Fresh Beginnings THIS SPRING
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on the
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Spring is here! This season is one that often brings upon feelings of hope and new beginings. Flip through the pages of this issue for seasonal editorial, a tasty, timely recipe and much more. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us for more information today.
Spring Activities For Families To Enjoy Together
Spring
is one of the most popular seasons of the year. After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold. Moderate temperatures make it much more comfortable and inviting to venture outdoors, particularly for families with children who might not adapt to the cold as well as adults. The following are some familyfriendly activities that make the most of spring renewal.
Visit Botanic Gardens
If there’s a botanical garden nearby, a visit in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. That’s because an abundance of flowers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can meander through rows of rose bushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, flowering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring.
Prepare A Home Garden
Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy
tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flowers and plants attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. Many garden centers sell butterfly and hummingbird mixes to attract wildlife.
Go Animal Watching
Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals,
including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, but they can also be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge to help a baby animal who seems like
it was abandoned. The parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing attention to the young to deter predators.
Get Out On The Water
A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.
Make Wind Chimes
Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.
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Spring Ahead With Fresh Flavors
Warm weather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh meal-making. Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights for lighter fare. Recipes like “Pasta Primavera” from “Seasoned America” (William Morrow and Company, Inc.) by Chef Paul Prudhomme can be brought out in spring and enjoyed throughout the warmer seasons. In Italian, “primavera” means “spring,” making this classic, vegetableinfused pasta dish a favorite this time of year. The vegetable inclusions below can be switched out for your own favorite produce as well.
Pasta Primavera
Makes about 8 cups
Seasoning Mix:
2 1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaves
1 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
3⁄4 teaspoon white pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup thin strips prosciutto
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1⁄2 cup sliced carrots (cut on the diagonal)
2 cups sliced zucchini
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1 cup asparagus tips or 3⁄4 cups snow peas
1 cup chopped green onions
2 cups heavy cream
9 ounces of your favorite pasta
Directions:
Combine the seasoning mix ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat. When oil is very hot, add the prosciutto, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. Add the butter and, as it melts, stir in the garlic and the seasoning mix. Stir in asparagus tips or snow peas and green onions. Stir well and cook just until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened a bit, about 3 minutes.
Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss well and remove from the heat. Serve immediately.
Did You Know?
Local libraries are invaluable community resources for residents of all ages, offering far more than shelves of books. Their importance dates back centuries—Franklin Public Library, which opened in 1778, is considered the first lending library in the United States. Today’s libraries provide access to books, films, research databases, career counseling, family programs, and community events. From helping students succeed academically to supporting career growth and fostering social connections, local libraries remain essential hubs of knowledge, opportunity, and community life.
Fun And Educational Ways To Celebrate Earth Day
EarthDay is an annual holiday that has been celebrated since 1970. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, much of the globe now celebrates Earth Day, which this year takes place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are some unique, fun and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.
• Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That’s not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.
• Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.
• Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet. According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests to sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change. The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby
forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.
• Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more
challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands.
Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.
Did You Know?
Earth Day is now a global event, but its origins are somewhat humble. Prior to the 1960s, awareness of the link between public health and pollution was minimal. However, according to EarthDay.org, the 1962 publication of Silent Spring by American marine biologist, writer and conservationist Rachel Carson was a watershed moment for the environmental movement. The book did much to raise awareness of the effects of pollution on public health. Indeed, the publication of Carson’s book proved a pivotal step toward the eventual establishment of Earth Day in 1970, which EarthDay.org characterizes as the dawn of the modern environmental movement.
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
How To Prepare Soil For Spring Planting
Springis a season of rejuvenation and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors. Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that’s necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring.
• Clean up the previous months’ mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings, and other debris can contribute to compacted
soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine.
• Loosen the soil. Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you’ll be planting, you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade,
spading fork, and/or a lawn edger. If you’re planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year’s planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It’s important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed.
•Start by testing your soil’s PH to determine its acidity or alkalinity, as extreme levels can limit nutrient availability for plants. Affordable home test kits are available at most home improvement stores, or you can contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for a more comprehensive analysis. These tests not only measure pH but also provide insights into soil texture and composition. Based on the results, the Extension Service can recommend amendments to enhance soil quality and help new plants thrive.
Unique Features For Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoorliving spaces continue to grow in popularity, with a 2023 study finding that 63% of homeowners would prioritize them during a remodel. Interest is driven by a range of goals. According to Houzz research, 51% of homeowners renovate to improve aesthetics, 37% want to create better spaces for entertaining, and one-third aim to extend their home’s overall living area.
Homeowners looking to achieve these goals can incorporate a variety of features that blend style and function. Water fountains, for example, can serve as eye-catching focal points while also creating a calming atmosphere with the soothing sound of flowing water. They may even attract birds, enhancing the natural ambiance.
Shade structures have also evolved beyond traditional patio umbrellas. Pergolas and gazebos now come in many styles and can provide muchneeded relief from the sun while elevating
the overall look of a space. Features like built-in hooks for lighting, fans, or plants can further enhance comfort and usability.
For relaxation, a hammock offers a simple yet effective addition. Positioned between sturdy trees or on a stand, it can create a peaceful retreat and add to the
inviting feel of a backyard. Entertaining-focused homeowners may benefit from a designated game zone. Whether it’s a bocce court, a small putting green, or another recreational feature, setting aside space for activities can increase the enjoyment and functionality of an outdoor area.
Adoption Gives Dogs A New ‘Leash’ On Life Puppy Care 101
“Adopt don’t shop” is a mantra utilized by many organizations devoted to finding loving homes for shelter animals. With thousands of dogs, cats and other companion animals residing in shelters or being fostered until they can find their forever homes, rescue organizations urge the pet-loving public to adopt rather than purchase dogs from private breeders.
Individuals who choose to adopt a dog from a private rescue, humane society, animal shelter, or another welfare group would be wise to follow some guidelines that can help individuals and families find the best matches with their new pets.
“It’s important to be honest with the rescue group regarding, not only what you’re looking for in a dog, such as disposition, energy level, age, and size, but to describe the overall household dynamic,” advises Toni Diamond, founder of Diamond Dogs Rescue, Inc. (www. diamonddogsrescueinc.com), a fosterbased rescue with resources in New Jersey and Massachusetts. “This way the rescue can match your needs with
the dogs they have available to ensure the best opportunity the placed pet will remain in your home.”
Here are some other tips to consider if you’re thinking of adopting a pet.
• Think about fostering first. If you’re on the fence about whether to take in a dog right now, fostering offers a way to gauge how life can change with a dog in the household. Fostering a dog can free up resources and enable rescues to help other dogs. Many “foster fails” are dogs that foster families adopted themselves because they couldn’t bear to give the dogs up.
• Expect to be vetted. Rescue groups generally do some type of adopter check, which includes an application questionnaire, and may want to visit your home to be sure that it is safe and comfortable for the dog. Expect an adoption fee, as this helps defray the cost of sheltering animals.
• Don’t feel limited by geography. Rescues handle dogs from across the country. Some may even be willing to facilitate travel from one area to another. If you see a dog online that seems to be a perfect fit but is a good distance away, contact the rescue to see what can be done.
• Be patient and open-minded. Rescued animals often have been jostled around a bit, moving from place to place. Expect a transition period for the shell-shocked animal to settle down before judging his or her true personality. It’s possible for rescued dogs to have accidents in a home, act out or be hesitant around people while they learn to trust their new owners.
Adopting a dog can be a great way to add to the family and provide a loving animal with new beginnings.
Welcoming a new puppy is exciting but comes with responsibility. The first few months are crucial for shaping a dog’s health, behavior, and well-being, so proper care, nutrition, and training are essential.
Health: Schedule a vet visit right away for vaccinations and a wellness check. Core vaccines protect against serious diseases, and puppies should stay close to home until fully immunized. Treat any parasites under veterinary guidance.
Nutrition: Puppies need more energy and nutrients than adult dogs. Feed high-quality puppy food in three to four small meals daily, transitioning to adult food as they near full growth.
Socialization: Between 3–16 weeks, expose puppies to people, environments, and other dogs in a positive way to build confidence and good behavior.
Training: Start early with basic commands using positive reinforcement. Keep sessions short, consistent, and rewarding. Establish a regular potty schedule to support house training.
