No matter your politics, pretty much everyone will agree that it’s going to be a tighter holiday season this year as costs continue to rise and a lot of the longterm social safety nets are disappearing. Where does that leave us? In many ways, it leaves us to help each other. And that’s just what fol...

The shop local movement is a worthy endeavor. A thriving Main Street can foster a sense of community, encourage entrepreneurs young and old to pursue their dreams and expose residents to a host of new ideas and products. But the benefits of a strong local business sector don’t end there. In fact, co...

Spending time with loved ones increases the chances for fun days and nights. That is why nights out with friends are so popular. Such nights give people opportunities to reconnect and potentially expose them to new and entertaining experiences. Sarah F. O’Brien, LCSW, LCSW-C, CCATP, CTMH, says it’s ...

Though modern Americans might find the notion of a turkey-free Thanksgiving hard to fathom, the idea of eating the now popular fowl did not become synonymous with the holiday until the mid-nineteenth century. According to History.com, President George Washington declared a day of national thanksgivi...

Small business is big business across much of North America. (more…)

There’s much to look forward to come the holiday season. Celebrations with family and friends, awe-inspiring lighting displays and opportunities to see loved ones’ eyes light up after opening the perfect gift are just some of the many things that excite holiday celebrants each December. Foodies also...

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...