According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, surveys from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 18 million living military veterans in the United States by the end of 2023. Seventy-two percent of those veterans are age 50 and older, and many served du...

The New York State Partnership Against Drowsy Driving (NYPDD) reminds drivers to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. “Drowsiness and fatigue are contributing factors in thousands of crashes every year on our highways, causing far too many preventable deaths and injuries,” said Mark J.F. Schro...

Halloween may seem like child’s play, but many adults participate in Halloween hijinks. According to the National Retail Federation, $1.7 billion was spent on adult Halloween costumes in 2022 , while $1.2 billion was spent on kids’ costumes. Witches, vampires, ghosts and pirates top the list of popu...

Skilled professional organizers have a unique talent and the expertise to create solutions for cluttered spaces and other overcrowded areas in a home. (more…)

Holiday season parties are particularly festive affairs. (more…)

There are many reasons people gravitate to homemade holiday gifts. (more…)

12 a.m., October 1. Like a flick of the switch, it arrived. We’ll still have some days that feel like summer – but by and large, autumn is here to stay. We find ourselves back on that magical roller coaster that is the holiday gauntlet of Oct. 1 to Jan. 1. This writer loves this time of year – stres...

Candles are not in short supply come the holiday season. During Chanukah, candles are an integral component of celebrating the miracle of oil that burned in the Temple for eight days. Celebrants of Kwanzaa utilize candles to represent the seven principles of the holiday. Christians light candles dur...

Wreaths are popular decorative items that can be customized for any season or occasion. Wreaths are particularly popular during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when adorned with evergreen boughs and berries. Learning how to make a wreath can be a handy skill. Those new to wr...

Going through a stack of photos from the late 1960s, I ran across some hilarious pictures of one of Mom and Dad’s many social gatherings – a tacky party. Usually scheduled for some time in October, it was our church’s answer to the more common Halloween costume party. It was the only time I remember...

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about firewood. If it’s split and dry, it’s good to go, right? Well, maybe not. In recognition of Firewood Month, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is sharing some firewood facts to help you make safe firewood choices to protect your state’s trees and for...

Many occasions call for cake as a centerpiece dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or holiday celebration, having a go-to cake recipe on hand can ensure that guests get a slice of dessert that truly treats their palates. The good news is that homemade cake is easier than you would think to...

Robert Kroeger’s latest book, “ Stone Barns of America ,” is more than just a collection of photographs and facts. It is a testament to the artistry, history and determination etched in the walls of stone barns scattered across the country. Released in 2025, this book, like its predecessors, isn’t j...

Candles are not in short supply come the holiday season. During Chanukah, candles are an integral component of celebrating the miracle of oil that burned in the Temple for eight days. Celebrants of Kwanzaa utilize candles to represent the seven principles of the holiday. Christians light candles dur...

Halloween is an annual celebration that many children and adults look forward to each October. From the mysterious and the macabre to the goofy and gregarious, Halloween speaks to people in many different ways. And with the opportunity to accumulate several pounds of sugary treasure after a few hour...