November 1, 2009 A Kings Wood Community Newsletter Issue 15 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! INSIDE OUT OF THE WOODS Holiday-Get-Together Message For The Community Tips From The Staff From Our Superintendent From The Property Manager Health & Safety Local News & Events BASEMENT CLEAN UP.APR 24-APR 27 FLOWER DELIVERY…………...MAY 14 TREE SPRAY......MAY 25 RAIN MAY 26 GUTTER CLEANING…………….JULY 7 Our next newsletter will be released early... MARK YOUR CALENDAR TREE SPRAYING...APRIL 6 RAIN APRIL 7 CARPET CLEANING…APRIL 6-APRIL 8 SCREEN REPAIRS…...………ARPIL 15 CRAB APPLE FUNGUS……… APRIL 20 OUT OF THE WOODS Page 2 community and this fall planting daffodil bulbs at the parking lot entrance; and to all who contributed their green thumb to make Kings Wood a beautiful and colorful community. MESSAGE FOR THE COMMUNITY The terraces were also a bountiful beauty. JOIN OUR BULB PLANTING Special Thanks to: * Loretta Cousins * Fran Lucido * Sheri Mott * Eleanor Vetter for participating in Kings Wood’s planting party dividing perennials throughout the BEST GARDEN AWARD this year goes to: Fran Lucido, 132-3B. BEST TERRACE GARDEN AWARD goes to: Jack Murphy, 134-4D. OUT OF THE WOODS If you prefer to cut back your perennials and remove your annuals yourself, please do so before Tuesday, November 18th. You may leave the clippings along the curb for the landscapers to pick-up. Please do not forget to remove the empty flower pots from the front of the buildings. Kindly store them in your apartment or in the basement storage areas. KINGS WOOD MEXICAN FIESTA BLOCK PARTY Page 3 Laura Bergen Robert Campbell Phyllis Cirino Jasmir Chawla Loretta Cousins Lois Crowley Family & Friends Corrine Dietrich Paula Giorgi William & Piscatella Grimley & Family Rita Hammond Carol Le Mieux Dan Lundi Susan Friedank Terrance McLaughlin Sheri Mott & Family & Friends Jack Murphy Ellie Naughton Margaret Ochsenfeld Mary Jane Schultz Lucille Short Danny Towler & Family & Friends Phillis Wilder Steve Williams Eve Witherspoon & daughter Alexandra NEXT COMMUNITY EVENT HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD , 8:00 pm Special thanks to Vincent for introducing "INNER CITY SOUL" his Band who treated us with great music from the 70’s. Thanks to the following residents for attending and sharing… -Food was DELICIOUS & PLENTIFULL!! -Kids played beach ball-baseball & Frisbee -The Piñata was a big hit when the candy flowed. -Kids cheered as Mr. Frosty ice cream truck drove up with their favorite treats. -Families & friends enjoyed getting together. with Santa in front of building 146. Bring your children, grandchildren or just yourselves to join in the Holiday spirit. Bring your insulated mug. Hot Chocolate will be served. Caroling will be lead by our resident William Grimley. HOLIDAY-GET-TOGETHER Holiday Open House at the Kings Wood Office on Friday, January 9, 2009 between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Join the fun – even if you can only stay for a short time. Bring your special dish and holiday spirit. Soda & Wine will be provided. OUT OF THE WOODS HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Have fun again this holiday season!!! A bottle of wine will again be awarded to BEST DECORATED TERRACE and BEST DECORATED WINDOW. GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY GETTING INTO THE HOLDAY SPIRIT. TIP OF THE DAY – AARP-DRIVER SAFEY CLASS $10 Get 10% off Insurance & 4 Points Off December 1st Registration and payment due at the Nesconset Library at 10:00 a.m. *NOTE first 30 get accepted, should be on line by 7:30 a.m. Bring driver’s license and check payable to AARP. PAGE 4 ROUTINE INTERIOR MAINTENANCE CHECK & REPLACE IF NECESSARY VANITY & KITCHEN SHUT-OFF VALVES LEAKING FAUCETS AIR CONDITIONING COVERS CAR SAFETY CAUTION: Local Kings Park Car BreakIns LOCK YOUR VEHICLES DON’T LEAVE ITEMS VISIBLE ENERGY COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S CONCERN – ENTRANCE DRIVEWAY Slow Down Please bear right when driving in and out of the community through the entrance driveway. Effective July 1, 2008, LIPA increased their Power Supply Charge by 3% ($0.097689 to $0.103420 per kWh). This increase affects the energy costs of your apartment and the cooperative common areas. COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS If you have not yet changed your light bulbs…Do So! You will see a difference on your bill. Fire Prevention Fall is a good time to CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE ALARM Change Clocks—Change Batteries 2009 LIPA'S REAP PROGRAM If you have not yet taken advantage and you qualify, don’t’ hesitate to file for LIPA's REAP Program. The following are the new guidelines for 2009. FREE compact Florescent bulbs and/or FREE energy star refrigerator. OUT OF THE WOODS PAGE 5 Number of People in Household Maximum Annual Income 1 $47,565 2 $54,390 3 $61,180 4 $67,970 If your income meets these guidelines – Don’t hesitate, call NOW! 1-800-263-6786 thermostat. Remember this thermostat will allow you to automatically lower the temperature in your apartment when you are not home and at night when you are sleeping!! HEAT SAVINGS RSVP TO THE KW OFFICE BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH. We ask you to continue to do your part and help us SAVE ENERGY. Energy expense will be at a new all time high in 2009. *Keep the main doors closed. If they do not close properly, report them to the office. *Close your windows using the locks. If they do not lock, contact the office. *Check for drafts: We recently had National Grid conduct an Air Flow Energy Audit at two apartments. Residents were amazed to find large drafts from window casing, electrical outlets, a/c units, and base kitchen cabinets due to openings from the pipes. Contact the office and our superintendent will apply spray foam to minimize these drafts FREE. *Lower your thermostat when not at home or Change To A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT. Run the dishwasher with a full load only. Keep furniture away from heating elements. Cover your air conditioning units from the outside or inside. Thermostats can be purchased at your local home improvement store. We have made arrangements with St. James Electric to install your new programmable thermostat for a ONE TIME INSTALLATION FEE OF $35 ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH. HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) If you are a senior 60 years of age and earn less than the following: Number of People in Household 1 $1,963/mo 2 $2,567/mo Contact HEAP at 631-853-8326 for an application. If you are on food stamps, please call 853-8820. SAVE GAS The usual tactics — shopping around for cheaper gas or using a gas rewards credit card — will not be as effective in the coming years. However, car maintenance and driving smart will be the way to save on gas now and in the future. Prime Your Vehicle KEYSPAN PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT REBATE $25 Enclosed you will find the application necessary to receive your $25 mail-in rebate for installing an Energy Star programmable -Improper inflation of tires causes drag resulting in decrease of miles per gallon. Look at your driver's side door panel or owner's manual to find out the proper inflation for your tires and make sure to check the pressure at least once a month. -Rotation of Tires: This increases the life of the tires and prevents drag. OUT OF THE WOODS Forgo premium fuel: Save $86 Unless your owner’s manual dictates to use premium fuel only. Get a tune-up: Save $129 Maintaining your vehicle is important to add to fuel efficiency. A faulty engine can reduce fuel economy by 4%, for example, while a clogged air filter knocks off about 10%. Driving responsibly is the key to reaping some of the fastest and most substantial gas savings. But only if you practice these driving behaviors consistently. Combine errands: Save $107 Cars use much more energy for cold starts (i.e; when the car hasn't been driven in a couple of hours and the engine is cool). In fact, making several cold-start trips, say, to store, the dry cleaners and the babysitter, will consume twice as much fuel than if you combine errands and make them all in one run, according to FuelEconomy.gov Pack light: Save $17 Lose the excess weight (in the car) and avoid carrying items on the roof. Hauling a cargo carrier, kayaks or other gear on top of your car decreases fuel economy by about 5%, according to FuelEconomy.gov. "They affect your car's aerodynamic performance and add drag," Over packing the trunk doesn't help, either. Every 100 pounds of added weight reduces fuel economy by about 2%, reports the Federal Trade Commission PAGE 6 Look for gas incentives: Save $150 To help lure in visitors, hotels and tourism boards are offering incentives to help offset travel costs such as discounted room rates or gas station gift cards. Hotel chain Best Western is offering $25 with any two-night stay through Dec. 14. Others may be available from individual chain properties, or bed and breakfasts. Change Driving Habits Driving responsibly is the key to reaping some of the fastest and most substantial gas savings, But only if you practice these driving behaviors consistently. Slow down: Save $95 Speeding, hard breaking, and fast take-offs will increase fuel consumption and monthly gas expense. Every five miles per hour you drive above the speed limit adds 20 cents per gallon to your fuel bill, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Using cruise control on long trips will help economize your gas. Car Pooling: Save Unlimited gas and wear and tear on your car. PROPERTY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM DEC. 29th THROUGH JAN 2nd. Please continue to call the office for work that needs to be done in your apartment. The Superintendent will be on duty. If you have an emergency; please call the Superintendent’s beeper #695-8976. OUT OF THE WOODS PAGE 7 If you will not be at Kings Wood for a long period of time, please leave a key to your vehicle with a trusted neighbor or the Kings Wood office which will hold your key in a locked box. COURTESY TO YOU NEIGHBORS Use your indoor voices…..be aware of your TV volume…walk, don’t run up or down the stairs…..Don’t slam your door. Keep the main door closed to keep debris out and heat in. Please park in your reserved parking space or the marked or unmarked "Visitor" spots CENTER, BETWEEN THE LINES. Some residents are parking too close to the lines causing difficulties for drivers to get out of their vehicle. FREE COUPONS to local restaurants, stores & services…visit smithtowncoupons.com Earn FREQUENT AMERICAN AIRLINES FLYER MILES by shopping your favorite stores thru aadvantageeshopping.com First sign up with aa.com/aa/AAdvantage/enrollment Access.do STOP JUNK MAIL call 698-8400 and stop delivery of the weekday circular; contact 843-2000 for the weekend circular if you do not use it. CHRISTMAS TREES Please assist our porter, Carlos, by picking up your spills and unwanted newspapers. FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT DOOR CLOSERS ARE BEING BROKEN due to forcing the door into the Hold Open Position. When engaging the door to stay open, GENTLY PULL BACK THE DOOR UNTIL IT STOPS. DO NOT FORCE IT BACK! If the door closer is not holding the door open, this means it needs to be adjusted by me, therefore, contact the office with your entrance number. Please do not forget to vacuum and sweep the Christmas trees’ pine needles that are left behind in the hallway and walkway. When disposing of the trees, do NOT place them in the dumpsters. Please place them on the curb on Church Street, to the left going out of the entrance AND REMOVE THE PLASTIC BAG. FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGER SNOW PLOW – WINTER IS COMING Please remember to listen for the snow plow during its second visit to the property (usually at 12:00 noon) and come outside to move your vehicle. This will allow the plow truck to move the snow from your parking stall and avoid piles of snow behind and between cars. IMPORTANT DATES: PROPERTY TAX STAR PROGRAM The Property Tax Star Exemption Program has NOT been cancelled. As a new shareholder you must apply for this exemption with the Town of Smithtown by MARCH 1ST, 2010 OUT OF THE WOODS **ALL RESIDENTS QUALIFY** DEADLINE FOR ALL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS IS MARCH 1ST, 2009 The Middle Class Star Rebate check received during the past 2 years in December has been cancelled by the current NY State administration. Enhanced Star: If you are over 65 years of age and your annual income is under $73,000, (limit subject to change after January 1, 2009) you must recertify yourself with the Town of Smithtown every year or sign a verification form authorizing the Town to verify your income thru IRS. NOTE: You are allowed to DEDUCT your medical bills, medical co-pays, and prescription expenses. Age Exception: If you are NOT 65 years of age and your income is less than $36,400, (limit subject to change after January 1, 2009) you must recertify yourself with the Town of Smithtown every year. If you have not yet done so for the first time, you must go to the Town of Smithtown to register with your 2007 tax return. GUTTER CLEANING Gutter cleaning will take place on ALL buildings, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd, 8:00 a.m. rain or shine. Please do not leave any objects you do not want soiled on your deck and/or in the front or rear of the buildings. CARPET CLEANING On MONDAY thru WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10th - 12th, Environmental PAGE 8 Carpet Service will be on the property to steam clean the hallway carpet. If you are interested in having the interior of your apartment done, please call the Kings Wood office by Thursday, November 14th. Resident carpet cleaning will only be done on MONDAY, November 10th. Here are Environmental Carpet’s Rates which includes: Soil Retardant Cleaning Solutions Preconditioning Spot Removal Deodorizing Studio……………………………...$48 1 Bedroom (Living room & Bedroom)………………………....$57 1 Bedroom w/Terrace (Living room & Bedroom)…………………………,$60 2 Bedroom (Living room & 2 Bedrooms)…………………….…. $72 Including tax. Payment should be made directly to Environmental Carpet Service. Please leave cash or check payable to Environmental at time of service. PROJECTS Decks...Many decks were pressure washed and repainted. Brick Veneer...130-1 had two brick panels that were pulling away from the building structure. The panels were removed and reconstructed. Window Pane Replacement…Thank you for cooperating with the apartment inspections in May. As a result we have a large list of fogged windows that need to be replaced. Each year the office accumulates a list of first call first served list. This list was replaced this July. Our inspection list will be broken up into the next two years due to the large number and their expense. Building 132 Gets A New Boiler & Water Heater We took advantage of the rebates offered by National Grid and upgraded our boiler and water heater to 93% efficient units. We are looking forward to seeing our savings. OUT OF THE WOODS PAGE 9 We are looking into the future possibility of going solar…if anyone has knowledge they can share, please call the office. LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS KP Psychiatric Center If you wish to join Senator Flanagan’s fight to keep the Park in Kings Park, Vote to Cap School Tax, Fight to Secure School Tax Aid in our school district sign on to: http://nys2.lpmedia.net/2/JoinTheFight.aspx Financial Bailout/Rescue The core is the Treasury's proposal to let financial institutions sell to the government their troubled assets, mostly mortgage-related. And as in the House bill, the Senate would only allow the Treasury access to the $700 billion in stages, with $250 billion being made available immediately. What it means to you… -FDIC insurance increased to $250K -Extend renewable energy tax breaks, incl. solar panels -Extend tax breaks incl. wealth income tax -Curbs on executive pay -Two oversight committees -Tax Free Wooden Arrows -Tax Free Wool & Rum Imports …not much Keeping Your Brain Fit can help preserve and enhance your mental abilities as you grow older. “Use it or loose it” Daily mental exercise can strengthen and enhance cognitive functions over time to improve memory, logic and concentration. Later in life the brain can develop new memory cells and rewire existing ones. Defend the brain against age and disease…eat fish and fresh fruits and veggies. People doing aerobic exercise, challenging mental tasks, and engage in social pursuits (reading, crossword puzzles, bridge, chess and computer games, attend KW get-togethers) tend to slow down their mental aging process. Physical exercise boosts blood circulation and gives the brain more oxygen. Foods contain antioxidants that attack cell destroying agents. By Eleanor Vetter FLU SHOTS INFORMATION Suffolk County Dept. of Health 853-3055. $39/w no insurance Medicare & Medicaid accepted. Oct 27th 10 am to 12 pm @ Suffolk YJCC 74 Hauppauge Road, 462-9800x121 Nov 20th 10 am to12pm @Commack Library 18 Hauppauge Road, 499-0888 GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD MEMBERS Meet our New Board Member, Jack Murphy Digital TV is coming… If your TV isn’t digital ready…beginning January 1, 2009 you can apply for coupons by calling 888-388-2009. Deadline is March 31, 2009 I lived on Long Island for more years then I care to say. I started working at Sperry Gyroscope and moved on to Schweber Electronics. I'm now semi-retired. We had 3 daughters, and lived in Smithtown for 30 years. We used to take rides along the North Shore and one day we saw Kings Wood. I told my wife that since we liked the North Shore so much that once the kids were gone we should sell the house and OUT OF THE WOODS PAGE 10 move here. Unfortunately my wife passed away, but I never forgot. So here I am. I like local shows, concerts, broadway shows, domestic and foreign travel. In fact I'm going to Paris with St. Josephs in October. Congratulations to William Grimley & Cynthia Piscatella on the birth of their second daughter, Ava Grimley, 7 lbs. 14 oz. 20 ½”, July 31, 2008. In memory of James V. Crowley April 28, 2008 The community shared a special moment of tribute to Jim’s contributions to our property by planting his favorite dogwood tree. We continue to be reminded of Jim’s dedicated service as the tree grows in his memory. Our sincere thoughts are with Lois Crowley and her family. Our sincere condolences to Joan Antonello for the loss of her beloved mother, Violet Sherman. Our sincere condolences to Pat Forte for the loss of her beloved husband, Bernie Forte, October 7, 2008 Bernie Forte was Director of Operations for Uncle Giuseppe’s stores on LI. Bernie was father to Joseph Forte who resides in North Dakota with his wife Tina. Also father to Christopher who resides in E. Northport with his wife Lauri. Grandfather to four grandchildren, Mathew, Eric, Alyssa, and Jason. Bernie loved golf and planed to retire to Myrtle Beach. Pat & Bernie have been long time Kings Park residents since late 60’s; their children went to King Park schools. They first moved into Kings Wood as renters. They loved the community and purchased their current apartment. Living at Kings Wood has been convenient for work and family. If you have been admiring Bernie’s Thunderbird with a hardtop, it is for sale. WELCOME OUR NEW RESIDENTS Robert Hoffman Kathleen Callaghan Ronda Reid Deborah Schmidt GOOD BYE & GOOD LUCK TO Maurice Pallagonia Sheri Hoffman & Family Christopher Savasta Andrew Buck & Family RESIDENT RECIPES Beef Stroganoff by Lee Borger Ingredients: 1 lb. London Broil 1 large onion, diced 6-8 fresh mushrooms, washed and sliced 6 oz. (½ bag) wide egg noodles (reg. or whole wheat) 1 pint sour cream OUT OF THE WOODS Preparation: Place London Broil in pan; cook in 350 degree oven for approx. one hour or until cooked to medium. When done, remove from oven and let stand for at least 20 minutes. Cover bottom of a frying pan with a little cooking oil. Add onion; sauté until golden brown. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for approx. 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and gradually stir in sour cream. Simmer for a few minutes. Add garlic powder and salt to taste. Cut London Broil into fairly thin slices and stir into sour cream mixture. Add mixture to cooked noodles; stir until well blended. Makes approx. 2-4 servings. Hope ya’ like it! Lee B. 2-Ingredient No-Knead Beer Bread by Eleanor Vetter Ingredients: 1-2/3 cup self-rising flour (not cake flour) 12 oz beer, freshly opened Preparation: Heat oven to 375 degrees. You’ll need a 9x5x3” loaf pan, lightly greased. Put flour in a medium bowl, add beer and stir until flour is moistened completely. Scrape into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 min. until top is lightly brown, the sides pull away from the pan and pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 5 min. then turn out on rack to cool. Cut in ½” slides to serve. Makes great toast Cheddar-Scallion Variation: mix flour with 1cup shredded sharp cheddar, ½ cup thinly sliced scallions and 1-1/2 tsp poultry seasoning. womansday.com Garlic powder, Salt, Oil PAGE 11 Restaurant Review by Eleanor Vetter Maureen’s Kitchen on Smithtown Blvd. is easy to miss with the exception of the that stands outside by the wrap-around porch, but inside is a hopping place for breakfast (served all day) or lunch. There are about 30 tables and 12 seats at the counter, cows are the main theme of design. Hours are M-F 6 am – 3 pm, weekends are 7 am to 1:45 pm. There are no reservations, but you can call ahead for take out, and no credit cards accepted. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, the best times to go are from 6 am to 9 am when kitchen first opens then again 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Enjoy the prompt and friendly service. The portions are more than ample and prepared to your liking (yes, hamburgers can be “mooing” rare). We would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year OUT OF THE WOODS IMPORTANT REMINDER We live in a country were you can say, think and do pretty much what you want to, and that’s not true for the rest of the world. Voting in the election for our leader of our country is the responsibility of every citizen of this country regardless of political affiliation. This right to vote was and still is hard fought for. SO GET OUT AND VOTE on November 4th Our country and our future depend on you. PAGE 12 a project conceived, funded and built under the direction of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, which has a long history of putting actions behind the words to help make Kings Park a better place to live and work. The Hike and Bike Trail was partially funded by a grant called “Rails to Trails" which provided funding to convert old train tracks over to Hike and Bike Trails.The Historic Plaques and Park Benches are part of that over all plan which many hope in the future will include an extension of the popular trail from Main Street in Kings Park all the way down to the Nissequogue River. MORE ABOUT KINGS PARK Partially funded with a grant from Suffolk County, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce has installed several historical markers along the Smithtown Hike and Bike Trail. This recreational trail is located in the Nissequogue River State Park and runs along the old coal train tracks which at one time brought coal and other supplies to the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. These historic trail markers really give you a sense of what was here. At lease people will know that at one time there once were over 10,000 patients being attended to by 5,000 employees. It’s.hard to believe that now when you see the empty buildings and open spaces, this state hospital was once a thriving community, a community within a community, hopefully these plaques and the Kings Park Heritage Museum will help to keep this history alive." In addition to the Historic Plaques made possible by the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, the Smithtown Hike and Bike Trail on which the markers are placed is also CONTRIBUTE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Please contribute to our newsletter, sharing your ideas, your recipes, family news, review a restaurant you’ve been to or a vacation you took etc. by submitting them to the Property Manager’s office or you can E-mail your contribution to: kingswoodowners@aol.com. ☻☻☻☻☻☻☻ Helena Chaves, Contributing Editor Lee Borger, Contributing Editor Rita Hammond, Contributing Editor Ellie Naughton, Contributing Editor Eleanor Vetter, Contributing Editor Nicholas Mango, Collator Published by: Kings Wood Owners Corporation Property Manager, Helena Chaves E-mail: kingswoodowners@aol.com Superintendent: Danny Towler Beeper: 631-695-8976 Phone 631-269-6424; Fax: 631-269-3945