Author: Shirley K. Washburn

By David I. Klein ISTANBUL (JTA) — The Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, serving nearly 40 million people in 2021. Many of its observant Jewish travelers often get stuck in layovers there without kosher food options. Now they have a flashy new go-to: a kosher vending machine, in addition to hot kosher meals sold in some of the airport’s lounges. Since last month, the Kosher Food Point machine has offered sandwiches in the airport’s main mezzanine. All of the airport’s new kosher food is provided by the Istanbul-based caterer La Casa — which means “the home”…

One of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening is strolling along the aisles of a nursery or garden center. The colors and scents of new plants offer a feast for the senses. But however tempted you are to purchase vegetables, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees on display, it is best not to act impulsively. A well-thought-out planting guide will reward you in the long-term. The gardener’s first thoughts should focus on the plant’s light requirements. Before purchasing, know how much sunlight the plant requires and be sure that your property or location can provide it. Ask yourself, does it need…

Hooray, it’s May! That means it’s time to sow vegetable and flower seeds and transplant seedlings. But what are the best ways to go about these projects? Read on to get all the dirt (pun intended). Veggies Sown Directly in Soil Some vegetables do quite well when planted directly in good quality, rich, well-drained garden soil. These include snap beans, beets, carrots, swiss chard, leaf and romaine lettuce, cucumbers, kohlrabi, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, summer squash, sweet potatoes (sprout slips) and watermelon. Follow directions on the seed package for planting depth, seed spacing, space between rows, days to germination, space after…

This article was provided by Window Nation. Vinyl windows are low maintenance, and now that spring is here, anything on the exterior of your home should probably be on your list of things that need a deep clean. A combination of melting slush, spring rains, and the grime of the changing seasons can leave your windows streaked with dirt and crud. The good news is, replacement windows made with vinyl are easy to maintain and clean. Keep your windows squeaky clean and looking their best, with minimum elbow grease required. Here are our best tips for how to clean vinyl…

This article was provided by the Maryland Energy Administration. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has opened the application period for the Tax Year 2022 (TY 2022) Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit Program. This program is designed to encourage the deployment of energy storage systems in Maryland. In Tax Year 2021, MEA issued 164 residential and commercial tax credits certificates for energy storage systems totaling more than 1.99 megawatts and 3.77 megawatt-hours. “We’re excited to announce the continuation of the nation’s first energy storage income tax credit after issuing all funds in TY2021”, explained Mary Beth Tung, Director of the…

This article was provided by Window Nation. Times are changing and for most homeowners, the way we use our homes has changed, too. The advent of remote work, virtual school and the cost of owning a house or dwelling has impacted how much time we spend in our homes. There are also ecological and green home improvements that not only improve your living space but help with environmental responsibility. As a result, the home improvement landscape is changing, too. Homeowners are looking for more functional spaces, ways to reduce energy consumption and aesthetic improvements to enjoy the homes they have…

By Lisa Keys (New York Jewish Week via JTA) — Immortalized by pop-culture phenomena like “Dirty Dancing” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” New York’s Catskill Mountains were once the go-to summer destination for hundreds of thousands of Jewish New Yorkers. According to the Catskills Institute at Northeastern University, “by the 1950s a half-million people each year inhabited the ‘summer world’ of bungalow colonies, summer camps and small hotels.” And now, a little piece of Catskills history is up for grabs: A bungalow colony in Ulster County is currently on the market for $795,000. The property is located the hamlet of…

Ground cover plants can benefit gardens in terms of soil prevention, moisture retention and weed suppression. Looking for an environmentally responsible way to add texture and color to your landscape? Ground cover plants just might be the solution. Ground covers are low-growing plants you can install in addition to, or in place of, a high-maintenance lawn that can be expensive to mow and treat. Other benefits to ground covers include soil erosion prevention, weed protection, and moisture retention. Last but not least, ground covers are great pollinators for bees, butterflies and birds. Good ground cover choices for shaded areas include:…

This article was provided by The Maryland Energy Administration. Maryland residents have a wide variety of solar energy options available including purchase, and lease agreements as well as community solar offerings. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides expert information and grants to help expand clean, and renewable solar energy. Information about “Free” solar for Maryland homeowners is everywhere. Here is what consumers need to know before signing a home solar contract. The MEA offers a wide variety of incentives that help residents close the savings gap on everything from home heating to electric vehicle charging equipment. Read about some of…

Think shade and gardening don’t mix? Think again! Whether you want to spruce up a shady backyard, bring life to a woodland path or add potted plants to a porch, a well-thought-out design and carefully selected plants can create an exciting and unique landscape that blooms from March to October. Getting Started A garden journal is key to tracking success and identifying areas that need extra TLC. Keep a record of the names and types of plants; where and when they were purchased; whether they are native or non-native; their dimensions in height and width; and their flower color. Don’t…