As National Bicycle Safety Month in May kicks the riding season into gear, the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is reminding riders and drivers that everyone shares the responsibility of sharing the road safely. Remember, bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable roadway users. Pr...

Reduce Your Lawn Day returns on May 20 – a national invitation to rethink our outdoor spaces and reimagine them as thriving habitats. Whether you’re planting a small pollinator bed or rallying your block to convert a shared green space, this movement makes sustainable gardening feel accessible and h...

I have a lifelong aversion to ironing. It started when I was about 3. Mama killed my imaginary friend “Cowboy” with an iron. He was sitting on the ironing board minding his own business when she picked up the hot iron and set it right on top of him. Thank goodness he didn’t suffer, but it took Mama ...

Seasoned grillers are likely familiar with food safety protocols regarding safe temperatures and cross contamination. As barbecue season heats up ahead of Memorial Day, consider incorporating grill cleaning and maintenance methods into those standard safety practices. A dirty grill can affect food f...

Birds are beautiful creatures that can make a lawn and garden feel even more serene. Providing snacks to supplement what birds naturally find in the wild guarantees up close and personal interactions with the scores of species that call neighborhoods home. Bird feeders are particularly important in ...

Pets owners go to great lengths to ensure their animal companions are happy and healthy. Nutritious diets and routine visits to a veterinarian are two ways to keep pets healthy. Pet owners also can educate themselves about various conditions that can adversely affect their pets’ health, including he...

Warm weather, blue skies and time spent outdoors are hallmarks of spring. Springtime is a season of rebirth and renewal. That’s evidenced by budding trees and the return of frolicking animals. Spring also can be a time to refresh meal-making. Now is the time to trade in those hearty, filling dishes ...

Here’s some no-nonsense advice from a pro. When it comes to hiring a paving contractor, retired industry veteran Ricky Villamaino has a wealth of insight to share. As the former president of Villamaino Paving Company in East Longmeadow, MA, Ricky spent decades in the business helping homeowners turn...

If thou tastest a crust of bread, thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens . – Robert Browning There’s few who would disagree with those lines from the poet Browning; we’re not talking about mass-produced white sandwich bread, but the golden brown, crusty goodness of a fresh loaf of homemade s...

The Preservation League of New York State is thrilled to share that the Glen Conservancy is one of six organizations receiving funding from its Preservation Opportunity Fund. The Glen Conservancy was awarded $15,000 toward the restoration of their historic windows. The Glen Conservancy President Ron...

Most families have Easter traditions they enjoy and hope to pass along to the next generation. Growing up, getting a new Easter outfit was a biggie. You didn’t want to show up in your regular church clothes for Resurrection Sunday. Mama always made sure us girls had a new dresses and shoes – maybe a...

As much as we might wish that May lilacs or June peonies would last forever in our gardens, they’re fleeting pleasures. One of the best ways to preserve those wonderful moments and revisit them in the future is by photographing your garden. If you don’t take pictures because you’ve been disappointed...

Bathroom renovations are significant undertakings that cost homeowners sizable amounts of money. According to Remodeling magazine’s “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel across the U.S. in 2024 was around $25,000. Homeowners who want an upscale remodel can ex...

New growth is a hallmark of spring, whether it plays out in the birth of birds and bunnies or with the returned buds on trees and plant stalks. While most greenery rebounds naturally, lawns may need a little extra TLC in order to return to their once lush, green glory. Revitalizing a lawn in spring ...

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in many meals that are just as delicious in a garden salad as they are stewed and simmered in a favorite sauce. Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which can reduce one’s risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes also are a great source of vi...