I recently came across an idea that stuck with me. Those who work in hospitals and hospice settings sometimes say they can sense when the end is near. In a person’s final hours, it’s not uncommon for them to call out for their mother. Whether or... more

May 5 gets a lot of attention for Cinco de Mayo, and while we celebrate the holiday in our office, it’s also National Cartoonist Day, which I’m finding more fun to write about today. Because … more

Do you remember the song "Double Dutch Bus"? It is ridiculous in the best possible way: part bus ride, part Double Dutch jump rope game, part funk-fueled word salad. The whole thing sounds like … more

I've got advanced arthritis in my right wrist, and I think I know what caused it. The same thing that's responsible for everything else that's wrong with every male of the species: saying immediately after we sprained something, "It's probably... more

I am 97 years old, and I’ve spent most of my life writing things down. Diaries, stories, poetry and long letters to my penpal. But sometime in my early 90s, my hands stopped cooperating. The words in my mind stayed as lively as ever, but gripping... more

“Am I responsible for my parents’ debts?” That's a common question I receive from clients. Unfortunately, the answer is typically, “it depends.” Debts can range from credit card debt, taxes, unpaid medicals bills to liens on real property and... more

On a recent sunny afternoon, I walked around my neighborhood searching for signs of spring. I spotted one bright yellow daffodil plant blooming proudly in a patch of dirt on the side of the road. The six bell-shaped yellow daffodil heads facing... more

Fishkill may be a long way from Brussels, but one recent lunch at Dutchess Biercafe made it feel like we crossed an ocean. Belgium remains one of the world’s most fascinating beer cultures, home to roughly 400 breweries and more than 1,500 beer... more

The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, is, as Jim Nantz of CBS likes to say, “a tradition like no other.” Last week, the day after the Masters, was the first day it touched 80 degrees. I was out walking our dog, Bo, wearing a Masters hat... more

Dear Dr. Linda, Our son, Kevin, was just rejected from three of the six colleges he applied to. He didn’t get into any of his “reach” schools and is devastated. So are we. Four years ago, his older brother applied to the same schools and was... more

I started thinking about some of the places I’ve lived over the years and decided I want to tell you about Quigley. Quigley was my first-ever landlord. It was in college, while I was attending SUNY Oswego. I had transferred there as a junior and,... more

Each year, Earth Day invites us to reflect on our responsibility to protect the planet we call home. But in 2026, that reflection must turn into urgency. The challenges before us — climate change, rising energy costs and threats to public health... more

Dear Editor, I read with interest the articles and letter to the editor regarding the Mahopac School District budget and bond proposals. I attend most work sessions and board meetings and am very aware of the inter-dynamics of the board... more

NY STATE BUDGET WOES CONTINUE I am deeply saddened and find it increasingly alarming that Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to delay setting forth the New York State budget, which will help municipalities, schools, highway departments and ordinary... more

Hear me out. Some songs don’t just sound good. They do something to me. A few notes in, and I can feel a shift. I feel lighter. A little more like myself. I have a handful of songs … more

On June 4, each of our publications will include a special pullout: Celebrating America, marking the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. I’ll admit something candidly. We didn’t arrive at this idea without hesitation. In a moment when... more

Swedish death cleaning has to be one of the worst phrases ever invented. It sounds grim, a little alarming, and definitely not like something you’d casually bring up over coffee. But once you get … more

Trust The Process! - Themes from 2026 NYC Craft Beer Week Kickoff Bash “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." -Maya Angelou This Maya Angelou quote came to mind recently while thinking about the... more

This year is Maid Brigade’s 30th anniversary. Yep, we opened in 1996, when the Macarena was everywhere, Friends was “Must See TV,” and if you wanted a movie, you drove to Blockbuster and … more

Dear Editor, There are 6,465 registered Democrats in Carmel. And for too long they have had no voice in their town or county governments. As the newly elected chair of the Carmel Democratic Committee, I am determined to change that. I have good reason to be optimistic. Last year’s Democratic candidates in Carmel significantly closed the gap on Election Day, coming closer to success than they have in decades. County-wide, Philipstown is solidly blue, while Putnam Valley, Patterson and Kent all elected Democrats in their town governments. Our town committee is growing, as well, and I am joined by a strong leadership team to achieve this goal. more