For more than a decade, The Herald and heraldonline.com have given readers a chance to recognize their favorites around town with the annual Buzzies Readers' Choice Awards.

Kids and adults can enjoy a full day and night of Halloween fun this weekend during several area celebrations packed with pumpkins, treats, hayrides and other festivities.

A major change in the appraisal profession took effect earlier this year — the establishment of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct became the law for virtually all residential mortgage appraisal work.

Sardines, herrings and anchovies are very much “in season” for chefs across the country looking to make a savory and sustainable statement with fish.

Several times over the years, I've mentioned a plant I absolutely adore that popped up in a flowerbed soon after we moved here and has put smiles on my face every year since. My mystery plant, I call it.

I don't understand why we rarely use pumpkin as an ingredient.

October brings an array of fruits and nuts to market, particularly fresh apples.

MODESTO, Calif. Joe Mullinax kept watch last week over olives about to change color on his farm near Turlock, Calif.

MODESTO, Calif. Even though I keep my patio door and windows closed, flies get into the house at this time of year. They sit on the sunny southwest window and then die. It is quite unpleasant. How do they get in and what can I do about it?

Q: Each year we try to think of healthful treats to hand out during Halloween. I think we're pretty much stuck; what's something new that parents will actually allow their kids to eat, since it'd be homemade? Are there any new, healthy treat ideas?