Mama was a great saver of all things, useful and otherwise. Growing up as poor sharecroppers, Mama and her siblings had little to call their own. She only received one doll during her childhood, a delicate celluloid beauty she was given at school during a Christmas charity event. She had a hard life...

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are encouraging drivers to be extra cautious about encounters with deer and moose this time of year. The animals are increasingly active during autumn. “Hitting a deer or moose can do great damag...

Halloween dinner has a tricky job. It needs to be fun, ready when everyone is hungry, patient when the costumes take longer than expected and appealing to people who would rather be eating candy. I think I’ve found the answer: monster eyeball turkey meatballs. You can make the meatballs ahead, rehea...

With daylight saving time ending Nov. 1 across most of the U.S., veterinarian Dr. Kelly Hood explains how to prepare dogs and cats for changing mealtimes, earlier wake-ups and darker evening walks. Pet owners hoping to enjoy an extra hour in bed when the clocks fall back may find their dog or cat st...

The Cogar Gallery at Herkimer County Community College will present “Makers of the Mohawk Valley” from Oct. 29 - Dec. 11, celebrating the art and finely crafted objects produced throughout the region. The exhibit will showcase the diverse creativity of makers associated with the Mohawk Valley. Artis...

The cost of goods and services has risen considerably in recent years. Food and fuel costs garner considerable attention, but utilities also are stretching consumers’ budgets. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that electricity costs have increased by approximately 37% si...

Every family usually has a good speller. They’re the ones you can ask to spell any word, and they rattle it off like they’re staring at a dictionary. They’re the people you yell at across the house when you’re wrapping a gift or writing a text or a card, “How do you spell congratulations?” Usually, ...

Dear Paw's Corner: My one-year-old mixed breed rescue dog Shelly barks at every noise and tries to lunge away from me when he sees another dog. He’s skittish around certain people, and can be unpredictable when more than a few people are in the house – sometimes he’s relaxed, sometimes he barks furi...

As rising food prices and increased living costs continue to impact local households, nonprofit food pantries remain a vital resource for individuals and families facing food shortages and affordability in the Amsterdam community. The City of Amsterdam recognizes these organizations for their dedica...

Autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors. Moderate temperatures, ample sunshine and colorful landscapes make it a popular time to hike, kayak, go camping, ride bikes and engage in other outdoor activities. For hiking enthusiasts, nothing beats an autumn day on the trails. Fall weather ...

Some people are born entrepreneurs; others are created by circumstances and need. I suppose my daughters are a bit of both. At an early age they showed the creativity and determination needed to become successful entrepreneurs. Plenty of kids operate lemonade stands and lawn services, but finding a ...

As families across the region prepare to gather around the table, the Rome Rescue Mission is asking the community to help make Thanksgiving possible for local individuals and families facing hunger and hardship. Donations of food and financial support will help the Rome Rescue Mission provide warm, ...

Pizza is among the most popular foods in many areas across the globe. Indeed, few people have likely had a slice of pizza and not wanted to have another at some in the near or distant future. Versatility of ingredients has undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of pizza. People can now enjoy pizz...

The holiday season is a special time of year when families and friends gather to celebrate their faith and enjoy opportunities to spend time together. Many a tradition has come to define the holiday season, and exchanging gifts with loved ones is among the most popular customs come December. Shoppin...

If spring and summer are seasons when homeowners focus their renovation energy on outdoor living spaces, that attention shifts back inside upon the arrival of autumn. People tend to spend much more time indoors than outside come late autumn and throughout winter. The ambiance inside in autumn and wi...