Winterizing Your Vehicle
Winter is almost here, and it’s time to endure the cold, snowy weather that New York brings. Before we know it, we will be digging our cars out of the snow. That’s why it is important to get a head start today on winterizing your car.
Taking these steps to prepare your car will ensure a safe winter for all.
- Get an oil change. If you are approaching the time for an oil change, do not procrastinate. Get it done now. Make sure your oil’s viscosity is right. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder. If it is too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated.
- Make sure you can see. Be sure to replace your old wiper blades with fresh new ones. Along with changing your blades, be sure to refill your windshield washer fluid and make sure that the defrost setting in your car is working properly.
- Give your battery a little TLC. Check your battery and make sure there is no corrosion and that it can hold a charge. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery in the dead of winter.
- Check your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to ensure you will have the best traction.
- If you have a four wheel drive, be sure to check that your system is working properly. Especially if you do not use your four wheel drive during the summer months.
- Last but not least, be sure to prepare an emergency kit. Store supplies in your trunk in case you are ever stuck. Emergency items such as:
- Blankets
- Extra boots and gloves
- Ice scraper
- Small shovel
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Tool kit
- First aid kit
- Paper towels
- Canned food
- Bottled water
Travel safely this winter and don’t get caught in the cold!
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting 2016
Although the Empire State building is one of New York’s most iconic sites, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is right up there with it. This year`s tree comes from Oneonta, New York. This gigantic Norway spruce will be chopped down on November 10th and will arrive in New York City on November 12th. Then on November 30th, is the event that we’ve been waiting for. That is the tree lighting ceremony! You will be able to watch this live along with musical performances on NBC.
This year’s fabulous tree will be decorated with 50,000 LED lights and of course topped with a Swarovski star. The best part is that you are able to enjoy the tree from November 30th all the way till January 7th. So you have no excuse not to catch a bit of this Christmas magic. And while you are there, you can even skate below the tree at the Rink at Rockefeller plaza. This is a Christmas tradition that you don’t want to pass you by!
Written by: Sandra Costanzo
Candy Corn Fun Facts!
Although everyone might seem pumpkin spice crazy at the moment, there is always one Halloween classic treat that will never be forgotten. And that is, candy corn. This sweet treat is a Halloween staple and often overlooked. We are going to give you some Halloween fun facts that you might not have known. And after reading our facts, let us know your favorite! And don’t forget to enjoy this classic treat on October 30th because that is National Candy Corn day!
• The original name for candy corn was “Chick Feed” and was marketed toward farmers.
• Candy corn has been around for over 130 years when George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderlee Candy Company, stumbled upon the perfect mixture of corn syrup, sugar and marshmallow flavoring, which invented the tri-color candy in 1880.
• Americans have debated on the style of how the kernels should be consumed. According to a survey, 46.8% of people think that the whole kernel should be eaten at once, compared to 42.7% that start at the white, narrow end. While the remaining 10.6% of people start at the wider yellow end.
• A recent CNN Facebook survey found that older people tend to like candy corn more than younger ones do. The study also found that 86% of females love candy corn compared to 14% of males.
• According to Google Insights, candy corn is the most searched for candy term in Google. Alabama has the highest about of candy corn searches out of all 50 states. The only thing sweeter than “Sweet Home Alabama” is the candy corn itself.
Written by: Sandra Costanzo
Happy Fall – Celebrating The Season on Long Island
Fall is here and it`s time for pumpkin picking, festivals and so much more! Luckily on Long Island there is always something to do, especially in the Fall. Whether you are looking for a family fun day or a day out with friends, there is always something to do. Below I will list the top 6 activities to do this season.
1. Why not pick fresh apples! Lewins Farms in Wading River is the perfect place pick your own apples. Then you can either enjoy a fresh apple or even make an apple pie.
2. You can pumpkin pick! There are so many pumpkin farms on Long island including Schmitts Farm in Melville and Stakey`s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue.
3. The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens, presented throughout October, showcases the amazing work of dozens of local artists. Spend an hour walking through the trail and see more than 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns light up the night.
4. Southampton embraces fall with a full weekend of art, music, food, entertainment, and history near the end of September. The aptly named Southampton Septemberfest allows residents and visitors to explore Southampton’s rich cultural heritage and its close connection to agriculture and the sea. Adding to the entertainment are volunteers dressed in traditional outfits who sell locally grown produce, teach traditional crafts like basket weaving, and even hold class in a one-room schoolhouse.
5. Celebrate Long Island’s rich history and traditions at the Hallockville Museum Farm’s Fall Festival and Craft Show, which includes demos on basket weaving, yarn spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, and more, plus more than 50 craft vendors. See livestock displays, farm machinery and tractor exhibits, and even a model railroad display.
6. Grande Festa Italiana, held annually in early September at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, is both the largest and oldest Italian feast on Long Island. Along with the rides, fireworks, and live music, kids can enjoy sampling a variety of Italian foods and watching cooking demonstrations.
With so much to do, it`s easy to say that Long Island is the place to be during the Fall. What activity is your favorite?
Written by: Sandra Costanzo
Important Things To Know About Life Insurance
September is Life Insurance Awareness month. Most Americans who do have life insurance, are not carrying enough, life insurance. Then, there is the rest of Americans (about 40%) who have no life insurance whatsoever.
According to research, the two most common reasons why an individual does not carry life insurance is because they have competing financial priorities, or they think they can’t afford it.
This is why every September, our agency helps spread awareness and educate our clients on the facts and importance of life insurance.
Here are some interesting and important things to know about Life Insurance:
- The first ancient civilization to use life insurance was the Roman Empire. Burial clubs would go around and collect money from the poor to pay for their funerals.
- Every U.S. Citizen is eligible for guaranteed issued life insurance, regardless of age, sex or medical condition.
- Term life insurance can cost as little as the price of one cup of coffee, per week.
- You’re never too old or too young to buy life insurance. In fact, the younger you buy, the better off you will be.
- The goal of life insurance is to provide financial security for your family after you are gone.
- The term of a life insurance policy can be for as long as you decide.
- The beneficiary of a life insurance policy is the individual that relies on you for an income.
- Men are more likely to pay more for life insurance than women due to health conditions, dangerous hobbies, and lack of seeking medical attention.
- If you have a dependent relying on your life, you should have life insurance.
- Young professionals are the largest buyers of life insurance.
- The most common reason for retired individuals to buy life insurance is to pay for funeral costs.
- Business owners have the option to name their business as a beneficiary on their life insurance policy.
Our life insurance specialists at C.H. Edwards, Inc., recommend that individuals carry eight times their annual salary in life insurance. If you do not already have life insurance or you would like to review your current life insurance policy, contact our office at
(516) 249-5200 and we will be happy to assist you.
Don’t wait another day. Make an investment in your families future by purchasing life insurance today.
TSA PreCheck Program
Have you ever wondered how to get through the airport faster? Well one way can be to shorten the security line. This is easily done with TSA PreCheck.
The TSA PreCheck program allows trusted travelers to go through an accelerated security screening process when departing from participating U.S. airports. More than 160 airports and 16 airlines allow TSA pre-approved members to clear airport security checkpoints efficiently and hassle free. Approved PreCheck members are given a Known Traveler Number, or a “KTN,” to be used during the flight reservation process so that airlines can print the KTN directly on a member’s boarding pass as an indicator. Expedited TSA PreCheck screenings are not guaranteed in all cases as TSA security measures are unpredictable.
Now that you know what it is, you are probably thinking how do you get into this program. We have the answers for you! Individuals who can get TSA PreCheck approval include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents who have never been convicted of certain crimes. Also eligible for TSA PreCheck enrollment are members of other Trusted Traveler programs belonging to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, like Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Furthermore, the following groups are all considered
TSA pre-approved:
• U.S. active-duty military members
• National Guard members
• Reserve members
• Department of Defense civilian employees
• Federal employees with security clearance
There are many benefits to this program. Especially if you are a frequent flyer. Airline customers with TSA PreCheck approval have the benefit of going through a separate, shorter TSA PreCheck screening security queue so that they can clear the checkpoint and get to their gate faster. Additionally, TSA fast pass members are allowed to keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on their bodies and travel-size liquids and laptops in their bags. TSA PreCheck status members are generally exempt from undergoing body scans and pat downs. These adjustments to the regular screening process allow for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Written by: Sandra Costanzo
Long Island Game Farm – Fun Before the Summer Ends
Are you looking to have some family fun before it’s time to head back to school? Look no further than the Long Island Game Farm located in Manorville, New York.
Founded in 1970, the Long Island Game Farm has been providing a life time of memories for children and families on Long Island. This year, they are celebrating their 47th season as the largest combined children’s zoo and wild life park on Long Island; with a wide variety of shows, interactive animal exhibits, and carnival rides, every family member is sure to find something they love.
Ticket prices vary among age. Adult admission is $18.95 + tax. Seniors (62 +), children and military personal admission is $16.95 + tax. If you are visiting with a child under the age of 2 admission is free for them. If you plan to visit with a large group, take advantage of their special package prices listed on their website.
While there, be sure to pick up some treat for the animals. Animals with a sign that say “feed me” are happy to be fed and loved! Don’t worry, they won’t bite!
Make sure to make a pit stop at bambiland, the giraffe encounter and the nursery. At these interactive exhibits you get up close and personal with the animals to feed, pet, and learn more about them.
Find out what the Long Island Game Farm has in store for yourself. Visit them today with your loved ones. For more information visit http://www.longislandgamefarm.com/.
Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month
While it is easy for humans to detect their body reactions to heat, for pets, it is not so easy. This is why it is important to keep a close eye on your pets and provide extra care for them during the hot summer months.
Follow these helpful tips when it comes to protecting your four legged friend:
1. Do not leave pets in a parked car: The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly approach dangerous. If you know your pet will not be allowed in a certain store while you are out, make sure to keep them at home in the comfort of your air conditioned home.
2. Change pets exercise regimen: Midday walks should be switched to early mornings and evenings when the sun is not at its peak and the temperatures are cooler.
3. Be mindful of your breed: Short-nosed breeds have a harder time in extreme heat due to their shorter airways. Also, consider the fur on your dog. For example, dogs with more hair like huskies should spend very little time outside to avoid over heating.
4. Let dogs inside: Your dog may enjoy their dog house but they are very similar to a parked car on hot days. Bring your dog inside and let them enjoy the air conditioning.
5. Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Heavy painting, glazed eyes and rapid heart beat are all sure signs of heatstroke. Make sure that if your pet has any of these signs to seek medical help immediately.
Pets are not just pets, they are family. Make sure that you treat your furry friend with extra love and compassion on these hot days as well as every other day of the year.
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