Some are already getting ready for the holidays, and if you have strings of lights that don't work, you can trade them in at Home Depot for new, energy efficient lights.

Home Depot will give you coupons for three to five dollars off your purchase.

This annual Christmas Light Trade-in event runs until November 14.

CDPHP is urging Capital Region residents to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. According to CDPHP, cases of the bacterial disease have been on the rise in recent years in the Capital Region.

Elizabeth Whalen, MD, MPH, medical director, CDPHP said 60 to 80 percent of people infected with the disease display a rash resembling a bulls eye or solid red patch, from two to six inches in diameter. The rash is usually not painful or itchy and it appears three to 30 days after a tick bite.

“Antibiotics are most effective when administered during this time period. Patients who are treated in this early stage of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely,” said Whalen.

Reducing exposure to ticks is the best prevention against Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several methods to avoid being bitten by a tick.

Local farmers are wanted for the “Tailgate Farmers Markets” at selected travel plazas along the Thruway.

The New York State Thruway Authority is looking for farmers to participate in the markets which open in mid May and continue through Nov. 1, depending on the availability of product.

The markets offer fresh farm produce to drivers on the Thruway and also give farmers the opportunity to sell and promote their products and produce.

Participation in the markets is limited to New York farmers and growers who grow local fresh fruits, vegetables, edible herbs, cider and horticultural products and only produce grown in New York State will be accepted.

Please call the Thruway Authority at 518-436-2831 for more information or click here.