I always feel it is easier to get through tough times when you have something to look forward to. If you love Christmas and always look forward to seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, the good news is that, according to the NY Post, the beloved annual event WILL go on this year.

The iconic tree is going up although it may not look like years past with celebrity performances and the oohs and ahs of hundreds of wide-eyed spectators filling the plaza when the 30,000 lights come on for the first time.

The tradition started in the 1930’s when workers gathered on the Rockefeller Plaza construction site to get their paychecks during the height of the Great Depression. It became a symbol of hope and renewal.

A number of the trees over the years have come from Fairfield County, so it is time to check your back yard to see if you have the perfect tree that will be a beacon of hope during the upcoming Christmas season.

The statues around Rockefeller Center are covered with masks and more than likely, you will be wearing one when you visit the City this winter, but I know you will be smiling underneath. O Christmas Tree.

-Danny Lyons  June 24, 2020

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There was no rhyme or reason for what became hard to find in the supermarkets in the past 3 months. Now, there seems to be a good supply of paper products, flour and even parchment paper. For some reason, I am still finding it difficult to find decaf coffee. The newest thing we’re running low on is pocket change. Some people are still paying with cash, so stores and banks are running low on nickels, dimes, quarters and even pennies. Banks are rationing supplies to retailers and store owners are unable to make change, so they may have to round up the prices. Every penny counts when times are tough.

In the spring, the mint printed fewer coins to protect employees, plus coins sat in cash registers of unopened stores, nightstands, pants pockets, couch cushions, car seats and vacuums.

If you have loose change in a jar, you may consider wrapping them up and cashing them in at your local bank. It adds up quickly and you may be surprised to find that you could fund a night out.

By the way, last year the TSA collected almost a million dollars of unclaimed coins from fliers who left them after going through security and it can use that money on other security operations. So the next time you travel, remember this. A travel writer recently recommended putting those coins in your shoes and you won’t forget them, guaranteed!

– Danny Lyons  June 22, 2020

Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus

If you have visited your doctor or decided to go to your salon or barber recently, you were more than likely asked to call or text when you arrive for your appointment and wait in the car until they call or come for you. Your car is now the new waiting room!  Hopefully, it is in pretty nice shape and if not, now is a great time to buy a new one.

I realize these are difficult times, but if you are able to, it’s a buyers market. You will find unbeatable deals on new cars throughout the summer and used car prices should tumble to their lowest prices in years. There are also lots of rebates and incentives.

So do your research, visit some of our great sponsors and good luck on making the best deal possible.

You may want to leave a few copies of Highlights or 3-year-old copies of People magazine in your car to have something to flip through while waiting and please be sure to tune in to WEBE108. Thanks for listening!

– Danny Lyons  June 19, 2020

Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus