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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
An Enduring ADVENTURE
MAY THE FOURTH (BE WITH YOU) THIS 'STAR WARS' DAY
T here are a lot of holidays in the month of May, but one is especially fun for movie lovers like me. May 4 is "Star Wars" Day. Its catchphrase “May the Fourth be with you” is a play on the movie franchise’s famous tagline. And as someone who has loved "Star Wars" since I first saw it in theaters at the age of 14, I couldn’t let this newsletter edition pass without sharing a few of my favorite movie memories. I can still remember seeing “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” when it first came out in theaters. There was nothing like it at the time! When "Star Wars" first premiered, its effects were beyond anything we had ever seen. While today’s movies could blow these special effects out of the atmosphere, there was something special about being transported to “a galaxy far, far away” the way "Star Wars" did in the late ‘70s. The special effects got better as each new movie was released, but I will never forget the ending of “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” when Han Solo was frozen in carbonite. There are few lines in movie history as unexpected as Han’s response to Leia when he’s about to be frozen and she calls out, “I love you.” His reply: “I know.”
between good and evil. It’s a struggle we can all relate to, and inspiring to note the characters who emerge as heroes often begin as ordinary (or even somewhat despicable) people. Rocky was a small-time boxer given the chance of a lifetime. Steve Rogers was a scrawny guy from the East Coast before transforming into Captain America and helping the U.S. win World War II (and other battles since). Han Solo was just a smuggler and captain, but he became a hero. This is timeless character growth that we can all appreciate. As much as I have enjoyed "Star Wars" over the years, I will admit that I haven’t seen all of the most recent movies in the franchise. While it’s great to see "Star Wars" emerge again, there will always be something special to me about the first set of movies. The films are stories I can remember getting lost in when I was just a teenager seeing a movie about a space saga. I never imagined they would become the phenomenon that they are. My son and I have even bonded over them. It’s pretty cool to share something with my son that I enjoyed when I was 14. I may not be as obsessed as other people are when it comes to "Star Wars," but I can appreciate the genius behind the films. And if anything, the films remain classics to this day.
Thankfully, Leia rescues Han in the next movie, “Return of the Jedi,” but for fans like myself, the waiting period between the two movies was agonizing.
Happy May the Fourth (Be With You)!
I think "Star Wars" movies have remained so popular for a lot of the same reasons that similar “good versus evil” films also persist. Movies like the “Rocky” franchise and the Marvel Universe stories focus on complexity of character and the gray area in which these characters must distinguish
Jim Serra
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With These Tech Gifts for Grads SAY CONGRATULATIONS
Spring is all about new beginnings, and for many, graduation is just the start of something big. Whether your favorite graduate is heading off to college, to serve in our nation’s military, or to join the workforce, there’s a gadget out there that will give them a great start — or at least make you their favorite relative. Check out this guide to find the perfect tech gift.
For the Audio Lover
From wireless headphones that surround you with sound to Bluetooth speakers that offer crystal-clear quality, the options are endless when it comes to choosing an audio device. But before purchasing the “next best thing,” consider the person who will use it. If your graduate exercises frequently, they may want wireless headphones like Apple’s AirPods or one of the many Samsung varieties. On the flip side, if they enjoy action movies, a great sound bar for their entertainment system just might do the trick.
Hulu + Live TV can also be a great alternative for a grad who is out of the house! The best part is that this gift keeps on giving with every movie or show they stream.
For the Academic
This May will mark the start of a new academic adventure for many. AI systems like the Amazon Alexa and Google Home can make staying in touch and studying easier, while an e-reader could house all their textbooks in one handy place. Laptop cases, screen covers, and other protective gear can keep their technology safe from wear and tear. (After all, what college kid can afford a new laptop on a whim?) Charging stations and cord organizers can also protect their tech and keep their space clean.
For the Streamer
There’s no shortage of streaming services, and depending on what your graduate enjoys watching, you may consider gifting them a subscription. Nostalgic Disney lovers looking for some stress relief would certainly love a Disney+ subscription, but if you know someone who has an affinity for the dramatic sagas, a subscription to HBO Now could satisfy their cravings.
WHAT THAT NOISE FROM YOUR AIR CONDITIONER MEANS
There’s no better feeling than walking into a cool home after a day out in the hot sun. It’s a relief to settle onto the couch, cool down, and relax, and the last thing you want is to hear a strange noise emanating from your vents. So, as you turn on your air conditioning unit this season, keep an ear out for these common noises.
another or parts loosened by vibration. Regardless, maintenance work can pinpoint the issue and decrease the possibility of further damage.
SQUEALING Squealing may be the most noticeable noise to come from your unit. This could be a sign that a belt has slipped or that your fan’s motors are suffering from wear and tear. Depending on the intensity of the noise, immediate assistance may be required. You don’t want to run your air conditioning unit if parts are damaged because it can cause further damage and possibly be dangerous. Listen to your unit and seek professional maintenance if necessary. OUTDOOR NOISES Perhaps the cool air in your home is silent, but when you go outside, you hear grumbling, rumbling, and blowing coming from your outdoor HVAC unit. Any unusual noises coming from this equipment may be a sign that your HVAC system is overworked and showing its age. A replacement, repair, or update may be necessary to mitigate any potential disasters. A technician can help you find the best route forward. If any of these noises happen when you begin to enjoy relaxing in the cool air in your home this season, give our team at Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley a call at 845-256-6158.
BUZZING There’s bound to be some minimal buzzing or noise coming from your air conditioning unit. It is blowing air around your home, after all. But buzzing that’s louder than normal and sounds concerning could be a sign of a few issues. For starters, the compressor — the hub that cools the product used to lower
‘DO YOU HEAR THAT?’
the temperature in your home — could be malfunctioning. Or the noise could be coming from something as simple as one part or component rattling against
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SOAK UP
WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR HOME AND HVAC UNIT
The sun is a welcome sight after a long winter, but with its return, it’s important to remember the effects the sun can have on you. The sun’s detrimental effect on your skin is well documented, and many people slather on the sunscreen and grab a hat on their way to enjoy a warm summer day. But have you ever thought about protecting your house? Doing so could limit damage to your home and save you money. Sun exposure can cause discoloration and warping of the vinyl or wood siding on your home. Couple this with high humidity, summer storms, or intense heat, and you have a recipe for disaster. You can combat this damage by regularly checking the side of your home for signs of wear. The sooner this is caught, the easier it is to mitigate. You can purchase protective film for your siding, but the easiest way to prevent damage is to plant trees and do landscaping that provides shade and shields your home from the harmful effects of the sun. While you’re examining your home’s siding, check on the outdoor component of your HVAC unit. If it’s sitting directly in the sun for long periods of time, the materials can suffer damage from constant heat. An HVAC expert can perform a thorough examination to
uncover any sun damage done to your equipment. Landscaping can provide a natural shade for your unit.
Additionally, depending on the placement of your home’s thermostat and windows, your air conditioning unit could be working harder than it needs to. If the sun is directly hitting the thermostat, the device may register the home’s temperature as higher than it is. This could cause your air conditioning unit to run longer than it needs to. Likewise, direct sunlight coming in through large windows will make it more difficult for the unit to keep the home cool. You can reduce costly energy bills by using blinds and curtains to cover the windows during periods of intense direct heat, or consider purchasing adjustable blinds that deflect the sun’s rays while allowing for some light to stream through. After all, following a winter with minimal sunlight, a little heat from the sky feels great! You can enjoy the sun this season without its costly effects. Ask your technician for recommendations to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit. Schedule your appointment by calling 845-256-6158 today. SPRINGTIME CACIO E PEPE
THE SUN
HAVE A LAUGH!
Inspired by EatingWell
Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of cacio e pepe , which is Italian for "cheese and pepper." This dish combines a wholesome flavor profile with fresh, seasonal ingredients to satisfy any craving.
INGREDIENTS
• 6 oz multigrain spaghetti • 8 oz fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 cup baby arugula
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp lemon zest
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 425°F. 2. In a large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water before draining and put spaghetti in a covered pot to keep warm. 3. Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with foil and toss asparagus in olive oil. 4. Roast asparagus for 5 to 7 minutes, until fork tender, and sprinkle with lemon zest. 5. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved water, the cheese, and the pepper to the spaghetti. Stir until creamy. 6. Add asparagus and arugula to pasta, tossing to combine. Serve immediately.
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What Makes 'Star Wars' a Timeless Tale INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 The Best Technology for Graduates 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Deciphering the Noises Your AC Makes
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Is the Sun Increasing Your Energy Bill and Damaging Your Home?
Springtime Cacio e Pepe
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What Is Gardening Good For?
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING
GIVE YOUR KID THE GIFT OF A GREEN THUMB
R ight now, you might be longing for baseball season or soccer season or perhaps you're looking forward with hopeful expectation to football season, but right now, it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves.
Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child's Developing Immune System.” The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants.
Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!
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