BROWSING:  Afterthought

As families start their back-to-school shopping, it’s time to think about what healthy snacks, drinks and lunches you plan to send to school with your child. Top government officials are finally directing manufacturers to remove hazardous ingredients from foods, including harmful dyes that make food marketed especially for children more colorful. Fortunately, many companies have

Every summer, without fail, it begins: the highly unpublicized, fiercely uncompetitive and proudly unproductive event known as The Lawn Chair Olympics. There are no medals, no opening ceremony, no sponsors – unless you count store-brand lemonade and whatever sunscreen bottle you found in last year’s beach bag. But the dedication is real. Every seasoned participant

Ah, June … the official start of summer – a time when the air is thick with the scent of charcoal, fresh-cut grass and perhaps a hint of overly enthusiastic lawn fertilizer. Father’s Day and graduation season collide in a flurry of gift bags, paper plates,and meat that may or may not be fully cooked.

The flags still wave, though the crowd has gone home. In the quiet of the day after Memorial Day, life in Fenton slows again – the charcoal’s gone cold, the folding chairs are packed up, and the echo of drums from yesterday’s parade has faded into memory. It was a special Monday. Kids chased candy

Every April, stargazers and space enthusiasts worldwide unite for Global Astronomy Month, a celestial celebration organized by Astronomers Without Borders. First launched in 2009 during the International Year of Astronomy, the month-long event encourages everyone to pause, look up and rediscover the wonders of the night sky. Why Look Up? In today’s fast-paced, light-polluted world,

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of shamrocks, leprechauns and lively celebrations probably come to mind. But no celebration of Irish heritage would be complete without the mesmerizing spectacle of Irish step dancing. From the rapid-fire footwork to the stiff upper bodies, this traditional dance form has captivated audiences for centuries. Dating back

Valentine’s Day – a day traditionally dedicated to grand romantic gestures, candlelit dinners and heartfelt cards. But for many, it’s also an opportunity to flip the script and focus on an often-overlooked kind of love: self-love. Un-Valentine’s Day, as it’s affectionately called, is a growing trend that celebrates individuality and prioritizing oneself. It’s not about

What’s better than a warm slice of pie? Having a whole day dedicated to it! Every January 23, pie lovers unite to celebrate the unofficial holiday that’s as sweet (or savory!) as the dessert itself. This delicious day was cooked up in 1975 by Boulder, CO teacher and self-proclaimed pie enthusiast Charlie Papazian, who declared

Blending history, folklore and holiday cheer, nutcrackers capture the magic of the Christmas season like no other. People love to feature these cherished holiday icons as part of their festive decor – this writer included! Often seen as guardians, nutcrackers inspire confidence in their duty to ward off negativity and bring joy. The tradition began

The day after Thanksgiving is about more than delicious leftover turkey sandwiches – it’s synonymous with the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday. The tradition has become a staple in American culture, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. But how did it all begin, and why do people brave early mornings, long

October is a special time for pet lovers – who doesn’t love dressing up their fur baby in a cute Halloween costume and posting pics on social media? However, there’s more to this month than spooky celebrations. Since 1981, October has been designated as National Animal Safety and Protection Month, an observance aimed at raising

This month, “Star Trek” fans across the globe will celebrate the groundbreaking legacy of the iconic TV series that boldly went where no show had gone before. On September 8, 1966, a new and daring show called “Star Trek” made its debut on American screens. Created by the visionary Gene Roddenberry, the show was set