New Year's Message from Wendy Martin
This is where your message goes.
Clean Sweep!
Let it go! with "Spring Cleaning" by Betty Moore
In our every day life, we tend to hold onto "stuff" year after year. We save, keep and eventually stock up on things we really don't know what to do with anymore. Maybe we keep things because they hold precious memories of days gone by, or they remind us of our parents, grandparents, past loves or childhood. To part with these precious possessions seems out of the question. There is a saying that goes, "You have to get rid of the old to make way for the new." Keeping this in mind can be very freeing.
As a measure of good health, both of our "houses" need to be spring-cleaned: our physical body and our dwelling. Just as we accumulate "stuff" in the form of outgrown clothes, magazines, rusty bicycles, tools, etc., our bodies store unwanted toxins that we no longer need. To clean out your body, try giving it a break from rich or complicated food by either cleansing or fasting for a period of time. Cleansing means paring down what you are eating to simple foods like fruits, vegetables, lots of water and perhaps whole grains. Fasting means giving your body a chance to rid itself of anything old and unnecessary by limiting most foods, drinking lots of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. Without most of your energy going towards digestion, more energy is available to the rest of you. Cleansing and fasting can have significant effects on both the body and the mind: it can sharpen concentration, help you gain insight into the nature of the mind, and even develop spiritual awareness.
While you're giving thought to cleaning out your body, home and mind – don't forget to spring clean your heart. Throw away those negative thoughts and habits that you've been harboring that no longer serve you. A clean heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you each and every day. If you are full to the brim, there is no room for life's gifts and surprises to enter in.
Betty Moore Certified Holistic Health Counselor
Whole Life Living
Suite 7, Health and Beauty Street, ThreeVillagePeople.com
"Selling your home....First Impressions Count!!!" by Eileen Koff
In a world of 10 seconds analysis, when dating has become a 15 minute interview, and when news is given in 10 minutes bytes, home buying has become the quintessential 2 second size- up. Even before getting out of a car, a potential buyer is already sizing up the neighborhood and the outside condition of your home. This initial reaction can and does make the difference between a quick sale and one that languishes on the competitive market. Location, location, location is the real-estate mantra, but, emotion, emotion, emotion, makes the buyers decision. When you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar – "stage it." With its origins on the West Coast, it is not surprising that Home Staging takes its name from a Hollywood procedure. Setting the "stage scene" is even more critical in marketing your home, especially in this competitive climate. Any house, regardless of price or location will show better when professionally staged. Home-owners have only one chance to make a first impression. If a buyer cannot envision living in your home, instead of moving in, they move on. Home staging is a unique 'design to sell" technique using furnishings, artwork and accessories to create a visual experience and a feeling of emotional warmth that will appeal to the widest range of prospective buyers. This is one of the reasons home staging is so effective – you cthat projects pleasant times to come in a well-cared for, fresh, bright and uncluttered home. A professional home stager will help you change the home's condition and presentation to positively improve the selling price of your home. Besides the obvious deep cleaning and de-cluttering, the staging process involves moving and /or removing furniture and furnishings...less is more. If there is a fireplace in your home it should take precedence as a major feature. Create a welcoming glow by lighting a candle candelabrum. Create a welcoming vista with the furniture placement by keeping furniture away from the walls and expand the living room by loosing the end tables. The way you live in your home and the way you sell your house are two different things. When you stage your home you are selling on purpose. Your home is your biggest asset; why not get the most out of it!
To the Next Level offers a variety of services to meet your budget and time- fame requirements. Our full service capabilities take you from an initial consultation to actual hands-on-home staging. For more information and initial consultation pricing contact:
To The Next Level 631-553-0068
www.tothenextlevel.net
Eileen@tothenextlevel.net
You can find Eileen Koff and To The Next Level in the
Neighborhood House on ThreeVillagePeople.com
"Language Lessons"
by Charlene Burton featuring World Speak International
It might surprise you to know that Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. Over the past decade, Spanish and English have been in a dead heat for second place. French is spoken in 41 countries and is the administrative or official language of countless organizations and agencies, including the United Nations, NATO, and the International Olympic committee. You can see why, in today's world, the importance of speaking a foreign language is growing. In difficult job markets, the person who is bilingual or trilingual has a definite advantage.
For Junior High and High School students, it is midterm now and many parents are reviewing their children's educational progress. For many middle school children, it is their first time being exposed to learning a foreign language. This can be a daunting undertaking. It is hard enough to support our children with "the new math", and other subjects that are just a distant memory, but assisting them when they struggle with an unfamiliar language is virtually impossible. If your child is having a difficult time, it might be wise to consider the help of a professional.
A child who becomes discouraged while learning a second language is losing out on an important opportunity to add to their marketable skills. It is amazing how, with a small amount of guidance, a child can get over the initial hurdle of learning a new language. When a child feels confidence and is not stumbling, they can enjoy learning and take pride in mastering a new skill.
I had the pleasure of speaking with fellow villager Richard Levy of Worldspeak International about children struggling with foreign languages. (I actually spoke with him in English AND Portuguese!) He stressed the importance of letting children know how valuable it is to be bilingual in order to give them added incentive. When children see the merit of what they are learning, and it's applications in every day life, it becomes a powerful tool.
Richard Levy offers private tutoring in French and Spanish. He taught for 15 years as a NY State Certified teacher, as well as tutoring English as a second language. His extensive world travel, translation and interpreting experiences give him the necessary tools to meet the individual needs of each child. I can see how his amiable, patient manner would allow a child to feel at ease and enjoy learning.
Speaking a second language is a wonderful skill for your child to master. In this edition of renewal and spring cleaning, let's help our children spruce up their grades! If your child is struggling with French or Spanish, consider contacting Worldspeak for some friendly advice and help.
You can find Richard Levy in the School House, under Tutors at ThreeVillagePeople.com
"Tidy Up Your Computer"... with a little help from Mike the Computer Guy
The Holiday Stress is Over!
Are you ready to make those computer blues go away too?
Perhaps you made a new year's resolution to get your wireless network installed...
Maybe your tired of using that old computer or tired of battling computer viruses and pop-ups...
Call or email Mike the Computer Guy Next Door - 631 300-8838 / computerguynextdoor@hotmail.com
I come to you with 20 years of computer experience and will provide you with an honest, free estimate of what it will cost to remedy your computer frustration.
You can find the Computer Guy Next Door in the Neighborhood House at
ThreeVillagePeople.com
Get ready for your spring events "Budget Print Center"
Full service printing and copying center on 25A, opposite the Railroad Station in Stony Brook.
Providing a personal service to the community for 29 years.
Drop by and we will help you design and order your First Communion and Confirmation Invitations and your Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day Party Invitations.
You can find the Budget Print in the Neighborhood House at
ThreeVillagePeople.com
Introducing "Villager In The Spotlight" by Charlene Burton
Threevillagepeople.com is an online community where various crafts and business people can showcase their unique talents and expertise. The newsletter gives us a nice glimpse of their business side and what they can offer us. I thought it might be nice, however, to learn who they are; their different interest's hobbies and passions.
I am very please to have our first subject be someone who has been a fixture in the area for over 30 years. I was delighted to learn of all the wonderful work he does in and for the community with the Port Jefferson Lions Club. So our first Villager in the Spotlight is Rick Giovan of Fox's True Value Hardware. I appreciate Rick taking the time to speak with me at length and sharing this with us. I was very happy as well to be introduced to this wonderful organization, The Lions Club.
If you are a ThreeVillagePeople.com member and you'd like to be "In the Spotlight" and share a little piece of yourself with your neighbors email me at Editor3vp@aol.com with hobbies, charities, talents, or anything else you might like to share.
"Rick the Lion Hearted" By Charlene Burton
Every time I walk into Fox's True Value, I think of the hardware store of my childhood; a fond memory of times past when you were on a first name basis with the owner who would assist you cheerfully among the rows of nuts and bolts. How lucky we are to have this type of store in our community.
We are even luckier to have Rick Giovan as the proprietor. I've always enjoyed the warm genial manner of everyone in the store, but after interviewing Rick, I understand why. He is a kind, committed man which shows through in all facets of his life.
When I received the email suggesting Rick and his work with the Port Jefferson Lions Club should be spotlighted, I was intrigued. I have to admit though; I had no idea what the Lions exactly were or did. The name conjured up stereotypical images of Fred Flintstone and the Royal order of Buffalos, or Ralph Cramden and Ed Norton doing a secret handshake. I obviously had a lot to learn.
The Lions are an international organization of men and women dedicated to charity since their establishment in 1917. They work tirelessly to address problems faced in their local communities. Currently, there are Lions Clubs in 200 countries around the world.
In 1925, Helen Keller, aware of their charitable works, asked them to become the Knights of the Blind and they have been dedicated to that ever since. There scope, however, is far reaching. They help in so many ways, from cleaning up local parks to assisting victims of natural disasters.
The Port Jefferson Lions Club was established in 1946. Rick Giovan has been involved with the Lions for 30 years. He started out in Setauket and later moved on to the Port Jefferson chapter which was more active. Rick has always been very hands on throughout the years from serving as President for two terms to cooking and serving food at fundraising festivals. He has been a dedicated member, on the board of directors for ten years, and a true asset to the group.
I learned from Rick that the Lions are totally dedicated to charity. It is not a place to network, although special friendships are built from working together towards a common goal. The sixty five members (including 4 women) meet 2 times a month working on their chosen causes; Vacation Camp for the Blind, Guide Dog Foundation of Smithtown, St Charles and Mather hospitals, Hope House, and Friends of Karen. Their work is not limited to just these causes though, they also do a variety of other charitable deeds such as making food baskets for the needy.
Their biggest fund raising event is their Golf Outing at Black Rock in Wading River. It would be nice if we neighbors considered supporting this worthwhile group by donating an item for their raffle.
Learning about the Lions was truly an enlightening and heart warming experience. In a time when society seems to be quite self involved, it's wonderful to learn about people in our midst helping those less fortunate. After talking with Rick, when time allows, I would like to become a Lion myself, even if I don't get the furry hat with the horns or learn a secret handshake!
You can find Fox's True Value Hardware on Shopping Street on ThreeVillagePeople.com.
Valentine's Section
"A History of Valentine's Day and Gift Giving" by Dona Lyman
Did You Know.........
Every February we celebrate Valentines Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to our friends and loved ones; all in the name of St. Valentine. But this may leave you wondering, who is this mysterious St. Valentine, and why do we celebrate this holiday?
There are many different beliefs, but one legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during third century in Rome. At the time, Emperor Claudis II believed that single men made better soldiers than those who were married and decided to outlaw marriage for young men in hopes of building stronger soldiers. As legend has it, Valentine felt this decree was unfair and chose to marry young lovers secretly. When the Emperor found out about Valentines actions, he ordered Valentine to be put to death. According to one legend, while Valentine was an imprisoned, he fell in love with his jailor's daughter and Valentine himself sent the first actual "Valentine" greeting. Before he was put to death he wrote her a letter and signed it "From Your Valentine", words still used on cards today.
Why it's important to give a nice gift...
It is human nature to want to give something nice, as it is also human nature to want to receive something nice. By sending a gift to a colleague, employee, or a loved one, it shows that you took the time out to show that you care. Gifts are wonderful ways to indirectly express your feelings. When you send or give a gift, you are able to express your words without actually "speaking" them. For many, gifting is a comfortable way to show their true feelings. In today's hectic lifestyles, we are overwhelmed with emails, meetings, running errands, driving the kids from here to there. We rarely take the time to "treat" ourselves with something special. When we receive a gift, it forces us to slow down, even if for just a moment, and to feel good. So, the next time you want to say something nice to someone and can't find the right words, don't worry, just send them a little something to let them know you are thinking about them.
Find out more about Dona Lyman's gift ideas by going the the Valentine's Day special in the Holiday Diary!
A sentiment for dog lovers everywhere!
The Dog by T&D Dog Training

THE DOG GODS GIFT OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Did you know ... Ninety - One percent of pet owners have said " I LOVE YOU " to their pets, and 63 percent of owners sleep with their pets.
Dogs express unconditional love; and they display the way human love should be.
This Valentines Day don't forget to hug your pooch and say " I LOVE YOU "
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY AND LOVE FROM
T&D DOG TRAINING / HOME ENVIRONMENT BOARDING
You can find me under Pet Services in The Neighborhood Services House
"Get Your Gifts There On Time", Stony Brook UPS Store
With guaranteed delivery times and expert packaging let The UPS Store in Stony Brook take the worry out of getting your gift to your loved ones on-time and in one piece. All packages shipped via UPS automatically receive $100 in declared value free and all packages have a tracking number.
Ken, The Stony Brook UPS Store
Valentine Gift Ideas from Wellness Expressions
Wouldn't it be great to find the most thoughtful and creative Valentine gift for your sweetheart?—of course it would! And wouldn't it be great if it came all beautifully wrapped up and ready to give? So rather than the usual bouquet of flowers that only last a few days, why not give something different this year!
A gift basket filled with luxurious skincare and bodycare products beautifully gift wrapped in a romantic Valentine's basket. You might also place items individually wrapped for a romantic hide-and-seek gift giving game. Hide a few individually wrapped gifts throughout the day and give a beautiful basket to your Valentine as the finale on Valentine's night. Who wouldn't absolutely LOVE this—and how impressed s/he will be at your creativity and thoughtfulness! Make it a Valentine's Day sure to be unforgettable.
Now for something really different—a Feng Shui for Romance Consultation to spice up your love life! You and your Valentine sweetheart can be treated to a Chinese astrological reading for the year, Feng Shui tips to improve your love and relationship Gua, and even make enhancements to your bedroom that will have long- lasting effect on your passion. Now complete this with a picture frame and a book of Love and Romance coupons for the year and you've got the makings of the perfect gift.
If you would like help in creating these gifts in time for Valentines Day, please contact karen@wellnessexpressions.com
Wellness Expressions is pleased to carry ArbonneTM botanically based skin care and body care systems.
You can find Wellness Expressions in suite 15 Health and Beauty Park on ThreeVillagePeople.com
Breath Easy!!
"Beautiful, Hypoallergenic Siberian Cats" from Bootsie's Siberian Cattery
Are you allergic to cats and thought you could never have one??? I once thought the same. My daughter and I, Nicole Mullen, had always been allergic to cats until we discovered Siberian Forest Cats. Siberian Forest Cats are the natural breed from Russia. They roamed the streets and survived underground in Russia. They are large, strong cats with a dog-like personality. They love to play ball, come on command, play in water and greet you at the door. They are the greatest cat for dog lovers. They came to the United States in 1990 by Elizabeth Terrell, a Himalayan breeder. She traded 4 Himalayans for 3 Siberians. That is how this wonderful cat was imported to the United States. Siberians come in all colors and patterns. They have sweet facial expressions and love to be around people. They have a long triple coat and shed very minimally. They molt twice a year versus shedding all year long. Siberians have an amazing feature, they are hypoallergenic. They have a reduced production of FEL D1 Protein - the protein which makes the cat's dander on their fur. This gives them an attractive feature for people with allergies. While not everyone can tolerate them, most can. We had our first Siberian and learned the hypoallergenic feature worked for my daughter and I and then we had to have more. That is how Bootsie's Siberian Cattery began. Bootsie's Siberian Cattery is named after my mom who passed away from Breast Cancer, Mary Fleckenstein, from Stony Brook, as her nickname was Bootsie. Now we have three Siberian cats that we will be breeding at Bootsie's Siberian Cattery. We have two girls, Cybill, a silver torbie and Anizia, a brown classic with gorgeous green eyes and our stud muffin, Ivan, who is a black smoke with green eyes. They are a special part of our household. They are well socialized with our kids, our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Agatha and her new pups, and our 7 year old golden retriever, Preston. Please check out our web site to learn more about us and our Siberian Forest Cats at
www.bootsiesiberiancattery.com and in the Farmers' Market at Threevillagepeople.com
Smoking Cessation Classes by
Chiropractor, Dr. Karl George and Psychologist Dr. Roderick Borrie

Continued from last issue...
Why Does a Pregnant Woman Miscarry?
Part II By Dr. Richard Bronson Division of Reproductive Endocrinology,
University Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology
In the earlier part of this article, I discussed the most common cause of sporadic miscarriage - the embryo possessing an abnormal set of chromosomes - and began to review several of the factors that may predispose to repeated miscarriages. In this section, I will focus on abnormalities of the uterus that can increase the risk of pregnancy loss, as well as hormonal, immunologic, and genetic causes.
Women can be born with an abnormally shaped uterus that predisposes to miscarriage. The uterus forms during embryonic growth by the fusion of two primitive tubes (the Mullerian ducts), and at times, this fusion is incomplete. A wall (a septum) then may be present within the middle of the uterus that can result in abnormal development of the embryo, leading to its demise. This septum can be removed by a relatively simple operation, performed under anesthesia in an ambulatory surgery center. Other uterine abnormalities may also predispose to pregnancy loss, in either the first or second trimester, such as a double-horned uterus (bi-cornuate) or a single-horned (uni-cornuate) uterus. These congenital abnormalities of the uterus cannot be easily corrected surgically. It is known that they may be associated with a weakening of the cervix that may silently dilate in the second trimester and lead to pregnancy loss. This can be looked for by repeated ultrasound examinations during pregnancy and the cervix closed with a stitch, if necessary.
Sometimes, a miscarriage predisposes to future miscarriage. This happens when the pregnant uterus does not completely empty its contents, following embryonic death. This can lead to persistent bleeding and possible infection, and a subsequent D & C (curettage) in these circumstances may result in scarring within the uterus. These scars may prevent the uterus from growing normally during a subsequent pregnancy, resulting in early or later miscarriage, and need to be removed before a woman attempts to become pregnant again. An X-ray study can be performed both to diagnose the presence of scars within the uterus and confirm whether the uterus is normally shaped.
Fibroids, benign growths of the muscle of the uterine wall, can also predispose to miscarriages in several ways. They may distort the shape of the uterus and encroach upon the embryo. They may also grow rapidly in pregnancy, under the influence of the hormones produced by the placenta. This can lead to pain or may induce premature labor. Fibroids are easily detected by ultrasound examination and a determination can be made as to whether they should be removed prior to a woman's attempting to conceive.
Some women have alterations in their immune system that lead to the presence of antibodies that can cause miscarriage. If a person has antibodies to one's own tissues, this is termed an "auto-immunity." Most thyroid problems are caused by such antibodies, which can lead to either an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) or its over activity (hyperthyroidism), depending upon the type of antibodies present. Both these conditions are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss and need to be treated before one conceives. Other hormonal conditions besides abnormalities of the thyroid, such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, can predispose to miscarriage.
Some women may develop antibodies to lipids present in cells that form the placenta. If these antibodies are consistently present at high levels, they may damage the placenta and impair its ability to nourish the embryo. This can result in its embryonic demise in the late first trimester or the second trimester of pregnancy. At other times, the fetus may survive, but grows at a slower than normal rate. Such women are also at risk for developing high blood pressure and toxemia of pregnancy, as well as deep vein thrombophlebitis, placing them at increased risk of passage of blood clots into the lungs (pulmonary embolus). Another situation that may pre-dispose to pregnancy loss, usually in the second trimester, as well as to increased risks of deep vein thrombophlebitis is termed a "thrombophilia"; that is, a propensity of the blood to clot. Blood tests can be done to confirm whether this situation is present and, if so, whether blood thinners such a low molecular weight heparin prescribed.
In a small proportion of couples who experience recurrent miscarriage, embryos are found to repeatedly possess an abnormal set of chromosomes (often containing an extra chromosome; i.e., 47). Sometimes, the cause of this resides in the chromosomes of the wife or husband, which are abnormal. Hence, the need for genetic study the couple. There is also recent evidence that men who have very low sperm counts or in whom the vast majority of their sperm are abnormally shaped may have increased numbers of sperm containing abnormal chromosome numbers, irrespective of their age. Tests are now available to determine whether this is the case, should the routine semen analysis be severely abnormal. These couples often also experience long delays in conception, as well as recurrent pregnancy loss – a very frustrating situation. Despite a thorough evaluation, the cause for repeated miscarriage may not be determined. Although the odds of a successful pregnancy are greater than 60% in this situation, conceiving again is often emotionally trying. Early and frequent monitoring of the pregnancy can often provide reassurance to a couple who have experienced repeated pregnancy loss.
You can find Dr. Richard Bronson and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology in Suite 5 in the Health and Beauty Park at ThreeVillagePeople .com