Please join me in also saying thank you to today’s veterans, as well as those who currently serve, for their sacrifice and commitment. You and your families give back to our nation in a way that few others can understand unless they have been through it themselves. To those men and women serving in the United States’ armed forces around the globe, please know that you are in our thoughts every day and we pray for your safe return home.

Memorial Day weekend has also become a time to spend with family and friends. If the weather proves agreeable, many will use the long weekend to break out the barbecue grills, open swimming pools, and head outside to enjoy their favorite recreational activities.

If you’re using the barbecue grill for the first time this season, check to make sure it’s in good working order. Look for cracked hoses, brittleness, or leaks, and make sure mice haven’t nested in it over the winter. If you use charcoal, never use gasoline or kerosene to start your coals, and use lighter fluid with caution. Be sure to keep a spray bottle, hose, or fire extinguisher close by, and no matter how bad the weather may be, never bring your grill, of any kind, into the house, garage, or even onto the porch. A good rule of thumb is to keep the grill 10 feet away from all structures.

It’s also critically important to practice good swimming pool safety procedures. Sadly, according to the CDC, drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years. To avoid tragedy, proper precautions should be taken. Back yard pools should be fenced appropriately and gates locked when the pool is not in use. New York State law also requires a pool alarm. Swimmers should use the buddy system when swimming and make sure that children have responsible adult supervision at all times. If you’ve got a small wading pool, be sure to empty it when it’s not being used. In the event of a thunderstorm, get everyone out of the pool.

Thunderstorms can put on a great show, but they can also be deadly. If you’re planning on a day outdoors, be sure to check the forecast and plan the day accordingly. Should you find yourself outside with a storm threatening, seek shelter if possible. If not, stay low and keep away from trees, tall objects, metal objects, and water. Boaters should head to shore as soon as possible. If you begin to feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightning is about to strike; drop to your knees and bend forward placing your hands on your knees and crouch down. Do not lie flat on the ground, as this will make you a larger target. For more summer safety tips, be sure to check out the Health Department’s pages on the Orange County website at www.orangecountygov.com.

Lastly, if you’re looking for new places to explore this summer, I encourage you to check out two great Orange County websites – www.orangecountynyparks.com and www.orangetourism.org.

Until next week, wishing you health and happiness,
Edward A. Diana
County Executive

Classic Gifts

Some of the best gift ideas for college students are also the most classic. A new car is absolutely at the forefront of the best graduation gifts possible. If a brand new ride is a bit out of your price range, though, get the graduate a piece of classic jewelry instead. For guys, this means a high-end watch, and for girls, this means a set of pearls or diamond earrings. Want something a little more unique? How about a waterproof, indestructible watch for sports lovers or a pair of black pearl earrings for one-of-a-kind girls?

Reminders of College & Preparing for Business

Gifts that remind the graduate of their college days are other excellent options. A diploma frame will let the graduate proudly display their achievement in their home or new office. A shadow box full of college mementos will help them to reminisce about their glory days. For the college graduate who already has their first job lined up, a leather portfolio will come in handy to show off to their new boss. Spend a few extra bucks to have the portfolio engraved with the graduate’s name to make it truly personal.

Travel & Settling Down

Aside from being superb graduation presents, travel gifts are just plain exciting. If the graduate is taking some time off to travel once school is finished, an “Around the World” airline ticket is one of the best gifts you can get them. They’ll be able to choose where they want to fly and the possibilities are endless. For graduates who are relocating to a new city, book them a tour of their new location. If the grad is moving into a new pad, get them a home furnishing gift, like a set of coffee mugs, a cookbook or housewares that you know they won’t be able to afford on their own.

Experience Gifts

For many college graduates, they’ve been working diligently for years and now it’s time to let loose. Think of what the graduate has always talked about doing. Do they wax on about wanting to make their own wine, swim with dolphins or sky dive? Shop online to purchase a gift certificate for an event or activity they’ll never forget. Companies like Cloud 9 Living offer gift certificates for interesting excursions across the world. Another great gift idea is a spa treatment. What guy or girl wouldn’t love a relaxing massage after spending weeks cramming for finals?

***

Lindsay Pietroluongo is a full-time freelance writer in the Hudson Valley. Her work has appeared in the Poughkeepsie Journal and Chronogram magazine. Lindsay also writes business content and marketing materials for professionals. Visit Lindsay on the Rocks and Poison Apple Ink to learn more. Lindsay can be seen on Hudson Valley Insider each Thursday under the Lifestyle section.

This is so important, given the number of children (and adults) on drugs for ADD/ADHD, or contemplating it.

I have had tremendous success in my practice, with an individualized, comprehensive approach to addressing ADHD and ADD, that includes:

• identifying and addressing nutritional issues, including food sensitivities, re-balancing macronutrients (protein, fat and carbs) appropriately, and looking at minerals such as zinc and magnesium.  Supplements can be helpful at times, and I have lots of experience in working with (and often correcting) kids’ picky palates with small tweaks that can make a big difference. Each of these issues has a tremendous impact on the brain.  Individualizing this is key!
• Decreasing toxic burden. This may include addressing heavy metals, over-reliance on sugar or processed foods, or other toxic substances that have been introduced into the environment.  Lead, mercury and cadmium are neurotoxins that have been associated with ADHD, as well as other health issues. Exposure can come from the environment, or occur in utero. Fortunately there are safe and healthy ways to decrease levels, even for young children.
• Homeopathy. If used appropriately, as a constitutional approach, homeopathy can be nothing short of miraculous at times.  It is safe, and inexpensive. However, I do not recommend the combinations of remedies with “symptom labels” that you find on drug store and health food store shelves. Any issue that is chronic should be addressed by a professional homeopath, who identifies the single remedy that will work most effectively for the individual person.
• The Listening Program. Since I have been working with TLP in my office, the accolades for this program have been pouring in.  While it is an investment, I can’t say enough about its benefits over the long term.  Furthermore, it is a resource that can be beneficial for the entire family.

Please don’t believe that there are no alternatives to medication.  There are, and they work.

***

Fran Sussman has been in holistic care since 1988 and in private practice since 1993. She has trained with many of the foremost thinkers in holistic medicine today. Apart from one-on-one consulting, Fran is sought after as a speaker, workshop leader, writer and meditation teacher. She offers an e-newsletter, is an active blogger and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

“Our natural state is health, happiness, creativity, and well-being. My work is to provide the knowledge and the ongoing support for anyone who wants to achieve that.”

Visit www.fransussman.com or call 845-496-0385.

SOAR2013 is a celebration of women’s unique talents, creativity, and multi-dimensional approach to life, business and the arts – a first step to create a source of renewal and rejuvenation for active women in a demanding world. For two days we will come together to be inspired by each other’s successes, enriched by our collective wisdom and to be strengthened by one another’s experience and knowledge! We will empower women with confidence so that they too can soar.

Educate. Encourage. Energize. Empower.

Friday, September 20, – Saturday, September 21, 2013 Minerals Resorts & Spa, Vernon, New Jersey

Presenters Include these Dynamic Speakers and More!

Jonnie Wesley-Krueger: What It Takes to Fly?
Trisha Miltimore: Go Authentic – Ignite Your Passion
Regina Clark: Soaring to New Heights?
Rosie Battista: 3 Magical Steps for Stepping into Your “Power Power”
Claudia Jacobs: The House-Life Connection
Shoshana Ginzburg: Your Personal Renaissance:  Beginning Again After Life’s Upheavals
Sheila Pearl: Re-Ignite Your Sensuality and Sexuality After 50, 60 & 70
Janet Pfeiffer: The Great Truth: Shattering Life’s Most Insidious Lies?
Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq.: Grasping Legal Strategies for Employer & Employee
Fran Sussman: Look, Feel & Be Vibrant, Juicy, and Radiantly Healthy
Gailann Greene: Aromatherapy 101 – Benefits & Uses of Essential Oils
Debra Pearlman: Selling with Ease
Bekah Jackson: PIYO (Pilates and Yoga)?
Carol Witt: Social Media Marketing: Every Business Needs More Exposure!
AnnMarie Stagle Cloutier: Whine, Women & Hormones

For more information Email  or call (201) 632-3166. Website is SOAR2013.org.

***
Have a decorating question? Send it to Claudia.

Claudia Jacobs is a decorator, professional stager, columnist, mom, friend & not in that order. Living life with joy & owner of Claudia Jacobs Designs in Goshen, NY. Voted 2011 RESA Professional Stager of the Year in the Northeast. Claudia can be seen each Tuesday on Hudson Valley Insider. Visit www.claudiajacobsdesigns.com or call 845-294-8993. Send questions and photos to info@claudiajacobsdesigns.com. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter.
 

Dr. Jean Hudson speaks at her retirement luncheon

It was my privilege to appoint Dr. Hudson to the position of Health Commissioner in 2003. She came to Orange County from Westchester County where she had been serving as Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Services. She is a board-certified family physician and a member of the Society of Adolescent Medicine. In her 40 years as a physician, Dr. Hudson spent the first 20 years in family medicine and the second 20 in public health.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hudson and speaking with her, you will undoubtedly notice two things – she is an unbelievably fast talker – a no-nonsense kind of person who doesn’t mince words – and she is not originally from these parts. She came to New York by way of Great Britain. She received her medical degree from the Middlesex Hospital Medical School in London, England and was originally in practice there. Once in the United States, Dr. Hudson completed her family practice residency at Stony Brook University Hospital and received her Masters in Public Health from New York Medical College.

Dr. Hudson believes in getting things done. She has served on the New York State Association of County Health Officials for many years, including a stint as association president. She was also recognized as their Public Health Professional of the Year in 2012. During her tenure in Orange County, she has re-invigorated the Orange County Health Advisory Board and created the Medical Examiner’s Office. She also established the Medical Reserve Corps, a group of health professionals and others who are ready to assist in the event of an emergency or disaster in our County. Dr. Hudson re-established the County’s Healthy Orange initiative thus re-affirming Orange County’s commitment to public health. Our County’s public health educators are always on the go, working with schools, business, municipalities, and others, to educate and inform in order to promote and preserve good health and well-being for our County residents.

A staunch fighter of flu, Dr. Hudson is known for getting the word out about flu vaccines. She also is vigilant in her efforts to combat rabies, Lyme disease, and West Nile Virus in our community. Mosquitos and ticks never stood a chance against our health commissioner! Childhood obesity, tobacco, and lead poisoning are also on the good doctor’s hit list and a great deal of information has been shared with our children and families to make them aware of the negative effect of these issues.

Dr. Hudson has been recognized by Orange Regional Medical Center for her commitment to the health of our community, appeared on the cover of Hudson Valley Life magazine, and most recently was named an Orange County Woman of Achievement by Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and YWCA Orange County. She leaves behind big shoes to fill, but also a well-established, dedicated team that is up to the challenge of building on her legacy in Orange County.

We wish Dr. Hudson all the best in retirement and hope that she and her husband Ron enjoy many splendid hours sailing this summer.

Until next week, wishing you health and happiness,

Edward A. Diana
County Executive

1. Make sure that you’re ordering the correct bottle size. Otherwise, you could end up with a half-bottle that’s too small, a magnum that’s too large for one person, or worst of all, that enormous, this-must-be-a-joke bottle that you won’t be able to lift.

2. If you’re specifically ordering a wine that you want to drink young, make sure to choose the newest vintage. Also, if there’s a place to leave a note for the seller when your order, specifically ask that the company to not substitute a vintage. Read their FAQ page to find out if they automatically substitute vintages, too.

3. Before you place the order, find out what the company’s return policy is. Also, check out local laws to make sure you can legally ship wine from your home if you do need to return it. Part of the seller’s return policy may include a restocking fee, too.

4. If you want to save money on a large order, see if the company offers a discount when you order by the case. Many wine sellers will charge you less overall if you order an entire case of wine. That way, you’ll always have your favorite wine in stock; just make sure you can keep it in a safe place at the correct temperature.

5. Find out if there’s a minimum purchase amount for delivery. Otherwise, you could spend an hour picking out your favorite wines and then find out that you’d need to add three more expensive bottles just to qualify for delivery.

6. Some wine sellers charge the customer for insurance while other companies pay the insurance charge themselves. Some sellers don’t even add insurance at all! It’s really a personal choice – if you’re ordering inexpensive wine, it may not be worth it to buy insurance, if you have the option. On the other hand, if you’re ordering an expensive wine, the insurance could be extremely helpful. Lastly, some sellers charge for insurance regardless of what wine you’re ordering – find out ahead of time if an extra charge will be added to the order.

7. You should always request expedited delivery, no matter what time of the year you’re ordering wine. Extreme conditions can affect the wine, whether it’s very cold or extremely hot out. The best time of the year to order wine is when the weather’s mild, like during the fall or spring. Even then, though, if the wine sits in the truck for several days, it could ruin the taste.

8. When the wine is delivered, someone is going to have to sign for the package. Make sure that an adult will be available, since whoever accepts the delivery will have to be at least 21 years of age.

***

Lindsay Pietroluongo is a full-time freelance writer in the Hudson Valley. Her work has appeared in the Poughkeepsie Journal and Chronogram magazine. Lindsay also writes business content and marketing materials for professionals. Visit Lindsay on the Rocks and Poison Apple Ink to learn more. Lindsay can be seen on Hudson Valley Insider each Thursday under the Lifestyle section.

The Spring Provisional Class of the Orange County division of Junior League is collaborating with Literacy Orange to organize this event.  The Junior League of Orange County, NY, Inc. is part of an international organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The offerings to attendees will include professional advice, hands-on workshops, and community resources.

In additional to assisting local women with becoming more financially independent, the Spring into Independence Fair will help further local women’s education goals, help develop careers, and provide interviewing preparation skills. It will also offer public assistance information and childcare resources.
Topics will include finance, education, career development, family balance, and wellness. Emily Macias, also a member of the provisional class says, “This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community by focusing on women’s independence. Spring into Independence Fair will provide useful information to enable women to grow and improve their lives in Orange County.”

I will be a vendor at this event and be on hand to discuss my career path and the House-Life Connection and how your personal space has a direct impact on your life.

Admission for the public is just $5, or a new book. Donated books will be distributed to Literacy Orange’s partner organizations and all proceeds will be donated towards the 2013 Financial Literacy for Women program.

***

Have a decorating question? Send it to Claudia.

Claudia Jacobs is a decorator, professional stager, columnist, mom, friend & not in that order. Living life with joy & owner of Claudia Jacobs Designs in Goshen, NY. Voted 2011 RESA Professional Stager of the Year in the Northeast. Claudia can be seen each Tuesday on Hudson Valley Insider. Visit www.claudiajacobsdesigns.com or call 845-294-8993. Send questions and photos to info@claudiajacobsdesigns.com. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter.
 

 

Squash the Naysayers!

“Only white gowns are sophisticated enough for a bride.” Nonsense! Celebrities exude the epitome of glamour on the red carpet, and most of the time, they’re not wearing white.

“Guests won’t be able to spot the bride!” That’s ridiculous – you’re still the bride and the belle of the ball, no matter what color gown you’re wearing. Believe us, your guests are going to know who they’re there to see.

“You really should stick with tradition…” Well, then white definitely isn’t the way to go if you’re going to take a cue from history. White wedding gowns are a fairly new style. Prior to the 1960s, colored gowns were more popular.

“White is the only color that’s fashionable for a wedding gown.” No way! More than a few celebrities have worn a colorful dress for their big day. Plus, in 2012, wedding designers showed tons of color for their 2013 collections, including Vera Wang. So there.

Color Options

The main thing you should think about when choosing what color gown you want to wear for your wedding is what you know you look good in. You may want a pale pink gown, but if pastel colors make your skin look terrible, you really should make another choice. Also, don’t take a fashion risk on your wedding day – a yellow gown may have looked adorable on Amber Tamblyn, but if you’re not sure about the shade, opt for a color you’re more confident with.

Blue: Brides love to use their gown as their “something blue” on their wedding day, and everything from navy blue accents to all-over baby blue can look beautiful.

Red: If you love this sexy shade, keep in mind that it’s not totally out of place for your wedding day. After all, red is the wedding gown color choice for many brides in China, Japan and Europe.

Black: There are few colors more chic – and flattering – than black, which is why it’s not such a wild choice for a wedding gown. Ask guests to wear lighter colors so that you really stand out from the crowd.

Pastels are excellent if you want a gown that’s slightly offbeat without looking too unorthodox.Light pink, yellow and peach can look close to off-white while still being pretty and unique.

Ombre gowns are a great option if you want some color without forgoing white entirely. Gowns can start out stark white on the top and then gradually turn into any color you wish, with a bold hue at the bottom.

Colored accessories are a great way to incorporate different shades into an otherwise classic wedding gown. Your dress’ trim, bow, sash or hemline can be colored while the rest of your gown can remain white. You can also match your shoes and jewelry to the pop of color.

***

Lindsay Pietroluongo is a full-time freelance writer in the Hudson Valley. Her work has appeared in the Poughkeepsie Journal and Chronogram magazine. Lindsay also writes business content and marketing materials for professionals. Visit Lindsay on the Rocks and Poison Apple Ink to learn more. Lindsay can be seen on Hudson Valley Insider each Thursday under the Lifestyle section.

I paused, took in the question deeply, and was happily surprised by the answer that arose.  “No” I responded.  “I don’t feel any of that.”  In fact, quite the contrary.  As time goes on, I have more and more compassion for each of us, and the difficulties we all go through.

I often get asked if my work drains me. It does not. While I am sometimes tired after a long day, just like anyone else, doing this work is an incredible privilege.  I am completely absorbed by each session, looking to gain deepest understanding of what is going on and how I can support you.  I am revitalized by my work on a daily basis.  I have clients I’ve been working with for fifteen years or more, and I have learned that it is essential to re-evaluate regularly, not assume that I already understand, or know all I need to know.

Part of what inspires me is continually increasing both the breadth and depth of my knowledge.  I love to learn, and I continue to seek out opportunities to train with top clinicians.  There are techniques and approaches I have learned and integrated into my practice, and others that I invested time in learning but ultimately rejected as not adding value.  For the past three and a half years, I have been training with Dr Dietrich Klinghard, MD, PhD, one of the world’s leading clinicians for Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses, and it continues to be revelatory.

Of course, I have also learned the importance of taking care of myself. I know that in order to take care of others well and consistently, I need to support myself with top-notch nutrition, 8 hours of sleep a night, and time outside every day with my little dog.   My yoga practice supports me not only physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well. Anything I don’t want to face in my life seems to show up on my yoga mat, and I am grateful for that.  My meditation practice has become so natural that it is automatically the first place I go when I am stressed or anxious.  And I know that I have to keep my work schedule reasonable, as tempting as it is, sometimes, to fill every hour with clients.

Life is not always easy.  I don’t know anyone who’s actually living the life they planned or expected.  That doesn’t mean life is bad; but it is not always pleasant, or even comfortable, and clearly we aren’t always the ones in charge.  I have tremendous respect for our innate resilience and our commitment to navigating our difficulties so that we are better on the other side than we were when we first encountered them.

In fact, that’s my credo in a nutshell:

Take the pieces of the Universe you are given, burnish them with love, and return them in better shape than you received them.

***

Fran Sussman has been in holistic care since 1988 and in private practice since 1993. She has trained with many of the foremost thinkers in holistic medicine today. Apart from one-on-one consulting, Fran is sought after as a speaker, workshop leader, writer and meditation teacher. She offers an e-newsletter, is an active blogger and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

“Our natural state is health, happiness, creativity, and well-being. My work is to provide the knowledge and the ongoing support for anyone who wants to achieve that.”

Visit www.fransussman.com or call 845-496-0385.

This is my 8th anniversary in business. My very first decorating client was a couple who put a beautiful addition on their house that no one ever sat in. You could see the space from the kitchen but guests never gravitated to it.

The problem was obvious to me. Although the new addition was beautiful, the seating area was to the right of the open space, tucked away near the fireplace. The open area was empty waiting for their future pool table. There was nothing to draw guests into the space.

My suggestion was to switch the seating area with the pool table spot. The seating area would be a welcoming draw for guests to sit and mingle. They made the switch and loved it.

Another client contacted me a few years ago just to walk through her home to see if I had any suggestions. They never used the living room. I made suggestions for rearranging the furniture placement but the pieces were large in a long room with a fireplace in the middle and the stairs on the opposite wall.

When it was time for new furniture for the living room she did not want to order the wrong pieces. She knew what furniture she wanted but was stumped by the layout. She wanted to create a functioning, comfortable space that could be lived in. She scheduled an appointment.

With tape measure in hand, we mapped out furniture placement. The new seating would be oriented in front of the fireplace for entertaining.

The large TV cabinet would go to the opposite end of the room for her husband to comfortably watch TV. This would also change the distribution of furniture since the large cabinet would not be the first thing you see when you walk through the front door. In place of the cabinet, a bar area was created.

For furniture selection, incorporating some existing pieces with new pieces, required a plan. Everything was not going to fit and function. The large sofa was out. A loveseat was in along with a few coordinated chairs to create a comfortable seating area by the fireplace. I ended up saving my client money but also avoided another unused room.

Now the room has 3 zones: TV viewing, entertaining guests by the fireplace, bar area. My client is happy the room is now comfortable for her husband and her guests.

***

Have a decorating question? Send it to Claudia.

Claudia Jacobs is a decorator, professional stager, columnist, mom, friend & not in that order. Living life with joy & owner of Claudia Jacobs Designs in Goshen, NY. Voted 2011 RESA Professional Stager of the Year in the Northeast. Claudia can be seen each Tuesday on Hudson Valley Insider. Visit www.claudiajacobsdesigns.com or call 845-294-8993. Send questions and photos to info@claudiajacobsdesigns.com. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter.