “wild canary” of the Americas.

They have distinctive yellow plumage that fades in winter to a palette of buff, brown and gray.

They’re small seed-eating birds that often travel in flocks.

Birds may need a little help surviving in the winter. Keep fresh, unfrozen water around and supplement food scavenged with peanut butter, suet and nuts.

Brush piles, roost boxes or birdhouses can provide needed shelter.

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Winter 2021

Paws of War is serving our Long Island heros: our veterans & first responders

127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesonset 631.406.6595 • pawsofwar.org

HELPING BOTH ENDS OF THE LEASH Paws of War News Paws of War has been happy with his new companion dog he named Bella. busy serving Long Bella is one of our newest rescued pups from down south. The two are Island veterans, getting along great together and are certain to be lifelong buddies. first responders and Rob and Jenna are another pair animals in need. of to true heroes working on Covid has hit our the front lines of the Covid-19 veterans and first pandemic. They have been r e s p o n d e r s working day and night and are especially hard, both so thankful to receive this pup as financially and their companion! They named mentally. We have, her Raven and she brings with heightened safety so much joy to their home. precautions, been able to continue our service dog training program running and going door Warren Woodall, a really to door for our local deserving Navy veteran, was heroes, providing much needed supplies for both the hero and their pets. presented with Joy, literally and figuratively. Joy is a Jack We were so lucky to be able to receive several Lab mix pups from a rescue down Russell mix full of energy and south. These pups are so adorable and ready to love and be loved! They will make love and so happy to have found great companion animals and maybe, with training at Paws of War, become her forever home. She will be service dogs. They are available at no cost to veterans and first responders. If Warren’s companion animal. you would like to adopt one please visit our website and fill out an application. www.pawsofwar.org

SOME LUCKY HOMETOWN HEROES WHO HAVE RECENTLY ADOPTED PUPS FROM PAWS OF WAR: Greg who has lived a life of service, from the Marine Corps to law enforcement, is so

Rescued dogs are still up for adoption to be companion animals for veterans and first responders!

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Beretta, another one of our rescued pups from down south, has found her forever home with Walter. Walter is a volunteer fire fighter on Long Island, as well as an NYPD officer. He and his family have been long time supporters of Paws of War and serving their community.

AS WE RELY SOLELY ON THE GENOROSITY OF OUR DONORS, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION OF ANY KIND AT WWW.PAWSOFWAR.ORG. www.longislandmediagroup.com/seasons-magazine

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