Check out our October newsletter!
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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
O ctober will always be a special month for my family and me. Of course, any Northeastern resident knows that autumn is one of the most beautiful times to live in our region. We always enjoy watching the leaves change color and the crisp, cool feeling in the air. But October will always be important for a different reason. October is my birthday month, and I’m lucky to share a birthday month with my son. In fact, we actually share a birth day ! We usually keep the celebrations very low-key. Typically, we spend the evening at dinner and enjoy each other’s company. To this day, it’s a cool link that we share, and every year, I think back on that day, nearly three decades ago, when Nick made me a dad — albeit, a little earlier than expected. Nick was born on October 6, 1991, but that was never the plan. I was married to his mother, my first wife, at the time, and we weren’t anticipating our child to be born for another two months. So, when she went into labor much earlier than she was supposed to that October day, an indescribable feeling of panic washed over us. His arrival into this world was one of the greatest birthday presents I have ever received, but I will never forget the surreal feeling of fear after his birth. (And these were not just first-time parent jitters!) Nick spent the first two months of his life in the hospital as he gained strength and his body learned how to function on its own. It was nerve-wracking for us to watch our child struggle to adapt to the real world after being born two months premature. AN EARLY FIGHT Celebrating a Very Special Birthday This October
Today, Nick and I work alongside each other at Aire Serv of the Mid- Hudson Valley. He enjoys superhero movies just as much as I do, and he’s a hardworking son. It’s so cool to watch the child you raised turn into an adult that you enjoy spending time with, and I will always be proud to be his dad. Our birthdays are a special bond that I appreciate, and to this day, Nick continues to make me proud.
Of course, I always knew how strong he could be. The two months he spent learning how to live in the world when he was first born were proof of that.
Happy birthday, Nick!
–Jim Serra
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For the Whole Family!
No. 1: ‘Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island’ Yes, a Scooby-Doo movie is at the top of this list — and it deserves to be. As the feature- length debut of Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the Mystery Gang, this 1998 film doesn’t pull any punches. While the hand-drawn animation and slapstick high jinks of the original Hanna-Barbera cartoon are all there, make no mistake: There are some creepy moments in this movie. Between scary zombie elements and a spooky Voodoo doll scene, this is the perfect film to get your kids into the Halloween spirit.
With the spookiest day of the year fast approaching, there’s nothing like a scary movie night to get the whole family into the Halloween spirit. The only problem is most frightful films really aren’t for kids, and the ones that are often fall flat. But, if you’re looking for a flick that will have the whole family on the edge of their seats (without traumatizing anyone), consider our top three picks for scary, family-friendly movies. No. 3: ‘Ghostbusters’ “Who you gonna call” to be high on this list? The 1984 spectral classic, “Ghostbusters.” While this may be more of an action-comedy, plenty of scares and creepy imagery still get a jump out of first-time watchers young and old alike. If you're looking for a lighthearted movie night that still captures a Halloween feel, “Ghostbusters” is a great choice. No. 2: ‘Coraline’ Few authors weave creepiness with coming-of-age stories together better than Neil Gaiman, and his 2009 film “Coraline” proves just that. Based on Gaiman’s book of the same name, director Henry Selick uses his signature stop-motion animation style to bring the script to life. While young children may find the doll-like imagery too unsettling, this is a great introductory thriller for preteens.
DON’T FLIP THAT SWITCH … YET.
PREPPING YOUR HVAC SYSTEM FOR THE WINTER
There’s nothing cozier than curling up on the couch to enjoy your favorite seasonal movie with a big blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and the company of your loved ones. But if you’re snuggling up on the couch because your home’s heating system has you scrambling for heat, you may have failed to properly prepare your HVAC system for the winter.
free of clutter after a season of having your home’s air conditioning system on, but if you crank up the heat with storage bins, clothes, chairs, or other objects hovering over or near your vents, you could risk a house fire and expensive damage to your home and items. Finally , set a game plan for the winter ahead. Constantly cranking up your heat and then turning it down once it’s warm enough in your home puts a serious strain on your system and your finances. Decide on one stable temperature for your home, and adjust it as the weather
The first step in preparing your HVAC system is to consult with Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley for a fall tuneup while the weather is still pleasant. Our technicians will check for signs of general wear and tear, clean your system of the gunk left over from last year’s marathon heating session, and analyze the performance of your system’s fan, airways, burners, and safety controls. This checkup can be the safety net that prevents your home’s heating system from failing and ensures your family is safe and warm all winter long.
shifts. You may also need to install a home humidifying system on your HVAC unit (see our article on page 3), which we can do for you, or you can purchase portable ones to keep your home as comfortable for your family as possible. Once your home is prepped and a technician has given your HVAC unit a clean bill of health, you can finally turn your heat on, snuggle up on the couch, and catch that holiday movie marathon. Prep for the winter ahead with Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley by calling 845-256-6158.
Next , make sure all your vents are clear of objects and obstacles to avoid costly damage and dangerous situations. Granted, your vents should be
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GERM DEFENDER The season of sniffles and sneezes is quickly ramping up, and your home may be the biggest culprit behind your sickness. As cold and flu season continues to increase in intensity, keeping a clean house, washing your hands frequently, and monitoring the health of your HVAC system becomes vital to protecting your family. So, follow these HVAC maintenance tips to keep your home’s heating system and your family healthy.
How Your HVAC System Can Help You Ward Off the Flu
allergens, and dust, locking those grubby germs in their place and pushing clean air into your home. When the filter is full, however, your system can no longer clean the air and is, instead, pumping dust and allergens from the dirty filter into your home. Regularly changing this filter, or asking your Aire Serv technician to change it for you, can give your home a leg up against flu season. STAY WARM Many people believe bundling up protects them from contracting a cold, but this isn’t completely true. As mentioned before, these viruses thrive in colder, drier environments, but the outside weather doesn’t cause the flu. Instead, bundling up outside gives you a preventive layer from the virus. Combat this indoors by keeping your house warm. Keeping the temperature low in your home may help you save a few dollars, but it can be detrimental to your health. Turn the heat up to a comfortable temperature and relax knowing your HVAC system is working to keep your body healthy. You can fight back against cold and flu season at home with with these HVAC system tips. Learn more online at AireServ.com/Mid-Hudson-Valley.
KEEP IT FRESH Here’s a strange fact: Your body becomes more susceptible to the flu when the air around you is dry. Scientists believe this phenomenon happens because the dry air allows the flu virus to thrive, whereas humidity causes it to deform. Since winter air is dry, the flu runs more rampant as the leaves drop and the snow falls. Adding a humidifier to your home can combat the ideal environment that winter creates for the flu. Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley can install a humidifier on your HVAC system to fight dry air and keep the flu virus at bay. CHANGE THE FILTER Your HVAC system has a time-tested system for filtering out the gunk that gets caught in your airways. Its filter traps dirt,
HAVE A LAUGH!
LEFTOVER CANDY SNACK MIX
This recipe from Momofuku Milk Bar chef and “Master Chef” judge Christina Tosi makes great use of those extra Halloween goodies. It’s a quick and easy way to both elevate and get rid of unwanted leftovers.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups mini pretzels, coarsely broken • 1/4 cup light brown sugar • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/3 cup dry milk powder
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 12 oz mini candy bars, such as Snickers, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 275°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, fold together pretzels, sugars, milk powder, and butter. 3. Spread mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes. 4. Let cool completely, at least 30 minutes, then mix in candy bar pieces and serve.
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
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Happy Birthday, Nick! INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 Frightful Films for Families 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Winter Prep for Your Home’s Heating System
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Fight Back Against Flu Season With Your HVAC System
Leftover Candy Snack Mix
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The Real Legend of Sleepy Hollow
HAYRIDES AND HEADLESS HORSEMEN
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS IN SLEEPY HOLLOW
In 1790, a school teacher named Ichabod Crane was riding home alone from a harvest festival in the village of Sleepy Hollow when he encountered a mysterious rider on horseback. Crane, horrified by the horseman’s missing head, turned and ran in the opposite direction. The Headless Horseman gave chase, hurling his own decapitated head at the terrified teacher. Ichabod Crane was never heard from again ... or so goes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving. This story, first published in 1820, has become a Halloween favorite. The legend is so beloved that in 1997, the village of North Tarrytown, New York, where many events of the story take place, officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow. Today, the town becomes one big Halloween party during the month of October. Sleepy Hollow is home to many historic landmarks, including the Headless Horseman Bridge and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving himself was laid to rest. Evening lantern tours of the cemetery are a popular attraction, and Irving isn’t the only spooky celebrity buried there. Fans of the Gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows” will be delighted to enter the crypt of famed vampire Barnabas Collins.
Another highly anticipated stop for many guests is Sleepy Hollow’s premier annual attraction, Horseman's Hollow, an experience not for the faint of heart. During the event, the 300-year- old Philipsburg Manor is transformed into a living nightmare, where vampires, witches, ghouls, and undead soldiers lurk in the shadows. They all serve the dreaded Headless Horseman and are determined to make sure guests don’t leave alive! But it’s not all scares in Sleepy Hollow. There’s plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Sleepy Hollow boasts relaxing hayrides, tours of Irving’s home, live readings of famous Halloween stories, performances of a brand-new musical based on Irving’s spooky tale, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, an incredible exhibition of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
If you want a real Halloween experience, you can’t go wrong in Sleepy Hollow. Just be careful not to lose your head!
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