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COMFORT CONNECTIONS
As a business owner, stepping away for a few days can be easier said than done. Luckily, when I left the East Coast and hit the Southwest for 10 days this past fall, I had my son to lean on to keep the business running. I feel really lucky that I have a son who wants to continue in the HVAC industry and is trustworthy and hardworking enough for me to leave business in his care. Earlier this fall, my wife, Andrea, and I took the longest trip we’ve ever taken since we started Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley. For 10 days, we toured the southwestern part of the U.S., learning more about my industry and visiting with family we haven’t seen in a while. TRIP TO THE SOUTHWEST Stepping Away from Business for a 10-Day Family and Educational Break
"It’s good to know I have that support throughout the year if I need it. If I’m having trouble with a process or piece of equipment, I can give one of my fellow franchisees a call and we’ll work through it together."
For the first five days, we headed to Dallas, Texas, where I had my annual franchise meeting with Aire Serv and other Neighborly company business owners. I’ve been attending this annual meeting for the past 7 years, and every year I leave motivated and informed about the industry and new trends. This year, I gathered more
information about hiring, which is an issue everyone across all industries is dealing with as we move through a worker shortage. At Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley, we want to keep growing, and learning how to add more valuable members to our team is a key part of that expansion. The best part of this annual trip is meeting fellow HVAC experts and swapping war stories from the past year. It’s good to know I have that support throughout the year if I need it. If I’m having trouble with a process or piece of equipment, I can give one of my fellow franchisees a call and we’ll work through it together. After a refreshing and motivating time in Dallas, Andrea and I headed to the Phoenix area to visit her parents at their winter home, her aunt, her uncle, and my brother. It was definitely great to be back in this beautiful, sunny part of the country.
It was strange experiencing autumn in the desert. Here in New York, we have lush green trees and dropping temperatures in the fall, but where we were in Arizona it’s hot, and cacti and palm trees line the streets. We love New York, but it was pretty neat to experience a warm fall. Best of all, though, we had the chance to catch up with family we don’t get to see often enough. We didn’t even have any big plans, but being able to relax, reminisce, and create new memories with our loved ones was a great experience and on par with the holiday season. After returning mid-week in late September, I dove back into work, once again thankful for our team back home who allowed us to take the time away. And thankful also for the opportunity to add on some time with loved ones to our annual trip.
–Jim Serra
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DODGING THANKSGIVING AWKWARDNESS Conversations Appropriate for the Dinner Table
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life. So why do so many people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins veering in an awkward direction, try these conversation redirects for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. WHAT’S YOUR PET BEEN UP TO? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets. 2. WHAT THANKSGIVING DISH CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question. 3. DAD DID WHAT AS A KID? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. But tread carefully and be kind so as not to open any old wounds.
4. STUPID HUMAN TRICKS, ANYONE? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after-dinner wine. 5. HOW ABOUT WE GET COFFEE? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’ questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
CONSIDER YOUR HVAC OPTIONS
HOW TO SELECT THE PROPER SYSTEM WHEN BUILDING A HOME
every penny to get everything available on the market. Make a list of the features you know you want and need in your home and make those a priority. By the same token, don’t skimp on your HVAC system. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer while also filtering the air in your home. It’s an important system that should be budgeted for correctly. GET OPINIONS Chat with your neighbors about their systems. Talk to HVAC experts about what they would recommend. Mention your choices to your contractor. People in your neighborhood and the experts who work with these materials every day are the best sources of information to help you find the HVAC system that fits your home. Your neighbors will understand the climate of the area you live in, while your contractor and HVAC experts will have industry knowledge to point you in the right direction.
There are so many benefits to building a home. You can design it just how you
want it, you get to pick your ideal location, and you can choose which HVAC system to install! Okay, maybe that last one isn’t as exciting as the others, but it’s certainly one of the most important. When you’re building your next home — or even remodeling it — consider some of these important HVAC selection tips to keep your home feeling just right for you. CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION If you’re battling brutal winters, you likely won’t need the biggest and best air conditioning system on the market. It’s easy to get lost and confused in the cluster of luxurious bells and whistles of the many systems, but pinpointing what you need based on where you live will help you narrow down the kind of system you need to install.
If you need help selecting the HVAC system for your home, or if you’re looking for an efficient installation, call Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley at 845-256- 6158 or visit www.aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley .
HONOR YOUR PRICE TAG Again, it’s easy to get lost in all the features of green efficiency and masterful filtration systems, but you shouldn’t stretch
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WHO INVENTED FIRE? A SNAPSHOT HISTORY OF THE WORLD’S HEAT SOURCE
The Oldest Recorded Wildfire More than 420 million years ago, the world’s oldest recorded wildfire occurred. According to scientists, there were plants on the earth, and oxygen levels had finally reached a point at which a flame could thrive. Evolution did its thing, and now we have plants that thrive in fire climates. For example, while some of the wildfires in the western part of the U.S. are unfortunate man-made mistakes, others are naturally occurring. Meanwhile, the first recorded human interaction with fire was 1.5 million years ago in Africa, and it was used to provide heat. Native Uses The origin stories of fire for Native American tribes vary depending on the region of North America, but for many tribes, fire was a spiritual and sacred symbol. Some accounts have an animal bringing fire to early native tribes, while other tribes’ stories outline the sacred and ecological use of fire to benefit the land. Fire became essential to the Native Americans long before white European settlers began colonizing North America, and some of tribes still practice the same fire traditions from their ancestors.
There are few resources more important to humans than fire. Harsh winter days are soothed by a roaring flame, and nearly every meal is prepared thanks to some sort of heating device. But how did fire come to be? The answer to that question varies depending on who you ask. Learn about fire’s history with these quick facts. Greek Mythology According to Greek mythology, Prometheus, the son of Iapetus, felt sorry for the humans, so he raided Athena and Hephaestus’ workshop for tools and fire. He then taught humans how to make tools with metal and fire, establishing his place as a symbol for science and culture. Zeus was furious with Prometheus’ theft and sentenced him to eternal damnation. Prometheus was tied to a rock or pole, and a hawk was sent to eat out his liver. Every night, Prometheus’ liver would grow back, and the hawk would be sent the next day to torture him again. Folklore claims that Hercules saved Prometheus from this damnation by killing the hawk. In the end, Prometheus was lauded as a hero for mankind and seen as a lesson for those considering going against Zeus.
HAVE A LAUGH!
No matter how you cook your bird for Thanksgiving, it will taste better if you brine it beforehand. Break out your biggest cooler and some ice to ensure that your guests rave about your turkey. A SIMPLE BRINE FOR SUCCULENT TURKEY
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large sprigs thyme • 2 bay leaves • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 1 large onion, peeled and diced • 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large stockpot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. In a large cooler, combine brine and 6 quarts cold water. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.
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Visiting Family and Learning INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 What to Talk About This Thanksgiving 845-256-6158 | aireserv.com/mid-hudson-valley
Selecting an HVAC System
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How Did We Discover Fire?
A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey
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Let Kids Play a Role This Thanksgiving
THANKSGIVING PREP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s about coming together as a family and being thankful for one another. So why wait to get into the spirit until everyone is seated at the table? Here are a few ways you can make the actual preparation of Thanksgiving dinner fun and engaging for the whole family!
kitchen. Creative family members of all ages can work together to bring some seasonal flair to the dining room. Maybe this means picking up some Thanksgiving coloring books, or perhaps the family can venture outdoors to collect autumn trimmings for crafts. It’s a great way to let each family member put their own personal spin on the holiday!
GIVE EVERYONE A ROLE
HAVE A ‘ROLLER DERBY’
No, not those rolls — yet. Making the feast a family project can turn the day from a hectic list of chores into a magical bonding experience. It’s important to match each family member to a job that best fits their abilities. Young children can mash potatoes or rinse ingredients in the sink. Older kids can take on more responsibility, like measuring ingredients, keeping an eye on timers, and setting the table. Teens and young adults can supervise their
Finally. While an adult should be the one to put these delicious baked goods in the oven, the whole family can help shape the dough. In fact, Care.com recommends making this a contest. Set aside a time when everyone can vie for the title of Fastest Roll Maker, and you’ll have plenty of warm, flaky, delicious treats come dinnertime.
younger siblings and cousins in these important tasks and may be called upon to stir what’s on the stove while an adult checks on the football game.
Letting everyone play a part may take a little more planning and add slightly more chaos to your Thanksgiving preparations. But it’s sure to produce a lot of great memories and bonding moments among your loved ones. And by the
ROLL OUT THE DECORATIONS
time you sit down to eat, you’ll all have something to be thankful for right in front of you — Those. Delicious. Rolls.
Still not talking about bread. Not everything in Thanksgiving preparation needs to be tied to the
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