(NAPSI)—The fall and winter seasons bring cooler temperatures,holidays,and images of cozy nights by the fireplace. Yet the change in seasons also comes withthechanceof severeweatherandan increaseinfirerisks.AccordingtotheU.S. Fire Administration, more home fires occur in winter than in any other season.
“Holiday decorations, space heaters, generators, and fireplaces all present fire hazards if not properly used and maintained,” said Steve Hirsch, chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council. “Residents should be aware of the dangers and take the steps to make sure their families and homes are protected.”
Follow these tips to minimize home fire and safety risks:
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test monthly to ensure they work.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them at least once a month.
• Know where the gas, electric, and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.
• Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and living room, and make sure all household members know how to use them.
• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with the entire family.
• Keep portable generators outside and away from the home.
• Install a screen in front of each fireplace or wood stove. Store cooled ashes in a metal container outside the home.
• Have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned every year.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, or other heat source.
• Never leave lit candles unattended, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• If using a live Christmas tree, keep it adequatelywateredandgetridof itafter Christmas or when it gets dry.
Residents can also take an active role in protecting their communities from hazards such as fires, medical emergencies, and much more. Fire departmentsacrossthecountryarelooking for volunteers to serve as firefighters, EMS providers,and auxiliary members.
“The majority of firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers—neighbors helping neighbors in an incredible and rewarding way,” said Hirsch. “We need more people to answer the call to serve.”
Training is provided by the department, and volunteers can serve in a variety of roles, from providing life-saving emergency response services to conducting fire prevention programs and disaster preparedness planning.
Learn more and find a volunteer fire service opportunity by going to www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.
MAKE THE YEAR AHEAD CLUTTER-FREE
Purchase furniture that doubles as storage. Storage ottomans and benches can help clear common areas and bedrooms of clutter such as blankets and bed linens that can make rooms feel more claustrophobic. Storage furniture might not get excess items out of the house, but such furnishings can create a more comfortable, welcoming environment.
4500 Rt. 414 • North Rose, NY
Items Include: 1860s Fancy, Nice Double Door Carved Solid Walnut and Burl with Goddess Bust, Exceptional Vintage Large Solid Onyx Balls and Engraved Brass Full Size Bed Most Unusual, 1830s Pine American Dry Sink With Dov. Drawer, Ex Ford Coin Op. Floor 1900”S Iron And Glass Gumball Machine, 9 Estate Antique Oriental Rug Collection, 5 Sets Of Old Nice Snow Shoes, 1 Child American Indian, Large 19th C. Stenciled Working Estate Wine Press, US Navy Stamped Ship Antique Iron Bell, Nice Brass Rail Road Antique Bell And Other Bells, 4 Arm Brass Art Glass Ribbon Shade 1890s Chandelier, 2 Matching Ant. Iron Ceiling Lights, 3 Leaded Antique Lamps, Plus 20 Other Ant. Lamps, Highly Carved Or. Finish Rockford Carved Side By Side With Fancy Brass Hardware And Key, 2 Brass 19th C. Carriage Clocks [One A Repeater], 2 Oak Stack Bookcases, Cloisonne Butterfly Charger, Seth omas Westminster Chime Moh. Beehive Style Mantel Clock, Antique Grandmothers And Grandfathers Clock And Pocket Watches, Harden Furniture Solid Cherry Unusual Fold Out Bar, Excellent Antique Brass, Copper And Iron Early Kitchenware Collection [Must See], Great Lake Found Large Iron Anchor, Ex Set Of Franciscan Ware, Syracuse China Set, Very Fancy Silver 4 Piece Tea Set Plus Other S. Plate And Sterling, Miniature Bronze Art Nouveau Statue, A Large Amount Of Quality Oil 19th C. Painting To Include American Indian Western Lrg. Ptg., Small Ship O/C Ptg Signed, Exceptional Italian Musketeer Ptg Signed Plus Many Other Prints, Engravings And Early Photos, Slant Front 1830s Desk With Secret Li Top Compartment, 3 Early Oak And Walnut Commodes, Nice 19 . C. Marble Top Table, Ex Stenciled 1890s National Wringer Washer Bench, Tin Eveready Battery Display And Other Adv. Pieces, 2 1800s Wood Bowls And Other Kitchen Items, Heineken Beer Display, Gold 14k Carved Jade Ring And Other Gold Jewelry And Costume, Whites Of Utica Crock, Ant Cut Glass Collection Including Canastota, Old Trunks, Old Tools, 3 19th C. Sets Of Press Back Oak, Mahogany And Carved Chairs, Li Top Pine 1890s Commode, Surgeons O/C Painting, Kin Kosin Set, 2 Childs 1890s Rockers, Lionel Train Buildings, Paper Machete Inkwell Set And Box, 3 1830s Pottery Jello Molds, Chinese Hand Carved Round Table Plus 100s Of Other Estate Quality Items To Be Added Until Auction Time Please go to auctionzip.com #2898 for updates!
STAY SAFE AND WARM DURING WINTER WORKOUTS
Athletes devoted to outdoor workouts do not abandon their routines when winter rears its chilly head. While it can be difficult to embrace the great outdoors when temperatures hover around the freezing point, maintaining your motivation at such times bodes well for your fitness goals the rest of the year. Staying warm is a top priority for athletes who exercise outdoors during the winter months. While there’s no guarantee winter winds won’t test your willpower, there are some ways to stay warm when working out in colder climates.
Magic Maze
Charge
Hoyt
P.O. Box 20, Alton, NY • Sodus, NY • 315-483-1900
PREPARING FOR A NIGHT OUT
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Office: PO Box 340 1471 Route 15 Avon, NY 14414
Phone: 585-226-8111 Fax: 585-226-3390
www.gvpennysaver.com
President ...........................Steve Harrison
General Manager ...........................Manuel Karam
Invite small business owners to community activity centers, nursing homes, schools, and the like to share their experiences about starting a business in the area.
GUIDELINES FOR HOMETOWN EVENTS:
Events should occur on a specific date at a specific time. Due to the increasing number of submissions, we will no longer be able to publish the following items:
• Businesses/schools seeking registration for classes or program
• Organizations seeking crafters or vendor
• Organizations seeking donations of items
Genesee Valley Penny Saver reserves the right to approve/reject events for publication. Events are published as space allows. Event deadline is Monday, 2 weeks prior to publication date
REGISTER AND SUBMIT YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT Log in to your account or register on our website to start submitting your events today! www.gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us’ Events may also be submitted at: 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY 14414
o old and outdated?
o hard to read on smartphones and other mobile devices?
o difficult and costly to update and make changes?
Seeking a Male f a Long-Term Relationship
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TIPS TO HELP REALIZE YOUR GOALS IN THE YEAR AHEAD
Examine your priorities. Achieving goals is easier when their goals can be among your biggest priorities. Examine your priorities to determine if you can fully commit to goals that may require significant time commitments. Men and women who are already stretched thin may need to recalibrate their goals or make changes in other areas of their lives before they can fully commit to pursuing new goals.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE TO THE OVER 50 CROWD: Travel: Men and women over 50 may be able to save substantial amounts of money on travel simply by typing in their birthdays when purchasing tickets or planning trips. For example, men and women over the age of 62 are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.
• 5 large potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1inch pieces (about 7 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup light cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Generous dash ground black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) Campbell’s Turkey Gravy, heated according to package directions
Preparation
1. Heat broth and potatoes in a 3quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes well in colander, reserving broth.
3. Mash potatoes with 1/4 cup reserved broth, cream, butter and black pepper. Add additional reserved broth, if needed, until desired consistency. Serve with gravy.
Makes 6 servings
Prep.Time: 15 minutes
CookTime: 20 minutes
As
Let us Welcome in the New Year 2025 with revived hope knowing that by God’s divine intervention America will be great again by turning our eyes to focus on the Greatness of our Lord & Savior. Making a moral, biblical stand, loving our neighbors & living by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as we would have them do to us.
We at Cornerstone stand ready to serve you & your family in all phases of Real Estate! We look forward to helping you soon!
www.cornerstonerealtyny.com
• Site Development • Water Lines • Septic Systems • Driveways • Grading • Basements • Delivery of Gravel, Stone • Septic Tank Pumping
Electric Lines
Retaining
Fair Housing Statement
All real estate advertised in the Genesee Valley Penny Saver is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Fair Housing Enforcement Project Monroe County Legal Assistance Center 1 W. Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org
To shorten winter, borrow some money due in spring. ~W.J. Vogel
Level: Beginner
CELEBRATE SAFELY THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE
Don’t overindulge in alcohol. For many people, overindulging in alcohol is part and parcel during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Such behavior puts everyone at risk, even people who don’t drive. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, conservative estimates suggest that roughly one-half of sexual assaults on American women involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim or both. While alcohol and its relationship to traffic fatalities draw the bulk of the attention on New Year’s Eve, even people who don’t intend to drive should recognize the dangers of overindulging in alcohol and drink responsibly.
Each mumbered row contains two clues and two answers. e two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
active senior living
Here’s A Tip
BYLINE: By JoAnn Derson
* If you have a stained porcelain sink, try using it to soak your stained garments. e presoak can do double duty on the stained sink and washable alike.
* To make your own breadcrumbs without a chopper or blender, place dry bread pieces in a plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to “roll” them to crumbs.
* “Laundry stain removers can be good to remove stains from concrete drives. For instance, my relatives’ car was leaking, and I was able to get the stains from my pavers using a spray and wash stain remover that I borrowed from the laundry room. It worked very well.” -- S.E. in Arkansas
Hocus Focus
BY HENRY BOLTINOFF
WhenCHARLES E. LOTHROP: ROCHESTER’S CHRISTMAS INNOVATOR
BY KAYLEE DUDA
we think of Christmas traditions in Rochester, we might picture snow-covered streets, sparkling decorations, and festive gatherings. Yet, one of the most iconic elements of the season— twinkling Christmas lights—owes much of its local history to a man named Charles E. Lothrop. His vision not only brightened the holidays but also made them safer and more enchanting for generations to come.
Born in Rochester in 1860, Charles E. Lothrop was a true innovator. An inventor, entrepreneur, and holiday enthusiast, Lothrop played a significant role in modernizing the city through his work as the founder of Rochester’s City Electric Company. At a time when electricity was still a novelty, Lothrop was instrumental in bringing this transformative technology to homes and businesses throughout the region. However, his most beloved legacy lies in his contribution to one of the season’s most cherished traditions: electric Christmas lights.
In the late 19th century, decorating Christmas trees was both beautiful and hazardous. Families adorned their trees with candles, a practice that created a warm glow but came with the constant threat of fire. Lothrop, inspired by the groundbreaking invention of electric string lights by Edward H. Johnson, an associate of omas Edison, saw an opportunity to change this tradition for the better. He envisioned a safer, more dazzling alternative that would revolutionize holiday decorating in Rochester.
In 1889, Lothrop made his vision a reality by organizing Rochester’s first public Christmas tree lighting. He arranged to string electric lights on a towering evergreen in Washington Square Park, creating a breathtaking display unlike anything the city had seen before. e sight of the glowing tree captivated onlookers, drawing crowds from across the area. Families and children marveled at the lights, which seemed to dance like stars against the winter sky.
e success of this event sparked a new holiday tradition in Rochester. Each year, the Washington Square tree lighting became a much-anticipated celebration, bringing the community together in the spirit of the season. But Lothrop didn’t stop at public displays. Recognizing the potential to bring this magic into people’s homes, he began selling electric Christmas light kits. ese kits allowed families to safely illuminate their own trees, replacing candles with strands of glowing bulbs.
At first, electric Christmas lights were considered a luxury item, but Lothrop worked to make them accessible and affordable to more households. By the early 1900s, many Rochester families had adopted this new tradition, and electric Christmas lights quickly became a fixture of holiday celebrations. e once-dangerous practice of using candles on trees gave way to a safer, brighter alternative.
Lothrop’s impact extended beyond the holiday season. His work with City Electric Company helped to modernize Rochester, introducing innovations that would improve daily life for residents. However, it
s his role in spreading the joy of electric Christmas lights that remains his most enduring contribution.
Charles E. Lothrop passed away in 1925, but his legacy continues to shine each holiday season. e twinkling lights that adorn trees, homes, and streets across Rochester are a testament to his vision and ingenuity. His dedication to making the holidays brighter and safer transformed Christmas traditions in ways that still resonate today.
More than a century a er that first illuminated tree in Washington Square Park, the magic of electric Christmas lights continues to bring families and communities together. ey remind us of the power of innovation to enhance even our most cherished traditions. Charles E. Lothrop may not be a household name, but his contribution to Rochester’s Christmas celebrations is a gi that keeps on giving, year a er year.
So, the next time you admire a beautifully lit tree or stroll through a neighborhood glowing with holiday cheer, take a moment to remember the man who helped light up Rochester’s Christmas. rough his work, Lothrop gave the city a safer way to celebrate and a brighter, more beautiful holiday tradition that continues to inspire joy.
Love to write? You could earn CASH when you share your original story, personal experience, community happening or school event with us! It may be featured on our popular website for all to see and even selected for print! Go to My Hometown at www.gvpennysaver.com or email hometown@gvpennysaver.com!
(Top) 19th Century Christmas tree with electric lightsCredit GCV&M (Le ) Early Christmas trees with candlesCredit Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery
Penny Saver
Maizy Mae (Mae)
I rescued Mae off the streets. She was actually my roommate’s original cat (long story). In actuality, she rescued me. I had my wife plus 4 other close friends and family pass away in a 5 month period. I raised 3 litters of her kittens and homed them. I kept one kitten, Layla. Keeping busy with them kept me sane. My main babe.
Send us a photo and a write-up to be featured. Submit online at gvpennysaver.com - Share With Us. Or, mail to: PO Box 340, Avon, NY 14414. Published at discretion of GVPS.
GLOBAL NEW YEAR’S TRADITIONS
In China, where the new year is celebrated on February 5 this year according to the lunar calendar, celebrants paint their doors red or hang red curtains or cutouts on windows to symbolize good luck.
PAW’S CORNER
By Sam Marzotta
Send us a photo! and a brief write-up of your pet and we’ll feature it!
Submit at: gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us or mail to: P.O. Box 340, Avon, NY 14414. Pets will be published at discretion of GVPS.
A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL, LARGE AND SMALL
DEAR READERS: As we prepare for the holiday in this hectic season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time with all of our pets and celebrate togetherness. But the holiday season can also present dangers to your pets, especially if you have a lot of guests over.
Here are some important safety tips:
• Don’t let dogs drink from the Christmas tree’s water pan; it may be contaminated with dirt and debris from the tree trunk or parts of decorations (like tinsel and fake snow) that can harm them.
• In fact, just keep pets away from the tree in general. Cats love to jump up and knock glass ornaments from the branches; dogs may chew on the pine needles or candy canes.
• Scented candles can irritate pets; lit candles on low tables can be knocked over. Keep them away from pets.
• Use sturdy, snap-top lids on garbage cans so pets don’t sneak in to purloin tasty scraps. Some of that food can be harmful to them, like onions, garlic or raisins.
• Put chocolate and sugar-free candies out of reach of pets; both present toxic dangers to them (cocoa and xylitol sweetener).
• During parties and dinners, place your pets in a safe room with water, food and toys. ey’ll be much happier without the noise and bustle, and you won’t have the stress of keeping an eye out for them.
Finally, once the hectic unwrapping of gi s and serving of food is over, make some space and time to relax with your pets. A er all, the holiday season is all about being with loved ones -- and our pets are part of the family group!
A very happy holidays to all my readers, far and wide. ank you for making this world a wonderful place for all our pets, great and small.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
BEST BUYS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Smart shopping involves making budget-friendly purchases. Never paying full price is a mantra shoppers can follow to help keep their finances in check.In addition to coupons and other discounts, shoppers can usually score deals based on which time of year they shop for particular items. Each year, various consumer resources offer advice on the best time to buycertainitems.Thebeginningof the year is often an ideal time to purchase certain items. Consumers who take advantage of sales offered at the start of the new year can save substantial amounts of money. Now that the holiday season has passed, consumers can begin to find deals onitemsforthemselves.
Online POLL
Siena College Research Institute surveys New Yorkers’ holiday favorites, trends, and traditions each year. 89% of New York State residents celebrate Christmas, 13% celebrate Hanukkah, 6% celebrate Kwanzaa, and 81% celebrate New Year’s Eve. Which of the following end of year traditions and intentions will you include in your year-end plans?
- Donate money, food, or gifts to local charitable organization/s
- Volunteer time to help during the holidays
- Attend religious or cultural ceremonies
- Binge holiday shows and/or crank holiday music
- Create holiday ‘magic’ for family and friends
- Make New Year’s resolutions (whether or not you keep them)
- Combination of the above
- None of the above
Poll ends 12-30-2024
Poll ended 12-23-2024
If you think this holiday season feels shorter than normal, you’re not wrong. 2024 has the shortest holiday season, with only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas (compared with 33 days in 2023). What is your favorite way to celebrate the winter holiday season?
6.7% Festive decorations
46.7% Quality time w/family & friends
20.0% Seasonal foods and treats
6.7% Travel / plan travel
20.0% Staying cozy indoors with movies and books
We love hearing from you! Vote and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. MOVIES: What is the name of the snowman in the animated movie “Frozen”?
2. GEOGRAPHY: How many U.S. states does the Mississippi River run through or along?
3. ADVERTISING: Which product uses a cartoon character whose first and middle names are Horatio Magellan?
4. MUSIC: In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” how many “geese a-laying” are given to the narrator’s true love?
5. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of nuts are in a Snickers candy bar?
6. BIOLOGY: What is epimorphic regeneration?
7. TELEVISION: Who starred in the 1980s exercise video series “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”?
8. ANATOMY: How much of the human brain is made up of fat?
9. MEASUREMENTS: How many cups are in a pint?
10. LITERATURE: Which famous author often uses Castle Rock as a setting in his novels?
V unte s NEEDED
• - Crossroads House: Genesee County’s only comfort care home. Please consider lending your time and talents to care for our two residents at end-of-life. Will train! Email: ashleymanuel@ crossroadshouse.com
• - American Red Cross: Doing Good Does You Good - Blood Donor Ambassador. Greet blood donors, help them sign in and monitor their well-being a er they have donated. Allegany, Cayuga, Monroe, Ontario & Wayne Counties. Training provided. 585-690-4021 or RecruitWNY@redcross.org
• - Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept: e Cheshire Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals to be part of our team! Join the busiest volunteer fire department in Ontario County. Firefighters, EMTs, Boat Operators, Cold/Ice Water and Rope Rescue Techs plus support personnel needed. Training available. Email: CVFDTreasurer@CheshireVFD.com- Rush Recreation and Park Association: Help us plant and care for 50 acres of Native Trees, Bushes, Perennials on formerly farmed land as a demonstration of the beauty and utility of native plants in providing food and habitat for reduced numbers of birds and pollinators. Email: jchaize@ rochester.rr.com
• - Patrick Place-A Comfort Care Home: Patrick Place-A Comfort Care Home in Scottsville is looking for additional volunteers, Resident Care and other opportunities. No experience necessary, all training provided. Go to https://patrickplace.org/volunteer for info and application.
• - Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters: Volunteer drivers will drive Webster School District Residents, seniors and disabled, to their medical, dental, physical therapy, health related appointments anywhere in Monroe County. A great Webster service for those who are no longer able to drive themselves. Email websterwasp@gmail.com.
• - Serenity House of Victor: We are a two-bed comfort care home needing caregiver, grounds, or fundraising volunteers. Free 2 hour weekly training Mondays, Wednesdays OR ursdays beginning 11/4. Share your most valuable gi - yourself! Come join our team. Email serenityhousevictor@gmail.com or call 585-729-7617.
• - Teresa House: Could you spare 4 hours twice a month? Teresa House, Livingston County’s only comfort care home, invites you to join our compassionate end-of-life care team. No experience necessary—hands-on training provided. Email nurse@teresahouse. org or visit teresahouse.org/volunteer to apply today!
• - Friends of the Red Jacket Community Center: RJCC is looking for volunteers to help plan, advertise and staff community events. Social media, grant searching/writing, and volunteers for our October Punkin Chunkin event especially desired. Make a difference today! Email: FriendsOfRJCC@gmail.com
2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Speak with business owners about your experience as a customer,sharing insight about both good and bad experiences.
• - Light Hill: A caring heart is all you need! Join our family in caring for those at a profound and beautiful time in life. Flexible shi s. Training & support provided. Email: marie@lighthillhome.org
• - Livonia Volunteer Fire Department: Come join us in helping our community and its citizens in what may be the worst day of their life during a fire, accident or many other emergencies. Contact Dave Peck at 585-519-2360 for more info.
Charitable Organizations and Nonprofits can submit requests at gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us.’ Published online and in print of the last week of the month as space permits. See more volunteer opportunities at gvpennysaver.com.
Richard Simmons.
Two.
Stephen King.
BeHeard!
SHARE YOUR “ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE”NEWS OR VENT YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE COMMUNITY www.gvpennysaver.com/brightervent
Wanttoreply? Goonlinetosee all&comment! 2
BRIGHTER
Caledonia Holidays
Visit your parents
A little shout out to the town of Caledonia for their beautiful light poles with giant snowflakes at the top; they are beautiful and make me smile every time I drive through! Along with that; the house in Caledonia with the giant tree lit up in the back yard is stunning. A great way to feel the spirit!
Walmart - Batavia, thank you for returning my
wallet
Wake up, children of today. It's a really depressing time of year for us senior citizens. We are getting older. Sicknesses come, and so does bad weather. Do you care? You used to come visit on a weekly basis or call twice a week. Why don't you come see us now? You say "it's too far to drive, it's over an hour and a half away,” but you can travel to the mountains or go on a holiday cruise. As seniors, we see this as you don't care any more about Mom and Dad. Some day, you will care, but will that be too late? What's wrong with the world today? Remember, we are your family. Wake up - God Bless You - Senior Citizens, Your Parents
Driving Is Not A Game
On Friday, December 13th, my wallet was lost at Walmart in Batavia, or I possibly left it at the cashier. When I got home, I realized it was not in my purse and panicked. My husband and I drove back to the store, and someone had turned it into the customer service counter. I asked if they knew who turned it in, but they did not know. I want whoever did this to know, I am sincerely grateful. I have had a very tough year. You have no idea how grateful I am to whoever did this and I wish I could thank you personally.
Unfortunately, today it seems many drivers look at driving as a game - swerving, jumping lights, going through stop signs - with no regard to the ramifications if someone is in their way. Vehicles are not toys. Recently I was rear-ended at a busy intersection going into work. I was told that the foot slipped off the brake. Luckily, I wasn't physically hurt. My family has had some very challenging times the past few months and things were finally getting better. The car I was driving is brand new - Less than 2 months before, our previous car had been totaled by a driver who left the scene. To be told by the driver that hit me the other morning that insurance is for when you make mistakes doesn't cut it. As my parents taught me, when you get into a car you are responsible for your life and other people's lives. Think about it.
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STATISTICS SHOW JUST HOW BIG SMALL BUSINESS IS Small businesses benefit one another, as a 2017 report from the Canadian firm FreshBooks found that 66 percent of small businesses outsource services to other small businesses.
Looking For Something Specific?
Resolve to read more and reap the benefits
It may be tempting to curl up on the couch and turn on the television to unwind, but research indicates that reading is one of the best workouts for the brain. The World Health Organization says that doctors diagnose nearly 10 million new cases of dementia each year. With so many people understandably concerned about any and all cognitive issues related to aging, the search is continually on to find ways to strengthen the mind’s muscle. It may be as simple as picking up a book.
People make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives, and reading more can be a great way to do just that. According to the online health and wellness resource The Healthy (www.thehealthy. com), reading has been associated with language reception in the left temporal cortex of the brain. When this part of the brain processes written material, neurons begin working hard to transmit information. Research conducted by Stanford University indicated that MRI scans of people who are deep into a Jane Austen novel showed an increase in blood flowing to areas of the brain that control both cognitive and executive function.
When the brain is working efficiently, it may be less prone to some of the issues that can cause a decline in memory and brain function. Research published in the journal Neurology found frequent brain exercise through reading lowered mental decline by 32 percent.
Picking up a good book also can help a person gain knowledge of new cultures, ideas and history and even improve vocabulary. Picking up a newspaper or magazine, joining a book club or reading with children are just a few of the many ways to improve the mind through reading. View all of our classified
Of course, the benefits of reading extend beyond the physical. Literary fiction can help people be more empathetic. Getting lost in a book and the characters’ stories makes others more relatable. Reading has the potential to help a person understand what people are thinking, offers research published in the journal Science.
and
Fine Homebuilding MAGAZINES, 1981-2004 and 2012-2023. Very few missing issues. Pick up, Mendon. Text 585-613-1908
Queen size Jamestown BOX SPRING. Almost new. In two sections for easy handling. Henrietta. 585-334-3267
Three 2-drawer STEEL FILE CABINETS. Pick up, Penfield. 585-264-1068
LITTLE TYKES SCHOOL DESK. Pick up, Bergen. 716-474-2884
KING SIZE BED FRAME. Pick up, Geneseo. 585-991-8255
ELVIS COMMEMORATIVES: 11 TV Guide commemoratives, 3 Elvis Special Edition booklets, 1 Newsweek 8/97, 1 Life 1987, 1 Tape. Phelps. kelleykevin612@gmail.com
Two complete TWIN BEDS with frames, mattresses, box springs, mattress pads, blankets. Hemlock. elsiecostanzo@gmail.com
One wood and one plastic used but steam-sanitized standard ROUND TOILET SEATS. No issues, hardware included. Conesus. Text/ Call 607-542-9113
50 various RECORDS, box of cassettes, some 8 tracks. Must take all. Fairport. cszilagyi1@rochester.rr.com
Life Fitness ELLIPTICAL - works great. You move: heavy, need truck and friends. Also, basic HOME BREWING EQUIPMENT, carboys, bottles, brushes, etc. Canandaigua. 585-469-4539
GE GAS OVEN with four burner stovetop (c. 2003). Everything works except the broiler button. Pickup in Penfield. corcaigh111@gmail.com
54” x 78” FOAM MATTRESS TOPPER, 3” thick. Great for camping. Phelps. 315-548-8685
MERCURY SABLE WAGON in working condition, around the year 2003. 585-500-2588
Stories! 4-H Camp Bristol Hills is looking for your OLD CAMP TALES for the Camp Centennial. Pre-1980 preferred. Jah249@cornell.edu
GHILLIE SUIT and CAMOUFLAGE NETTING, anything to hide in the woods. scoutmasterdavid@yahoo.com
Sturdy OAK DINING ROOM TABLE and an ELECTRIC STOVE w/oven in good working condition. 585-381-6546
OLD ELECTRONICS, tube testers, tube radios, tube stereos, anything tube. OLD RADIOS, transistor radios, microphones, test equipment, speakers, and amplifiers. greg3151@ymail.com
MINI FRIDGE in working condition and ADULT NUTRITION DRINKS, any brand. Call/text 585-649-8706
METRONOME, either manual or electric. 585-948-5079
COAT TREE, small to medium DOG CRATE, small PET CARRIERS, and an APARTMENT SIZE REFRIGERATOR. 585-507-8788
‘70s-’90s ROCK RECORDS, CASSETTES, and 8 TRACK TAPES. gzintel1967@gmail.com
Mercury SNOWMOBILE PARTS 1974-76 for restoration project. Call or text 585-733-2026
DOG FOOD, CAT FOOD, CAT LITTER, ADVANTAGE OR FRONTLINE. holdfort@rochester.rr.com
Any WEBER GRILLS. Call or Text Matt 315-576-1278
Cooperstown Dreams Field TRADING PINS. salvatore.d.timpani@gmail.com
OLD BOY SCOUT & GIRL SCOUT items. bartonta@gmail.com
FOOD DEHYDRATOR for meat, veggies, etc. 585-697-4489
Small HARD SHELL CAMPER. Registration not required. Call or text 585-455-4363
ATARI 2600 with games, BUFFALO BILLS BLANKET and a PORTABLE DVD PLAYER. 585-415-8513
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TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Eighty-Year-Old Man Considers Having a Child With His Partner
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a reasonably healthy 80-year-old man who is fortunate enough to have a partner of child-bearing age. She would like to bear us a child, but I am concerned about any potential problems with my old genes and any birth defects that might be caused by them. Please help us decide. -- R.B.
ANSWER: This is a question I usually hear from my patients when they are in their 60s or 70s. Eighty is quite old to be considering fathering a child. The first issue is that men get less fertile as we age. Older men are less likely to get their partners pregnant, and this difference is apparent by the age of 35. There are not good data for potential fathers in their 80s.
If you and your partner do have a successful pregnancy, there is an increased risk of deleterious genetic conditions and birth defects that are more likely in children who have older fathers. Down syndrome, which is normally associated with an advanced maternal age, is also more common among the offspring of older fathers.
Some heart conditions are more common. Epilepsy and schizophrenia are more common as well, as are autism spectrum disorders. Some cancer rates are increased. Babies are more likely to have a low birth weight, be born premature, and require the neonatal ICU.
However, the magnitude of the effect is modest. On average, 1 in 50 pregnancies with a father under the age of 30 will have one of the common health conditions that are studied in couples. With children who have a father over 50, the rate is 1 in 38. Even though the odds are that you would have a healthy child, the likelihood of a significant health issue for a man over 80 will be substantially more concerning. There just aren’t data for men as old as you are that can give us a reliable estimate.
Another issue to consider is whether you will be around to see your child grow up and be there as a father. The average 80-year-old man has a life expectancy of just under eight years. If you are substantially healthier than average, or if your parents lived for a very long time, this number could be better. But the average 80-year-old (assuming your partner has the child while you are still 80) is not likely to see their child reach their 10th birthday. The early death of a father has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of a child.
I conclude that there are significant risks in bringing a child into the world at your age.
DR. ROACH WRITES: I got my first dose of Shingrix in 2022 and forgot to get the second. Do I need to get two more doses now or just one? -- L.B.S.
ANSWER: According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the vaccine series does not need to be restarted, and you can just take the second dose.
However, this type of delayed administration hasn’t been thoroughly tested. I’ve had patients come back several years after the first dose and elect to redo the whole series just to be sure.
New Year’s Day is rife with tradition. Perhaps no such tradition is more exciting for fans of college football than the handful of New Year’s Day bowl games featuring some of the sport’s best teams. New Year’s Day bowl games can trace their origins back to the 19th century. According to History.com, on January 1, 1890, members of the Valley Hunt Club in Southern California paraded through the streets of Pasadena, California, engaging in various contests, including tug-of-war. While no collegians competed on the gridiron that day, the parade served as a precursor to the Tournament of Roses Parade, which immediately proceeded athletic contests that included polo matches and greasedpig catching. In 1901, the president of the parade, seeking to gain publicity for the town of Pasadena and its floral festival, sought to stage a sporting event that might attract more interest than pig-catching and polo. Festival organizers ultimately chose college football, deciding to initiate a matchup between a team representing the western United States and the eastern United States. On January 1, 1902, the football teams from the University of Michigan and Stanford University battled in the inaugural East-West football game. Michigan, which had not allowed a point all season long, steamrolled its way to a 49-0 victory. In fact, the game’s lack of competitiveness temporarily nixed plans for an annual New Year’s Day game, which was not played again until 1916, when Washington State University defeated Brown University 140. Interest in the game continued to grow from there on out, and in 1923, the game was moved to a large stadium known as the Rose Bowl. The game itself soon adopted the name of that stadium, and it retains that name today. Thanks to fan interest in the New Year’s Day game, other New Year’s bowl games soon followed, and continue to entertain college football fans every January 1.
Puzzle Answers This Week
WORDS FOUND IN
YEAR’S EVE”
STRANGE BUT TRUE By Lucie Winborne
* Until 1953, New York City had a pneumatic tube mail network that spanned 27 miles and connected 23 post offices. At its peak, the system moved 95,000 letters a day at speeds of 30-35 mph.
