Without a little prep work and routine maintenance, winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. Following a few simple steps can help you avoid frozen pipes, drafty rooms and slippery sidewalks.

Cozying up with a bowl of warm deliciousness is a perfect way to ward off the chill of winter, and it’s made even better when shared with those you love. Turning to favorites like Smoky German Potato, Sausage and Bacon Chili or Tuscan 3 Bean Peasant Soup can transport your family from snow and sleet to warmth and paradise.

Winter is one of the busiest times of year to travel. Whether you travel by train, plane or take a long road trip, it can be overwhelming – especially when you have young children. However, there is no need to worry, as preparing and anticipating possible obstacles along the way can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

It was 100 years ago this month that the fledgling new Albion Chamber of Commerce embarked on a community-wide organizational membership campaign. Discussions about organizing a Chamber of Commerce occurred in November, 1923, and an executive committee was formed on November 19 to recruit members.

Devices that allow you to stay connected to your home from virtually anywhere are all the rage. If you’re looking to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into your home for added convenience, security and peace of mind, you’ll need smart tech with the right features.

As a group, United States military veterans have played an important role in protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed today. However, the sacrifices made by service members can become easy to overlook with the passage of time. Consider these three small gestures to help show appreciation to the veterans in your community as they reacclimate to civilian life following their service.

Among the many enchanting elements of the holiday season, the family traditions and familiar flavors of favorite foods enjoyed year after year bring loved ones together better than perhaps any other occasion. These Jingle Balls provide a perfect kid-friendly project while White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark offers another way for everyone to get in on the fun.

We continue with our theme of “Albion, 100 Years Ago.” December 1, 1923: “Eckford, November 28. On Monday of this week while George Earl of West Eckford was feeding a corn husking machine, he reached in too far and his left hand was caught in the snapping rolls. Before the machine could be stopped the hand and wrist were crushed. He was rushed to Marshall where the arm was amputated.

With “Albion Aglow” coming up this Friday, December 1, I’m reminded that Albion used to have some rather large Christmas parades during the 1950s, when our population burgeoned to nearly 13,000 persons.

Bolstering your immune system during winter, when coughs and colds seem to take control, is a must for the entire family. Supporting your wellness can start in a simple place – with the foods you eat and drink, including wintertime favorites like Orange Juice and Coconut Chickpea Soup and Superfruit Breakfast Smoothie.

The holiday season can be stressful enough before adding travel to the mix. Coordinating ground or air travel and planning accommodations, even if you’re simply staying with loved ones, is often just the beginning and health and safety concerns can fall by the wayside. If you’re among those who plan to travel this holiday season, consider these tips to protect your health and safety.

Safeguarding your family, home and finances from disaster starts long before an extreme weather event occurs. When destructive storms challenge the electric grid’s reliability and cause loss of power for an extended period, many facets of everyday life are disrupted. While no amount of preparation can stop the forces of nature, planning ahead to manage blackouts can have a significant impact on you and your family.