How To SpotFoundation Isues Foundation
Home ownership can be a rewarding endeavor and a good investment over time. But homes require consistent upkeep to ensure a property remains safe, a condition of ownership that renters typically do not need to concern themselves with. Foundation issues are a component of home ownership that can be easy to forget, as such concerns are not necessarily evident in frequently visited areas of a home. A foundation provides structural integrity for the entire home, so addressing damage is essential. The experts at This Old House indicate that some foundation issues can be relatively easy and inexpensive to address. Other issues may not be so simple, especially if they challenge the structural integrity of a home.
Learning to recognize foundation issues can help homeowners sort through small problems and big ones. But what are signs of foundation problems? Consider these potential issues, as noted by This Old House, Robbie Breaux & Team Real Broker, LLC and Bay Crawl Space Foundation Repair.
• Cracks in walls: Cracks appearing in foundation walls, drywall or plaster, especially diagonal or stair-step cracks forming near doorways, windows or corners, might be indicative of foundation movement. If a crack has formed in a living space, something is likely moving below since floors are supported from the foundation upward. Cracks thicker than onequarter of an inch in foundation
How Reading Builds Young Children’s Vocabulary
problem.
• Sagging porches and stoops: Notable sagging of porches or stoops can indicate that a house is sinking or changing faster than other areas.
• Separation between door and window frames and walls: Gaps can form around windows and doors if the foundation is shifting. The gaps that form can lead to water and pest infiltration if left untreated, causing even more issues.
• Cabinets and countertops separating from walls: Homeowners who notice considerable space forming between cabinets or countertops and the wall indicate that the frame of the home is out of square. That likely means a foundation is settling or sinking.
• Squeaky, bouncy or sagging floors: While these issues in floors may not always result from foundation issues, they often indicate that moisture has invaded the basement or crawl space. That moisture may have gained access through a cracked or compromised foundation.
A study from The Ohio State University found large differences in word exposure based on how often young children are read to. Children whose parents read them five books a day heard about 1.48 million words before kindergarten, compared with just over 4,600 words for children who were never read to. Even daily reading resulted in far fewer words than reading multiple books a day. Beyond vocabulary growth, reading supports children’s communication skills, empathy, literacy, and understanding of the world.
• Leaning or cracked chimney: If a chimney resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it could be a sign of possible foundation issues causing settling or sinking.
Bringing in a professional to assess potential foundation issues is a good idea.
One study also noted the effects that reading to young children can have on the relationship between parent and child. That study, authored by researchers at the University of Wollongong in Australia and Boston University and published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, found that reading to young children supports a strong relationship between parent and child.
walls or home walls can be a
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on
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.
Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
MARCH HAPPENINGS
SATURDAY, MARCH 28th
11:00AM
EASTER EGG HUNT
& MEET THE EASTER BUNNY
The 2026 Annual Farmingdale Village Easter Egg Hunt & Meet the Easter Bunny on the Village Green (361 Main St). Attendees should arrive by 10:45 AM with their own baskets. The event is free, family-friendly, and features photos with the Easter Bunny at the gazebo. For more information, contact Farmingdale Village, www.farmingdalevillage. gov; Facebook events page: www. facebook.com/farmingdale11735 www.farmingdalebid.com, or call 516-249-0093
12:00PM
EASTER EGG HUNT
Join the Fun!! Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt followed by a contest and more!! St. John’s Lutheran Church 36 E. John Street in Lindenhurst. Bring A Friend!! Please bring your own basket. In case of rain, the show will go on indoors. Meet The Easter Bunny!
1:00PM-4:00PM
“SNEAK PEEK” AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED FREIGHT HOUSE
The Lindenhurst Historical Society invites all residents, friends, and neighbors to take a “sneak peek” at the newly renovated Freight House, one of the three buildings that make up the museum complex at Irmisch Historic Park, located at the intersection of South Broadway and South Third Street. The Old Village Hall Museum, which celebrated its grand reopening last July, will be opened as well and docents will be on hand to host visitors as they tour the entire site. Admission is free for
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
all museums; donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, please call 631-506-8431 or email lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail. com.
7:30PM Gene DiNapoli Presents THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND
At the Bayway Arts Center, 265 East Main Street in East Islip, The Liverpool Shuffle, originally formed in 2003 by Joe Refano, (formerly of Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Micky Dolenz’ Monkees Band), THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE brings together veterans of the New York Music Scene with a combined 200 years of musical experience between them. THE LIVERPOOL SHUFFLE provides a fun, entertaining LIVE BEATLE SHOW with a real emphasis on THE MUSIC. They play it the way The Beatles did! For more information, please call 631-581-2700
SUNDAY, MARCH 29th
1:00PM-5:00PM KiDS NEED MoRE SPRING VENDOR FAIR
American Legion Hall, 80 Herbert Avenue in Lindenhurst. Setup begins 11:00 AM. Local vendors, shopping, raffles. Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Kids games and Spring Activities. Free Admission. Vendors wanted. Questions? info®kidsneedmore. org,kidsneedmore.org, Website: www.kidsneedmore.org/vendors or call 631-608-3135
2:00PM
LOVESONG FOR SUNRISE FUNDRAISER
Long Island band Lovesong will
headline a special event at The Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale to help raise funds for Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island, which provides summer camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital activities for children with cancer and their siblings — all offered free of charge. Tickets and more information can be found at: sunrisewalks.org/Lovesong. The mission of the Sunrise Association is to bring the joys of summer back to children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings, all completely free of charge.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31st
ARRIVE BEFORE 8:30AM BUS TRIP TO WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA
Hosted by Joseph Barry Columbiettes. $60 pp, includes driver’s tip. Give Back: $35 slot play. Return approx. 8:30 p.m. Parking: 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end) For more information, and reservations. please call Barbara at 516-935-5576
3:00PM-7:00PM BLOOD DRIVE
Deputy Minority Leader Drucker, Jericho Library Will host a Blood Drive, at the Jericho Public Library, located at 1 Merry Lane in Jericho. O-negative and B-negative donors are especially needed in addition to all other blood types. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins will be taken as capacity permits. Limited appointments to make double red cell donations are available. Call 1-800-93-BLOOD (25663) or visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/331396 to make an appointment. For more information, contact Deputy Minority Leader Drucker’s office 516-571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov
A Rundown On Roofing Pojects
No two home renovation projects are the same. Some projects are highly detailed undertakings that take months if not years from start to finish, while others can be tackled by skilled do-it-yourselfers over the course of a single weekend. Though each project is different, categorizing renovations as needs or wants can help homeowners determine when the time is right to go forward. Roof replacement projects typically fall into the “need” category. A decaying roof can jeopardize the safety and security of a home and lead to additional issues, like water damage. It’s unwise to delay roof replacement projects when signs of a decaying roof start to appear. Homeowners who are starting to see such indicators can look to this rundown of roof replacement projects as they begin the process of replacing their roof.
• Cost. Roof replacement costs vary considerably depending on a host of variables. Materials, location and the cost of labor, dimensions of the roof, and even choice of contractor all affect the cost of the project. The home renovation experts at Angi indicate the average roof replacement project costs $9,500. Asphalt is among the more affordable roofing materials, costing an average of $1 to $1.20 per square foot, according to Nerdwallet. Slate roofs will be more expensive, costing anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot.
• Life expectancy. Homeowners may blanch at the cost of a roof replacement project, particularly if they choose a more expensive material. However, it’s important to keep life expectancy in mind when receiving roof estimates. Many homeowners never replace a roof twice, making this a potentially costly but ultimately one-time expense. Though slate roofs are expensive, homeowners may find it reassuring that estimates from various roofing resources indicate slate roofs come with a life expectancy ranging from 50 to 200 years. By contrast, Nerdwallet estimates an asphalt roof lasts around 10 to 20 years, while others suggest such roofs can last as long as 30 years.
• Materials. Choice of materials is arguably the most significant decision homeowners will make when replacing a roof. The experts at This Old House report that materials typically account for 55 to 65 percent of the overall cost of a roof replacement project. Decisions regarding roof materials will be affected by budget, local climate (certain materials are better suited to particular climates than others), aesthetic appeal, and required maintenance. It’s also important that homeowners consider the material warranty of each roofing product. Some materials offer longer warranties than others, which can provide a measure of security to homeowners investing so much in the project.
Easter is a day of great joy for faithful Christians. Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is detailed in the New Testament. Easter is what’s known as a moveable feast, which means it’s not celebrated on the same date each year. Easter’s date in 2026 is Sunday, April 5. Easter also is celebrated on a different day within Christian churches. Orthodox Christians do
Did You Know?
not celebrate Easter on the same day as non-Orthodox Christians. History.com notes Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar when determining when to celebrate Easter. Orthodox Easter will take place between April 4 and May 8, following the first full moon after Passover. Non-orthodox Christians follow the Gregorian calendar, which was established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Under
the Gregorian calendar, churches determined Easter will be held on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. These disparities are why Orthodox churches, which are primarily located in Russia, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, observe Easter on a later date than nonOrthodox churches. In 2026, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on April 12.
Things To Know When Replacing Windows
Windows are durable, but they do not last forever. The experts at This Old House say the life span of home windows is between 15 and 50 years, with most reaching the upper limits of their life expectancy at around 20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals begin to weaken or fail, and windows become susceptible to drafts and water seepage.
Replacing windows can be a good investment. Such a project is one of the more effective ways to elevate a home’s curb appeal and value. New windows are energy efficient and make homes more secure. They also tend to look better than old, fading windows. When pondering a window replacement project, it’s important to consider these factors.
• Know the window types. Double hung windows are classic and have operable upper and lower sashes. Lowering the upper sash allows warm air near the ceiling to escape and cooler air can to flow in through the bottom. Single hung windows only have an operable lower sash. Sliding windows have one or more panels that move horizontally, and picture windows are fixed models designed to offer wide, unobstructed views and lots of light.
• Repair or replace windows. Existing windows
might just need to be repaired, saving homeowners thousands of dollars. It’s best to consult with a professional to see if certain components can be repaired rather than replaced. Typically, rotten framing, wet or weeping windows or significant drafts require replacement.
• Identify the differences between replacement windows and construction windows. Traditional replacement windows are sometimes called pocket windows, says Consumer Reports.
They fit inside an existing window frame. Construction windows require the removal of the entire old window, including the frame, sill and trim. The latter cost more to install.
• Familiarize yourself with window frame materials. Various window frame materials are available for purchase, and variables such as heat transfer, maintenance and durability differ with each product. Vinyl is a common material that’s low-maintenance and affordable. Aluminum and aluminum clad windows can be economical options, and they are corrosionresistant and require little maintenance. Wood also is popular for the interior parts of a window, and offer a traditional look. Wood is available on new construction windows. Fiberglass windows also are available in new construction windows. They won’t crack, warp, rust, corrode, or peel, and the frames will not expand and contract as much as other materials.
• Keep costs in mind. According to Fixr, an online marketplace for local remodeling services, the average national price for a professional to replace a window is around $800. For a onestory house, a window replacement project of multiple windows may cost around $8,000.
WORDS
Deer Park Junior Talon Silverstein Shines At State Swimming Championships
Deer Park High School junior Talon Silverstein placed among the best swimmers at the New York State Public High School Swimming Championships. Photo courtesy of Deer Park School District
Deer Park High School junior Talon Silverstein had an outstanding weekend representing Suffolk County and Deer Park High School at the New York State Public High School Swimming Championships, held at Ithaca College from March 6–7. Silverstein competed in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke, delivering
remarkable performances in both events. He broke two Deer Park High School records and placed among the best swimmers in New York State. Silverstein finished sixth in the 100 butterfly with a time of 50.74 and eighth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 51.57, competing against the top public high school swimmers in the state. His sixth-place
finish in the butterfly was the highest placement of any swimmer from Suffolk County, and he also finished third among Suffolk swimmers in the backstroke.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Silverstein will receive the prestigious All-State award next week at the Suffolk County Awards Dinner.
Did You Know?
Matzah features prominently in Passover celebrations. When the Israelites were fleeing Egypt after Pharoah released them from slavery, the bread they took along had no time to rise. The result was a flattened cracker called
matzah. In addition to eating matzah as their bread source throughout Passover, Jewish families hide a piece of matzah called the afikomen to find at the end of the Seder. A piece of matzah cracker is broken in half. One portion is enjoyed through
the Seder rituals and the other is the “dessert” that will be eaten at the end and conclude the ceremony. Hiding the afikomen helps ensure that children stay engaged until the end. Once found, the piece of matzah may be redeemed for a small gift.
Saturday, April 25th @7pm Sunday, April 26th @2pm
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Grief And Loss Peer-Led Support Group
First Thursday Of Every Month, 6:30 P.M. To 7:30 P.M.
Gabriel’s Giving Tree (GGT), along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), Families in Support of Treatment (FIST), Family & Children’s Association, (FCA) and Human Understanding and Growth Services (HUGS) are joining
together to offer a free grief and loss peer-led support group. The group will meet at the East End THRIVE location, at 680 Elton Street, Riverhead, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. The focus of the support group will be to explore ways to find comfort, share support and begin
healing for those who have lost a loved one.
“Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone,” said Paulette Phililppe, founder of Gabriel’s Giving Tree.
For more information, call Paulette at 631-786-0368.
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Lenten Season
In The Orthodox Church (English Language Services)
We invite you to worship with us during Great Lent at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Avenue, East Meadow. The more ancient form of the liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, is celebrated at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM) every Lenten Sunday (through March 29 this
year). Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme, which is reflected in the New Testament readings and hymns of that day, as well as the sermon. All services are conducted in English.
A vegan coffee hour follows the Sunday Divine Liturgy during Great Lent. Services
are also streamed on https:// www.facebook.com/htocem. The full liturgical schedule for Great Lent can be found on the parish website’s calendar at www.htocem. org.
For more information, contact us at 516-483-3649 or htocem@gmail.com.
