9 Tips for Battling Mold in Your Home
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Spring showers were here early, but they brought more than expected … a record rain fall, with power outages and hurricane force winds. Now, the sun is out and we are all relieved that historic rains and flooding are over. However, even though the water dried up, there may be a funny smell in your basement. Is this what everyone fears…MOLD? Before you pack up the family and leave, you have other options.
First a little background, often folks forget that mold occurs naturally in the environment. In some cases, the fungus mold, can be beneficial, such as in foods like bread made with yeast, some of your favorite cheeses -- and, don’t forget penicillin. What we should remember is that there are many types of mold -- some are fine, but some types may be harmful. Then, there is the amount of Mold present. Mom always said that “too much of a good thing can be bad.” All this holds true for mold in homes and buildings. Mold is fine outside these structures, but when a “growth that appears to be mold” begins inside a building, like in our homes, the process of this growth can result in a “mildew” smell. This is an indicator that your home, office or structure is becoming unhealthy.
High humidity, standing water or high moisture levels, all resulting from flood water being held in the structure of a home, such as inside our sheetrock, can cause mold spores to grow and multiply. Organic materials found in homes and buildings such as wood, paper, drywall, insulation and carpet provide food sources for mold to grow. This increase in the level of mold spores can result in health issues and concerns in a relatively short time.
What are the signs or factors to watch for? Here are some rules of thumb to identify a potential mold growth issue, especially if there was a flood, even for a short time or small quantities of water your home, or business:
- Visible mold that can be any color (brown, green, black, etc.)
- Strong musty odors
- Excessive humidity after the water is gone
What to do?
In most cases, there is no need for panic, but here are some actions that you can explore:
- Bleach is not your friend. While the visible mold may be gone, the air may still be humid and contain mold spores that can enable mold to grow again.
- Fresh air is great! Open windows and doors during nice, cool, dry days to lower humidity levels in the affected space.
- Central air can spread the spores to the whole structure through your duct system and may not help to alleviate the issue. Try to keep vents closed and the system off, if there is any growth suspected, until a professional can use a fungicide to stop the growth.
- Explore services that can help you remediate a visible or potential mold issue. An independent Indoor Air Quality/Environmental professional has the expertise to inspect a home or building and call it a “mold growth” as well as detailing the best course of action.
- Hire a reputable and established company that is ‘trained’ in mold remediation. Some general contractors may not be trained or know the proper process’ to alleviate a mold situation, and make sure that your home and family are safe again.
- While any work is being done, anyone with respiratory concerns or immune deficiencies should not be present or enter an affected room. Plus, ensure that the workers have contained any rooms with plastic or other barriers during the process, keeping the spores out of the rest of the house.
Overall, this was a difficult spring for many local residents, but everyone has pulled together to get through it. Hopefully, the worst weather is over and we all can begin to enjoy the spring sunshine!
This article was written by Amanda Cohen and Hillary Sheperd from Servpro of Scarsdale/ Mount Vernon, with trained service professionals who can safely clean and restore your home or business.
Rob Astorino to Address the Scarsdale Forum
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Newly elected Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino will talk about the challenges facing Westchester County and his plans for the future at the Scarsdale Forum’s annual general membership meeting on June 3rd. The meeting will be held in the Scarsdale Public Library Scott room at 8 pm.
The meeting will also feature our continuing look at Scarsdale's Boards and Councils and how they work. Scarsdale Arts Council Chair Ed Morgan, Committee For Historic Preservation Chair Lucas Meyer, Council on People With Disabilities Chair Alexis Kashar, and Advisory Council on Youth Chair Scott Bookner will all discuss their role in the Village and how their work affects our residents. Questions from the audience are welcome for all speakers.
Everyone is invited to a reception honoring the members of the presenting Boards and Councils at 7:45 pm in the Scott Room of Scarsdale Public Library. The meeting program starts at 8 pm. Admission is free and plenty of free parking is available.
The Scarsdale Forum (TVCCEF) is a 105 year old civic club dedicated to improving life in Scarsdale. The Forum informs Scarsdale residents about our Village's governing boards and issues reports and recommendations to them. Everyone is welcome and Scarsdale residents are encouraged to join and participate in the process. To join, or for more information about the Forum, please visit their web site at www.ScarsdaleForum.com, or call our office at 723-2829.
Pre Prom Event at Setsuko at Jean Claude
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On Thursday, May 13 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Setsuko at Jean Claude, 16 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale will host a unique Pre-Prom workshop and Wine Tasting, bringing neighborhood merchants and Scarsdale’s hippest moms and daughters together to help make this year’s Prom season the best ever. Setsuko along with entertaining maven Arlen Gargagliano, jeweler Merle Nathanson, photographer Cathy Pinsky, fashion experts from The Look and Joanne Wallenstein of Scarsdale 10583 will share tips and resources with the grads, while moms enjoy a wine tasting hosted by Dean Moretta of Vintology Wines and Spirits.
Setsuko and her staff will demonstrate hairdos on girls planning to attend the prom and make-up artists will be on hand as well. Graduating seniors will model prom dresses, supplied by The Look as parents sample wine from Vintology and drinks served by Arlen Gargagliano. Merle Nathanson will share a sampling of her vintage and estate jewelry, scarves, handbags and accessories. Cathy Pinsky, a professional photographer from Bedford will be there to photograph the fun.
The community is invited to attend this event that is free and open to the public.
Where: Setsuko at Jean Claude, 16 Palmer Avenue Scarsdale
When: Thursday May 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Great Last-Minute Mothers Day Ideas
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As my mother used to say, “Everyday is kid’s day,” but this Sunday moms are the ones who get taken care of by the one’s they take care of. And, mark my words, woe to the husband who does not put away his golf clubs and pick up something special for his wife on that day.
Breakfast in bed is always a good start (after letting her sleep as late as she wants of course). A homemade plate of pancakes is great, but only if it doesn’t mean a huge mess in the kitchen that she’ll have to clean up later. Play it safe and grab the “Weekend Blitz” at Bagels and More in Hartsdale, which includes a quarter pound of lox, 8 to 12 bagels and flavored or plain cream cheese for $17.99. While you’re in the village, pop down the street to Enrico’s Pastry Shop and pick up some delicious Danish or coffee cake.
While every mom loves to receive a bouquet of flowers, why not check out Trader Joe’s beautiful selection of orchids for as little as $14.99, which will continue to brighten her day for months.
But let’s face it; what no mom can resist is being pampered. Now is the time to book a treatment (or at least buy a gift certificate) for an afternoon of relaxation. Julianne Steiner, who we dubbed the Skin Care Wizard of Scarsdale, has a wonderful array of treatments and arguably does the best facials in town. Her sister, Jessica Steiner, gives such memorable massages that your wife will leave more relaxed than she’s felt in a long, long time.
You also need to check out one of Oasis Day Spa’s ultra-unique and decadent Mother’s Day Spa treatments. Treat your wife to a Vinotherapy Facial or a Sugar Scrub and Pink Clay Wrap, just two of the special Mother’s Day treatments being offered from May 7-9. And, for mothers-to-be, you can’t go wrong with a prenatal massage from one of their experts. Oh, and every treatment kicks off with a complimentary Mimosa, how great is that?
And speaking of Mimosa’s, there’s a reason Mother’s Day Brunch is such a time-honored tradition, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy one of the best brunches in Westchester.
Families can relax on the roof deck at Elements, in White Plains, while enjoying maple french toast layered with bananas, grilled salmon with beurre blanc, or an omelet filled with a variety of super-fresh veggies. Start off with a yogurt, granola and fruit parfait and a Bloody Mary, Mimosa or fresh juice. Only $12.99!
Or, for a more substantial meal, head over to Caffe Azzurri where they are offering a special 3-course prix fixe menu for $25 from 1pm-4pm. In addition to a very satisfied palate, all moms will also walk out with a lovely red rose.
But, the present that every mom will absolutely love the most actually doesn’t cost a thing; a hand-drawn picture from her kids, paired with a simple frame will be a keepsake that she’ll treasure forever.
So dads, with Mother’s Day less than a week away, you’d better get planning, because there’s another saying, “Happy wife, happy life.”
Bagels and More
244 E. Hartsdale Ave.
Hartsdale
(914) 722-4444
Enrico’s Pastry Shop
200 E. Hartsdale Ave.
(914) 723-0340
Trader Joe’s
727 Post Road
Scarsdale
215 N. Central Park Ave.
Hartsdale
Julianne and Jessica Steiner
6 Palmer Ave.
Scarsdale
(914) 874-4453
www.jsskincare.com
Oasis Day Spa
50 Livingstone Ave.
Dobbs Ferry
(914) 409.1900
http://www.oasisdayspanyc.com/oasis_westchester/westchester_spa
Elements Food and Spirits
161 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains
(914) 358-4930
www.elementswhiteplains.com
Caffe Azzurri
20 N. Central Ave.
Hartsdale
(914) 358-5248
www.caffeazzurri.com
Something New and Something Old on Harwood Place
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Signs of life are emerging in downtown Scarsdale. After a long winter with too many empty storefronts, a new eatery is coming to Harwood Place in the space previously occupied by Arcade Stationers. Fans of frozen yogurt will have a new spot to buy a lo-cal treat. Yogo Joy, nonfat frozen yogurt will be opening soon. The Yogo Joy store in Rye features eight flavors of frozen yogurt in self-serve machines. This is genuine yogurt with live active cultures that are said to improve digestion and boost the immune system. You can top your frozen treat with an array of toppings including fresh fruit, nuts, granola, cereal or candy and then bring it to the scale to weigh and pay. Look forward to tasting this soon.
Across the street, the Scarsdale Women’s Exchange is still hopping after 78 years. Founded during the Depression in 1931, the Exchange was originally founded to help women in need by selling their home-cooked foods and handmade items. There are currently similar Exchanges in 18 cities and 11 states.
The Scarsdale Woman’s Exchange stocks handmade items, including knitted and/or crocheted baby sweaters and hats, quilts, dolls, smocked baby dresses, jewelry and countless items that are unique and reasonably priced. In addition, the shop also sells beautiful tableware, gift items, scarves, handbags, and wonderful hostess gifts. Another feature are the homemade delicious and decorative tea sandwiches and baked goods that customers use for entertaining at luncheons, showers and parties.
The Exchange is a not-for-profit shop and when able, makes contributions to charitable organizations, such as Gilda’s Club, My Sister’s Place, Scarsdale Ambulance Corp., Scarsdale and Edgemont scholarship funds. The staff includes manager, Doreen Goldsmith, and several helpful volunteers. Stop by the Woman’s Exchange and see what the shop has to offer – you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Contact Information:
Scarsdale Woman’s Exchange
33 Harwood Court
Scarsdale, NY
Tel: 723-4728 – Fax: 723-3670
