(StatePoint) You may remember your parents telling you to turn off the television and go outside or read a book. But these days, it’s harder than ever to separate kids from media devices, especially as their options become more mobile.

(BPT) - Hooray for a holiday. You’ve got the day off, you’ve sent out the backyard barbecue invite and all your nearest and dearest are coming over to eat, drink and be merry.

1. ZinFest Wine Festival at Lodi Lake

Leadership Lodi’s Education Day was definitely a learning experience for the Class of 2013, providing hope for the future of education in our city.

(StatePoint) With summer travel season upon us, families across the country are taking to the open road for family road trips. But while the destination always leads to excitement, oftentimes the long car ride can be a drag.

The 2013 Galt Strawberry Festival gates open for the 18th year of the festival this weekend, May 18 and 19 at 10 a.m. The festival is located at the Galt Market grounds on Caroline Avenue. Tickets are only $5 per day/per person, and parking is free. Check out the Strawberry Festival insert in today’s paper for a full run of events and entertainment coverage.

(NAPSI)—Staying safe at home can be simpler for you and your family if you heed a few hints from personal security expert Robert Siciliano, CEO of ID Theft Security, and private investigator Robin Martinelli, of Martinelli Investigations Inc.

The Galt Strawberry Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with a classic car show at the Galt Market grounds off C Street.

John and Rosalie Atwood of Lodi celebrated 50 years of marriage in September 2012. They were married on Sept. 23, 1962.

(BPT) - Builders are back in business, and new-home construction is up in areas across the country. So is remodeling, as plenty of Americans choose to stay put and upgrade their current homes rather than tackle the challenge of buying and moving into something new.

(StatePoint) For families, summertime is all about active fun -- from vacations to ballgames, and fireworks to poolside picnics. But being on-the-go can mean lots of downtime in transit and waiting for activities to start.

While they’d never admit it, some people are procrastinators when it comes to Mother’s Day. Busy schedules, meetings and plain forgetfulness are all routine — and rarely credible excuses.

1. ‘Julia Child says, “Bon Appetit”!’

(NAPSI)--Many people might get and keep their hands on more money if they had a better grasp of finances. Consider these statistics from Indiana State University:

(NAPSI)—After the ring is unveiled and the word “yes” is uttered, the flurry of planning a wedding commences. While the dress, the flowers and catering are important, the experience you create for you and your guests will be what stays with them—and you—for years to come. A destination that can offer a variety of attractions and activities to entertain and excite any guest, from grandparents to toddlers, will ensure happy wedding-goers and a celebration that continues before and after the nuptials.

(StatePoint) Is updating your flooring on your home improvement to-do list this season? From color to style to performance, there’s a lot to consider. Learn how to find flooring that fits your lifestyle and reflects your family’s personality.

(StatePoint) In addition to filling practical needs, home improvement projects often can increase the value of a home with minimal investment. Some projects add more value than others, however.

(BPT) - Winter lingered far too long this year. It was cold, it was blustery, and many of us were left wondering if it would ever end. Now summer is here - and it’s time to get outdoors.

(BPT) - Families are always looking for ways to cut household costs. One area that provides a bit of budget-cutting flexibility is home entertainment costs.

(BPT) - Warm weather brings everyone outdoors - grilling on the deck, playing on the lawn and savoring beautiful gardens. To create these beautiful outdoor spaces, the experts at Lowe’s offer four easy, affordable projects you can do yourself. Follow these tips to make sure your outdoor spaces are in tip-top shape by summer’s end.

(BPT) - It’s a widely known “secret” that family vacations aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Traveling can be a costly hassle with too many negatives that overshadow the fun. That's why a growing number of Americans are rediscovering the fun that can be had at home, and taking steps to make their backyards as inviting and enjoyable as any far-off vacation destination.