Spring Seaons 2023 Edition Four

Spring is here! The birds are chirping, it's getting warmer and everyone has that spring in their step! This season always brings about a refreshing feeling, prompting us to spend more time outside, declutter and clean.

There is so much to see and do right around us. Don't miss our two-page spread, which spotlights various spring events you won't want to miss!

We hope you enjoy this publication and we can't wait to bring you our next magazine this May, themed for Dining & Entertainment on Long Island!

Stay safe and enjoy the season!

- The Staff at Long Island Media Group

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to utilize such in this publication.

Fun And Educational Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

EarthDay is an annual holiday that has been celebrated since 1970. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, much of the globe now celebrates Earth Day, which this year takes place on Saturday, April 22. Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are some unique, fun, and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.

• Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That’s not only fun but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A car-free Earth Day

can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.

• Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.

• Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide

equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.

• Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering, or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands.

Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

For 65 years we have been changing the lives of our guests through experiential satisfaction, wholesome homegrown activities, and family-focused traditions. One of our greatest strengths lies in the ability to help guests foster a healthier holistic mindset. We’ve seen it, day after day, as guests check in and then check out, their demeanor is uplifted, their spirits brighter, and their hugs with their kids are a little bit tighter.

“What I discovered at Woodloch is what I want for my own family, and why we keep coming back, it’s that magic of together.”

- Meaghan MurphyAuthor, Editor, Woodloch Ambassador

Spring Activities For Families To Enjoy Together

Springis one of the most popular seasons of the year. After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold. Moderate temperatures make it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, particularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring renewal.

Visit Botanic Gardens

If there’s a botanical garden nearby, a visit in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. That’s because an abundance of flowers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can meander through rows of rose bushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, flowering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring.

Prepare A Home Garden

Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flowers and plants attract

butterflies and other beneficial insects. Many garden centers sell butterfly and hummingbird mixes to attract wildlife.

Go Animal Watching

Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals

are not only adorable, but they can also be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge

to help a baby animal who seems like it was abandoned. The parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing attention to the young to deter predators.

Get Out On The Water

A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.

Make Wind Chimes

Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.

Spring Even You Won’t Want To Miss

LONG ISLAND TULIP FESTIVAL • APRIL 15-30

Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden • 663 Wading River Road, Manorville

Enjoy views of beautiful tulips, play a round of mini golf and visit barnyard animals! Don’t forget to bring your camera for unforgettable photos. Live music and food trucks for all to enjoy on the weekend.

SPRING APPRECIATION DAY IN STONY BROOK • APRIL 16

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization • 97 Main Street, Stony Brook

Celebrate all things spring with this day-long festival in the village center! Enjoy live music, scavenger hunts, the Mustang and Shelby Club of LI car show, grist mill tours, a petting zoo and more!

CHILDREN’S TEA FOR TWO • APRIL 22

Old Westbury Gardens • 71 Westbury Road, Old Westbury

Head to this one of a kind event, where you will enjoy a tasty menu and tea, along with a guided springtime gardens walk. A basic lesson on manners and tea etiquette will be given! Children 12 and under.

KITE FESTIVAL • APRIL 29

Cedar Beach • 100 Ocean Parkway, Babylon

Bring or buy your kite and you can join in on the ying! e whole family can watch a professional kite ying show, food vendors, live music and so much more.

SPRING FESTIVAL • APRIL 29

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium • 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor is spring festival will feature environmental exhibits, games, refreshments, shing and more! All ages are welcome to come enjoy.

BUILD YOUR BEAR BREAKFAST • APRIL 30

The Mansion at Glen Cove • 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove

An event your child will not forget! e Mansion at Glen Cove is hosting Build Your Bear Breakfast. Choose a seating time, enjoy a delicious breakfast and then let your child build their own stu ed animal!

LONG ISLAND FAIRY FESTIVAL • MAY 6

Sands Point Preserve • 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

Head to Sands Point and enjoy this all things fairy event, which will include a fairy house walk, food trucks, face painting, art, storytelling, bubbles and more!

BABY ANIMAL DAY • MAY 13

Su olk County Farm & Educational Center • 350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank

See the Su olk County Farm’s horses, chickens, peacock, llama and more. e whole family can enjoy wagon rides, food trucks and even feeding animals!

MOTHER’S DAY FESTIVAL • MAY 13-14

Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard • 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck

Head out east with the kids for some live entertainment, pig races, pedal cars, swings and slides, bounce pillows and more. Moms can enjoy FREE admission to the Harbes Barnyard Adventure!

FOOD TRUCK FEST • MAY 26-28

Tanger Outlets of Deer Park • 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park

Come enjoy a eet of mobile eateries in Parking Lot 1! ere will also be face painters and a DJ. Enjoy the shops and have some fun!

EAST END ARTS MOSAIC STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL • MAY 28

Downtown Riverhead • Main Street, Riverhead

Families and friends are invited to this creative event! Join others who share a passion for the arts and enjoy street painting, cra and artisan vendors, drumming, live music, children’s activities and so much more.

MATTITUCK LIONS CLUB STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL • JUNE 15-19

Stawberry Fields • 1175 County Road 48, Mattituck

Eat some strawberry shortcake, enjoy live music, taste an array of food, shop countless vendors and more! Fun for the entire family.

Brought To You By:

THE ARGYLE THEATRE

Long Island’s Largest Year-Round Professional Equity eatre! 34 West Main Street, Babylon • 844-631-5483

How To Prepare Soil For Spring Planting

Springis a season of rejuvenation and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors.

Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that’s necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring.

• Clean up the previous months’ mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings, and other debris can contribute to compacted soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine.

• Loosen the soil. Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you’ll be planting,

you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade, spading fork, and/or a lawn edger. If you’re planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year’s planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/ or weeder. It’s important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed.

• Test and, if necessary, amend the soil. A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is an important step as soil that is too acidic or alkaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive.

In addition to conducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service to test their soil quality. These tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other components. Once the test is conducted, the local Coop Extension Service may recommend amendments to improve the nutritional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive.

Soil conditions go a long way toward determining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil prior to planting can ensure a successful season.

Reducing Fuel Costs Vehicle

maintenance is often viewed through the lens of keeping cars safe and running smoothly. That impression is accurate, but in addition to potentially saving lives, vehicle maintenance can save drivers money. The summer of 2022 was marked by rapid inflation that affected prices of just about everything, including fuel, which rose to such heights that many drivers sought any way to save money at the pump. Vehicle maintenance is one simple way to reduce fuel costs, sometimes by a significant margin. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that fixing a faulty oxygen sensor could improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Smaller measures also can save drivers money at the pump, as the U.S. DOE estimates that keeping tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 3 percent while using the motor oil recommended in a vehicle owner's manual can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

Spring Ahead With Fresh Flavors

Warmweather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh meal-making. Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights for lighter fare. Recipes like “Pasta Primavera” from “Seasoned America” (William Morrow and Company, Inc.) by Chef Paul Prudhomme can be brought out in spring and enjoyed throughout the warmer seasons. In Italian, “primavera” means “spring,” making this classic, vegetable-infused pasta dish a favorite this time of year. The vegetable inclusions below can be switched out for your own favorite produce as well.

Pasta Primavera

Makes about 8 cups

Seasoning Mix:

2 1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves

1 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

3⁄4 teaspoon white pepper

1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoon olive oil

1 cup thin strips prosciutto

2 cups cauliflower florets

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1⁄2 cup sliced carrots (cut on the diagonal)

2 cups sliced zucchini

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1 cup asparagus tips or 3⁄4 cups snow peas

1 cup chopped green onions

2 cups heavy cream

9 ounces of your favorite pasta

Directions:

Combine the seasoning mix ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. When oil is very hot, add the prosciutto, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. Add the butter and, as it melts, stir in the garlic and the seasoning mix. Stir in asparagus tips or snow peas and green onions. Stir well and cook just until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes.

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss well and remove from the heat. Serve immediately.

The Link Between Carbon Dioxide And Climate Change

Carbon

dioxide and the climate are inextricably linked, and the relationship between CO2 and climate change is one of causation. According to NASA, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere warms the planet, and that warming is causing climate change. Human activities, particularly those of the last two centuries, have done much to contribute to rising global temperatures. NASA reports that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 50 percent over the last 200 years, a sharp increase that scientists credit to human activities. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Association notes that burning fossil fuels, releasing chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of forest cover, and the rapid expansion of farming, development, and industrial activities are the human activities responsible for the rapid rise in CO2 emissions over the last two centuries. Supporting efforts to curb those activities and urging legislators to do the same are two ways individuals can help to reverse this alarming, harmful trend.

Integrating Nature Into Your Interior Design

Thisspring home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design. “Biophilic design – the concept of integrating nature into interior design – is not only gorgeous, it fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” says Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist at ProVia. “There are many ways to reap these wellness benefits while adding vitality to your living spaces.” To connect to the natural world within your home, consider these ideas:

Foster Tranquility

Taking a stroll through the forest can summon feelings of tranquility. Capture this inner peace at home from the moment you step inside with a fiberglass woodgrain entry door. Those from ProVia provide authentic-looking woodgrain textures, such as oak, cherry, mahogany, knotty alder and fir, and can accommodate various door glass enhancements. Engineered for energy efficiency, they’re also a sustainable choice, helping you protect the natural world as you embrace its splendor. Other design choices, such as exposed rustic ceiling timbers, rich hardwood furniture, warm hardwood floors and vinyl woodgrain windows can help you carry the forest motif throughout the home, while imbuing interiors with richness and warmth.

Let Light In

“If you’re lacking natural light, it’s time to open those blinds and drapes and let the sunlight stream through your windows. It may also be time to consider a few enhancements that will help you enjoy more sunshine and observe your natural surroundings, even when you can’t be outdoors,” says Kline. For kitchens and breakfast nooks, bathrooms and dens, consider vinyl garden windows, which invite more light into your space and include shelves ideal for housing indoor plants, such as fragrant herbs. Their three-dimensional design helps give rooms an airy, spacious feel. Family rooms and bedrooms are great locations for vinyl picture windows, which let in large amounts of light while providing unobstructed views of outdoor scenery. Need inspiration? Visit ProVia’s Window Photo Gallery at www.provia.com/ windows.

To brighten your foyer, add an entry door with glass. Energy efficient sliding glass patio doors also let in sunlight, and give you the option to invite fresh air into your home or enjoy the melodies of singing birds on nice days. Skylights can flood small or closed-off spaces such as walk-in closets or bathrooms with light and give you views of blue skies.

Let It Grow

To give your home a welcoming, fresh feel, add various houseplants and indulge in freshcut flowers. A windowsill with small plants of varying shades of green can add texture, while larger potted plants near doorways help guests feel welcome. Fill dark, underutilized spaces with taller plants and place bright, lightly-scented garden flowers in such spots as the kitchen island and coffee tables. Use earthen or wood-carved vases for additional warmth.

Create Drama

From the warm brown tones of a picturesque southwestern mesa to the cool, earthy feel of quarried rock, manufactured stone veneer

adds rugged texture, intriguing patterns and shapes, and a variety of hues straight from Earth’s natural color palette.

Whether you’re creating a focal point in a bedroom with an accent wall, adding character to your kitchen with a stone veneer backsplash, surrounding a tub with stone veneer for a spa-like bathroom, or highlighting your fireplace, different stone profiles and grout colors can help you customize the look. Experiment with combinations using ProVia’s visualizer tool found at provia.com/stone/ grout-visualizer.

“Incorporating biophilic elements into your interior design can transform your home into a warm respite from your busy life,” says Kline. (StatePoint)