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Yearly Archives: 2021

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United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United member Bryan Gray (right), U.S. Army veteran prepares to run 26.2 miles in the TCS NYC Marathon along with fellow National Grid colleague Nicholas Chester, U.S Navy veteran. The team of 10 athletes raised over $31,000 in support of United Way’s veterans’ programs and services.

Huntington Station resident Bryan Gray and U.S. Army veteran has crossed the finish line in the TCS NYC Marathon and raised over $3,700 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs.   The nonprofit was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which took place on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island said this was the sixth year the not-for profit has been invited to join the race under Team Mission United.  “United Way of Long Island is pleased once again to be named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon. We cheered on Bryan and all of the members of Team Mission United on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raised important funds to benefit Long Island veterans.”

Bryan was encouraged to join Team Mission United by his employer and United Way sponsor National Grid.  “We are honored to back Bryan, as well as his team member and fellow employee Nicholas Chester, also a U.S. Navy veteran, for their tremendous efforts in support of fellow military members who have served our country,” said John Brucker, COO of Electric for NY of National Grid and United Way of Long Island Board member.  He added, “We couldn’t be prouder.”

United Way’s Team Mission United is a dedicated group of athletes who run for the over 95,000 veterans and military families on Long Island.  Mission United is a critical initiative of United Way of Long Island that focuses on supporting veterans’ services. This includes the areas of employment readiness & training, emergency financial assistance, case management and housing development.

The 2021 Team Mission United runners collectively have raised over $31,000 for United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs.  Leading sponsors include: AARP, BottomLine Technologies, Hiram Cohen & Sons Insurance, National Grid, New York Community Bank Foundation and Royal Star Associates. To help Bryan and his teammates continue their fundraising efforts visit: www.unitedwayli.org/teammissionunited

Bryan Gray, Team Mission United Runner

After serving in the U.S. Army for six years, Bryan enthusiastically joined United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United with the goal of running 26.2 miles in the NYC Marathon, and at the same time raising funds for veterans.

Following his graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy in 2007, Bryan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado, where he served as a platoon leader. His Brigade was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and remained overseas for more than a year. When the unit was deployed again, he stayed on and took command of the unit’s Rear Detachment.

“I always wanted to serve. That was something important to me when I applied to the Merchant Marine Academy,” Bryan said. “That was a goal of mine. Overall, it was a really great experience. I miss the service and I miss the people. It’s something I really value in terms of my experience in life.”

Through fundraising for veterans, Bryan is giving back to a cause that has made a major impact on him. As a lifelong Long Islander, he knows the impact veterans make in his community as well as anyone.

Now a resident of Huntington Station, Bryan is the Portable Pipeline Director for National Grid. Since his days in the Army, he has remained active through running and CrossFit. He previously raised funds for a veteran organization as part of the Bear Chase Race, a 50K trail race through Bear Creek Lake Park in Colorado. Bryan also completed the Bataan Memorial Death March – a 26.2-mile race completed with a 40-pound pack – in New Mexico.

Bryan’s prior running and service endeavors stretch from coast to coast, but this year, he’s took aim at the marathon in his own backyard. Bryan’s mother has run the New York City Marathon multiple times in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, while his brother ran it shortly after graduating from college.

The New York City Marathon has always been in the back of Bryan’s mind. Now, he ran it for a cause that has shaped his life.

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Mick Moloney

Celebrate St. James welcomes award-winning musician, recording artist and author Mick Moloney to the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James  on Friday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Moloney will present an informative talk titled Exploring Our Roots — Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley on the wonderful Irish and Jewish collaborations that contribute to the history of musical theater. Donation of $25, $20 seniors. Refreshments will be served. For reservations, call 631-984-0201.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul. File photo by Julianne Mosher
State of Emergency to Trigger Use of Surge and Flex System and Expand Purchasing Ability
Department of Health Will Be Permitted to Limit Non-Essential, Non-Urgent Scheduled Hospital Procedures If Necessary to Ensure Capacity
New Omicron Variant Not Detected in New York State Yet, but Hochul Warns: ‘It’s Coming’

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul today announced urgent action to boost hospital capacity and address staffing shortages ahead of potential spikes in COVID-19 cases this upcoming winter. Through an Executive Order signed by Governor Hochul, the Department of Health will be allowed to limit non-essential, non-urgent procedures for in-hospitals or systems with limited capacity to protect access to critical health care services. Limited capacity is defined as below 10% staffed bed capacity, or as determined by the Department of Health based on regional and health care utilization factors.

The new protocols will begin on Friday, December 3, and will be re-assessed based on the latest COVID-19 data on January 15. The Executive Order will also enable New York State to acquire more quickly any critical supplies to combat the pandemic.

“We’ve taken extraordinary action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and combat this pandemic. However, we continue to see warning signs of spikes this upcoming winter, and while the new Omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York State, it’s coming,” Governor Hochul said. “In preparation, I am announcing urgent steps today to expand hospital capacity and help ensure our hospital systems can tackle any challenges posed by the pandemic as we head into the winter months. The vaccine remains one of our greatest weapons in fighting the pandemic, and I encourage every New Yorker to get vaccinated, and get the booster if you’re fully vaccinated.”

The Hochul Administration continues to take comprehensive steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including mask protocols in health care and P-12 school settings, correctional facilities and detentions centers, public transportation and at transportation hubs, and implementation of the HERO Act which requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans in response to COVID-19.

The Administration continues to focus on boosting vaccination rates among New Yorkers, including bolstering the State’s network of vaccine access points, and working to expand testing supplies. That also includes acting on our comprehensive plan to vaccinate school-aged children 5-17, provide incentive programs, combat vaccine misinformation campaigns, increase vaccine awareness, deploy pop-up vaccines in targeted low-vaccination areas, and implement vaccine requirements for health care workers. On August 24, the vaccination rate among adults with one dose was 78.8%. Today, it is 90.2%.

Further, the Administration continues to ramp up booster shots and urges all New Yorkers to get the booster dose once fully vaccinated. As of November 24, over 2.2 million boosters and/or additional doses have been administered. Nearly 4,500 locations across are administering booster shots.

The Administration will continue to partner with local leaders to make vaccines, boosters and testing more widely available.

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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s cross-country team registered a fourth-place finish at the ECAC Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Nov. 20. Colin Ross (pictured above) led the way placing second with Carlos Santos following closely behind in third place.

Ross and Santos were joined in the top 50 by teammates Nick Cipolla, Timothy Weber, Ryan Dearie, and Eric Shu, aiding the Seawolves to a top five men’s finish.

Ross took second as he crossed the finish line in 25:23. He ran at an average 1K pace of 3:11. Santos placed third as he crossed the finish line closely behind Ross in 25:24 and ran the same average 1K pace of 3:11. Cipolla secured a top 25 finish by placing 20th as he clocked a time of 26:05. Weber, Dearie, and Shu all finished the race in the top 50. Weber finished in 36th with a time of 26:34. Dearie took 40th with his time of 26:41 and Shu crossed the line in 26:53 to take 49th place.

“Today for the most part was a worthwhile exercise as we nearly came with away with 2 individual titles. Fiona and Colin fell just short of the win. The team’s performances were solid. We mainly competed on the men’s side to give the guys that didn’t compete at the conference and regional meets plus the freshmen one more run over the 8k distance go gain experience for next fall,” said  head coach Andrew Ronan.

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Cool mist humidifiers add moisture to the air in the winter months. Stock photo
Mild dehydration can lead to decreased concentration, subdued  mood, fatigue and headaches

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Dehydration typically gets attention during the summer months, when we spend more time outside in the heat. However, during the cooler winter months, it can also be troublesome. Dry heat quickly evaporates moisture in the air, making it hard to stay hydrated.

Complications and symptoms of dehydration can be mild to severe, ranging from constipation, mood changes, headaches and heart palpitations to heat stroke, migraines and heart attacks.

In addition, the dry air can make our throats and sinuses dry, making us uncomfortable and more susceptible to irritations and viruses.

Dehydration is simple to avoid, right? Not necessarily. We may be dehydrated before we’re thirsty. Let’s look at some of the consequences of dehydration and suggestions for avoiding it.

Tension-type migraines

In a review of studies published in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology, those who drank four cups more water had significantly fewer hours of migraine pain than those who drank less (1). Headache intensity decreased as well.

Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are very common and are broadly felt as a racing heart rate, skipped beat, pounding sensation or fluttering. Dehydration and exercise are contributing factors (2). They occur mainly when we don’t hydrate prior to exercise. All we need to do is drink one glass of water prior to exercise and then drink during exercise to avoid palpitations. Though these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they are anxiety producing for patients.

Heart attacks

The Adventist Health Study, an observational study, showed a dose-response curve for men (3). In other words, group one, which drank more than five glasses of water daily, had the least risk of death from heart disease than group two, which drank more than three glasses of water daily. Those in group three, which drank fewer than two glasses per day, saw the least amount of benefit, comparatively. For women, there was no difference between groups one and two; both fared better than group three.

The reason for this effect, according to the authors, may relate to blood or plasma viscosity (thickness) and fibrinogen, a substance that helps clots form.

Decreased concentration

In a study, mild dehydration resulted in decreased concentration, subdued mood, fatigue and headaches in women (4). In this small study the mean age of participants was 23, and they were neither athletes nor highly sedentary. Dehydration was caused by walking on a treadmill with or without taking a diuretic (water pill) prior to the exercise. The authors concluded that adequate hydration was needed, especially during and after exercise.

I would also suggest, from my practice experience, hydration prior to exercise.

Staying hydrated

Now we realize we need to stay hydrated, but how do we go about this? How much water we need to drink depends on circumstances, such as diet, activity levels, environment and other factors. It is not true necessarily that we all should be drinking eight glasses of water a day. 

In a review article, the authors analyzed the data, but did not find adequate studies to suggest that eight glasses is supported in the literature (5). It may actually be too much for some patients.

You may also get a significant amount of water from the foods in your diet. Nutrient-dense diets, like Mediterranean or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have a plant-rich focus. A study notes that diets with a focus on fruits and vegetables increases water consumption (6). As you may know, 95 percent of the weights of many fruits and vegetables are attributed to water. An added benefit is an increased satiety level without eating calorically dense foods.

Remember that salty foods can be dehydrating, including breads and pastries, so try to avoid these.

Are caffeinated drinks dehydrating?

In a review, it was suggested that caffeinated coffee and tea don’t increase the risk of dehydration, even though caffeine is a mild diuretic (7). With moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages, the liquid has a more hydrating effect than its diuretic effect.

Keeping some humidity in the air

To reduce sinus inflammation and dry skin that you can experience with heated air, measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer and target keeping it between 30 and 50 percent (8). When the temperature outside drops below 10 degrees F, lower this to 25 percent.

Strategies for adding moisture to the air include using cool mist humidifiers, keeping the bathroom door open after you bathe or shower, and placing bowls of water strategically around your home, including on your stovetop when you cook. If you use a humidifier, take care to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and clean it regularly.

It is important to stay hydrated to avoid complications — some are serious, but all are uncomfortable. Diet is a great way to ensure that you get the triple effect of high nutrients, increased hydration and sense of feeling satiated without calorie-dense foods. However, don’t go overboard with water consumption, especially if you have congestive heart failure or open-angle glaucoma (9).

References:

(1) Handb Clin Neurol. 2010;97:161-72. (2) my.clevelandclinic.org. (3) Am J Epidemiol 2002 May 1; 155:827-33. (4) J. Nutr. February 2012 142: 382-388. (5) AJP – Regu Physiol. 2002;283:R993-R1004. (6) Am J Lifestyle Med. 2011;5(4):316-319. (7) Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2007;35(3):135-140. (8) epa.gov (9) Br J Ophthalmol. 2005:89:1298–1301.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com. 

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Stock photo

By Barbara Beltrami

You know, for a long time now, Jewish cuisine around here has been mostly from descendants of Central European and Russian immigrants; consequently, when we think of Hanukkah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, we think of traditional holiday fare passed down from ancestors who came from those countries. 

But there are Jewish populations all over the world, and some of them have immigrated here in recent years and brought their own holiday fare with them. So this year, I’m going to integrate their traditions into my Hanukkah menus, and I hope you will too. 

I’m thinking that the ubiquitous roast chicken is the perfect way to highlight the special flavors of various other Jewish cuisines. A favorite version of that would be one with dried fruit and almonds from Morocco or a lemony Mediterranean one. But I’d also love to try a recipe for Chinese roast chicken that I am told goes back to the Jewish colony in Shanghai many years ago. Can I make roast chicken three out of the eight nights of Hanukkah? The flavors are all so different, why not?

Moroccan Roast Chicken

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 pounds onions, thinly sliced

1 cup dried apricots

1 cup pitted prunes

3/4 cup dried dates

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

One 4 to 5 pound whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3/4 to 1 cup water

1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds

DIRECTIONS: 

In large cast iron skillet heat half the oil over medium-high heat; add onions and, stirring occasionally, cook until deep golden brown, about half an hour. Transfer to large bowl, add dried fruit, sugar and cinnamon. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread fruit mixture over bottom of large roasting pan. Rub chicken with remaining oil, turmeric, and salt and pepper; pour water around chicken and roast for one hour. 

Rotate pan and add more water, a little at a time, if fruit mixture is starting to dry out; roast another 45 minutes, until chicken is browned and juices run clear when thigh joint is pierced. Let rest 10 minutes before carving. Transfer with any juices to warmed platter, sprinkle with almonds, arrange fruit around edges and serve with Israeli couscous. 

Mediterranean Roast Chicken

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

 INGREDIENTS: 

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice from one freshly squeezed lemon

Grated zest from one lemon 

3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

One 3 1/2 to 4 pound roasting chicken, washed and patted dry

4 garlic cloves

1 onion, quartered

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 425 F. In a small bowl combine the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, salt and pepper; rub mixture inside chicken cavity and all over outside of chicken. Stuff cavity with remains of lemon, garlic and onion, sprinkle outside with more salt and pepper and place breast side up on rack in roasting pan. Roast 50 to 60 minutes, until skin is dark golden and juices run clear when thigh joint is pierced with a fork. Serve with roasted potatoes.

Shanghai Roast Chicken

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon dried mustard

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 whole 4 to 5 pound roasting chicken, rinsed and patted dry

DIRECTIONS: 

In small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the chicken. Transfer to large resealable bag; add chicken and turn to evenly coat with spice mixture. Rotating every few hours, refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Preheat oven to 350 F. Reserving marinade, place chicken on wire rack in roasting pan and roast 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours until dark golden brown and thigh juices run clear when pierced with a fork. 

In medium saucepan, heat marinade to boiling and occasionally baste chicken with it. Remove from oven, let sit 10 minutes, then carve and serve with rice and grilled scallions.

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Greenlawn Civic Association’s President Jane Irving and Board member Kevin Smith do the honors, cutting the ribbon with Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Town Clerk Andrew Raia, and Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman looking on.
Greenlawn Park Playground Rock Wall
Greenlawn Park Playground Swings
Greenlawn Park Playground Looking Southeast
Greenlawn Park Playground Ramp Entrance
Picnic Area with Solar Charging Stations
11740 Greenlawn ZIP Code Bike Rack
Greenlawn Park Playground Looking Northwest

Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Town Clerk Andrew Raia and Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman were joined by Town officials, the Town’s EOSPA Committee and the Greenlawn Civic Association for a ribbon-cutting to open the new playground at the Town’s regional Greenlawn Park on Nov. 16. 

“We are excited to see these playground improvements realized at Greenlawn Park, one of our most popular regional parks, which will provide a complement to the popular Greenlawn skate park and athletic fields,” said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, whose administration worked closely with the Greenlawn Civic Association to develop plans for the new playground. “Greenlawn Park Playground is a case study in a community advocating for the improvement of their open space and a local government responding to that community.” 

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said, “I want to thank the Greenlawn Civic Association and the community for their hard work and activism on behalf of renovating this park . Although it took longer than expected due to Covid it is finished and it’s a beautiful place for our residents to enjoy.” 

Councilwoman Joan Cergol stated, “I absolutely love the improvements made to Greenlawn Park’s playground and am grateful to the Greenlawn Civic Association and our Town departments that worked so diligently to ensure our children have a safe and vibrant place to play while enjoying nature.” 

Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth and Councilman Eugene Cook were unable to attend the ceremony but voted to approve the EOSPA funding for the playground along with Supervisor Lupinacci, Councilman Cuthbertson and Councilwoman Cergol. 

Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth stated, “The Greenlawn Park Playground reconstruction was truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to the Greenlawn Civic Association for working with Town staff in the Departments of Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Environment as well as the Town’s EOSPA Committee to develop a playground plan that reflects the community’s needs.” 

“I would recommend to every parent and grandparent to find some time with their children or grandchildren to explore the new playground at Greenlawn Park, it’s beautiful,” stated Councilman Eugene Cook. “Greenlawn Park has something for everyone in the family, including new playground equipment, a new concrete walkway, a new picnic area with a gazebo, landscaping and even solar cell phone/tablet charging stations. A wonderful park for a family to share an afternoon.” 

Town Clerk Andrew Raia stated, “It was a pleasure to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenlawn Park Playground. This is a state-of-the-art playground that will provide local children with a safe, nourishing environment and place to grow.” 

Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman said, “The Greenlawn Park Playground is a stunning example of the great work that can be achieved when local government partners with the community.  That the playground is handicap accessible is reflective of the vision that should be included in all construction initiatives.  I love the solar powered charging stations too.  Many thanks to the Greenlawn Civic Association for their important role in the design of this local treasure!” 

“The Greenlawn Civic Association would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Town of Huntington with the completion of the new playground at Greenlawn Park. It is a beautifully renovated open space for the community to enjoy! It was truly a cooperative effort between the Greenlawn Civic Association and the Town of Huntington,” said Jane Irving, President, Greenlawn Civic Association. 

Greenlawn Civic Association was represented at the event by President Jane Irving, Kevin Smith, Secretary Ellen Niemczyk, and Richard Holmes. 

 Also in attendance from the Town were David Kaufman, Elana Israel-Edgar, and Garrett Chelius from the Department of Planning & Environment, Director Bill Musto and Deputy Director Walter Edwards from the Department of Parks & Recreation, and members of the Town EOSPA Committee (Environmental Open Space & Park Fund Advisory Committee): Chairman Mark McAteer, Ken Christensen, and Steven Spucces. 

Representatives of the Greenlawn Civic Association requested the playground improvements, working with Director Jim Ahrens and Town Engineer Nick Jimenez in the Department of Engineering, staff in attendance as well as Margo Myles from the Department of Planning & Environment, and the Town’s EOSPA Committee to develop a playground plan that reflected the community’s needs. The Town Board designated up to $525,000 in EOSPA-recommended Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement Funding for the project in January 2020. The project was bid in January 2021, the Town received 12 bids, and the Town Board awarded the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Greenlawn-based Turf Tek USA in February 2021. Construction started in June 2021. Total construction costs came to approximately $450,000.

Greenlawn Park (Tri-Village) Playground, at the corner of Pulaski Road and Broadway-Greenlawn Road in Greenlawn, has undergone substantial improvements, including: 

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METRO photo

Giving to charity is a selfless endeavor that’s vital to the survival of countless nonprofit organizations across the globe. Without the generosity of donors, many charitable organizations would cease to exist, leaving the people they help vulnerable to illness and financial hardship. Fraud may be the furthest thing from donors’ minds, but it’s something charitable individuals must be aware of as they consider donating to charity.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, charity fraud increases during the holiday season, when many people embrace the spirit of giving and seek to made end-of-year tax deductible gifts to their favorite charities. The FBI also warns that charity scams are common after disasters or tragedies, including pandemics. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission noted in September 2020 that Americans had lost more than $145 million to charity fraud related to the coronavirus in the first six months of the pandemic.

One measure all prospective donors should take is to learn the signs of charitable fraud. Many charity scams target seniors, but no one is entirely safe from charity fraud. AARP® notes that the following are some warning signs of charity fraud.

• Pressure to give: Reputable charities do not pressure prospective donors into giving. A strong, trustworthy charity will accept donations whenever donors choose to make them. Legitimate operations like the American Red Cross may heighten their solicitations after natural disasters, but such groups still will not try to pressure people into donating.

• Thanking donors for donations they don’t recall making: AARP® notes that some charitable fraud perpetrators will try to convince potential victims they have already given to a cause. This is done in an effort to lower potential victims’ resistance, giving them a false sense of security and the impression that a fraudulent operation is legitimate. If donors don’t recall donating to a specific charity, chances are strong they didn’t make such a donation and that the message of gratitude is merely a fishing expedition intended to reel in new victims.

• Requests for cash, gift cards or wire transfers: Cash, gifts and wire transfers are difficult to trace, which makes it easier for perpetrators of fraud to escape the authorities. Reputable charities will welcome donations made by personal check or credit card.

Perpetrators of charitable fraud prey on the vulnerability of well-meaning donors who simply want to support a good cause. Learning to spot signs of charitable fraud can provide an added measure of protection against the criminals behind such operations.

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A Sweet Sauce to Savor

(Culinary.net) There are few things better than festive holiday celebrations. Everyone is gathered around the table, ready to eat and enjoy the company. The atmosphere is joyful, the decorations are beautiful and the food is absolute perfection.

From warm casseroles to hearty proteins, most spreads are made of an array of colors with mouthwatering sides and desserts. However, there are some dishes the holidays just can’t happen without. One is a classic, traditional Sweet Cranberry Sauce. It’s popping with color and texture. Plus, it makes everything it tops taste just a little bit better.

This sauce is perfect for nearly any holiday celebration but is also a sweet treat that can be served over vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s fruity with a hint of citrus and flavorful with a dash of ground cinnamon and a bit of ginger.

This recipe works well into the holiday season. It’s a timeless dish but with a fresh and tangy twist that’s perfect for both gatherings with many guests or simple nights at home with those leftovers you just can’t resist.

Find more recipes perfect for celebrating the holidays at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Sweet Cranberry Sauce

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

12 ounces cranberries

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 tablespoons ginger paste

1/8 tablespoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons orange zest

vanilla ice cream (optional)

Directions:

In large skillet over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, ginger paste, salt, ground cinnamon and orange zest.

Bring to simmer. Stir until thickened to desired consistency, 15 minutes.

Cool 30 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Serve alone or over vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Watch video here.

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METRO photo

By Michael Ardolino

Michael Ardolino

Want to sell your home? Now is as good of a time as any to get started.

Why now?

Recently, National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said at a conference and expo that the residential real estate market continues to be promising.

“All markets are seeing strong conditions and home sales are the best they have been in 15 years,” Yun said. “The housing sector’s success will continue, but I don’t expect next year’s performance to exceed this year’s.”

First steps

Before a for sale sign goes up, there’s some prepping to be done.

A real estate professional will provide some tips on preparing your house to make it more attractive to potential buyers. I’ve mentioned some of that advice in past columns.

Sellers usually know to put away anything they don’t need right now and donate what they no longer want. This tip applies during the holiday season, too. A festive seasonal look can be inviting, just not too much. This means if you’re ready to sell before 2021 ends, keep this in mind to show off your space to its fullest potential.

The most important step is to sit down with a professional. They’ll go over with you how much similar houses near you sold at and help you decide the best marketing strategy and pricing for your home.

Timing is important

For the last few months, we’ve been keeping an eye on real estate news and trends together. As many recent Long Island sellers know, prices have been high and houses have sold quickly. While winter historically tends to be slower in real estate, experts predict things will be different this season.

“[This] winter is likely to be a better time to sell than winter typically is,” says Kelly Mangold, principal at RCLCO Real Estate Consulting. “Many sellers should not feel the need to wait until spring, especially in high-demand areas.”

This is no surprise. Interest rates are still historically low. For buyers, it’s still wise to get a mortgage now as some experts see interest rates inching up in 2022. A few experts, including forecasters at the Mortgage Bankers Association, predict that by the end of 2022 30-year fixed mortgage rates will average 4%. Fannie Mae economists are more conservative, thinking the rates will average more around 3.4% during the fourth quarter of next year.

Sellers can still get more money now than they would have just two winters ago. Inventory is still not meeting demand, with more buyers than sellers. Add to the equation that many buyers have met stiff competition finding their dream home. Many are still looking or starting their search again after taking a short break.

Takeaway

Real estate trends depend on what’s going on economy-wise and can be confusing sometimes. A real estate professional would be more than happy to help you with the steps and timing. So … let’s talk..

Michael Ardolino is the Founder/Owner-Broker of Realty Connect USA.

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