📜 History: A surprising twist on the origins of the candy cane: The sweet and sticky candy first became associated with Christmas in Germany in the 17th century, though the name, color and flavor were markedly different from contemporary candy canes. Originally, they were called sugar sticks. They were pure white in color, had no peppermint flavor, and weren’t “J” shaped.

🎭 Musical Review: “Gotta Dance!” misses some steps but eventually soars: It must have sounded like a great idea: a musical revue focusing on Broadway dance routines with a few offerings from Hollywood tossed in, all reconstructed with the original choreography. However, “Gotta Dance!” presented by the York Theatre and American Dance Machine at Theatre at St. Jean’s is something of a mixed bag.

🐾 Animals: A sweet-natured Great Dane who was surrendered multiple times has made headlines for giving birth to an incredible litter of 15 puppies. The shelter that took the pregnant pup into its care is determined that her next adoptive home will be her last.

The Magic of Reading Aloud: Husband and wife entrepreneurs Matt and Melissa Hammersley have been helping parents and educators delight in reading aloud to children for more than a decade.

From their innovative app Novel Effect, which was featured on the hit television show “Shark Tank” and enhances the read-aloud experience, to their new book, “Rock Your Read Aloud: Sparking Curiosity and Confidence in Little Readers,” they’re passionate about encouraging parents and educators to read aloud to children. Read more →