Autumn is here. Despite the cooler weather, many of us are still enjoying time outside. Whether you find yourself cuddled up by a fire pit or planting colorful mums that brighten your day every time you pass them, fall home improvement projects may be something that you find on your mind lately. This season is when many of us decide to take the step and get some of those projects done, so we've gathered informative editorial that can assist in your decision making process if you decide to tackle one (or many)! Plus, don't miss local news throughout and a delicious recipe that football fans won't be able to resist.
“ I save 20% a month on my energy bills after upgrading my lighting and HVAC system.”
—
John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park
John Riley loves comic books. And for the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old at his shop in Williston Park. PSEG Long Island has been with him every step of the way. With $16,000 in rebates, John was able to switch to LED lighting and replace a leaking 50-year-old oil tank with a superefficient heat pump system.* These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.
How can we support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Rebates and savings will differ with every energy efficiency project.
Renovations That Help Sell Homes
Theadage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home. Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.
• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-ityourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.
• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.
• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawerstyle microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.
• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.
• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.
Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.
71 Monell Ave. Islip, NY 11751, 631-581-5933
Linda Ipanema Jazz Ensemble
Sunday, October 20
1:30 – 2:45 pm
Enjoy this entertaining jazz ensemble that includes vocals, piano, trumpet and drums. ISA153
Fall Aromatherapy Pack Workshop
Tuesday, October 22
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $15, Brush up on your sewing skills and learn hand stitching. Instructor Janice Imbrogno will teach you about essential oils and aromatherapy while you sew a microwaveable aroma pack. A couple of sewing machines will be provided, but bring yours if you have one!
Books and Tea Painting with Coffee
Wednesday, October 23
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Fee: $10, Join artist Bonnie Schwartz who will teach you how to paint using only water and tea to get beautiful sepia tones. No prior painting experience required!
Fall Flower Paint Night
Wednesday, November 6
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $12, Join Kathy Reccardi and create this fall painting using acrylic paints on a 16x20 inch canvas.
Shredding Day
Saturday, October 26
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
A shredding truck from A Shred Away will be in the Islip Library parking lot for on-site shredding of your documents. What CAN be shredded: all office paper (staples, small and large clips do not need to be removed), CDs (taken out of the plastic case or sleeve), credit cards, and checkbooks. Please do not bring newspapers, magazines, black carbon sheets, plastic or cardboard. Please check your bags and boxes for extraneous trash.
UPCOMING BUS TRIPS
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Saturday, October 26
Bus departs Islip Library: 12:30 pm
Fee: $210 per person, Pre-registration began on Tuesday, July 2 but at the time of this newsletter printing there are a few spots still available! Please note: no refunds will be issued unless your seat can be filled by someone else. Please go to our website, email us at reference@isliplibrary.org or stop by the reference desk for complete trip details!
The Culinary Institute Luncheon and Tour
Thursday, November 7
Bus departs Islip Library: 7:00 am
Fee: $165 per person. Registration ends on Saturday, September 21 at 5:00 pm
Itinerary:
Start the day with a guided tour of the Culinary Institute led by students including their demonstration, “taste like a chef”.
11:30 am luncheon at the Culinary Institute’s restaurant American Bounty. After lunch you will have some time to walk around Anton Plaza, which overlooks the Hudson River, and you will have time to visit the Apple Pie Bakery Café and bookstore. Drive to the Brotherhood Winery (America’s Oldest Winery) for a tour of their underground cellars along with a wine tasting (five tastings included). Everyone receives a souvenir glass! Approximate return time: 7:30 pm. Cost for trip includes transportation via Hampton Jitney motor coach, lunch at the Culinary Institute’s American Bounty Restaurant, guided tour of the Culinary Institute, and tour and wine-tasting at the Brotherhood Winery.
How DIY Can Be Bad For Homeowners’ Bottom Lines
Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects. Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom
line than homeowners may recognize.
• Permits: Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contractors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits). DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be
order to complete projects on their own. Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in estimates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.
harmful in the short- and long-term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project. In the long-term, homeowners who did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy (CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.
• Ancillary costs: The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in
• Repairs: Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch.com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.
Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.
East Islip Public Library
381 East Main Street, East Islip, New York 11730-2896
Contact Judy Moccio at (631) 581-9200 ext. 123 jmoccio@eipl.org
THE BOHLSEN GALLERY
In October we will be displaying paintings by Dr. Paul Edelson and Don Wilson who will be displayed in the Gallery. Dr. Edelson and Mr. Wilson are professional artist, who enjoy painting landscapes, seascapes and still life’s that draw upon traditional painting, but in a highly distilled, often abstract manner. For more information, contact the East Islip Public Library at 631-581-9200 x105.
ART SALE
We are always looking for talented local artists to display their work in the Bohlsen Art Gallery on our 2nd Floor. We are taking applications for artists wishing to show their work. Please, for more information email Judy Moccio (jmoccio@eipl.org) or contact the East Islip Public Library at 631-581-9200 x123.
THE DISPLAY CASES
Let us know if you have a unique collection that you would not mind loaning for a month for our display cases. Our cases are upstairs at the entrance to the Bohlsen Gallery which showcases the artist of the month exhibits. To schedule a month, email Judy Moccio (jmoccio@eipl.org) or call the East Islip Public Library at 631-581-9200 X 123 Judy Moccio.
4 WAYS FROM SUNDAY Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m (EIA288) 4 Ways From Sunday is a group of musicians who present a lively program of time-tested classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Join them as they recreate many memorable tunes, making each song their own through a combination of unique vocal styles, terrific harmonies and great music.
HOLIDAY DECORATION CLASS (EIA340) Thursday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. Fee:$2 Join Barbara Mollica in making a handcrafted holiday decoration.
TRAVEL SNACKS - BUENOS AIRES (eia106) Friday, October 25 at 2 p.m. Join us as we explore beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina, “the Paris of South America”. Take a tango lesson, learn how to really do up a BBQ, visit the opera house and learn all about the fascinating history of a city built by immigrants from Europe who claim parts of her for their own to this day.
TEA LOTUS CANDLE (EIA260) Wednesday, October 30 6:30 p.m. Fee: $2 Join Anna Chan, mixed media artist, on a journey of artistic discovery and create an exquisite coastal themed tea light holder using seashells and air-dry sand.
THE MANY BENEFITS OF READING
Therehas never been a better time to be a reader. Self-proclaimed book nerds and those who look forward to the next book club gathering can rejoice knowing that a good story isn't the only benefit associated with reading. In fact, there are numerous health benefits to cracking a book.
· Reading slows cognitive decline. Natural aging results in a decline in memory and brain function over time, but reading can help. According to research published in the journal Neurology, reading may help slow that process and keep minds sharp.
· Reading improves concentration and focus. Technology draws a lot of attention, and those fast processing times and almost instant gratification can shorten attention spans. Reading requires undivided attention and focus, which can improve one's ability to concentrate.
· Reading produces a sense of accomplishment. Reading anything from a newspaper article to a novel helps people check off measurable goals. When done reading a given piece, the mental boost from finishing can enhance your mood.
· Reading is free entertainment. Provided a person gets books from a library or a loaner from a friend, reading is free. It's possible to educate oneself, travel to far off lands or even solve mysteries having making a major financial investment.
· Reading enhances literacy. Frequent reading introduces the reader to new vocabulary and information. This enhances both literacy and intelligence.
· Reading leads to higher intelligence later on. A study of 1,890 identical twins in the United Kingdom found that the twins who had early reading skills seemingly had more positive results for higher intelligence later in life.
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for by Senator Alexis Weik
The South Shore’s
for by Senator Alexis Weik
Factors To Consider Before Renovating A Driveway
Driveways
are oftenoverlooked components of home exteriors, but driveways provide functionality and points of egress to a home. Industry experts estimate that a new driveway costs between $5,000 and $7,000, though the price will vary based on the materials homeowners choose and the square footage of the driveway. When deciding
whether or not to renovate their driveways, homeowners can review these considerations.
Materials
Driveways can be made from a variety of materials, even grass or soil. The following are some driveway materials homeowners may choose from:
• Gravel
• Chip seal
demolished and removed. The ground underneath typically is smoothed and tamped down. Substrate or wire mesh also may be installed. After the new material is laid, there may be a period of time for settling and curing, during which use of the driveway is prohibited.
DIY Or Professional?
While sealing and minor repairs generally can be handled by a homeowner who has researched the process, large repairs or driveway replacements should be left to professionals for the best results. Driveway slope needs to be considered for proper rain runoff, and the professional will understand the thickness and preparatory steps necessary to ensure driveway durability. Installation of a heated driveway requires a specific skill set and this is a job best left to professional driveway contractors.
• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Rubber
• Exposed aggregate
• Pavers
• Permeable pavers
• Heated
Repair Or Replace?
Nearly any size crack can be patched with concrete or cold-patch asphalt, or specialty materials, according to This Old House, an online home improvement resource. Repairing and resealing a driveway can help prolong its longevity. Plus, this is a more cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget who want to improve curb appeal and safety. Large holes or unsightly damage may require a driveway replacement. This also will be the case if a homeowner hopes to expand the driveway. Replacing a driveway requires a time commitment. The existing driveway needs to be
Driveway Enhancements
The options do not end with the driveway material. There are other ways to boost aesthetics.
• Illumination: Homeowners can install recessed LED lights into the driveway to define the edges and add aesthetic appeal.
• Stamped texture: Homeowners opting for the affordability of concrete can ask for a stamped design that mimics the look of stone or pavers.
• Gates: One doesn’t have to live in an exclusive community to have their property enhanced by gates. Gates can give a home a distinguished look.
• Edging: Driveways can be edged with another material to create definition between the driveway and lawn or to provide the perfect spots to plant beds.
Treat Fellow Football Fans To Slow-Cooked Ribs And Homemade Sauce
Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season, but fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe for “Baby Back Ribs” with homemade “Kansas CityStyle Barbecue Sauce” from Will Budiaman’s “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) will make sure fans go home with full bellies this football season.
Baby Back Ribs
Serves 4
4 2- to 21⁄2-lb. racks baby back ribs
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2⁄3 cup Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce (see below)
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce
Makes about 1 1⁄2 cups
1 cup ketchup
1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons unsulfured blackstrap molasses
6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Baby Back Ribs Directions:
1. Trim any hanging fat off the ribs. Season with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 225 F to 275 F.
3. Place the ribs meat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil after 1 hour 30 minutes or once the bark (crust) is reddish brown.
4. Turn over the ribs, close the lid, and continue cooking for 1 hour 30 minutes more, or until the ribs pull apart with a gentle tug.
5. Remove the foil (if using), baste the ribs with the sauce, close the lid, and cook meat-side up for 10 more minutes or until the sauce is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking tip: The back of pork ribs is covered with a membrane that some pitmasters say prevents the meat from absorbing the smoke, but this is a myth. Many don’t bother removing it, and leaving it on helps keep the ribs from falling apart when you move them.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar Worcestershire sauce, molasses and sugar until smooth.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until golden.
4. Add the salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and let simmer for about 1 minute or until the flavors meld.
6. Let cool and refrigerate overnight before using to let the flavors develop.
Give Your Living Room A New Vibe
An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe. A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.
Organize First
Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at
a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.
Seek The Assistance Of Professionals
Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that
may be worthy of a magazine spread.
Promote Wellness
You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.
Light It Up
One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use
a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.
Create An Industrial Or Urban Vibe
Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.
Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.
Open House Events
Stop By To See Our 1,600 Square Foot Model Train Layout! Can’t Wait To See You There!
October 26th & 27th
Please bring an unwrapped toy to participate in our holiday toy drive.
Thank you for your donation!
November 16th & 17th
Please join us to support the EJ Autism Foundation
December 14th & 15th
Stop by to see Santa Claus!
Please bring an unwrapped toy to participate in our holiday toy drive.
Thank you for your donation!
Toy Drive
Please Participate In Our Toy Drive, October Through December. We Are Accepting Unwrapped Toys For The EAC Network To Support Local Children, Infant-18 Years Of Age.
November 16th & 17th
December 14th & 15th
study from researchers at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington found that curb appeal can have a significant impact when selling a home. That study, which examined Google Street View photos and sales data from more than 88,000 properties, found that homes with high curb appeal sold for an average of 7 percent
more than similar homes with less inviting exteriors. The study also revealed that in slow markets with greater housing inventory, homes with high curb appeal sold for as much as 14 percent more than homes with uninviting exteriors. Homes defined as having high curb appeal for the study included those with features including well-maintained lawns and professional landscaping.
Northwell Expands Behavioral Health Services
Northwell
Health recently announced that it has entered into affiliation agreements with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services (CN Guidance) and Family Service League (FSL) to expand access to quality behavioral health services for Long Island residents.
Demand for behavioral health across all demographic segments and issues keeps growing both locally and nationwide. Northwell, New York State’s largest health care provider, operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals – South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens – and offers a host of inpatient and outpatient care options across the greater New York region. The new affiliation agreements will allow Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL to advance their common goal of creating a stronger, deeper network of care for people in the communities they serve.
This collaboration will result in smoother referral processes for area residents between these specialized community-based organizations and Northwell facilities. Both CN Guidance and FSL are implementing 24-hour crisis stabilization centers, with FSL’s open now and CN Guidance’s opening in 2025. In addition, patients already being seen by CN Guidance and FSL professionals can be referred for more coordinated, complex care through Northwell’s extensive roster of health services. These complementary relationships will expand access to care in service to the diverse behavioral health needs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“Northwell has worked closely and productively with CN Guidance and FSL for many years and we understand the enormously positive impact they make in our communities,”
said Michael Scarpelli, executive director of South Oaks and Zucker Hillside hospitals. “These affiliation agreements will foster even greater collaboration and strategic partnership to help more Long Islanders get the high-quality behavioral health care they need when they need it.”
"The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” said John Q. Young, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services at Northwell. “Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL will now be able to better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders.”
Huntington-based Family Service League, established in 1926, serves more than 50,000 people each year – from children to seniors as well as the underserved and homeless – through 60 mental health programs at 20 locations.
“Family Service League looks forward to continuing to work closely with Northwell Health to improve access to holistic care, further our integrated service delivery models and improve quality outcomes,” said Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO of FSL. “All of which strengthens the client’s experience and will have a positive impact on our community.”
Hicksville-based CN Guidance is a nonprofit serving all of Long Island and focused on providing mental health and substance use help. With more than 34,000 patient encounters in 2023 alone, CN Guidance delivers highquality, person-centered care through more than 60 programs, including specialized programs for Veterans, youth, older adults and those with residential care needs.
“This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jeffrey Friedman, CEO, CN Guidance. “By leveraging Northwell’s resources and expertise, we can expand our services, further reduce wait times, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes. Together, we are committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”
Northwell plans to create a Virtual Navigation Hub to help connect patients with the most appropriate and timely care, harnessing the power of the affiliations with CN Guidance and FSL professionals.
These agreements are particularly timely in that September is National Recovery Month as well as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with a lifeline specialist for support.
For more information or to book an appointment, call (888) 321-DOCS or go to: https://www.northwell.edu/ behavioral-health.
Exchange Ambulance Of The Islips
Dedicates Building To Ex-Chief Decanio
Legislator Steven J. Flotteron along with local elected officials attended the Grand Opening & Building Dedication of the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips Gregory A. DeCanio Memorial Headquarters at 100 Carleton Avenue in East Islip. Pictured (L-R): Aide to Legislator Trish Bergen Patty Walsh, Aide to TOI Councilman Mike McElwee Jacquelyn
DeRosa, TOI Councilman James O’Connor, SC Executive Edward Romaine, wife of Ex-Chief Gregory DeCanio Kimberly DeCanio, Chief Exchange Ambulance of the Islips, SC Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, NYS Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, SC Clerk Vincent Puleo and President of Exchange Ambulance of the Islips Robert Stadelman.
Halloween
is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred. While trickor-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.
• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.
• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’-lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.
• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.
• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.
• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a
scary Halloween feast.
• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.
• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.
• Host an outdoor movie. Projectors can now be hooked up to smartphones and tablets, so it’s easier than ever to watch movies outside. Simply project a device onto a screen, white fence or even a bedsheet. Since it gets dark somewhat early in October, the movie doesn’t have to start very late. Depending on the audience, choose a movie that is very scary or only mildly so if children will be viewing.
• Organize a Halloween treat exchange. Similar to a Christmas “Secret Santa,” participants put together a wrapped gift of homemade or store-bought foods and exchange with others.
