Spring Seasons 2024 - Edition Five

FEATURING

WANDA SYKES

DISNEY’S ENCANTO

CAROLINE CAMPBELL

JOHN PIZZARELLI

JACKIE EVANCHO

MALEVO

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY & MORE!

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WANDA SYKES

MALEVO

JOHN PIZZARELLI

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

JACKIE EVANCHO

Spring is here! This season is one that often brings upon feelings of hope and new beginings. Whether you're looking to jump into spring cleaning or head out for a day of fun, we have you covered with informative editorial throughout. Plus, don't miss our reader conest, which gives you a chance to win tickets to the Long Island Aquarium! Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

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Maintaining A Lawn

Routinely Roamed By Pets

Vibrant,

green lawns can draw attention to any landscape. Many homeowners toil for hours each week to ensure their lawns are pristine or invest in lawn care services to help maintain a yard if they do not have the time to do so themselves. While many treatments can be applied to lawns to help them thrive, animal waste is not among them. Pet owners who aspire to have beautiful lawns have to take a few extra steps to ensure lawns can persevere despite the presence of furry companions.

Reseed with a damage-resistant grass

There are many different types of grass, and some are more resilient than others. Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and Bermuda grass are just some of the grass varieties that can capably handle pet traffic. If replacing the entire lawn is not possible, consider reseeding or addressing the areas that pets frequent.

Strengthen the root system

It may be tempting to cut the lawn short, particularly if dogs or cats like to nibble on long blades of grass, but that approach could be doing the lawn a disservice. According to The Home Depot, letting the lawn grow to at least three inches will keep moisture in the soil and prevent evaporation. That moisture will

strengthen the roots, creating a healthier lawn.

Create pet paths

Various materials can be used in these high-traffic areas to minimize the sights and signs of pet traffic. Mulch or crushed stone can establish these pet highways and look like intended features.

Set boundaries

Pet urine contains high levels of nitrogen, which can burn grass and turn it brown. It’s not possible to water down urine or pick up solid waste immediately every time a pet goes outdoors, so designate a pet-friendly spot for potty time. Use fencing or a dog run to separate this area and help mitigate “land mines” all over the lawn. Fencing also can keep pets out of vegetable gardens and away from potentially toxic plants.

Avoid chemical lawn treatments

When pets use the yard and rest on the lawn, you’ll need to eliminate products that can be harmful to them. Choose allnatural fertilizers and weed and pest preventatives.

Look for alternatives

If maintaining a lawn with pets seems like an uphill battle, consider swapping out your landscape with a variety of materials. Scale back on grass, and incorporate groundcover, hardscape materials like pea gravel, or extend the patio. Artificial turf also is an option, as it won’t brown and wither. Some turf products can even be quickly and thoroughly cleaned with water.

It takes trial and error for pet parents to protect their lawns from the effects of having furry friends playing in the yard.

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Neighborhood News: Meet Smithtown Animal Shelter’s Betty Boop!

Break out the tissue box because the Smithtown Animal Shelter is determined to change Betty Boop’s fate. This couch hippo (approximately twelve year-young Female pibble mix) has spent five years at the animal shelter is looking for her forever home. If you give her a treat and a belly rub, she’ll be your friend for life.

Betty suffers from significant arthritis in her hips and knees and will need a home that can manage daily medications. She also would be best suited as the only pet in a mellow adult-only home. If you are interested in meeting this cutie, please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes the shelter's Meet and Greet Room, dog runs, and a dog walk trail.

Additional Foster Opportunity:

If you have no other pets or young children at home and are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider signing up to be a foster. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for extended periods of time. The shelter provides: food, litter, litter box, large crate, bedding, all veterinary care and medicine for foster animals, foster training and plenty of continuing support to foster parent volunteers. Download the Foster Application at: https://www.smithtownny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/4325/Foster-Application

Thinking About Adoption:

The Smithtown Animal Shelter’s primary concern is finding the

perfect home for each animal that finds his/her way to them. The Animal Control Officers and Kennel Attendants at the Smithtown Animal Shelter will go out of their way to ensure both the rescued and rescuer are made for one another.

Residents who have other pets can arrange to bring their fourlegged family member to the shelter or set up an at home meet & greet to see how their prospective family member does with other family, pets and the household itself. Please allow an hour minimum to meet with the potential new family member.

Hours at the Smithtown Animal Shelter are currently MondaySaturday 10AM - 3PM. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings: by appointment only). While they are open to the public, they ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment. To inquire about the Pet of the Week or to meet your potential soulmate, please call the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575.

Spring Cleaning Tips And Tricks

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up. Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

• Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

• Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

• Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

• Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next.

• Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

• Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

• Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture. Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home.

Neighborhood News: Long Island Coalition For The Homeless

Seeks Volunteers

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to end homelessness on Long Island and improve the lives of Long Islanders that are homeless or facing homelessness. LICH hosts volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, and they are actively encouraging community members to join them.

The Veterans Community Garden is a sustainable, chemical-free garden for volunteers, Veterans, and their families run by LICH. The Garden Club began on April 10th and meets on Wednesdays from 4-7pm throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The Garden Club does basic gardening, such as weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting, and is instructed by our Garden Consultant, Helene.

LICH’s Boutique and Pantry meet year-round on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am-3pm. The Boutique and Pantry distributes clothing, housewares, nonperishable food, and toiletries to Long Islanders in need. Volunteers help unload donations, organize, and stock items, and assist “shoppers” during their appointments, and are instructed by their Boutique Manager, Judy.

And for folks who can volunteer on weekends, LICH hosts Volunteer Days on the first Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm in our Boutique and Garden. LICH is also seeking volunteers who can organize drives for our Boutique and Pantry, which can be done on the

weekends. Their most needed items year-round are nonperishable food, large and travel-sized toiletries, and new packaged underwear.

To volunteer with LICH, please e-mail Bailey Riekkinen at briekkinen@addressthehomeless.org with the activity and date you would like to join. Registration is required for all volunteer events. LICH welcomes volunteers of all ages, and volunteers 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. For general questions, please call 631-464-4314 ext. 125.

Spring Happenings

By Natalie Raccuglia

As the cold weather comes to an end and the sun slips through April’s showers, you might be wondering how you can fill your weekends with fun-filled activities. From family fun at the farm, to a commemorative celebration in honor of spring, rest assured– we got you covered!

Tulip Festival: Now-May 10th

Weekdays 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Weekends 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Waterdrinker Farm

663 Wading River Road, Manorville, NY 11949 www.water-drinker.com

Experience the beauty of spring with nearly 500,000 tulips and other blooming bulbs at Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. Celebrate the tulip at the farm’s annual Tulip Festival, with photo-ops that pay homage to the flower’s Dutch roots, including oversized wooden shoes, a windmill, and more. The Manorville location also offers lawn games, an obstacle course, cornhole, and various farm animals. Leashed dogs are welcome. Purchase weekday tickets online, while weekend tickets are only available for purchase at the gate only. The Tulip Festival will also be held at their Waterdrinker North Fork location at 4560 Sound Ave., Riverhead.

Spring Appreciation Day: April 20th

12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization

97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY 11790

www.stonybrookvillage.com

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and Stony Brook Village for a lively celebration of spring at the village center. This day-long festival offers a variety of activities for the whole family, including live music, games, and a petting zoo. The Steppin’ Out Petting Zoo are set up in front of D.K. Brothers, allowing children to interact with a variety of animals from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Car enthusiasts can enjoy the Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island car show from 11am to 3pm in the parking lot behind the Post Office. Live music by Brenda and Burke will entertain the crowd with original and cover songs in

R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic genres at the Stony Brook Post Office from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Additionally the Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corp will be hosting a scavenger hunt for a chance to win (2) Discovery Wetlands cruise tickets. Don’t miss the opening of the Stony Brook Grist Mill for the season. In case of rain, the event will be held on April 21st.

Spring Farm Festival: April 20th

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Smithtown Historical Society

239 E. Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787

www.smithtownhistorical.org

Prepare for a delightful day of farm-fresh entertainment. Experience the charm of spring on the farm with adorable animals, playful sheep, and mesmerizing spinners. Join the Smithtown Historical Society for a day filled with joy, laughter, and the lively essence of the season. This special festival offers something for everyone, including kids’ crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, traditional craft demonstrations, a historic farmhouse tour, food and craft vendors, face painting, and more. Leashed dogs are welcome to join in the fun. General admission is $7, and tickets can be purchased online or at the information booth on the day of the event. Rain date is April 21st.

Sakura Matsuri - Cherry Blossom Festival: April 21st

12:00 p.m.

Charles B. Wang Center

100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790

www.thewangcenter.org

Celebrate the arrival of spring on Long Island with the blooming of Sakura (cherry blossoms) and a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture at the Wang Center. Immerse yourself in a day of enchanting activities including Koto performances, traditional Japanese dances, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai workshops, calligraphy sessions, ikebana flower arranging, tea workshops, manga drawing, origami, kimono dress-ups, and cosplay for all ages. Feel free to come dressed as your favorite manga character. Tickets can be purchased online for $30 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors, and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under enter for free. Admission includes access to all film viewings, workshops, and theatre presentations.

Arbor Day Family Festival: April 27th - April 28th 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

www.plantingfields.org

Visit the Planting Fields Arboretum for a day filled with family-friendly activities celebrating the significance of trees and fostering environmental conservation. Enjoy thrilling tree climbing adventures, engaging children’s activities, and live music, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Hosted by the Planting Fields Foundation and New York State Parks, this one-day celebration guarantees a fun-filled day for the whole family. Please be aware that tree climbing activities are subject to weather conditions. For more information, contact Lara Solomon, Programs and Events Coordinator, at lsolomon@plantingfields.org or 516-922-8686.

Neighborhood

News: Town Of Smithtown

Maintains Coveted AAA Bond Rating For 2024

The Town of Smithtown will maintain its AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service for the fiscal year. The annual report cited Smithtown’s investment in major infrastructure and downtown revitalization, as a focus of the Town’s fiscal strength said to likely increase housing values in the surrounding areas. Highlights from Moody’s Credit Opinion focus on the administration's steady management, a strong local economy, stable reserves and liquidity. Additionally, the AAA bond rating validates the success of major capital investments orchestrated by Smithtown’s administration, while maintaining a structurally balanced operating budget and healthy reserves.

“This report is a testament to our resilient economy, despite the National trend and it underscores Smithtown's exemplary financial health, positioning the town as a beacon of fiscal responsibility within the region. Additionally, the report validates our decisions to invest in critical infrastructure; which is essential to protecting our waterways and ecosystem, along with our plan to revitalize the downtowns as driving forces in maintaining our financial strength. This doesn’t happen without an incredible team. I would especially like to commend Paul

Rubano and his talented team in the Comptroller’s Office for the exceptional job they do year round to keep our financial status strong and stable. As Smithtown embarks on its next chapter of growth, it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship and accountability.” - Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim

The Town of Smithtown administration has made a point of identifying major capital improvements over the past five years, geared towards boosting the local economy, providing a return on investment (ROI) to the taxpayer. Initiatives such as upgrading the parks system, renovating popular properties such as Landing Golf and Country Club, Hoyt Farm and Flynn Memorial Ballpark have promoted economic activity in the surrounding small business areas, while making Smithtown an attractive place to live, work and play. The revitalization of the business districts has been a primary focus of investment, with completed projects such as the Lake Avenue Business District Revitalization, three off-street parking lots in the downtown areas, a new entryway to the Long Island Innovation Park, and the sewer installation and revitalization of the Kings Park business district. Additionally, the Town has made substantial investments in protecting our environment and waterways, with the acquisition of land at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, major drainage and culvert rehabilitation, the street tree program and clean energy initiatives. Each undertaking has benefited the community, which is reflected in the Town's increased property assessments, and a growing tax base.

According to Moody’s Credit Opinion, the Town of Smithtown’s strengths include a strong economy, solid and consistent operating results, and a low debt burden.

The town benefits from a strong economic base, stable reserves, strong management and a long-term liability that is above-average but manageable. The economic base, while largely built out, will see some growth in the near-term driven by downtown revitalization projects. The downtowns in the Hamlet's of Kings Park, Smithtown and St. James are ripe for expansion given that septic tanks are replaced by sewer lines. This is already underway in Kings Park and there are plans for Smithtown and St. James. The revitalization of the downtowns will likely increase housing values in the surrounding areas.

- Moody’s Investors Service, Credit Opinion - Town of Smithtown, NY - March 11, 2024

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Several Reasons To Enjoy Raw, Local Honey

one places a dollop in tea or drizzles some in a yogurt smoothie, honey is the sweet finish that can make various foods and beverages taste that much better. In fact, honey is perhaps Mother Nature’s most natural sweetener. While honey in any form can provide its share of healthy offerings, raw honey — which is unprocessed and taken straight from a honeycomb — may be even healthier than the alternatives. According to a recent report in Medical News Today, some people believe that processing honey, removes many of its natural beneficial elements, but honey taken straight from the beehive contains bee pollen, bee propolis and scores of antioxidants. Individuals interested in trying raw, local honey should consider

buying it from a trusted local producer. For those who need more convincing, the following are five beneficial properties of raw honey.

1. Antioxidants: Raw honey contains plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Healthline says some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables, which can protect the body from free radicals that damage cells.

2. Antimicrobial/antifungal properties: Raw honey has antimicrobial properties that could kill certain bacteria, says the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. That is perhaps why honey long has been used as a natural salve for wounds. Honey can soothe a sore throat, and it also can attack bacteria in the throat responsible for certain illnesses. Healthline says raw honey also has been studied for its use against certain Candida-related infections.

3. Allergy relief: Raw, local honey is made from local flowers and flowering plants. By ingesting raw, local honey regularly, a person is taking in small, manageable doses of allergens from their area, which can help build up an immunity to these allergens over time.

4. Digestive relief: Raw honey has been studied for use in treatment for H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers. Raw honey also may help people overcome diarrhea. Honey contains prebiotics, which nourish good bacteria that live in the gut.

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A Brief History Of Earth Day

Earth

Day is celebrated each April and draws attention to a range of issues affecting the environment. Earth Day aims to raise awareness in the hope of inspiring change.

Earth Day is observed on April 22. According to National Geographic, the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was inspired to begin a national celebration uniting the environmental movement after witnessing environmental activism in the 1960s. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day. Twenty million people participated in events across the United States and strengthened support for environmental legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Earth Day was expanded to a global initiative in 1990 under guidance from Hayes. Nearly 200 million participants in more than 140 countries now join together to protect the planet. Awareness continues to be raised each year regarding renewable energy and climate change. One of the hallmarks of Earth Day celebrations is the planting of trees. Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees are cut

down each year across the globe. By planting a tree every Earth Day, people can make a difference. Trees absorb carbon dioxide release oxygen and bolster ecosystems for wildlife. Shade trees can reduce reliance on fans and air conditioning systems.

The main message of Earth Day 2024 is the need to commit to ending reliance on plastics, says EarthDay.org. The goal is a 60 percent reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Plastics are bad for the environment a growing body of research indicates they have an adverse effect on the major systems of the body, including immune, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal systems.

Everyone can do their part to promote the ideals behind Earth Day. For 54 years, millions of people have been advocating for change to benefit the planet and human and animal health, and that fight is ongoing.

DON’T MISS OUR COMPLIMENTARY PAPER SHREDDING EVENT!

Hi Neighbor, Come join us to shred your old, unwanted papers!

Saturday, April 27th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors o ce parking lot at: 212 Commack Road, Commack and bring your unwanted papers to be shredded securely for you.

Maximum per person: 3 banker boxes or 90 lbs . No 3-ring binders. Small binder clips, staples, rubberbands or paperclips are ok.

We will also have Ra es & Refreshments

P.S. Oh, by the way, if someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, please do not hesitate to call me

RSVP by 4/17/24 to Lynn at 516.238.7715 if you plan to attend!

Lynn Witz was recognized as the 2023 Top Sales Agent of the Year, for the entire Howard Hanna Coach Realtors organization. An honor given to only one of our rm’s 700 sales agents Commack O ce | 212 Commack Road Commack, NY 11725

Lynn Witz

CBR CLHMS, SRES, CHMS

Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

Top Sales Agent of the Years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 & Top Listing Agent 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

631.499.1000 Ext. 1229

Lynnwitz@gmail.com

How To Create More Privacy On Your Property

Aninviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind. Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

Fencing or planting?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves. But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing. The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose.

Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.

Planting

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

• Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation® notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.

• Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

• Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

Cheese Egg And Casserole, A Brunch Staple

On lazy weekend mornings or when entertaining a crowd, it may be more fitting to serve brunch rather than breakfast or lunch. Brunch enables guests or family members to sleep in a little later. Plus the filling combination of menu items can keep people satisfied until dinner later on in the evening. The recipes for “Farmhouse Skillet” from “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith, puts together a blend of savory ingredients into an egg casserole that can be a winner on any brunch table.

Farmhouse Skillet

Serves 8-10

1 pound bacon, diced

2 cups cubed cooked ham

1⁄2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled

1 small purple onion, diced

1⁄2 red bell pepper, diced

1⁄2 yellow bell pepper diced

10 eggs, beaten

1⁄2 cup heavy cream

1 20-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns, or tater tots, thawed

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a very large cast-iron skillet (12-inch or larger), over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Then add the ham and sausage and stir.

Add the onions and peppers, and sauté for 5 minutes, always stirring.

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream.

Stir the hash browns into the skillet, and add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until hash browns start to brown. Remove from heat.

Add the egg mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.