Autumn is almost here and we're embracing the cooler weather! Whether you're looking for some fun outdoor activities or are just getting ready for the season, we have informative editorial throughout. Long Island is home to countless orchards, wineries, parks and more, allowing residents and visitors alike the opportunity to make unforgettable memories in a beautiful setting. We hope you have a peaceful end of summer and enjoy all that the upcoming season has to offer.
Fall Hiking Tips
Fall hiking can be a unique and exciting experience. Thanks to the vibrant foliage, crisp air and smaller crowds than might be around during summer, fall is a prime time to lace up one’s boots and hit the trails.
Beyond the opportunity to check out the amazing foliage displays synonymous with this time of year, spending time outdoors in fall provides various health benefits. According to UAB Medical West, some benefits of hiking include improved
mental well-being, enhanced balance and improved muscle strength.
As with any hiking trip, it is key to plan ahead to enjoy a safe and enjoyable adventure this fall.
• Layer your clothing. Fall weather can be unpredictable and dramatic temperature fluctuations can occur between morning and afternoon. The trick is layering clothing to provide comfort and safety. Start with a moisturewicking base layer, add
an insulating layer like fleece for warmth, and top it with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. You can adjust your clothing as conditions change.
• Wear proper footwear to ensure ample traction. Opt for sturdy hiking shoes or boots with significant ankle support and excellent traction. Fallen leaves and rain or early-season ice can make paths slippery. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Wool socks (not cotton) will wick away moisture and provide warmth even when damp. According to a study on mountain hiking in the Austrian Alps, 75 percent of fall accidents occur on descents, so having extra traction can help.
• Mind the daylight. As fall inches closer to winter, daylight hours diminish rapidly. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly dusk arrives. Plan your route to account for your pace so you can be off the trail well before sunset. Pack a flashlight or headlamp just in case.
• Mind the habitat. Anytime you hike you should be mindful of the natural settings around you. Stick to the trails so you do not disturb delicate vegetation. Also, never feed wild animals. They can grow accustomed to an easy hand-out and lose their fear of humans, putting themselves at risk of harm. Remember to dispose of trash properly and always take out what you bring in.
• Stay fueled and hydrated. Despite the cooler temperatures of fall, dehydration may occur as the body loses fluid through exertion and respiration. Pack plenty of water and take sips regularly. Bring along energy-rich snacks like protein bars, trail mix and dried fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the excursion.
Fall hiking trips enable people to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the season while also getting some exercise and enjoying ample fresh air.
Long Island Hiking Trails Great For The Fall
Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor State Park is located within Cold Spring Harbor Village. The hiking trails are perfect for beginners and moderate hikers. Pets are welcome! The park is at 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor.
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale
Bethpage State Park is on the border of Nassau and Suffolk County. Bethpage State Park is most known for golf and has hosted several national championships. There are
many trails of varying lengths, perfect for leisurely hikes or biking. The park is at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road in Farmingdale.
Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point
Sands Point Preserve is filled with local history and scenic vistas. Sands Point Preserve has several different areas available for hiking. This includes a mile-long beach as well as forays into the woods.
Sands Point Preserve is at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point.
Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
Hempstead Lake State Park is a great destination for hikers. The area’s natural beauty and relaxed trails make it a perfect spot for waterside hiking. The Hempstead Lake trail brings you throughout much of the park, around the central Hempstead Lake, Nassau County’s largest lake. Hempstead Lake State Park is located at Eagle Ave. in West Hempstead.
Sunken Meadow State Park, King’s Park
Sunken Meadow State
Park is one of Long Island’s most well-known hiking and beach spots. The three-mile waterfront is a beloved hiking area both for its views as well as the variety of the nearby terrain. Connected to the Long Island Sound with views of Connecticut. The most popular trail will take hikers nearly four miles through the local wildlife. Sunken Meadow State Park is located at New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park.
To learn more about these parks and others, please visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/
Pictured Above: Legislator Bontempi with Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, and Town of Huntington Dog and Cat Shelter Employees.
Pet Supply Drive To Support Local Animal Shelters
Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) joined together for a press conference in front of the Town of Huntington’s Dog and Cat Shelters on Tuesday to officially kick off a Pet Supply Drive benefiting several local animal shelters.
The drive will run through October 15, with donation boxes located at Huntington Town Hall (100 Main Street, Huntington) and Legislator Bontempi’s District Office (224 Wall Street, Suite 303, Huntington). For those wishing to contribute early, boxes will be available in advance at both collection locations.
“I’m proud to partner with Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth on this Pet Supply Drive to benefit our local dog and cat shelters”, said Legislator Bontempi. “Our
shelters are no-kill facilities, staffed by compassionate professionals who deeply care for any dogs or cats they take in. Your donations will directly support their work, ensuring these animals receive the care they deserve while they wait for adoption into loving homes”.
“Our local animal shelters do incredible work caring for pets in need, and I’m grateful to everyone who is joining us in this pet supply drive to support them”, said Supervisor Ed Smyth. “My team at the Huntington animal shelter are top-notched professionals, whose compassion and commitment ensure that our
Did You Know?
animals get the care and training they need until they find their forever home. But right now, they could use the help of a generous community to help with supplies to keep these animals safe and happy”.
Residents are encouraged to stop by either one of the drop-off locations at their convenience to support the drive.
Requested Donations Include:
For the Town’s Dog Shelter: Collars, leashes, flea/tick preventative, indestructible dog toys, dog shampoo, new towels, fleece blankets, food puzzles, metal food & water bowls, canned food, and treats.
For the Town’s Cat Shelter: Fancy Feast pâté wet food (for adults and kittens), lickable treats, pill pockets, laundry detergent, bleach, hand soap, dish soap, garbage bags, and other cleaning supplies.
The Pet Supply Drive Press Conference can be seen it its entirety through this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?app=desktop&v=_ VYQoW7ibxU
Dogowners may be familiar with heartworm medication used to address infection in canines, but no such option is available to treat heartworm in cats. According to the American Heartworm Society, the medication veterinarians use to treat heartworm in dogs cannot be used in cats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes it has not approved any drugs to treat heartworm in cats, and the organization urges cat owners to emphasize prevention. Several products that prevent feline heartworm infection in cats have been approved by the FDA, and all must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Prior to issuing such a prescription, a veterinarian may suggest testing the cat for heartworm, an approach the FDA recommends.
Apple Picking Pointers
Visiting a local apple orchard and picking one’s fill of apples is a quintessential fall activity. Apple picking is an ideal way to spend time outdoors when the weather tends to be cool and pleasant. Gathering fresh-from-the-tree fruit to turn into favorite fall desserts like cobblers and pies is irresistible.
According to the Economic
Research Service, Washington state is the leading apple producer in the United States. It is followed very distantly by New York and Michigan. Apples were first cultivated in Canada by early French settlers, with the first trees planted in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley around 1633. Today, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British
Columbia have become strong players in the apple business. While other areas may not be apple meccas, those looking to pick their own have plenty of options across North American to enjoy this pastime.
Prior to an apple picking adventure, people can do a little preparation to ensure the afternoon is fun and fruitful.
• Do some research. Before individuals head out, they should do research into the available orchards and which apple varieties they specialize in. Ripening seasons vary, so certain varieties may not be available at all times. Call ahead to learn which apples are ripe and when.
• Visit early. The best apples are often available early in the season before the trees have been heavily picked over. It’s also a good idea to visit the orchard early in the day, which means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
• Dress appropriately. Orchards can be dusty, muddy and buggy. The ground also may be uneven.
U-Pick Orchards Across Long Island
Spend the day exploring one of these orchards and pick your favorites right from the tree.
Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve
31215 County Road - Route 48, Peconic, 631-876-5159
Over 75 acres, they offer 26 varieties of apples.
Hank’s PumpkinTown
240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-726-4667
Long Islanders can pick a wide range of apples, including Ultimate Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Cortland,
Macoun, Empire, Snow Sweet, Jonagold, Autumn Gala, Cameo, SunCrisp, Mutsu and Autumn Rose Fuji.
Harbes Orchard
5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388
Apple Picking is available at Harbes’ Riverhead location, which has 15-acres of 27 types of apples on dwarf trees, including Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Gala and Gold Rush.
Harbes Farms Jamesport 1223 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-494-4796
Individuals can wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Also, they should dress in layers, as it can be chilly early in the day and then warmer later on.
• Pick correctly. Instead of yanking on the apples, which can damage the tree and apples, people should gently roll or twist the apple upwards from the branch. If the apple is ripe it will detach easily with stem intact.
• Avoid bruising. It’s wise to inspect the apples to make sure they are firm and brightly colored. Those with bruising or insect damage should be left behind.
• Don’t overload. Only pick what you need. Apples are delicate, and overloading the apples into bags can crush or bruise the ones on the bottom. Plus, overpicking means that the apples may spoil before they can be eaten.
After a day at the orchard, apples can be stored unwashed in a cool, dark place, which will help them stay fresher, longer.
Honeycrisp apple picking is available at Harbes’ Jamesport location, has 7 acres of Honeycrisp apples on dwarf trees.
Long Islanders can pick their own Gala, Honeycrisp and Macoun apples.
Milk Pail U-Pick Farm 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, 631-537-2565
Long Islanders can pick from their Jonamac, McIntosh, Sansa and Zestar.
Seven Ponds Orchard 65 7 Ponds Road, Water Mill, 631-726-8015
People can select Gingergold, Redfree and Zestar apples.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-6441
Dating back to 1661, the farm is one of the largest on the North Fork and offers a wide selection of apples in their You Pick Farm.
What Is Rosh Hashanah?
The arrival of a new year is celebrated each January 1. But that’s not the only fresh start people celebrate each year. Within the Jewish community, a new year is celebrated months before the first day of January.
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday, the name of which translates to “head of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is celebrated at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, which is the
Someseventh month of the Jewish calendar year, according to My Jewish Learning. Much like the New Year celebrated in January, Rosh Hashanah is both a time to rejoice and reflect. Many people celebrate the completion of another year by taking stock of their lives and what they can do in the coming year to improve their lives, the community and the world. Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a time for
Did You Know?
people may notice a day when people who adhere to the Jewish faith gather around bodies of water and seem to throw bread, a sight that may spark curiosity. This is a tradition that takes place during Rosh Hashanah. Tossing bread or crumbs of bread into water is part of the Jewish ritual of “Tashlich,” which is a symbolic act occurring on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Tashlich means “casting off” in Hebrew. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year when the faithful symbolically cleanse themselves of sins and other transgressions. Tossing the bread or crumbs away is symbolic of that cleansing. This helps start the new year on fresh footing.
Challah is a round bread symbolizing the eternal cycle of life. The bread is often dipped in honey, which symbolizes hopes for a sweet new year.
• In addition to challah, people also enjoy apples dipped in honey to symbolize sweetness.
• Prayers from the Mahzor are read, and three unique sets of prayers are added to the morning service during Rosh Hashanah. This includes prayers to address the sovereignty of God, presenting God as the one who remembers past deeds, and a prayer for anticipation of the future.
prayer, self-reflection and repentance.
Rosh Hashanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, many of whom pray and reflect in a synagogue during the holiday. The organization Reform Judaism says observances also include certain customs that take place at home. Here are some notable components of Rosh Hashanah.
• Rosh Hashanah is a twoday observance that ushers in a ten-day period of repentance known as the Days of Awe. That period culminates on Yom Kippur, which is known as the Day of Atonement.
• Although Rosh Hashanah is believed to have originated in biblical times, the Bible does not refer to a “new year” or “day of judgement.”
• Challah is traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah.
• The sounding of the shofar is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It is a Jewish ritual horn, traditionally made from a ram’s horn.
• Another popular tradition associated with Rosh Hashanah is a ceremony that occurs on the afternoon of the first day. People throw crumbs or pieces of bread into flowing water, symbolizing their sins. Rosh Hashanah is an important holiday in the Jewish religion. It marks the beginning of a new, and hopefully sweet, new year.
A Guide To Fall Lawn Care
For Cool-Season Grasses
Springmight mark the time when many homeowners begin tending to their lawns each year, but it’s important to recognize the significance of fall lawn care as well. Grasses vary, and homeowners are urged to identify which type of grass is in their lawn so they can ensure it gets the care it needs before winter’s first frost. Coolseason grasses like perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are common in various regions, and the following strategies can help homeowners with these types of grasses tend to their lawns this fall.
• Stick to your recommended fertilization schedule. Homeowners who have been fertilizing since spring are urged to continue doing so in fall at the recommended interval. It’s easy to forget to fertilize
in fall thanks to cooler temperatures that don’t call lawn care to mind and busier schedules after school starts again and summer vacation season ends. But many fertilizer manufacturers advise users of their products to fertilize several times over the course of the year, including in fall. Stick to the intervals recommended on the packaging of the fertilizer you’ve been using, making sure not to forget to fertilize this fall.
• Conduct a soil test. A soil test can determine if the soil is lacking any nutritive elements it needs to come back strong in spring. Certain amendments can restore pH balance if necessary and foster stronger growth when lawns come back in spring.
• Aerate, if necessary. Soil
can become compacted over time, and that can cause a range of problems for a lawn. Compacted soil can make it harder for water to reach the roots of grass, which weakens grass and makes it more vulnerable to damage during adverse weather events like drought. Compacted soil also makes it harder for nutrients in fertilizer to get into the soil. Aerating is best left to professionals, particularly in larger lawns, as the job can foster strong root development when done
properly.
• Remove thatch where it’s excessive. Thin layers of thatch can benefit lawns by delivering nutrients from glass clippings and leaves to a lawn. However, when thatch is excessive, it can block air, water and even fertilizer from reaching the soil. Thatch often can be removed with a rake, but lawns with especially thick layers of thatch may need to be scarified. Homeowners can take a DIY approach to scarifying or hire a landscaping professional to dethatch the lawn and remove the thatch from their properties.
• Continue to water the lawn. A cool-season grass will continue to require water into the fall. Though the lawn won’t need to be watered as frequently in fall as in summer, various lawn care professionals note coolseason grasses still need roughly an inch of water each week in fall.
• Remove leaves as they fall. Fallen leaves can affect a lawn in much the same way as excessive amounts of thatch, blocking water and nutrients from reaching the soil. So it’s best to remove fallen leaves, especially when they begin to fall in large quantities.
Fall is an opportune time to tend to a lawn to increase the chances grass grows back strong in spring.
addition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000. The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition. Homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be. Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it's worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale.
Did You Know?
There is no definitive age when a child may need to get eyeglasses. However, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus notes that children’s visual systems are still developing during the first 12 years of their life, and during this period wearing glasses can be important for normal vision development. Glasses can help straighten crossed or misaligned eyes, bolster weak vision caused by differences in vision between a child’s eyes, and even protect the stronger eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children begin vision screening around age 3 and receive annual screenings each year at ages 4, 5 and 6. After that, screening is recommended when children turn 8, 10, 12, and 15. Of course, parents who begin to suspect their children are having trouble with their vision are urged to take the child to an ophthalmologist once such suspicions arise. Some notable signs include inexplicable declines in academic performance, children sitting closer to the television than they once did and children’s own remarks regarding their vision if they say anything at all.
Natural Ways To Fight Fall Allergies
As the days become shorter and the weather cools down, a new crop of allergy symptoms can arise, turning the autumn season into one marked by sneezing, scratchy throats and itchy eyes. Medications can alleviate such symptoms, but allergy sufferers may want to investigate some natural ways to beat allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ragweed is one of the more common triggers of autumnal allergies. Ragweed contributes to “hay fever,” which is a term to describe allergic rhinitis that occurs as a symptom of ragweed pollen in the air. Ragweed releases pollen in mid-August, and it can continue to be problematic until a deep freeze arrives. Other sources of fall allergies include leaf mold and pollen that is present on fallen leaves. This gets circulated when people begin to rake or blow fallen leaves. Classroom pets and chalk dust in schools (although chalkboards are largely a thing of the past) are other autumn allergens. The good news is that many natural remedies work just as effectively as over-the-counter medications in regard to combatting ragweed and pollen problems. Here’s how to beat the fall allergy blues.
• Stay Away From Pollen. Stay away from pollen and prevent it from being tracked indoors. Remove shoes when walking through the door. Take off clothes worn outside and launder them promptly, showering to wash pollen off of the body. Use an air conditioner or keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.
• Increase Omega-3 Fatty
Acids. It is well documented that fatty acids are good for brain health and cardiovascular well-being, but these acids also may help with allergies. A German study linked foods high in omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to fight inflammation, which is a hallmark of allergy suffering. Foods that are high in fatty acids include walnuts, flax, eggs, and cold-water fatty fish.
• Rinse Off Pollen. Use a mild cleanser to rinse the eyelids and eyelashes of pollen, as this is where it tends to congregate after being outdoors. Use saline spray to clear nasal passages of excess pollen as well.
• Take Natural Supplements. A study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found participants who used tablets of the herb butterbur showed significant allergy relief after only one week. Select herbs from reputable manufacturers who certify them.
• Use Eucalyptus Oil. This oil is great to have in the house to help clear up sinuses and provide nasal congestion relief. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and rub onto the chest. There also is some evidence that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to cleansing products can help kill dust mites around the house.
• Wear A Mask. When doing housework or yard work, wear a mask to reduce the inhalation of specific allergens.
