Diana Boggia: Sometimes a parent needs a timeout, too

The last of three parts regarding timeouts.

College Matters: Is graduate school the answer for a bleak job market?

Career counselors everywhere are fielding this question: Should I go to graduate school to wait out the economy and re-enter the job market with stronger credentials?

Dave Ramsey: When is it OK to splurge?

Weekly financial Q&A, with advice on buying “toys,” military investing and financing a small business.

Family Time: Create a kids room that inspires learning and creativity

Weekly family rail, with tips for a creative kids room, a review of “Takers” and more.

Kenneth Knepper: A true sports fan nurtured to existence

Televised football begins this week, which means a couple things: I won’t be getting around to that list of honey-do projects posted on the refrigerator anytime soon, and my cell phone will be someplace other than at my side for the next several weekends.

Mystery in the Pumpkin Patch

Viola Public Library's third Mystery Dinner "Mystery in the Pumpkin Patch" is set for Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Viola Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the meal and play to start at 6:30 p.m. Menu consists of four courses: appetizers (vegetables with ranch dip); fruit medley (chopped pears and peaches); main course (chicken breast with baked potato and green beans); dessert (pumpkin cake). Tickets are available at the library for $7.50 each with a limit of 75 tickets available.

Peter Chianca: Literary theme park hurts like the Dickens

I remember in the ninth grade, when I was reading “Great Expectations” and trying to figure out exactly why Mrs. Haversham had been sitting there in her wedding dress for 20 years, there was one thing I wasn’t thinking — namely, “This would make a great interactive thrill ride!” But what did I know? I also predicted a great future for Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

Shoestring Living: Pulling out the stops for a fun night in

While going out is rarely on the schedule these days, there’s a way to feel like we’re being social and having fun, even when budgets are tight. Stay home. Here are some tips for great times at home on the cheap.

Julie Fay: The definition of cool keeps on changing

Once upon a time, I received an iPod Shuffle as a gift. When I finally set it up a few months later, I was amazed at how easily I could carry around my favorite songs. I was the most technologically advanced (read: coolest) person in the family, and I relished the role.

Elizabeth Davies: Without J.J. Abrams, TV is not worth watching

My name is Elizabeth, and I’m addicted to J.J. Abrams.

Earth-friendly back-to-school supplies

School buses will soon bustle down the streets. Students will be armed with lists of items their teacher want them to purchase for the school year, followed by the frantic dash to various stores to find the paper, pencils and notebooks.

Looking Up: Starlight, stars bright and dim

Starlight. The word describes the glitter of Hollywood, dance halls, playhouses and other entertainment venues. Stars of screen and stage dazzle the hours away as we watch from theater chairs or our living room sofas. Entertainment, however, has little to do with the stars in the sky.

Ask Dog Lady: How do I keep my poodle happy?

Weekly canine Q&A, with advice on neglected dogs and new dogs.

Dave Ramsey: Parents need advice on son who's living at home

Weekly financial Q&A, with advice on son living with parents and keeping college costs in check.

Senior Savvy: Dehydration a risk for the elderly

Q: I am worried that my mother is not drinking enough and will become dehydrated with the summer heat. What are the signs of dehydration?

SUPER Saturday Events for September and October at the Family Museum

Saturdays are super at the Family Museum! Bring the family for loads of fun each and every Saturday when the Family Museum will feature a fun and educational activity or entertainment event designed for families to enjoy together. These activities are included with Family Museum admission or membership and no preregistration is required. Just arrive and join in the fun! Events are scheduled from 10 a.m. – noon and 1–3 p.m..

Family Time: Dogs need a little more love during mosquito season

Weekly family column, with dog-care tips, a review of “Nanny McPhee Returns” and more.

Get organized for busy school schedules

With a new school year in full swing for some and looming for other families, getting things done will be the major goal — whether it’s getting out the door on time in the morning or making sure homework is finished before bedtime. Experts say being organized can help students and their families reach the finish line.

Peter Costa: First day of school

The first day of school for me was always exciting. There were new teachers, new kids and new fears. I discovered, however, that once I located the pencil sharpener, I would be OK.

Shoestring Living: My love-hate relationship with coupons

I love the idea of coupons. They simply allow for money to be saved; a top priority in my book. But try as I might, I can’t get into them into certain aspects of my shopping, like the grocery store, where I hate feeling forced to buy things that I don’t really want just to save 40 or 50 cents.

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