GEM Magazine LI March 2012 by Tanya Lee

GEMliMAGAZINE GM gem magazine Free!

lifestyle magazine for the Long Island woman March2012

lifestyle magazine for the Long Island woman

strong island woman

sheryl cowan eating organic discover your career potential “green living”

beauty, fashion

inside!

spring renewal eco-friendly fashion “super greens”

inspires you? what

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lisa Albinowski Kevin Albinowski Jo Ann Bellistri Cathy Berger D r. S c o t t B l y e r Jungle Bob Joan Bubaris Carole Burke Amy Certilman Patricia Chauvin D r. Yu - S h i a w C h e n Grazia Monda Cooney Maryann Dellinger Maryann DeSimone Sara Fingerman Diana Gaizo Lauren Geldmacher D r. I n n a G e l l e r m a n D r. D e b o r a h G e n i n Ta r a G i d a l y Bettie Hamilton Michelle Kelly Rosemarie Kluepfel Marianne LiBretto Laurie Maniatis Bonne Marano-Marcus Michele Martin Frances McGarry Patricia McManus Allison Meiselbach Leigh Merrill Susan Montana D r. L a u r a N e s s Maria Paray Alyse Parise Paula Klee Parish Rita Paulino Ellen Pellegrino Jodi Pesca Lisa Renee Pomerantz Ta m i R a c a n i e l l o Jodi Record Mary Rosenvinge Rosemary Serra Mary Simmons Jean Summit-Riker D r. R i c h a r d R o n g o Robert Schene Brandie Shaw Colleen Simon Rosemarie Spinella A d r i a n a Va t e r J o h n S . Va t e r Ron Villano S u z a n n e Wa c h t e l Colleen White

Tanya Lee - Publisher

Joanne Kois - Editor-In-Chief

from tanya & joanne J u s t a s th e flower ing bulbs of Spr ing ar e emer ging with th e p r o mis e of mor e beauty to come, G E M Magaz ine LI c o n tin u e s to blos s om into full bloom with the pas s ing of e a c h mo n th. O ur Spr ing edition s peaks of oppor tunities a n d h o p e . Some r eader s have been ins pir ed while other s h a v e in s p ir ed us . Together we will tur n each new page wa itin g to s ee what s tor y or idea may unfold. Thanks to th e su ppor t of our Long Is land community, s pons or s , a d v e r tise rs , contr ibutor s , wr iter s , editor s and s taff: G em Ma g a zin e LI will continue to extend its r oots deep into th e L o n g Is land s oil. R ich with beauty, char m, his tor y, g e n e r o sity and love: Long Is land has many s tor ies to s har e, p e o p le to meet and places to vis it. J oin G E M Magaz ine LI o n o u r o n going jour ney of dis cover y.

Happy Spring! contributing editors

tany a

Hillary Call

Rosemarie Kluepfel

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CONTENTS

MARCH 2012

features

SHERYL COWAN PAT I E N T A I R L I F T S E R V I C E S

LOCAL MERCHANT FLOWERS BY SOFIA

6 8 E N T E R TA I N M E N T 12 14 22 24 30 32 34 38 40 44 46 51 56 54

G O O D E AT S M I N D F U L E AT I N G

WOMEN IN GINA SCARDA

departments

COMMUNITY NEWS BEAUTY FA S H I O N JEWELRY FITNESS H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S FOOD & NUTRITION F A M I LY & R E L A T I O N S H I P S

FOR THE HOME PETS BUSINESS & FINANCE I N S P I R AT I O N & M O T I V AT I O N AUTO WORKSHOPS & EVENTS WOMEN IN THE ARTS G I R L’ S N I G H T O U T

All artwork, design & layout by Gem Magazine LI, is sole property of the publisher and may not be reproduced in whole or p a r t . T h e p u b l i s h e r w i l l n o t b e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r e r r o r s i n a d v e r t i s i n g b e y o n d t h e c o s t o f t h e s p a c e o c c u p i e d b y t h e e r r o r, a n d s u c h r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, i s a n y, s h a l l b e l i m i t e d o n l y t o t h e f i r s t u s e o f a d v e r t i s i n g i n t h e c a s e o f r e p e a t e d u s e . T h e p u b l i s h e r reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising at its sole discretion. The advertiser shall represent that all artwork and copy provided by the advertiser is owned by the advertiser and it has the right to utilize such in this publication. ©2012 Gem Magazine LI.

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Nor t hpor t S tu d en ts Rais e H al f a M illion Dol l ar s f or ALS Resea r c h By Hillary Call It was a magical evening at Huntington’s Oheka Castle. Notables including William “Billy” Baldwin and actress Christine Taylor floated from room to room among a sea of elegant gowns and dapper tuxedos. The real stars, though, were the hundred or so students and recent grads from Northport High School who, over the past ten months, raised $521,028 for ALS research, exceeding their goal by a mile. The evening’s gala was the culmination of their efforts – the eighth annual A Midwinter Night’s Dream – and it truly proved that students can change the world. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a degenerative disease affecting nerves in the brain and spinal chord. Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. Northport High first took up the cause for ALS research eight years ago when chemistry teacher David Deutsch learned he had the disease. Since then the students have been a driving force in fundraising to help find a cure. They pass the baton from one graduating class to another, eventually reaching every student and teaching them the value, the necessity, of fundraising for a cause. Their passion was evident. Seeing the impact such determination has made in the fight to cure ALS, Northport senior Courtney Robenstein plans to bring her fundraising skills with her to college and perhaps starting her own philanthropy center at Syracuse. Her older brother had organized AMND in 2009. “It was amazing,” she said, and it inspired her to participate as well. Hero for Hope Awards were given to Taylor, journalist Katie Couric, New York Yankee David Robertson and Northport High’s own David Quigley. The Awards are presented to those who show leadership qualities and strive to help others in need. Recipients have given their time and energy to charity and the students honor them for their dedication. A live auction was led by Billy Baldwin, who raised more than $58,000 for items that included a night at Rao’s, a week stay in Italy, a condo in Malibu, a condo in St. John, VIP Bruce Springsteen tickets and a bat boy/girl experience at Yankee Stadium. The highlight, though was the presentation of Linda Knudsen Award to Northport High senior Arizona Hutchinson. When she was 12, Arizona was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since that time she has fought tenaciously, not only for her own health but championing AMND’s cause of helping others as well. She served as a senior leader for this year’s AMND committee. There wasn’t a dry eye in the castle when her fellow students surprised her with this recognition. It was a moving night. “What you guys have accomplished is phenomenal,” Taylor stated, “I am blown away. If my kids can do even a smidge of what you guys did, I’d be the proudest mom.” 6

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Billy Balwin and former New York Ranger greet David Tice. Credit: Sam Levitan

Valerie Estess, event organizer Don Strasser, and Christine Taylor greet teacher Christopher Pendergast. Credit: Sam Levitan

GEM Mag Publisher Tanya Lee and Billy Baldwin

Megan Urgiles, Nicole Khalovian and Maggie Villano

Lars Faber and Nicole Seitter

Raquel McLean

While the AMND gala was a whirlwind success, that joy is bittersweet:only a short time after the event David Deutsch, the inspiration behind AMND, passed away after a courageous eight-year battle with ALS. He was 43. Please join AMND in the fight for a cure. Visit amnd.org.

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Age of New B E GI N N I N G S By Ellen Pellegrino

arch is a wonderful time for renewal. It’s the time when we begin anew. The caterpillar transform its body into a cocoon before shedding its shell and emerging as a butterfly. It has undergone a metamorphosis in order to expose its true beauty, soaring into flight, embracing its new found freedom. Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate ourselves, to release our fears and dislikes. Like the butterfly, we can change if we learn to love ourselves a little more. Once we’ve mastered the art of loving ourselves, we can then help others to love themselves as well. With a little guidance, we can alter those negative thoughts about ourselves and others, creating a metamorphosis in our thinking process. Like computer anti-virus software that can delete the destructive components corrupting and slowing down productivity, we can rewrite our thought patterns, deleting the negative and replacing them with positive ones.

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The thoughts we create in our mind everyday create our reality. For example: when you look into the mirror and say to yourself, “I’m getting old. I have a wrinkle here and there, or I’m getting too fat” – that is negative. Instead, as silly as it may sound, say aloud, " I love myself" and give yourself a hug. These are the beginning steps on the path to a better you. Don't dwell on the should have, would have, and could have. Instead look to the new opportunities that await you. Release all of the negative thoughts. When a negative thought DOES find its way into your head, a good technique is to say “cancel, delete”. It’s a very effective way of using self-hypnosis to develop a way of dispelling negativity. Spring forward into your new life. With guidance you can learn the tools needed to transform yourself and to improve your selfimage. Here at The Age of New Beginnings Spa we are committed to helping you realize the potential that exists inside of you.

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Sp ri ng RE NEWA L By Adriana Vater

re you ready for Spring? I know I am! Refresh your look as we say goodbye Winter and hello to sun, flirty dresses and colorful accessories-----everything we love about Spring! • Banish Hat Head – Months of winter hats and hoods can dull hair color. Breathe new life into your hue and maybe change it up for a new spring look. Lighten your existing shade for a subtle change. Add highlights around the face for a dramatic look. Color should be natural, so for blondes try on sunkissed golds. Brunettes and redheads look smashing with warm highlights, nothing brassy. • Let Locks Loose – Spring fashion is very feminine, complimenting locks that are layered, touchable, filled with movement. Let your hair’s natural waves do their thing and even tease them out a little for a bigger, fuller look. Control frizz with an all-natural smoother or leave-in conditioner. Long layers can transform your look if not your attitude: it feels 10

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wonderful to chop off winter doldrums for a vibrant, swingy ‘do’! Shorter hair is relaxed. Toss bangs around for a casual, easy look. Retro is also key so if a bob is your thing go for it, and have fun. • Mix Up the Makeup Palette – Earthy tones are complimented with eyes that pop with color. Outline lids with a jewel-toned sapphire, emerald green or deep amethyst. Complete the look with nude shades for lips. Use sheer powders and high SPF moisturizers. • Get Skin Glowing – Treat yourself to an Embrightenment Illuminating facial to banish dry skin. Fingers and toes need love, too. Schedule a mani-pedi so you’re sandal-ready for Spring parties!

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fashion

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E co-Fr ien dly FA SHION By Leigh Merrill

re you part of the eco frenzy that’s taking the fashion industry by storm? While many are going gaga for green, there are still many that are skeptical. Eco-friendly clothing may be recycled, or may be from material which doesn't harm the environment and is biodegradable. Its become such a popular trend that major retailers all over the world are going green and adding organic cotton and sustainable fabrics to their merchandise. So next time you’re in the mall, don’t forget to visit: The GAP, Victoria Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M for their "Conscious Collection" and Forever 21 for their line of organic cotton totes. However if you love American Eagle Outfitters, you’ll have to shop online for their organic collection. Another big retailer that added eco-friendly materials to their merchandise is Levi Strauss. Levi Strauss has been in business since 1853. In addition to using organic products, they have expanded eco-friendly to include the recycling of fabrics, reduction of packaging materials and the responsible procurement of forest products. Many consumers would like to know what the hype is all about and why people are so driven towards eco-friendly clothing. The clothing tends to be a bit pricier, so why is it so important? Firstly, you must understand what makes organic cotton, “organic.” Organic cotton is 12

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grown without using pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals. Those chemicals are very harmful to the environment. For those who are still skeptical about this huge trend in fashion, I caught up with eco-friendly designer Bridgett Artise. Bridgett has a fashion line called, "Born Again Vintage". The line brings together the era of the elegantly adorned and pampered woman with that of today’s woman who is independent, strong, sexy and above all else smart. Bridgett lives her life relatively eco-friendly and this belief expands beyond “green” fashion. She recycles, conserves energy by turning lights out, not running water, carpooling etc. She’s trying to become more eco-friendly even when it comes to food. Consider becoming eco-friendly when it comes to fashion. You can help save the planet one thread at a time.

Leigh Merrill Gossip Meets Couture gossipmeetscouture.com leigh@gossipmeetscouture.com

jewelry

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Doi n g The R IGHT THING By Maria Paray

C lean and R efres h YOUR JEWELRY Nature is made up of so many precious materials that can be used to make jewelry: diamonds, rubies, emeralds, silver, gold, coral and ivory to name a few. Since ivory often comes from endangered species, the elephant ivory trade was banned in 1990. Yet, the demand for the beauty of ivory continues. As a result, many substitues have been found for ivory including: resin, tagua nut and mammoth tusks. One does not have to think twice about sporting faux ivory bangles. Coral has not been so fortunate. Worldwide, coral reefs are dying from pollution, climate change and over-harvesting. These fragile ecosystems are home to many fish species. As Long Islanders, any disaster to the oceans hits us where we live. As a jewelry designer, I am very careful to source coral from non-endangered species. Recently, I had the opportunity to buy beautiful non-endangered coral. However, if I and other artisan jewelry designers buy coral - even legal coral - then we are creating a demand. Coral-loving customers may then unknowingly buy endangered coral from unscrupulous dealers. The cycle of destruction would continue, with coral on the losing end. I have pledged to never buy coral again: endangered, or not. Please join me in protecting our oceans - give up natural coral! Instead, search for resin, lacquer or enameled pieces for the same signature coral color - but without the ecological consequences. Let’s do the right thing! Are you with me? Maria Paray Designer and owner of Maria Paray Designs. mariaparay.com

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By Amy Certilman What better way to celebrate Spring this year than with a new piece of old jewelry? As you start to ponder cleaning out your closets and behind your sofa, don’t forget to clean out your jewelry box as well. For fine jewelry that you wear often, proper care is necessary, but harsh chemicals are not required and can damage your jewelry. I follow the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) recommendation that you “clean your jewelry with an ammonia-based household cleaner (such as window cleaner) overnight, once or twice weekly. In the morning, remove the diamond from the cleaner and brush it with a soft, clean toothbrush (one that has not previously been used in any way, and that you reserve exclusively for cleaning your diamond) to remove any leftover dirt. Take extra care to brush the back of the diamond, as this will be the area that has collected the most oil and dirt.” For jewelry that is broken, or you haven’t worn in years, consider working with a jewelry designer and reset the stone into something more reflective of your current lifestyle. I always tell my clients that jewelry should be worn, and not collect dust in a box. So take your jewelry out for some fresh air this year, and enjoy the newness of Spring. Amy Certilman Jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and owner of The Perfect Setting, a custom design business for contemporary, traditional, heirloom and new jewelry. theperfectsetting.com

fashion

IS YOUR HOLD I NG

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LOOK

Y OU BA C K? By Cathy Berger

Everyone’s heard, “image is everything.” That’s because it’s true! Appearance translates to ability. Presentation foreshadows results. How we look plays a major role in how others perceive us. Dressing professionally, despite the urge to blend in or be comfortable, projects a motivated image to your boss and co-workers even if your inner self is shy. Here are the Top Ten Greatest Tips on “How to Project a Polished Image”: 1. Start by picking out 5 “power” items from your closet that exemplify the “best you”- - colors that especially work well, investment pieces you splurged on or snagged for a song, and set them aside. Keep these 5 items cleaned and pressed at all times. 2. Have at least 2-3 outfits put together from these 5 power items ready-to-go. They should consist of pressed suits or preaccessorized dress ensembles. 3. Make sure your belt is not worn out, your shoes are shined and your purse or briefcase matches both. 4. For days without meetings, when your best is not necessary but you want to be on your game nonetheless, put on what makes you happy and comfortable yet clean, pressed and modern. 5. Items such as a great, high quality button down shirt for men paired with wellfitting, ironed slacks should always be on hand. 16

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6. Blazers should be of even higher quality. Invest in the best jacket you can afford. Black and navy blue are timeless and go with most everything. No plunging necklines for women. A professional woman wants to be taken seriously not ogled. 7. Keep jewelry high in quality, and low in quantity. It’s best not to look like you’re too flashy. Keep everything understated like a nice time piece, a sharp looking pen, one ring per hand (maybe two on one hand), small to medium sized earrings and classic style necklaces such as pearls and pendants make for a true professional style. 8. Keep your cologne or perfume subliminal so it pleases the olfactory instead of wanting it shut down. 9. Floss so your gums are healthy and your breath is clean. Healthy gums also keep your body’s defenses at their peak while out shaking hands and eating hors d’oeuvres. 10. Know your audiences before you decide to kick it up a notch. If you’re in the entertainment industry, creativity is revered as long as you can pull off the look. For conservative professions (financial services being the most), color, material textures and new looks from top designers can be mixed in gingerly. While you don’t want to look out of place, you do want to exude leadership and confidence so shoot for a subtle yet noticeable polished look.

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Mineral Makeup By Rosemarie Spinella

ith Spring just steps away, thoughts of fresh, clean and green beginnings float through our minds like a cool breeze, making the season such an inspiring time for healthy change! We are increasingly more conscious of using natural products in our homes and eating more organic and natural foods. We are more aware of what we’re putting “in” our bodies, what about what were putting “on” them? Mineral makeup has been around for decades but it is only recently that is has taken center stage as a hot, trendy item so more cosmetic companies are adding it to their lineup. Known as a “healthier makeup”, the benefits are endless and definitely worth taking a look at. Mineral makeup is pure and free of dyes, chemicals, perfumes, and talc which can clog pores. The purity of the makeup helps prevent the growth of bacteria, this combined with other great properties, provides many healthy benefits for the skin. Titanium dioxide found in mineral makeup acts as a natural sunscreen and protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Zinc also found in mineral makeup helps prevent inflammation, camouflages redness and blemishes and creates a water-resistant lasting finish. Due to its concentration, a little bit goes a long way, so the more you add the more coverage you will get, while still maintaining a natural healthy glow. It’s an amazing 3-in1 product that acts as foundation, concealer and powder that will save you time and money! It’s important to read labels when shopping for mineral makeup as some companies are using the term “mineral” as a sales scheme and falsely advertise products. When shopping, be aware of anything containing dyes, parabens, perfumes and other chemical ingredients, which defeat the advantages of real mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is a versatile and safe product for your skin and just may be worth the switch! Rosemarie Spinella Certified Make-up Artist and Licensed Esthetician La Piele Boutique Spa, Huntington 631.629.4334 18

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Glo Pressed Base This base is designed to provide a flawless, matte complexion with longlasting mineral coverage. Broad-spectrum UV protection keeps the skin protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which helps to prevent premature signs of aging, hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer. LaPiele Boutique Spa, Huntington, 631.629.4334 lapieleskincare.com.

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Healthy Hair, H E ALTH Y ATTITUD E By Patricia McManus I tell my clients to have attitude when it comes to their hair. One impeccable classic haircut is worth more than all the styling products you can buy. A haircut is akin to the little black dress in your closet. If you start out with a terrific style tailored to your needs, you can then accessorize with color, foiling, perming or straightening. It’s best to keep it "green" and healthy by using products that do not harm your hair, your health and the environment. For example, products made with natural vegetable enzymes instead of old-fashioned peroxide are a better alternative, as they are soy based colors and the straighteners contain no formaldehyde. Did you know most shampoos and conditioners are slightly acidic, which helps protect the protein structure of your hair? Rainwater really is not a beneficial rinse. Instead, try using vinegar or lemon in the water to give your hair a shine boost. For at home deep conditioning, try using mayonnaise or avocado as a hair mask before your shampoo. Apply and then wrap in a warm towel for fifteen minutes and shampoo thoroughly. It’s green and thrifty. Sulfate free shampoos are best for your hair. Rinsing with cool water closes the cuticle of the hair shaft. Healthy hair helps you achieve a healthy attitude!

Patricia McManus Owner: My Studio, Commack 631.543.0106 patmystudio@optonline.net, patmystudio.com

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fitness

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B e i n g L e a n a n d G reen By Bonne Marano-Marcus

t may be hard to imagine that the way you exercise could have an impact on the environment, but it can. In fact, there are several steps you can take to make sure that your workout is as ecofriendly as possible. Here are a few ways to help “green” your workout. Car pool to the gym with a friend. Not only does carpooling cut down on your fuel costs and reduces the carbon emissions from the travel, but having a gym buddy is an instant incentive to keep up with your fitness goals and resolutions. Take your workouts outside. Instead of increasing your energy consumption on your treadmill, take advantage of the hiking trails in our area. I recommend the Greenbelt trail from Cold Spring Harbor State Park. Inspire a “green” makeover at your health club or gym. Carry your own ecofriendly towels and encourage your gym to make some eco-friendly upgrades. Make sure your club offers recycling bins, energy efficient machines, air-hand dryer to reduce the paper waste and shut off switches

for the saunas and steam rooms. Use energy saving gym equipment. Search for cardio equipment that doesn’t need a plug! Better yet, eliminate the use altogether by running in place or jumping rope instead. Or, you could get your cardio workout before even setting foot in the gym: just walk, run, or bike there. Tote your water bottle. It’s important to stay hydrated while working out, so reduce waste by bringing water in a reusable, BPA-free water bottle. Buy sports drinks in bulk powder form and mix in your bottle to avoid even more waste. Donate your sneakers. When you’re ready to get rid of those well worn (hopefully from working out) sneakers, donate them. Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe recycles athletic shoes into surfaces for tracks, playgrounds, and outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Go to nikereuseashoe.com to learn more. Buy eco-friendly clothes from eco-friendly

stores. The demand for “green” clothing options has made it relatively easy to find full lines of eco-friendly workout clothes. Organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, recycled and even soy fibers are weaving their way into the workout clothing world. Buy “green” fitness products. Companies like Gaiam and Natural Fitness sell yoga mats, and exercise equipment that don’t contain harmful contaminants and are better for the environment. TRAINERbrands™ is another company whose products are 100 percent recyclable. Their products make use of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), a durable alternative to rubber or PVC that is completely non–toxic, odorless and harmless to both the environment and human body.

Bonne Marano-Marcus Personal Trainer and author of “The Complete Bride’s Workout Guide”. If you have a question, email Bonne at bonnemarcus@gmail.com 22 20

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ss our our children children get get older, older, the the task task of of getting getting them them to to exercise exercise may may become become more more of of aa challenge. challenge. With With video video games, games, cell cell phones phones and and parents parents who who worry worry too too much much about about children children transporting transporting themselves themselves from from place place to to place, place, exercise exercise isis hard hard to to come come by by and and some some teens teens become become what what we we call call “couch “couch potatoes”. potatoes”. Today’s Today’s teen teen has has access access to to multiple multiple social social media media tools tools that that keep keep them them more more connected connected than than ever. ever. But But instead instead of of moving moving their their bodies, bodies, they they spend spend countless countless hours hours only only moving moving their their hands, hands, busily busily playing playing on-line on-line video video games, games, texting texting or or communicating communicating via via Facebook. Facebook. Medical Medical experts experts suggest suggest that that aa teen teen should should exercise exercise for for an an hour hour aa day. day. They They could could start start with with something something manageable manageable like like aa walk walk through through the the woods, woods,Call aa bike bike ride ride or or aa game game of of tennis. tennis. As As your your teen teen moves moves more more By By Hillary Hillary Call and and more, more, the the newly newly found found energy energy should should open open the the door door of of physical physical There’s There’s aa new new gem gem in in Huntington Huntington Station Station with with the the grand grand opening opening possibilities. possibilities. As As their their energy energy increases, increases, so so should should their their desire desire for for more more of of The The Diamond Diamond Center, Center, the the second second Long Long Island Island location location for for this this thriving thriving physical physical activity. activity. business. business. For For more more than than 15 15 years years the the owners owners have have prided prided themselves themselves Here Here are are some some tips tips to to get get rid rid of of your your teen’s teen’s bad bad attitude attitude and and get get in in offering offering only only the the finest finest jewelry jewelry to to clients, clients, and and in in treating treating each each guest guest them them moving: moving: like like family. family. •• Lead Lead by by example. example. IfIf you you want want them them to to start start moving, moving, make make sure sure you you The The Diamond Diamond Center Center specializes specializes in in engagement engagement rings rings and and wedding wedding move move and and find find something something physical physical you you can can do do together. together. bands. bands. Their Their extensive extensive selection selection includes includes aa wide wide variety variety of of gold, gold, •• Make Make itit fun. fun. Find Find aa physical physical activity activity that that interests interests your your teen. teen. platinum platinum and and diamond diamond jewelry jewelry including including necklaces, necklaces, watches watches and and even even •• Have Have your your teen teen help help out out with with more more chores chores like like raking raking leaves leaves or or loose loose certified certified diamonds. diamonds. washing washing the the car, car, which which not not only only helps helps you, you, but but gets gets them them moving moving too! too! The The Diamond Diamond Center Center creates creates all all items items at at their their own own manufacturing manufacturing •• Buddy Buddy up up your your teen teen with with aa friend friend for for aa physical physical activity. activity. Perhaps Perhaps facility. facility. This This cuts cuts out out the the middleman middleman so so clients clients purchase purchase items items directly directly joining joining aa gym gym or or power power walking walking through through the the mall mall would would be be aa motivator motivator from from the the manufacturer manufacturer –– not not from from aa reseller reseller –– which which means means exceptionally exceptionally for for them. them. competitive competitive pricing. pricing. •• Remember, Remember, aa little little encouragement encouragement and and patience patience goes goes aa long long way way Custom Custom jewelry jewelry isis crafted crafted from from scratch scratch for for truly truly one-of-a-kind one-of-a-kind items. items. toward toward teaching teaching your your teen teen to to be be more more physically physically active. active. Clients Clients can can even even bring bring in in pictures pictures of of their their favorite favorite pieces; pieces; The The Diamond Diamond Center’s Center’s artisans artisans will will create create your your jewelry jewelry to to your your exact exact specifications. specifications. Clients Clients can can stay stay Carol and and watch watch as as their their diamond diamond jewelry jewelry is is lovingly lovingly worked worked Carol Burke Burke on on from from start start to to finish. finish. Personal Personal Trainer Trainer and and owner owner of of Power PowerCenter of of One Onetoday, Fitness Fitness Studio, Studio,that Northport Northport Visit Visit The The Diamond Diamond Center today, for for jewelry jewelry that makes makes memories memories 631.757.6937 631.757.6937 powerofoneny.com powerofoneny.com that that last last aa lifetime. lifetime. 252 252 West West Jericho Jericho Tpke., Tpke., Huntington Huntington 631.629.4669. 631.629.4669.

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GM GEM MAGAZINE LONG ISLAND

THE TOWNWIDE FUND OF HUNTINGTON Raises $100K for Huntington Agencies The Townwide Fund of Huntington Inc. announced that it distributed $104,000 to its 20 not-for-profit member agencies at its annual meeting held Monday, January 30th at Harborfields High School. Also at the meeting, James T. Powers was named President succeeding Michael Mulè of Centerport. “Despite tough economic times, we were able to raise almost the exact same amount for our member agencies as we did in 2010, and those numbers were 39% higher than what we did the year before,” said Michael Mulè as he spoke about the year past. “I’m very proud of all the hard work we did and what was accomplished.” The 20 agencies that the Townwide Fund of Huntington currently supports include the American Red Cross, CYA’s of Huntington, YMCA “The Place, Family Service League, Foster Grandparent Program, Girl Scouts, The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, the Dolan Family Health Center, Huntington YMCA, Literacy Suffolk, Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank, Pederson-Krag Center, Rainbow Chimes, St. Johnland Nursing Center, Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center, and the Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice of Suffolk. The Townwide Fund celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 19 at Oheka Castle with a fundraising gala. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit townwidefund.org.

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Mes s a g e t o P a t i e n t s a n d Med i ca l P ra c t i t i o n e rs A li k e By Susan Montana In case you haven’t noticed, the health care reimbursement world has REALLY changed! What changes do you need to make to best utilize the current system? As a patient, it used to be that you just needed to arm yourself with medical related questions when you prepared to see a medical practitioner. Today, you almost need to treat it more like a meeting with your accountant, attorney and financial planner in addition to your medical care provider. As a medical practitioner, you used to hone up on your diagnostic skills, make sure you were up to date on the most current treatment modalities, and sharpen your bedside manner. Today, you need to concern yourself with: liability worries, getting paid for your services - and keeping those payments, prescription drug seeking patients, and complex ever-changing insurance payment rules, just to name a few. So what to do? Patients: familiarize yourself with your insurance plans. If you’ve got a high deductible plan, be prepared to pay for services until your deductible is met. Chances are you selected that plan to save some money on your insurance premiums,

but don’t think you’re not going to pay one way or the other! Understand how innetwork and out-of-network benefits work. The insurance companies are enforcing the rules these days, so while your medical practitioner may have been able to ‘forgive’ certain patient responsibilities in the past, that has changed. Medical practitioners: your practice will benefit from adopting a customer service mentality. Understand that your patients may be as baffled by the complex insurance rules as you are. Your staff should be prepared to explain the details of how their individual care is expected to work with his or hers insurance and what one’s responsibilities will be. Your staff will also need to be equipped with the tools and information needed to stay one step ahead of the insurance companies. Unfortunately, our system is set up on a profit based model and profits are minimized when payments are reduced or denied, so you will have to be very proactive to ensure you get what you’re entitled to. If you’ve got any health care reimbursement questions or topics you would like to know more about, email me at Sue@HabaneroInc.com.

Susan M. Montana, CPC Habanero, Inc. 631.244.5661 www.HabaneroInc.com

fashion

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Do You H a ve An E YE F OR FA SHI ON? By Sara Fingerman

help you choose the most "fashionable look" Many people still have a fear of going to the no matter which of the four types of beautiful optometrist and finding out that their vision isn't faces relates to you! quite 20/20 and that they may need glasses. Oval- Lucky you! An oval shaped face can Well, instead of being upset over your prescription carry any shape frame so try them all on and change, celebrate it! Eyewear is not just for seeing have fun with it! clearly; it is used as a means to boost up your Square- Rimless is the way to go. There are fashion. many brands that carry beautiful three- piece Enter an eyewear boutique like Vision World of mount frames and semi-rimless glasses. Stonybrook and you will feel like you are on chic Round- Let your inner metro girl out. Go Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. From Juicy Couture to with a chunky rectangular plastic frame and Versace, there are hundreds of different brands choose a bold color. and styles to choose from. Their style experts and Heart Shaped- Love your face! Butterfly opticians will help you to find the perfect pair of or cat eye frames look gorgeous on a heart eyewear. Owner Andy Polan ensures that each of shaped face. Go with a rose gold frame or his patients and clients feel like family and will walk something in the tortoise family. out of his store looking and seeing his or her very Versace Eyewear 2012 best. Sara is Senior Account Director at Stanford Registries and marketing Get a head start on eyewear fashion by using this style guide to consultant for SV Aesthetics in Patchogue, NY

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2194 A Nesconset Highway • STONY BROOK (Red Lobster Shopping Center) 631.246.5468 • stonybrookvisionworld.com Open Mon-Sat • Doctor Available By Appointment march 2012

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health & wellness

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Keeping Your Imm une System Strong How To Choose The Best By Dr.Deborah Genin

We’re all familiar with the term “Spring Cleaning”, where we suddenly get the urge to clean out our garages, basements, and store away our clothes and throw out unnecessary items lying around the home and office. But do we consider cleaning out OUR BODIES? There are a wide range of chronic conditions that are common in our over-worked and hyper-charged society that cause inflammation and an increased immune response. Some of these conditions are: chronic fatigue, aching muscles and joints, migraines, digestive troubles, autism, ADD/ADHD, skin disorders and obesity. Food sensitivity has been linked to many of these conditions. By doing a little “spring cleaning” of our gut, we can identify potential allergies or intolerances that play a role in our overall health. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that over 34 million people in

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Orthodontist For your Family

the United States have some type of food You are about to embark on an orthodontic an exciting timewe for sensitivity. With ajourney simple –blood test panel, your family. Here are some keydetermine questionswhich to askfoods that will you select can andhelp allergens are the orthodontist and practice that best your affecting yourfits body. Youfamily: can start the clean • Is the doctor a specialistupinprocess orthodontics with years specialized by avoiding2-3 what mayofpotentially education beyond dental be school? the trigger of these chronic conditions. • Are there extra chargesWorking for emergency repairs? professional with thevisits rightorhealthcare • Are different payment options available? is important in recognizing the symptoms of • Do clinicians and theirfood teamintolerance members or attend food continuing allergies. A education thorough classes and seminars frequently? health history and an examination will help • Are ‘space age’ wires used for improved comfort and performance? to determine if certain conditions are being • Does the doctor use bonded brackets as much as possible, spacers triggered by foods, additives, molds,oretc. and old-school bands? By keeping the immune system strong and • Does the doctor use proper mechanics that allow him/her to reduce the healthy, we can all live a cleaner, happier and total number of appointments necessary to complete your treatment? healthier life. • Are appointments easy to make? • Are you charged for cancelled appointments? Dr. Deborah Genin Balance Spectacular Chiropractic & Wellness Center • Dr. Inna Gellerman, Smiles, 631-427-8444 Huntington 631.470.9670 balancelongisland.com

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Brac e s a nd Se lf-Es t e e m F OR PR E-T E E N S By Dr. Inna Gellerman

bout the time a child turns ten or eleven years old, they start to become concerned with their appearance. The same child who fought with her parents about wearing a sloppy outfit to school suddenly becomes a major fashion fan. Even boys who didn’t care about their appearance become vigilant about hair styles or the brand of sneakers they wear. This is also when pre-teens become very aware of their smiles. For children with serious orthodontic challenges – baby teeth that never fell out, teeth protruding above the gum line, or gaps between teeth – getting braces is important for self-esteem and for their overall dental health. It is widely recognized that straight teeth and a correct bite makes teeth and gums easier to clean and care for and that crooked teeth are more likely to lead to increased instances of tooth decay and gum disease. But the pre-teen and teenager isn’t worried about health issues; they are concerned with their appearance and how their peers think they look. Today there are many different kinds of braces and orthodontic appliances. Traditional metal braces are the most common and are more comfortable today than in the past. Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are less visible. Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners to straighten teeth, and then there are Incognito® lingual braces, which are custom made to match the teeth and are hidden behind the teeth. In other words, there are braces to suit every lifestyle and every budget.

Dr. Inna Gellerman Children & Adult Orthodontics Spectacular Smiles, Huntington 631.427.8444

You Deserve A

SPECTACULAR SmiLE! Our Mission is to create a memorable journey to Spectacular Smiles for each and every one of our patients. Innovative orthodontic treatments for children & adults

Inna Gellerman DDS Children & Adult Orthodontics

165 Main Street Huntington, NY 11743 631.427.8444 | DrGellerman.com march 2012

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A Journey to M OT H E R H O O D A Heart Capturing Story of Love and Fertility PART ONE OF A TWO PART SERIES

By Maryann DeDimone At the age of 35, I found myself uncertain what to do with the rest of my life. I attended a “What do you want workshop in NYC” where I began the journey of creating the life I wanted. I met my husband of 15 years, started my business Interthread Embroidery, and dreamed of becoming a mother. We bought a “starter house”

updated with the number of eggs and that prayed with us, that

in Huntington looking to fill the bedrooms.

this would be it. We were all excited and positive at the possibility.

The months came and went with no pregnancy. We buried

to able to give me a day. Once again that dreaded period came. So

suggestions that would help. Mother’s Day became an extremely

it was back to the shots for another try. The second time brought

painful day. I would buy plants days before and stayed at home

a positive result, but ended up being a negative positive. Again, it

planting so I could avoid hearing “Happy Mother’s Day”.

was not the result we had been praying for.

We were going through every stage of infertility there was

Tests determined that in our case, my eggs were just too old. I

and we had a team of people cheering for us. I was amazed

began to feel the pain of what this meant. I knew how much Robert

at how many couples were going through the same process

wanted to be a Dad. That’s what he would tell his Mom when she

and saddened at how depressed many in the waiting rooms

asked” What do you want to be when you grow up?”

were. Robert and I brought a boom box to play music during an

I wanted to try just one more time, changing doctors, this

insemination in celebration of the possibility of what was about to

would be the third. I went to the appointment, with all my records

happen. My parents even took part of this by delivering Robert’s

and sat through the consultation, determined it would happen

sperm to the doctor because we both had obligations that early

this time. I was at the desk making my next appointment when a

morning.

woman came out of the doctor’s office and had that look; she just

When we were unsuccessful, we decided to try the next step: in-vitro fertilization. Again, we had family and friends that we kept

Robert was a little too excited about how many shots he was going

statues in the yard, took my temperature, and listened to any

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found out she was pregnant. -A Journey To Motherhood to be continued next month

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health & wellness

The ultimate ‘ green ’ proc e dure By Dr. Scott Blyer

n today’s world, so many of us are trying to ‘go green’. Recycling is the processing of waste materials into new useful products, and it is an integral part of this movement to improve our environment. Does this trend apply to cosmetic surgery? The ultimate ‘green’ procedure that has gained tremendous popularity over the past few years is fat transfers. Years ago, the final destination of fat from liposuction was the trash. We now are learning of the wonderful properties of fat that make it ideal filler. Fat as a filler lasts between eight and ten years, longer than any other temporary filler commercially on the market. There are 500 times more stem cells in fat than in bone marrow. When used in the face, the skin not only looks improved from the volume enhancement, but the skin looks richer, more radiant, and the number of wrinkles diminishes. Fat is natural filler from your own body, eliminating the fear of rejection or reaction. Excess fat is

kept in storage to be used in the future for touch ups. The face is not the only destination for our soft yellow friend. We use fat to enhance the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), the breast, and even the genitals! It is among one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and I am performing a few of these surgeries each week. Perhaps the concept originated in Robin Hood: taking from the rich and giving to the poor! Whatever the case may be, taking unwanted areas of fat and using it as a filler is not only a fiscally sound investment, but an intuitively genius idea. Its popularity and applications are only growing every day! Scott M. Blyer, MD, Cameo Surger y Specializing in Maxillofacial Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery 631.232.CAMEO cameosurgery.com

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food & nutrition

Get Hook e d

on S e A Ve gg i e S By Jo Ann Bellistri Sea vegetables or seaweeds have been harvested and consumed for centuries in many cultures around the world. These plants from the sea offer enormous health benefits and in fact, contribute to the longevity of the cultures that consume them on a daily basis. Like all soil-grown plants, sea vegetables use the sun’s energy for photosynthesis. Land plants have root systems, but sea vegetables absorb everything they need from the ocean around them. Sea vegetables contain about one hundred minerals and trace elements that exist in the ocean. The health benefits of these ancient sea vegetables surpass our healthiest of land plants because they are at least ten times higher in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Sea vegetables contribute to the health of the endocrine and nervous systems, reduce the risks of some diseases and help the body eliminate dangerous toxins.

Most markets that have an Asian food section will carry some sea vegetables. Unlike the produce section, you don’t have to worry about freshness. You can find a variety of sea vegetables that are packaged with little or no processing. They last for weeks or even months in sealed packages in the cupboard. So, are you ready be adventurous and try a little seaweed? Hijiki, arame, dulce, wakame, kombu and nori are delicious sea vegetables that you can find in most health food stores. They can all be used in salads, soups and stir- fry. Start with one variety and combine it with your regular vegetables, grains and legumes to provide better utilization of protein and all other nutrients. Don’t be afraid of sea veggies, once you discover how delicious and easy they are to incorporate into your diet, you’ll be hooked!

Ease –Sea Miso Soup 4 cups water 1/4 cup miso 1/3 cup sliced dulce, a sea lettuce 1/3 cup minced scallion 5 sliced crimini mushrooms 2 tbsp grated ginger Optional: 1/3 cup diced tofu Boil water and remove from heat. Add dulce, ginger, scallion, mushroom and tofu. In a bowl, dissolve miso in water and then pour into pot and serve. For added nutrition, add chopped wakame and sliced carrots. Enjoy!

Jo Ann Bellistri All That Wellness Inc. 516.769.7602 allthatwellness.com

S uper G re e n s fo r y ou r W e l l- b ei n g By Colleen Simon Are you keeping it green in an effort to improve the planet? Consider going green to improve your own wellness. Most Americans know that including fresh produce in their diet is important, but they fall short in consuming these empowering nutrients. So, if you don’t eat your greens, maybe you can drink them. Green drinks have become very popular with people of all ages. What a clever, efficient way to get the benefits of numerous veggies. Add some green powder to a protein shake and start the day with a nutritious breakfast. A good green drink can supply a range of powerful antioxidants: such as green tea extract, spirulina, wheat grass powder, barley grass powder, spinach and broccoli powder, to name a few. Antioxidants are true health heroes since they neutralize the dangerous free radicals that attack your cells on a daily basis. Without 30

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sufficient antioxidant protection, we’re far more vulnerable to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and premature aging. Drinking green can help eliminate symptoms of disease you may already be experiencing. They will also increase your daily nutrient uptake, assist in weight loss, and boost your immune system, which helps with colds, the flu and also combats cancer by boosting your natural killer (NK) cell activity. Greens help detoxify and purify the body as they provide intestinal nourishment, aid in faster growing and stronger nails, stabilize blood sugar, decrease PMS, improve sleep, and best of all provide MORE ENERGY. Colleen Simon Nutritional Consultant Health Hutt Inc. Centereach 631.615.2179 healthhuttinc.com

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Health Be n e fi ts of

HIM ALAYA N S A LT The brine solution provides a detoxifying effect on the body. For the skin, it helps minerals to be penetrated easily. Here are some uses of the Himalayan salt sole (pronounced so-lay), a mixture of crystal salt and water to provide natural remedy to the body. 1. Dental Hygiene - You can use the brine (undiluted) when brushing your teeth. You can also use it as a mouthwash. The solution prevents gum bleeding and bad breath. 2. Ear Infections - Using sole as eardrops will help in curing ear infections. 3. Acne - To lessen the acne, use a brine facial wash. To use Himalayan salt as a face or body scrub, just mix the salt with a fragrance free, organic soap. 4. Foot Fungus - Soak your feet with the brine solution and see the difference. 5. Psoriasis - Take brine solution to the affected skin area and rub. Then allow brine to dry. 6. Menstrual Complaints - If you are experiencing menstrual cramps, use a warm salt sachet for 30 minutes. You can also get a cloth and dip it in the sole. Wring and put the cloth on your abdomen. Then cover it with towel and put a hot water bottle on top. Allow this for 30 minutes to get rid of the cramps. 7. Headaches - Use concentrated sole solution to massage the head and neck. 8. Chronic Respiratory Illness - Asthma, sinusitis and bronchitis can be treated with brine inhalation therapy. Find out more at himalayansaltsalt.info.

H ow to De to x Yo ur Bo dy By Joanne Kois There are many available ways to detox your body by means of products, recipes, cleanses and detox diets. Once you understand what exactly a detox diet is and what you want out of it, choosing the right one for yourself becomes easier. Get started with a healthy way to detox your body by making some choices in your diet and lifestyle. • Skip added sugars • Avoid bad fats like saturated and trans-fats, especially fat from red meat • Pump-up the protein with lean sources like chicken, eggs, fish and nuts • Limit alcohol and choose red wine for the benefit of resveratrol • Eat fiber in berries, fruits, vegetables and whole grains • Eat CLEAN which means focusing on naturally nutrient-rich whole foods and eliminate or cut back on all processed foods.

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Our medical staff has designed a detox program to enhance your mind, body, and overall health. Our specially designed detoxification programs are formulated to remove toxins and poisons from your body that may be harmful to your overall health and wellbeing.

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Our team of specialists will determine your level of toxicity and pollution exposure through medical testing. Based on the results, we will provide you with an individual customized detox plan. The detoxification plan includes supplements and a clean diet to enhance the process without exposing your body to additional poisons.

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march 2012

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family & relationships

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Protec t i ng The O n es Y O U LO V E Many individuals view substance abuse users as conjured up visions of street people, ignoring the fact that this disease has affected people from various backgrounds and all walks of life - think Betty Ford, Charlie Sheen, and George W. Bush. The YMCA Family Services located in Centereach, Mastic and Northport doesn’t have a pool or a gym. This component of the agency provides outpatient services for those suffering from the disease of addiction. Unfortunately, due to the harsh economy, funding has been greatly affected. The programs that YMCA provides have received a 20% reduction in funding, adversely impacting the awareness and deterrence that our agency strives for. Due to budget cuts and the deficit in prevention funding the YMCA Family Services has no choice but to increase their fees. Substance abuse and alcohol related issues would not just go away. It takes a team of trained and skilled individuals to work with this population, to help them reach their goals while remaining drug free. - By Kerri Hebberd, YMCA

In New York State, child abuse is defined as the intentional injury of a child under age 18 by their parent, guardian or caretaker. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Failure to provide adequate food, shelter or medical treatment is another form of abuse called neglect. Abuse frequently happens behind closed doors, and kids can be too afraid to say something. How can you help? If you’re abusing your child get help immediately. Things can change; it’s a good thing to ask for help! Need assistance in finding someone to talk to? Call LICC’s confidential hotline at (516) 679-1111. If you suspect a child is being abused, talk to them. Find out what’s going on. Get them medical assistance, provide emotional support and let them know they’re no longer alone. Call Child Protective Services (CPS). There is a confidential number you can call to report what’s going on without giving your name. While it may seem like a hard phone call to make, the goal is to protect the child. The scars of child abuse, especially the emotional ones, last forever. LongIslandCrisisCenter.org. - By Hillary Call, LICC Volunteer

ma k in g a d if fer en c e on l o n g i sl a n d

Lenore Paprocky

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Lenore Paprocky is the Director of Sales at the Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook. She continues to make her mark in the business world and in the local community. Middle Country Chamber of Commerce honored her as Volunteer of the Year for her constant volunteer efforts in the community. Lenore was once again a committee chairperson for Walk for Beauty, Her Story Gala and Jewels to Jeans. Lenore volunteers her time to be Vice President of North Shore Promotion Alliance, an organization that encourages tourism on Long Island. She is the Vice President of Advertising for Women on the Move, a women’s networking group whose main goal is empowering women with education and knowledge. Lenore was instrumental in organizing a fundraising event, in honor of Lee Lutz, editor at hometown newspaper, The Times Record, called “Taste of Three Villages.” This event brought together over 40 local restaurants to showcase their specialties and raised over $15,000 for the scholarship fund.

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Communicate with Intelligence.

SHARI L. PEYSER COUPLES BOOTCAMP Public Relations, Marketing “Repair, Revive, Reconnect, Re-energize and & Editorial Services Re-negotiate” YOUR MARRIAGE 5 easy steps to aSince better1996 marriage

Renewed Relationships By Suzanne Wachtel Spring is a time for renewal and reflection. This season is the perfect time to start over and clean up the “bad habits” we have collected along our relationship journey. As you must already know, couples don’t always agree on most issues, so finding a way to communicate your differences, your feelings and learning how to compromise and resolve a conflict is the key to a healthy relationship. It’s not what you say that is most important but, how you say something that counts the most. Learn How to Disagree and Fight Effectively Here are my official rules for fighting: 1. Never Fight When You Are Feeling Angry! As crazy as it sounds, take a time out and cool off, even if you need a day to do so. Address the problem when you are both calmer. 2. Stay on Topic! If you are fighting about money don’t bring up other “hot topics” like in-laws, kids or sex…stick to topic. 3. No Attacking/Name Calling! Remember what is said in anger can never be taken back so, if you have something hurtful to say, DON’T! Fighting is not a free pass to be cruel and play dirty. 4. Never Threaten to Leave the Relationship! Threatening to divorce or break-up during a fight is saying that you are going to abandon and reject your partner. Leaving is always an option but much better decided when a person is calm and rational. After the conflict is resolved and tempers are calm, the best part of a fight is the MAKE-UP! Use this opportunity to bathe your partner in love and tenderness. After all “Make-Up Sex” is almost worth the fight! Log onto 5stepmarriagerescue.com for more information and private couples sessions. Suzanne Wachtel, CSW Psychotherapist and Couples Counselor 631.525.3646

Suzanne Wachtel, CSW 631-595-7150 Individual, Couple & Family Counseling shariPR@optonline.net • www.peyserPR.com Psychotherapist 631-525-3646 swachtelcsw@gmail.com tweet me @sooziesview

Communicate with Intelligence.

SHARI L. PEYSER Public Relations, Marketing & Editorial Services Since 1996

631-595-7150 shariPR@optonline.net • www.peyserPR.com

Rosemarie Kluepfel

FEATURES:

Mortgage Consultant NMLS# 40311

• Low down payment • Available for primary residences, second homes and investment properties

1757 Veterans Hwy., Suite 12, Islandia, NY Direct: 631-881-5110 Cell: 631-662-4576 Licensed Mortgage Banker NYS Banking Department

march 2012

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for the home

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Tips To “ G reen ” Yo ur Ho me By Lisa Albinowski When it comes to the environment, being a good global citizen starts at your doorstep. From recycling to using alternative cleaning materials, minor changes at home can add up to real benefits for the planet, not to mention your own health and happiness. Here are 10 easy ways to green your home: 1. Green up your appliances. If any of your appliances are more than 10 years old, the EPA suggests replacing them with energyefficient models that bear the “Energy Star” logo. Energy Starqualified appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models. 2. Watch the temperature. Almost half a home’s energy consumption is due to heating and cooling. Turn down the thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather. 3. Save water. Put an aerator on all household faucets and cut your annual water consumption by 50%. 4. Clean green. Stop buying household cleaners that are potentially toxic to both you and the environment. Read labels for specific, eco-friendly ingredients that perform effectively. Or, skip buying altogether and make your own cleaning products. Use simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vinegar, washing soda (sodium carbonate), lemon juice and borax and save money at the same time. 5. Energy-efficient light. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save as about $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. 6. Save trees, use less paper. You can buy “tree-free” 100% post-

consumer recycled paper for everything from greeting cards to toilet paper. 7. Want hardwood floors? Opt for bamboo. Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly flooring material due to its high yield and the relatively fast rate at which it replenishes itself. It takes just four to six years for bamboo to mature, compared to 50-100 years for typical hardwoods. Just be sure to look for sources that use formaldehyde-free glues. 8. Reduce plastics, reduce global warming. Each year, Americans throw away some 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags — from grocery and trash bags to those ultraconvenient sandwich bags. Reduce, re-use and recycle your plastics for one of the best ways to combat global warming. 9. Use healthier paint. Conventional paints contain solvents, toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause smog, ozone pollution and indoor air quality problems with negative health effects, according to the EPA. Opt instead for zero- or low-VOC paint, made by most major paint manufacturers today. 10. Garden green. Use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. Compost provides a full complement of soil organisms and the balance of nutrients needed to maintain the soil’s well being without the chemicals of synthetic fertilizers. Lisa Albinowski SRES, CBR Realtor and advisor on local resources for financial assistance in the form of rebates and low interest loans. lisa@lisabroker.com

Sprin g Ho me I mp r o v e me n t Grab a drink and head out onto the deck to watch the sunset. Well maybe not yet, but before you know it, Spring will be here. Now is the time to start planning for the deck that you will enjoy for the months ahead. You will need to lock in a contractor, get plans and file for a permit. Spring is a busy time for good contractors and you need plan ahead. Depending on the size of the deck, the way the deck will be situated and the building department in your town, it can take six to eight weeks to get that permit. Start planning now so that on the first nice Spring day you may be sitting on your new deck reading a book, sipping a cool drink or just relaxing in the great outdoors. There are many types of materials that can be used when building a deck and many design ideas. Look to a local contractor like Grace Home Improvements to create a new deck space or for help with Spring remodeling of your home. - Robert Schene Grace Home Improvements 516.458.4756 gracehomeimprovements.net 34

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hat used to be just a color we learned about in preschool, (a blend of the primary colors blue and yellow), green has taken on lots of new meanings for the 21st century. Today “GREEN” refers to practices that help to keep our planet and ourselves healthy, whether it involves building materials we select, the food we eat or how we dispose of our trash. “Green” also naturally refers to living plant material of all types. In my world, all of this comes together every day into “Green” places: green in every sense of the word! As a landscape designer and builder, I’m always concerned with sound construction practices, but also with literally “greening” spaces for aesthetic reasons to improve the quality of life of the people using those spaces. This spring consider adding more “green” plants to your environment. Trees help clean our air of pollutants and help to reduce cooling costs in hot weather. All plant root systems help to stabilize precious soil on slopes and mitigate harmful storm water runoff into our open waters. ‘Sustainable’ and ‘native’ have increasingly become buzzwords in all kinds of Green conversation. These are often plants that contribute much more to the environment than they require for sustenance. Once established, they require little or no artificial irrigation while gracing us with great beauty. Wonderful plant choices for a sustainable landscape include ornamental grasses, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, peonies, spring-flowering bulbs, asters, shrub roses, lantanas, dahlias and many others. The most important thing to remember when choosing plants is to pick out the ones that make you smile when you see them! Nothing cheers the soul on a blustery early spring day as much as daffodils and forsythia in full bloom! Plants are good for our planet, our physical well being and for our emotional well being too; so enjoy! Happy Spring! - Mary Rosenvinge Garden Rooms, Northport 631.754.8065 gardenroomslandscape.com

Nature Stations • Live Performances Carnival Booths • Food Court Green Business Expo plus more! If Your Business Would Like To Participate In The Green Tent Expo Please contact Stephanie DerGarabedian

631-581-6908

Grace

Licensed & Insured - nassau & 5 Boroughs

Home Improvements

KItCHEnS BatHS SIDIng DECKS PatIoS FInISHED BaSEMEntS WInDoWS Senior & Military Discounts

Celebrating 10 Years in Business Call for a FREE Estimate 516.458.4756 march 2012

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for the home

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c ar nivor ou s p l a nt s By Jungle Bob Recently we were introduced to a small, purplish, tubular -shaped member of the kingdom of flora called a Pitcher plant. From what we have learned they are native to Long Island and they live in the acidic soil of the Long Island Pine Barrens where, as the name implies, there are no nutrients to speak of. In fact, they get all the nourishment they need from insects, which they lure in with their exotic scent to quickly trap and consume their prey! We found they survived just as well inside a glass vivarium alongside certain animals and their two close cousins, the carnivorous Venus Fly Trap and the Sundew. Last week we broke ground in our back yard to install an outdoor plant bog replete with these natural wonders for all to see. Apparently, a cluster of these plants in your backyard is an effective and perfectly green way of controlling...mosquitoes! Jungle Bob Jungle Bob’s Reptile World, Centereach 631.737.6474 junglebobsreptileworld.com

Ref r es h Yo ur Sc r a pb ook By Diana Gaizo A common question asked by my customers is how to get a layout to not look so flat. It is really rather simple. To refresh your scrapbook this spring, liven up your layouts by adding dimension and texture. A medium that scrapbookers love to use is chipboard. Chipboard is a thick paper made from pressed fibers and is especially useful to add the excitement and interest of dimension and texture to your layouts. You can buy it in sheets and cut it into shapes, letters and even mini-books. Chipboard can be inked, stained, painted and covered in paper, sand, glitter or anything else you can think of. You can also buy pre-made embellishments made out of chipboard. Jazz up your scrapbooking by using items such as buttons, ribbons, flowers, canvas, bling (anything shiny, usually crystals), braids and eyelets. It doesn’t have to be flat to fit in a scrapbook!

Diana Gaizo Not Just Scrap, Centereach 631.580.1118 notjustscrap.com 36

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M a rc h A st rolo g y Mars opposes Neptune. Mars in Virgo is the original fussbudget over details and overlooks the essentials. The energies of Neptune in Pisces are best used by persuasion rather than pressure. It rules fog and mist, therefore not allowing things to be seen clearly. Now we have these two planets opposing one another. The difficulties come through other people’s actions rather than through one’s own actions. Deception can be a concern. Mars will show where this activity occurs, promising more than can be delivered by others not presenting themselves clearly. - Maryann Dellinger, Astrological, Metaphysical & Psychic Insight. 631.875.7235

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make your next event the talk of the town! Girls night “ IN” parties, bridal showers, passion parties fundraisers, events, holiday or even just friend get togethers. Laurie Maniatis and Lee Perrotta

T h e W ine M ar ke t “Go e s G r e en” ...

The Wine & Chocolate Ladies We make your events memorable and unique by making the chocolates to match the wine! Now booking, call today!

but wh a t d oe s t hat me an? By Laurie Maniatis SULFITES - Despite what we’re told, there are NO sulfite-free wines. Even organic wines contain sulfites because yeast is needed in the fermentation process of converting grapes into wine, and sulfite ions are a byproduct of this process. Therefore, sulfites can not be avoided regardless of whether the wine is Organic or Biodynamic. However, sulfites do not cause headaches, as some people believe. Instead, they can cause respiratory problems. Actually, the raisins, certain juice packs, and bread we often give out kids, may have far more concentrations of sulfites than wine. ORGANIC WINES - Over time, there have been many tries at certifying an “organic” wine. Most of them have been shuffled between government agencies to no avail. There are four categories that organic wines can claim: 100% Organic, Organic, Made With Organic Ingredients and Some Organic Ingredients. These designations mostly deal with controlling not only the property of the grower, but all the surrounding area as well. There are many organizations involved in this tedious process so very few wineries bother. BIO-DYNAMIC WINES - Bio-dynamics differ from other forms of organic or sustainable agriculture, in its idea that farming can be attuned to the spiritual forces of the cosmos. This may mean linking sowing and harvesting to the phases of the moon or the positions of the planets. Hopefully this will help you to drink wine with an ecological point of view. Enjoy!

Laurie Maniatis Testa Wines of the World 917.853.9104

917-853-9104 516-922-2002

Join us as GEM Magazine LI Presents

Part One in a series of workshops

“On the Financial Path to Small Business Success” Tuesday, March 27th

LIPWN

Long Island Professional Women’s Network

Held at: Elwood Library Meeting Room

(corner of Elwood Rd. and Jericho tpke, East Northport.

Registration starts promptly at 7:00pm. For pre-registration visit LIPWN.COM. For information and RSVP 631.662.4576 or rosemarie@lipwn.com

march 2012

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pet care

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Living H o li st i call y with Yo u r P et By Bettie Hamilton National Holistic Pet Day on August 30th gently reminds all of us of a natural and eco-friendly way to live. Living holistically every day mutually benefits people, pets and our planet. Living a holistic lifestyle of health and well-being in harmony with nature has many benefits for our pets and us. Feeding dogs and cats natural or organic food instead of diets with artificial ingredients, colors or chemicals helps promote wellness. Wholesome natural diets that are highly digestible often result in less waste to pick up. Consider natural supplements for healthy skin and shiny coat or to help promote joint health. Check with you veterinarian on natural options to some medications. Plenty of fresh air from lengthy walks, fun games, or interactive play keeps pets busy and happy. Quiet time with gentle ear rubs or a delicate massage can help both you and your pet relax and build a stronger bond together. Eco-friendly products for pets help protect them and our environment. Select organic toys made with natural fibers and fillers. Look for beds, collars and leashes that do not contain artificial dyes and are made from recycled materials. Grooming products should be natural, non-irritating and chemical free. Heavy perfume can be irritating to delicate senses. Halo’s CLOUD NINE® herbal shampoo is an infusion of pure botanical oils and extracts. It is gentle, safe and biodegradable. Avoid harsh chemicals from non-green, toxic household cleaning products. Cats and dogs have delicate skin that can easily become irritated from chemicals used to clean floors, rugs or other surfaces. Select home products that are safe to use around children and pets. With Spring fast approaching, select chemical free organic lawn and garden products. Halo, Purely for Pets evolved from three guiding principles- Balance, nature and love. For over 25 years, HALO has adhered to the holistic philosophy that staying close to the ways of nature and eliminating harsh chemicals from a pet’s diet and environment influences pet health and well-being.

Bettie Hamilton Director of Product Development Halo, Purely for Pets halopets.com 38

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Spring is the perfect time for you to protect your pet for the outdoor season ahead. Time to go for that annual checkup! You plan on visiting your doctor for your yearly health screening, so make sure that Fluffy visits the vet too. Pets require annual vaccinations and examinations to help catch any developing illnesses early. You may have made a promise to eat healthier but do you know that there are dietary guidelines you should follow for your pet too. Some tips include: not over-doing it with treats, laying off the ‘people food’ and matching the amount you feed with the activity level of your dog or cat? It is always best to switch to a high-quality, premium pet food to improve your pet’s nutrition. One of the best fashion accessories your pet can own is a pet tag. When you think of pet fashion, you think of doggie sweaters, booties and hair bows, and while every pup likes to look good, there are some fashion accessories that don’t get quite the recognition they deserve – pet tags! Gone are the days of the simple silver disk jingling from doggie’s collar. These days, tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. Whether it’s a “blinged out” heart, which displays your love for your Princess, or a bone to depict Fido’s favorite treat, there are fashion tags available to meet every discerning pet owner’s fashion taste. Remember that pet tags serve an important role in our pet’s safety. A well thought-out tag should include your pet’s name, address and contact phone number so that in the unfortunate event Rover finds himself lost, he can be quickly returned to the comfort of his family.

Jodi Record Volunteer Jessie’s Hope for Dogs

for the home

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A “Green” and Clean Home By Joanne Kois Throwing open the windows on the first warm day of the year is one of life’s great pleasures— until all that sunlight and breeze makes you realize how dusty, dirty and grimy your house has become during the winter hibernation. Let’s begin the scrub-down with the most basic green products in our home, hot water, vinegar and baking soda. If you are looking for green cleaners, avoid all toxic chemicals and shop for supplies that are plant-based and fragrance-free, and that promise to not contain chemicals like phthalates, phosphates and petrochemicals. Buying eco-friendly cleaning supplies is a good start, but to get your house cleaned thoroughly, you

have to get rid of the germs, molds and allergens that have been affecting the health of your family this winter. Think about what is lurking in your carpet or what you and the kids have brought in from outside everyday. Germs like E. coli, listeria, salmonella, staph and influenza viruses are probably living and thriving in your kitchen and bathroom, especially in the discolored, cracked grout in the tub and shower. Consider calling in the experts—the steam cleaning specialists—who can rid your home of the germs accumulated during the long winter months of colds, seasonal flu and contaminants. A ‘green” and clean home will start the spring season with health and wellness.

Steam Cleaning

Make Your Tile, Stone, Grout & Carpet Fantastic!

Steam Cleaning - Color Stain - re-grouting Caulking - Wood Floor - Carpet Cleaning “professional Hard Water and Soap Scum removal” Shower doors Shower Wall tiles kitchen & Bath Fixtures polished marble/granite

envicoat® Water repellent treatment available 1. provides a durable protective coating 2. Will not crack, chip, peel, or discolor 3. keeps surfaces cleaner longer

march 2012

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business & finance

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H o me-B a sed Bu s in es s By Lisa Renee Pomerantz

By Michele Martin

Entrepreneurs often start their businesses working from home to minimize costs. Especially because it is a casual environment, they may not be sensitive to the legal and regulatory considerations applicable to their home-based businesses. Many town-zoning codes, especially on Long Island, strictly limit the scope and operations of home-based businesses within residential districts. A town, such as Islip, may permit certain professionals, such as doctors, attorneys, accountants, architects, etc. to have “home occupations” while absolutely prohibiting other commercial uses of residences, such as restaurants, beauty salons, bars, and art galleries, which typically involve a lot of noise and traffic. Other towns, such as Brookhaven, permit a similarly limited variety of home-based occupations, and prohibit all others. Finally, some towns, such as Babylon, only permit designated “home occupations” in “Residence-Office Mixed-Use Districts” which are generally located between commercial and residential districts. Even where home-based businesses are permitted in residential areas, town-zoning codes regulate various aspects of those businesses, including: permit requirements, parking requirements, signage limitations, limits on the location and square footage of the residence devoted to commercial purposes; and limits on the number of employees at the home-based business. Potential entrepreneurs should also be aware of applicable industryspecific safety and licensing requirements. They should also consult with their insurance agents as homeowners insurance typically does not cover the assets or activities associated with a home-based business and should be aware that business insurance policies will require them to adhere to applicable laws and regulations.

You finally decided to start your own business. You have chosen a name, sat down with your accountant, incorporated your company, and designed your website. You are ready to open the door and do business… but wait…. what about insurance? For most people who start businesses and work from their home, insurance is an oversight. They are not aware of the need for insurance. Most people think their homeowner policy covers their business and or equipment. In most cases it does not, or if there is some coverage afforded, it is very

Lisa Renee Pomerantz Attorney At Law 631.244.1482 lisapom.com 40

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minimal. For instance, if a client comes to your home and falls, injuring himself, there is no coverage under the liability portion of your policy, to protect yourself from a lawsuit that might occur. If you are at a trade show and damage the booth of the person next to you, there will be no coverage for property damage. Your homeowner policy specifically states that bodily injury and property damage to others is not covered -- if it is arising out of a business pursuit. Any property used for your business is limited to a $1000 in coverage under your homeowner policy. This includes any merchandise held as samples, or for sale or for delivery after sale, while on the resident premises. Coverage on this equipment or samples is limited to $250 off the premises. The furnishings and equipment used for your home-based business might also have limited coverage or even be excluded. There are policies specific for a home-based business. These policies will cover your equipment, samples, property and bodily injury liability. When thinking about starting a business from your home, see a licensed insurance agent or broker who will help protect you in the event of a loss. Michele Martin Allstate, Northport 631.261.4200 Michele M. Martin Insurance Agency,Inc.

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5 Wa y s t o D i s c o v e r Yo u r C a re e r P o t e n t i a l By Mary Simmons Whether you are in the job of your dreams, unemployed or underemployed, identifying your career potential is one of the most important factors to your of career The contributing Huntington Chamber Commerce addresses the interests success. Career potential can be of business, industry, financial services, not-for-profit and other defined as the career that matches professionals in the greater Huntington area. Incorporated in 1925, the your full ability and capabilities. Be and social changes through chamber has witnessed many economic careful not confuse it with the corner the years: the great depression, civil rights movement and even the office or sprawl. a big salary. Your events careeraffect and mold our communities, suburban Just as these potential will set you apart, distinguish they often inspire change or growth through demand or opportunity. you Today, and chart for yourhave taken on the role of small morethe andcourse more women career advancement. Think of it in business owner or working professional. According to Linda Mitchell, these simple terms: “where are you today and where do you want to Director of Member Services, in 2008 the Huntington Chamber of be professionally?” Commerce established the Women in Business Committee. Through Let’s look at the 5 steps below that can guide you to discover your networking, seminars and workshops, the committee focuses on the career potential: needs of women. After all, who can relate to the problems of women 1. Define what you like to do. We spend more waking hours at work more than other women? For more information on upcoming Huntington than we do anywhere else, so finding what motivates us will put us one Chamber of Commerce events visit www.huntingtonchamber.com.

step closer to finding our true potential. 2. Identify your best attributes/skills. List the most competent skills and attributes you possess. Cross-reference this list with what you like doing and note where there are similarities. 3. Get out of your comfort zone. Take on new projects or responsibilities and don’t be afraid of failure! Trying something new can expand your knowledge base, teach new skills and build confidence. Invite criticism so you can learn from your mistakes. 4. Expand your knowledge, skills and abilities. Take a class, complete a new certification or ask a co-worker to teach you his or her job. 5. Join a networking group. Meet with other professionals, formally or informally, to learn about different career paths and how to get there. - Mary Simmons, Director of Human Resource Consulting at Portnoy, Messinger, Pearl & Associates

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business & finance

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S CWBEC Com es o f Age By Rosemarie Kluepfel Twenty-one years in the making, the Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC), a not for profit 501(c)3 organization, has grown to be a highly utilized resource for women business owners and professionals. SCWBEC was established under the Suffolk County Office of Affirmative Action and Minority Affairs, to help promote women’s businesses in the government and private sector. Today, SCWBEC, under the auspices of the Suffolk County Executive Office, boasts 700 members. Members consist of businesses in which women ownership is 51% and whose day to day operations are run by women. Membership in SCWBEC is free, relying on sponsors to cover the administrative costs. According to the American Express OPEN State of Women Owned Business 2011 Report, women -owned businesses now account for 29% of businesses in the United States. However, while these businesses are growing in number, their growth isn’t keeping pace. “In terms of both revenue and employment, it has remained essentially unchanged over the past 14 years,” the report notes. SCWBEC is dedicated to helping break the barriers for women business owners and level

the playing field. SCWBEC continues to offer monthly meetings, workshops and networking opportunities, in addition to valuable resources and guidance. to help the professional woman reach her potential. Come celebrate SCWBEC’s success as we continue the journey to educate, enrich and empower the professional women. Join us as we as mark another milestone at our Annual Business Showcase on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Villa Lombardi in Holbrook.

The Showcase provides its members and sponsors the opportunity to promote their products or services, while attendees enjoy informative workshops, a professional headshot, and power networking over lunch. For information on membership, sponsorship, workshops and the Business Showcase visit: www.SCWBEC.org. -Rosemarie Kluepfel, SCWBEC Co-Director of Public Relations 631.662.4576 or rosemariecube@yahoo.com

Food & Wine Fundraiser The Huntington YMCA is raising funds to build a new playground. On March 14th, Appliance World will host a Food & Wine Tasting at Appliance World on New York Avenue. Restaurants from Huntington and beyond, including Angelina’s from Syosset; The North Fork Table & Inn from Southold; South Edison from Montauk; Old Fields from Greenlawn; and Tula Kitchen from Bay Shore will serve mouth watering samples of their signature recipes. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased at the member service desk or by calling 631.421.4242 ext. *141. 42

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5 Wa y s t o Disc ove r Yo ur Career Potential By Mary Simmons Whether you are in the job of your dreams, unemployed or underemployed, identifying your career potential is one of the most important factors contributing to your career success. Career potential can be The Huntington Chamber of Commerce addresses the interests defined as the career that matches of business, industry, financial services, not-for-profit and other your full ability and capabilities. Be professionals in the greater Huntington area. Incorporated in 1925, the careful not confuse it with the corner chamber has witnessed many economic and social changes through office or a big salary. Your career the years: the great depression, civil rights movement and even the potential will set you apart, distinguish suburban sprawl. Just as these events affect and mold our communities, you and chart the course for your they often inspire change or growth through demand or opportunity. career advancement. Think of it in Today, more and more women have taken on the role of small these simple terms: “where are you today and where do you want to business owner or working professional. According to Linda Mitchell, be professionally?” Director of Member Services, in 2008 the Huntington Chamber of Let’s look at the 5 steps below that can guide you to discover your Commerce established the Women in Business Committee. Through career potential: networking, seminars and workshops, the committee focuses on the 1. Define what you like to do. We spend more waking hours at work needs of women. After all, who can relate to the problems of women than we do anywhere else, so finding what motivates us will put us one more than other women? For more information on upcoming Huntington Chamber of Commerce events visit www.huntingtonchamber.com.

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inspiration & motivation

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Finding Balance Within You By Paula Klee Parish

Harness Your Inner Dragon By Alyse Parise Did you know that the symbol for the 2012 Chinese year is the Water Dragon? You can blend the transformational nature of Spring (a time for rebirth) with the Water Dragon by taking action on your dreams. Outer transformation occurs by taking focused action on what’s important and maintaining your energy, even when things don’t go smoothly. You can do this by borrowing the strength, vitality and protection of the mythical Dragon, known for making dreams come true (bringing Heaven to Earth). For Inner transformation, capture the essence of Water, which is known to represent spirituality, deep intuition and conscious wisdom. This is where you deepen your connection with your higher self, and access whatever “source” means to you. Here are five ways you can harness your inner and outer transformational power and do what matters. The world needs you to shine! 1. Take time to meditate Even if you take 5 minutes per day contemplating, do it. 2. De-clutter Find systems that work for you to simplify your life in your physical environment, your e-world files, and your relationships. 3. Admit what you really want Breathe life into your spoken and unspoken desires and allow the dragon to help when others are trying to pull you down. Just as water will find a path to flow that is not always optimal, ensure that you create a solid foundation to launch your dreams, so you can be successful. 4. Acknowledge your truths Fess up to what you keep hidden because the spirit of the dragon is generous as well as practical. Don’t be caught having your secrets exposed at the least opportune moment. 5. Enjoy your life Have you ever noticed how more good things happen when you take time out to have fun instead of worrying or focusing only on your work? OnFireAlyse Parise LCSW Psychotherapist and Certified Business Coach alyseparise@poweroutcomes.com 631.689.6272 44

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The successful living of one’s life is like walking on a high wire over empty space as it sways above the breathless crowd and defies the law of gravity. . . The indispensable quality needed is balance. The balanced self is the well-integrated self, a harmonious combination of all the constructive elements of a person’s personality that makes the self-whole. The balanced self: • Practices moderation, avoids extremes, and meets the challenges of life with composure. It is neither glorified by success nor dejected by failure. It meets despair with hope and climbs the heights with humility. • Maintains mental equilibrium. It has ideals without illusions. The balanced self is a mature self. It considers everything from an adult viewpoint balanced by a child’s straight-forwardness. • Balances dreams with action. It uses the power of inner thought to inspire outer achievement. And it uses action to stimulate further dreams. • Guards against quick emotional reactions. It does not jump to impulsive conclusions. The balanced self is resilient; it is flexible to change. Like a tree in the wind, it bends without breaking. • Knows the error of constant effort, of multi-tasking without focused conclusion. It renews itself through prayer and relaxation, that it may apply a higher impact of energy and creative power to the task at hand. • Lives a balanced life. It balances work and play, love and worship. • Maintains the I AM of the spirit, the inner guidance system, at the center of one’s self, in full command of its destiny, and the architect of one’s own life. - Paula Klee Parish, President, Performance Solutions, Inc., Professional Development training and coaching company: performancesolutions.biz. Paula is a sought after Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, Career Advisor, Life Coach, and Author of “The Journey to Be Your Own Best Friend,” paulakleeparish.com Paula is the Founder of Women on the Move LI, womenonthemoveli.com.

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Is H om e O wn er s h i p Right F or You ? By Rosemarie Kluepfel With foreclosures and short sales dominating the real estate market, the thought of buying a home may seem more frightening than ever. Take the emotion out of the equation, as owning a home, should always come down to the math. For many years, purchasing real estate has been a profitable investment. In addition to offering a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages, real estate comes with added responsibilities. While renting allows for easy relocation and little risk, your rent is subject to increases, while a fixed rate mortgage guarantees it will never increase over the term of the loan. Keep in mind other factors like your real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance and association fees, if any, as they may go up. So the age-old question has always been “whose mortgage are you paying, yours or your landlord’s?” In thirty years you will still be paying rent, while your landlord has most likely built up equity and will no longer have a mortgage payment. Depending on your tax bracket, interest payments on your mortgage may be tax deductible, so ask your tax professional to determine

the potential savings and equate that into the mathematics. Remember, tax laws can change too. To determine the housing payment you can comfortably afford, ask a licensed mortgage originator to evaluate your monthly household income, current assets and savings, as well as any monthly obligations like credit cards, car loans, student loans, child support. Then make a realistic budget for expenses associated with home ownership: utilities, landscaping, snow removal, repairs, etc. Other factors to consider are job stability, annual income, cash on hand and your short term and long term goals. While foreclosures and short sales are bad for sellers, they create a buyer’s market reducing home prices to compensate for the increased inventory. Add historically low rates and there may never be a more opportune time to own a home.

Rosemarie Kluepfel NYS Licensed Banking Mortgage Loan Originator 631.881.5110 RosemarieK@Fairwaymc.com

CAN YOU AFFORD TO RETIRE? The professionals at Main Street Financial Group offer each client customized financial planning solutions. • Portfolio review to help ensure your investments are allocated *suitably • Retirement distribution planning to help you maintain your life style • Insurance products and long-term care solutions that fit your needs Call us for a complimentary consultation

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automotive

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T he F uel-Efficient Range Rover Land Rover has long been known for combining both premium luxury with sporty handling. The all-new Range Rover Evoque is no different in that the consumer experiences dynamic and sporty handling combined with responsive and effortless performance. As a true Range Rover, the all-new Evoque delivers all-weather, all-surface capabilities that are a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. The brand-new Range Rover Evoque is agile and fun to drive, never sacrificing the luxury and comfort that is standard with the Land Rover brand. The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced, reinforcing Land Rover’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Evoque sets new standards in the premium compact SUV segment for fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Choose between a

coupe or five-door model with countless colors and features including four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions. Test drive one at one of the Long Island Land Rover Centers in Glen Cove, Huntington, and Southampton. LandRoverLI.com.

Importan t Veh icle Services By Kevin Albinowski • Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles or three months, or per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside. • Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. • Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car’s performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. • Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as normal wear, can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension. A wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety. • Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement. Kevin Albinowski President: Keystone Tire & Auto Repair Inc. Lindenhurst, kevin@KeystoneTireAuto.com, KeystoneTireAuto.com, CaresforCars.org 631.957.8473 46

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good eats

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Mindful Eating By Joanne Kois Eating well can be the experience of savoring the food you eat everyday. Consider the concept and practice of mindful eating. This concept has its roots in Buddhist teachings. Mindful eating can be thought of as “mediation with food”. This process allows you to expand your consciousness while you pay close attention to the sensation and purpose of the foods you eat. Scientists and nutritionists are conducting studies to find out why people binge-eat, over eat and gorge themselves on the wrong foods. Mindful eating is not about giving anything up; it is about experiencing food more intensely and feeling the pleasure of it. Could it be that the practice of mindful eating will help relieve the stress and neuroses that so many of us have developed in association with food? Let’s begin the practice of mindful eating by choosing one of these simple techniques. • When you eat, just eat. Don’t talk, watch TV, text, tweet, check your Facebook status or finish your Excel worksheet. • By keeping silent, you give yourself a chance to savor the spices, the saltiness or the sweetness in your food. Feel free to make noise and

enjoy the crunch! of your favorite snacks. • Eat more slowly. Mindful eating is meant to help us realize what we are craving. If you get what you want, you will feel satisfied. • Chew patiently so as to appreciate the actual taste in your mouth and then contemplate how wonderful it is to choose delicious foods to nourish you everyday. Hey, you gotta eat! • Enjoy the health benefits of your good eats and share with friends. - Joanne Kois, joanne@gemmagazineli.com

Go Green! Eat Organic! Reduce - Reuse - Recycle! By Ron Villano Embrace the power of change and create a new lifestyle step by step. Here’s an example of “The Change Process” at work: 1. Write down the big idea and then follow it with specific detailed goals. Examples of goals for “I want to go green” can start with: buying organic foods, using re-usable water bottles, using dishes instead of paper plates. 2. Put your goals in order of importance. If “buy organic foods” is your top priority, then break down the goals into smaller steps. Step one: buy organic meat. Step two: buy organic fruits and vegetables. Step three: buy organic bread. Now the real change begins to happen. All you need to do to start and be successful in change is do step one ONLY. This specific change - buy organic meat - is a lot easier to work into your current lifestyle than the general change – “Go Green”. The key is to make these mini-change steps large enough to be comfortably noticeable for a short period of time. So, in the “buy organic meat” step, you have to pay attention to your shopping so you know 48

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where your organic meats are. Then the next time you go, you know where, what and how much. And by the third time you shop, buying the organic meat is just as simple as buying conventional meat. The moment this happens, go back to your list, check off step one and move on to step two. CHANGE has happened! Naturally, this example can be applied to almost every change you may be looking to challenge. Weight loss, quitting smoking, getting to the gym, trying acupuncture or hypnosis are all “big ideas” that can be easier to do when you break them down. “The Change Process” is universal and powerful because change is always happening. Want change? Break it down, make it happen, and enjoy your success. Ron Villano Licensed psychotherapist, certified clinical hypnotherapist and life/bereavement coach. ronvillano.com

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inspiration & motivation

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway! By Jean Summit-Riker Locked in the grip of the blustery winds and frigid temperatures of March, it may seem impossible to transcend where we are at the moment and allow ourselves to believe that the warmth of Spring waits just a few steps away. Fear is very much like the month of March. It keeps us trapped in False Evidence Appearing Real: not permitting us to embrace our dreams and blossom into our full potential. Haven’t we all heard, “Just stop being afraid and do it?” Seems easier said than done, doesn’t it? That’s because you don’t understand fear. Our subconscious mind is the control and information center of our body. It manages and adjusts things we never think about: breathing, heart rate, and communication between each and every cell and organ. By being able to refer back to the information stored in its “database”, it keeps us alive and safe. The problem comes when we present the subconscious with something new, something that is not within the

blueprint of its framework. Our journey into growth requires exploring the unknown and moving into what the subconscious has yet to experience. When the subconscious is faced with unfamiliar situations, it projects fearful thoughts in its effort to keep us physically as well as emotionally safe. Fear is not designed to stop us, but rather to challenge us to move courageously forward. The trick is to determine whether the fear is valid and important to pay attention to, or if it is just false evidence keeping us stuck. Take a small step and see how it feels. Each step you take reduces the fear, expands your comfort zone, and makes it easier to move ahead. Soon your dreams will bloom like the Spring flowers waiting to pop their heads out of the frozen March ground. Jean Summit-Riker Hypnotist & Tranquility Based Life Coach 631.289.1371 tranquilitybasedlifecoaching.com

Easter Fun!

Milk, Dark, White Chocolate Bunnies Candles Jelly Belly Jelly Beans Sugar Free Cute plush Fun Toys Filled Chocolate Eggs Baskets Spring Decorations Cookies Paper Dinnerware Passover Chocolates Peeps Panorama Eggs UPS Shipping Nationwide 319 Main Street Huntington Village Extended Hours start 3/26: 549-1059 M-F 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5

Free bunny ears with any purchase! march 2012

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strong island woman

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She ryl Co wan P a t i e nt Ai r l i f t S e r v i c e s By Hillary Call Wes Pak was a healthy little boy until 2011, when at the age of six he was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor in his abdomen. The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. There was one medical specialist, though, able to perform the surgery that would save Wes’ life, but he was based in Manhattan -- an impossible trip financially for Wes’ family in Virginia. That’s where PALS stepped in. Patient AirLift Services, or PALS, is a non-profit organization that arranges free air transportation for individuals requiring medical care and for other humanitarian purposes. PALS responded to a barrage of frantic Facebook messages they received from the Pak family and their friends on the Saturday of Thanksgiving. The request for flight was quickly filled after PALS sent out a call for help to their network of volunteer pilots who use their own planes to fly people who are ill, or too sick to fly commercially, or just can’t afford the flight, to the doctors who have the best expertise in treating their condition. Within 24 hours of receiving those messages, Wes and his family were whisked away to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where they met that specialist who jumpstarted Wes’ recovery. By January of 2012 PALS had flown the Pak family back and forth several times, and were ecstatic when they learned on January 23, 2012 that Wes was diagnosed as N.E.D.: No Evidence of Disease. “We help people who normally wouldn’t have access to this kind of care,” said Sheryl Cowan, outreach coordinator for PALS. Sheryl knows how important it is for patients to work with the right specialists and to keep the family together. When her own daughter was ill, Sheryl travelled constantly from New York to her daughter’s hospital in Pennsylvania. “I never knew a service like ours even existed,” she continued. “That’s why I work for this company, to spread the word, to tell people there is help out there.” PALS offers compassion flights, which allows a patient’s family to be at their bedside for support and increases the benefits of treatment. 50

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They also offer medical flights such as the one that helped put Wes on the path to remission. “There is no limit on how many times we’ll fly a patient,” said Sheryl. Indeed, PALS still shuttles Wes to his treatments in New York and back home again. “We want patients to get the medical care they need at the hospital best suited for their care, wherever that is.” All of this is free of charge. PALS is based in Farmingdale, coordinating a network of 300 volunteer pilots who use their own planes to fly patients. PALS operates in the Northeast in 14 states, flying from Maine to Virginia to Ohio. There are thousands of smaller airports around the country. PALS flights can originate from any one of these airports. Founded in 2010, PALS has already arranged more than 1,000 flights. PALS also organizes free ground transportation for patients with “auto pilots,” volunteers who drive clients from the tarmac to their hospital. For Sheryl, non-profits have a responsibility to share their services, which increases resources for all clients. “For instance, we work with Ronald McDonald House and other organizations to take care of their transportation of a patient, which frees up that money to provide food for the family, or help pay an electric bill,” she said. On any particular day the PALS office is busy coordinating pilots, patients and their contingent of auto pilots. With just six full-time people, PALS is always in need of volunteers. Even just a few hours a week – helping with office work, coordinating events, driving patients to the hospital – would help PALS continue growing. As a non-profit, PALS works steadily to raise funds to continue their mission. For Sheryl it’s critical to spread the word that they exist, too. “Talk to your PTA, your Book Club, your community organizations. Tell people at work. Let them know we’re here for anyone who needs help,” said Sheryl. “Tell them we’re ready, willing and able. You might change someone’s life.” Please visit palsservices.org or call 888-.818.1231 to donate or volunteer.

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WOrKShOpS & EVENTS March 6, 5:30-7:30pM Women on the move membership Drive: Wine anD Cheese reCeption holiday Inn Express, h’wy 347, Stony Brook Free to all women, men welcome. womenonthemoveli.com or call 631-265-3567 or email at info@womenonthemoveli.com.

Catering and Event Planning since 1982, Elegant Eating is Long Island’s best privately owned off-premise caterers.

March 8 & aprIl 18, 5:30-7:30pM art Gallery & business netWorkinG 3131 Nesconset highway, centereach For more information call 631-471-8000 or email lenore@stonybrookny.hiexpress.com. March 8, 6pM “eiGht CharaCteristiCs of happy people” Keynote: Jim ryan – author & Motivational Speaker John harvard’s, rt 347, lake Grove, NY 11755 $35.00 Member pre-paid. $45.00 non-members pre-paid. all non pre paid:$50.00 at door. womenonthemoveli.com or call 631-265-3567 or email at info@womenonthemoveli.com. March 6, 8aM-10aM sCWbeC ( suffolk County Women’s business enterprise Coalition ) monthly breakfast meetinG. come meet the Suffolk county legislators at the h. lee Dennison Building, hauppauge. March 24, 12-1:30pM moms Who kiCk presents:pretty poWerful self Defense Kicks Karate at 123 audrey ave., Oyster Bay $30 program, for more information visit momswhokick.com or call 516-524-3505. March 27, 7pM lipWn (lonG islanD professional Women’s netWork) part One in a series of workshops: “On the Financial path to Small Business Success” Elwood library Meeting room, located on the corner of Elwood road and Jericho tpke, East Northport. registration starts promptly at 7:00pm. For information and to rSVp call 631-662-4576 or rosemarie@lipwn.com, visit lipwn.com. aprIl 27 sCWbeC annual business shoWCase Villa lombardi, holbrook. Exhibits 9am to 12:30am. admission $10 includes free digital head shot. power Networking luncheon is 1pm3pm. Seminars and showcases available. presenters and exhibitors still welcome. For more information visit ScWBEc.org or 631-379-3837.

ExCEllEnCE In CatErInG Whether it’s an extravagant wedding for 400 or a simple office lunch for 10 people, Elegant Eating is dedicated to anticipating your needs & exceeding your expectations. Our professional party planners, chefs, wait staff and personnel work as a team to achieve this goal.

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739 Smithtown BypaSS (Route 347) Smithtown 631.360.2211 | eleganteating.com march 2012

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inspiration & motivation

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“Sweet Charity” Takes On A Whole New Meaning By Sara Fingerman

One day, in a bakery not so far away, Meredith Gulfman, an experienced baker, needed help transforming a cake into the image of King Tut. It was in this moment that she reached out to an artist named Don Donorino. Gulfman provided the taste while Donorino added skill, attention to detail and a whole lot of love into the recipe. Upon completion, the Tut cake looked so realistic that guests were wondering if a tomb in the Valley of the Kings was missing a historical figure. After this successful collaboration: “Cake Don” was born. Requests for customized cakes include: Air Jordan sneakers, LV designer handbags and Tiffany jewelry boxes. In an industry that is rising faster than yeast in the oven, “Cake Don” is one of Long Island’s bests kept secrets. In addition to his cake creativity, Donorino created a tasty charity. “Cake a Wish” was designed to provide personalized birthday cakes for underprivileged children across the metro NY area. When asked about his mission for “Cake a Wish”, Donorino said, “A kid never forgets his birthday cake. The economic times on Long Island are rough. I delivered a Pokémon cake to a kid in Glen Cove. This student has never had a snack at school. When I brought the cake in, you would have thought I was giving a college scholarship. It was by far the best cake making experience I’ve had. The student was so appreciative. There are so many single mothers out there that are struggling and I have a great deal of respect for them. If I can help their children and show them that people care, hopefully that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. “

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS, www.lls.org/li), Long Island Chapter recently announced the candidacy of Rosemary Manuele Serra in the upcoming 2012 “Man & Woman of the Year” campaign. Rosemary was selected based on her strong commitment to the Society and its mission 52

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Delicious work! Gem Readers, you can help make a child’s birthday a little brighter by nominating a child for a custom made birthday cake especially for them. Send your nominations to thecakedoncakes@yahoo.com (in the subject please indicate, “Cake a Wish”).

Sara Fingerman Senior Account Director at Stanford Registries and marketing consultant for SV Aesthetics

of raising awareness and funds to find a cure for blood cancers. Rosemary’s involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Long Island has included her participation in the organization’s “Light the Night Walk,” “Thanksgiving Walk” and “K Walk” at Duck Stadium. When asked what her motivation was for accepting a candidacy in the “Man & Woman of the Year” campaign, she noted a friend’s battle with cancer which she lost

before she turned 21 years old. “It has taken 44 years, but I am finally doing something in her honor and for others who have or are battling cancer,” said Rosemary. Support Rosemary in her “Man & Woman of the Year” campaign, visit lls.org or contact: Elizabeth Harman, Campaign Manager of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Long Island Chapter at: 631.370.7539 or elizabeth.harman@lls.org.

women in arts & entertainment

Second Acts By Hillary Call Gina Scarda knows all about risks. She was an NYPD cop for twenty years in what some might call one of the toughest beats around. When she retired as a Sergeant in 2007, this forty-something blonde bombshell took another risk: jumping into the world of comedy. Today she’s made a huge success of it. “I used to be kind of shy,” said Gina. “But even as a cop, I was able to make people laugh and feel comfortable.” Gina didn’t think about comedy until her daughter suggested she give it a try. She ventured into a comedy class at Stand-Up University at the Brokerage Comedy Club in Bellmore and was hooked. “I was terrified when they put me on stage, but it felt natural,” she said. She started with a few open mic gigs on the Island and in Manhattan. Not too long afterward the producer of The Italian Chicks, a four-member comedy troupe, found Gina and was so impressed that she offered her a coveted spot in the group. “What did I do? I said yes!” she said. “Meanwhile, I only had five minutes of material and six months of experience. No headshot, no bio, but from the minute I started working with Maryanne and the rest of the Chicks, I knew it was a good fit.” Four years later, Gina is still touring the country with The Italian Chicks, getting raves from notables including actor and Oscar nominee Danny Aiello. In 2008, she won the “Long Island’s Funniest” competition held at McGuires Comedy Club in Bohemia. She’s opened for comedy greats like Adam Ferrara and Dave Attell.

But this is not a “Chick” who likes to sit still. Her latest endeavor is trying her hand at acting. “I got my SAG card today!” she said excitedly, referring to her acceptance into the prestigious Screen Actors Guild. She’s playing the lead in a new web series called “Something About Ryan,” due out soon. “Since I retired from the NYPD, my life has gained so much momentum,” she said. “This all started in my mid-forties. I asked myself, now that you’re retired, what do you want to be when you grow up? It doesn’t matter what you do now, just go and do the things that you love.” “There’s no time limit to chasing your dreams.” TheItalianChicks.com, GinaScarda.com Hillar y Call Call Communications 917-414-9262 Contributing editor for Gem Magazine LI

Be First Online With Fran Art budgets continue to be slashed from communities across the nation. The most recent local casualty; the Great Neck Arts Center, a proven contributor to the seven villages which had its annual service contracts dropped, leaving the executive director to question the future of the nonprofit organization (Newsday “Arts Center faces Drama” February 9, 2012). Despite art advocacy groups’ efforts to prevent the decline of arts, the budgetary solution remains to be that The Arts are perceived as extra-curricular and disposable. Yet, The Arts are a cultural investment. The National Endowment for the Arts conducted federally funded research that showed $278 billion in economic activity was spun off by the arts in 2009. Here’s my strategy: Step One: Let’s Get Loud: Raise AWARENESS We know there’s a drama, art, music, dance and classroom teacher who changed your life. Every educator knows that within EACH and

EVERY human being lies an artistic soul waiting to be sparked; it makes no difference where one’s from or one’s economic status. Step Two: Spread the Word: NETWORK Arrange an interview with Fran: I would like to feature you and/or your organization on First on Line with Fran. Speak about that teacher, art organization, or teaching artist who made a difference and has made an effort to keep the arts alive and relevant. I am particularly interested in your personal commentary and why you have chosen to pursue this cause. Step Three: Consequences: DESIRED OUTCOMES You know what I want, what I really, really want…is to keep The Arts as a staple of a child’s education because The Arts rejuvenate, The Arts restore and The Arts are our supernatural gift. First on Line with Fran, a talk show/blog will use testimonials, videos and interviews to serve as the sounding board to bring sustainable national attention to the vital inclusion of The Arts in people’s lives by inviting guests who are doing extraordinary things to make The Arts the fabric of our existence. - Frances McGarry, PhD: francesmcgarry.com march 2012

gemmagazineli

girl’s night out

GM GEM MAGAZINE LONG ISLAND

“Emerald City” Long Island Style By Sara Fingerman What day in March, can we see green everywhere except for the trees? Saint Patrick’s day of course, where everyone has selfproclaimed oneself Irish; even the bagels are green and Emerald Gems are everywhere we look! This March 17th, celebrate your Irish spirit among friends with a stroll through history. Join in the Saint Patrick’s Day fun by registering for a Huntington Village Pub Crawl. The registration location is Finley’s, 43 Green Street, Huntington (631.351.3440) • Specials [before 9pm] - $1 [10 oz.] Domestic draft, $2 Domestic bottles, $3 Well drinks, $4 Jameson’s. Have the kids for the day? Show your children a great time and bring them to a parade! Face paint a shamrock, dress them warm, as they wait in excitement for one of the many Saint Patrick’s Day Parades. On March 10th, enjoy the 45th annual Westhampton St. Patrick’s Day Parade, at intersection of Mill Road and Oneck Lane in Westhampton Beach. On March 11th at 2pm: For 78 Years, A Grand Huntington Tradition. Huntington’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off just north of the Huntington Train Station along New York Avenue before turning west onto Main Street ending at Saint Patrick’s Church. Make sure you make it to Black & Blue Seafood Chophouse for corned beef and cabbage, home-made Irish soda bread and Irish coffee. Located at 65 Wall Street, Huntington 631.385.9255. On March 25th in Montauk, glory in the 50th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will kick off from Edgemere Road at 10:00 a.m. and will turn on to Main Street. Come early to get a good vantage point to see NY’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After your day at the parade, glam up your night by sporting a little emerald dress that will make all of your friends green with envy. Go to Lonnys.com

and order the Blaque Label Green Sequin Mini Dress. This sparkly little number will catch every eye in the room. The padded shoulders give a proportionate shape to highlight legs. Don’t forget to accessorize! Whether your watching Irish step dancers and bagpipers march in one of Long Island’s many parades, enjoying a drink at a good old fashioned Irish pub, or staying at home cooking corned beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread, have a festive, safe and enjoyable Saint Patrick’s Day!

IrISH SODA BreAD Recipe courtesy Brother Rick Curry, The Secrets of Jesuit Breadmaking, HaperPerennial, 1995. Cook Time: 1 hr. 0 mi

IngredIents 5 cups sifted all-purpose unbleached flour 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 pound (1 stick) butter 2 1/2 cups mixed light and dark raisins, soaked in water for 15 to 20 minutes and drained 3 tablespoons caraway seeds 2 1/2 cups buttermilk 1 large egg, slightly beaten dIrectIons Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter 2 (9 by 5-inch) bread pans. Stir together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter and mix very thoroughly with your hands until it gets grainy. Stir in raisins and caraway seeds. Add the buttermilk and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until well moistened. Shape dough into 2 loaves and place in the pans. Bake for 1 hour. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Cool in the pans for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

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