(NAPSI)—When an emergency strikes, firefighters are there to answer the call.In fact,the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to over 35 million calls in 2016.What people may not realize is that the majority of these firefighters are volunteers, donating their time and energy to be there for those in need.
“It really is neighbors helping neighbors,” said Steve Hirsch, volunteer firefighter and chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council. “There is nothing more rewarding than being a volunteer firefighter—we are there for our neighbors when they are having their worst possible day.”
The need for volunteer firefighters is stronger than ever. While the number of calls has tripled in the last 30 years, the number of volunteer firefighters has decreased. This trend has become especially noticeable in the last few years. According to NFPA data, there were 682,600 volunteer firefighters in 2017,down from 814,850 in 2015.
Despite the decline,volunteers play a critical role in the nation’s emergency services, particularly in small and rural communities. Of the nearly 30,000 fire departments in the U.S., 83 percent are either entirely or mostly volunteer. These volunteers respond to nearly every type of emergency—structure fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, vehicle crashes, hazardous materials spills, search and rescue, active shooter threats, and more.
“We need more people to step up and serve so that we can continue to provide critical life saving services in our local communities,” said Hirsch. “The biggest requirement is the desire to help others.The rest can be taught.”
For those who want to help but aren’t able to commit to becoming a firefighter or EMS provider, volunteers are also needed to fill non-operational roles. Community members can join a department’s auxiliary program to provide needed support services such as fire prevention education, disaster planning, fundraising, administration, and much more.
Volunteering with a local fire department takes commitment and dedication, but the benefits are many. Making a difference, saving lives, developing new skills, and being part of a close knit team are all reasons people choose to volunteer.
“I’m a lawyer by trade,but I don’t think about that every day. I think every day about being a volunteer firefighter. It truly is the most impactful way I can serve my community,” said Hirsch.
To find a local fire service volunteer opportunity, visit 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.
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Office: PO Box 340 1471 Route 15 Avon, NY 14414
Phone: 585-226-8111 Fax: 585-226-3390
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President ...........................Steve Harrison
General Manager ...........................Manuel Karam
Use social media to give your recommendations on small businesses that go above and beyond in quality and service.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO HELP RESOLUTIONS STICK THIS YEAR
Set a reasonable time frame. Be realistic when determining how long it will take to achieve your goal. Achieving a difficult goal can take time, so don’t expect overnight success.
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
Penny Saver
Year
PAW’S CORNER
By Sam Marzotta
CAT’S STRANGE LUMP NEEDS A VET’S CARE
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I inherited my aunt’s cat, “Tabitha,” late last year. When Tabbi came to live with me, I noticed that she had six toes, but only on one paw. Her other front paw was normal. I thought that was unusual but not dangerous, or my aunt would have done something about it. However, on our first visit to the veterinarian, when I pointed out the toe as a strange genetic anomaly, the vet got very concerned. e “toe” was actually a lump! Tabbi had surgery to remove it. Fortunately, it was benign, and she recovered completely. Please tell your readers to contact the vet when they notice any strange growth. -- Joe in Portland, Oregon
DEAR JOE: ank you for sharing your story! Cats, dogs and other pets can develop strange growths or lumps during their lifetime. It’s not always easy to determine whether a growth is harmless or needs to be removed. e vet will do a needle biopsy and can o en examine the cells under a micro-scope right in their office, so they can report their findings to you almost immediately. Sometimes, they will send a sample to a veterinary pathologist, who can provide a clearer picture of what’s going on with a lump or mass.
Having new lumps and bumps checked out as soon as possible is important, because the vet can treat them while they’re still small, so your pet suffers less pain and discomfort. If a mass turns out to be cancerous, the faster the treatment happens, the better.
So, just as a change in behavior or energy signals that it’s time to visit the vet, a new lump or bump (or any strange new growth) should be checked out as soon as possible.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
Level: Intermediate
active senior living
Here’s A Tip
BYLINE: By JoAnn Derson
* A chef’s trick to keep cooked spinach green is to make sure the pot is not covered while cooking.
* “When cooking shrimp in a bouillon, put them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before cooking. ey will cook up nice and tender. I have had success with this also when grilling. When putting shrimp on a skewer, I use double skewers, which hold about five shrimp. When I thread the skewers side by side, the shrimp are easier to turn over, and they do not spin on the skewer.” -- R.R. in Florida
* To keep cheese blocks moist and mold free, place in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a piece of napkin dampened with white vinegar in with the cheese.
Hocus Focus
BY HENRY BOLTINOFF
national skating month
National Skating Month is celebrated every year during the month of January. This month-long holiday is packed with fun events to create awareness and spread the love for skating. U.S Figure Skating and Learn to Skate U.S.A prepare a host of entertaining activities and ideas for organizations to implement every year. Join us as we celebrate all things skating this month!
1882
Axel Paulson Makes History
Paulson becomes the first skater to perform a forward-starting jump.
1908
An Olympic Debut Figure skating is introduced to the Olympic Games.
Find an ice skating rink near you and enjoy quality time with friends and family!
“People in suburbia see trees differently than foresters do. They cherish every one. It is useless to speak of the probability that a certain tree will die when the tree is in someone’s backyard .... You are talking about a personal asset, a friend, a monument, not about board feet of lumber.”
- Roger Swain
LAWN & LANDSCAPING
BEAT CABIN FEVER WITH WINTER RENOVATIONS
When the weather outside is frightful, homeowners and renters can turn their interior spaces into something delightful. Residents can banish feelings of cabin fever by using time spent inside to make subtle or even substantial improvements to their living areas.
Individuals may find that winter is a great time to tackle delayed or unfinished projects or to put plans for major renovations in motion. Homeowners may find that they have some extra time on their hands when weather and early evening darkness reduces how much time they can spend outdoors.
One of the easiest ways to transform the look of a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Painting a room or rooms is an inexpensive project that can be completed over the course of a single weekend. Painting in lighter colors can help illuminate dark spaces and make a home feel more vivid and inviting, especially during the winter. And painting need not be reserved for walls only. Homeowners may want to sand and paint furniture to give items a trendy arts-and-crafts feel.
Address drafts and other inefficiencies. Colder temperatures alert homeowners to drafts, leaks and even insect or rodent infiltration. Homeowners can scout out rooms and remedy situations.
Organize the home. Rainy or snowy days are great moments to address organizational issues, such as messy mudrooms or cluttered kitchens. Get a jump-start on spring cleaning before the warm weather arrives.
MASONRY & BASEMENT
back rubs to their mates so they don’t get eaten.
• Site Development • Water Lines • Septic Systems • Driveways • Grading • Basements • Delivery of Gravel, Stone
* Similar to how human babies suck their thumbs for comfort, baby elephants suck on their trunks.
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.
Online POLL
According to the Siena College Research Institute in 2024, 49% of New Yorkers will make a resolution for the New Year, with 83% of those believing they will keep that resolution. Where do you stand – Do you plan to make (or have you made) a New Year’s resolution this year?
* The
STRANGE BUT TRUE By
Fair Housing Enforcement Project Monroe County Legal Assistance Center 1 W. Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Japan, has a highway that passes through the building, between the fifth and seventh floors.
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.
- Yes and I believe I’ll keep it/them - Yes, but I doubt I’ll keep the resolution/s - No, I don’t plan to make any resolutions
Poll ends 01-07-2024
Poll ended 12-30-2024
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?
16.7% Donate money, food, or gifts to local charitable organization/s
8.3% Attend religious or cultural ceremonies
16.7% Binge holiday shows and/or crank holiday music
16.7% Make New Year’s resolutions (whether or not you keep them)
16.7% Combination of the above
25.0% None of the above
We love hearing from you! Vote and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!
Lucie Winborne
Gate Tower Building in Osaka,
KIDS AND SLEEP
TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Why the Government Shouldn’t Limit Sodium Intake
DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in a health journal that large amounts of sodium are unhealthy for one’s diet. The government standard is no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. If one’s health isn’t so good, some doctors say that their sodium intake shouldn’t be more than 1,500 mg per day. Everything you eat or drink counts.
If consuming sodium is so bad for your health, then why aren’t there limitations in the amount of sodium a company can put into their products? Shouldn’t this be controlled by the federal government, similar to alcohol or numerous other chemicals in food and drinks that we find in cans, boxes and packages? For instance, why should diet soda have sodium in it? -- E.R.
ANSWER: It is true that excess sodium has health risks, and I agree with public health officials in recommending that people consume less sodium. High sodium increases blood pressure levels for most people. Even in people without high blood pressure levels, a high-sodium diet slightly increases stroke risk and predisposes them to kidney stones.
However, sodium is an essential nutrient, and although sodium deficiency is unheard of now, there are conditions where a highsodium diet is important. I recently saw a patient who had POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) after COVID, and she needs 8-12 grams of sodium daily to keep her blood pressure up. As a physician, my role is to advise. It’s not for me to dictate public policy, and I worry about the government making regulations about what is a personal choice. Pretzels contain 250-300 mg of sodium in a 1-ounce serving, so a big bag of pretzels might have 5 grams of sodium -- two day’s worth. I’m uncomfortable with the government limiting my ability to buy this, even if it isn’t a good idea for me to consume it all in a day.
On the other hand, I think that the decision made by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015 to ban the use of trans fats was correct. Trans fats are exceedingly unhealthy, and manufacturers quickly switched to heathier options. The decision to ban a substance or limit its use must be made wisely. As far as diet sodas, sodium suppresses the bitter taste that can accompany some artificial sweeteners. A typical diet soda might have 20 mg of sodium (0.02 grams), so those usually aren’t the biggest offenders. On the other hand, a large pizza might have 6-10 grams of sodium.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 73 years old with an extremely large prostate. My PSA reading was over 11 ng/mL. I’ve had negative biopsies, and my new urologist put me on finasteride. He told me that he had great results with it and could cut my cancer risk by 80%. I’ve been taking it for more than six months, and my latest PSA was 4.4 ng/mL. I’m reluctant to keep taking it. What are your thoughts on finasteride? -- H.D.
ANSWER: I agree that finasteride decreases the risk of prostate cancer and death due to prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the data show more of a 25% to 30% decreased risk rather than an 80% risk. If it were 80% successful at stopping prostate cancer, we would be recommending it to all men (in absence of side effects). Still, a decrease in prostate cancer risk is worth considering when it comes to the treatment of symptomatic prostate enlargement. Finally, finasteride reduces PSA levels by about half, which needs to be taken into account when interpreting the PSA level.
School-aged children are busier than ever before, and some may be sacrificing sleep to accommodate their lifestyles. The National Sleep Foundation says school-aged children need between nine and 11 hours of sleep each night to function at a healthy level. Sleep deprivation can be linked to a host of health ailments, including issues affecting the development of the brain. Growing evidence suggests that lack of sleep can cause disturbances in metabolic rates that could affect the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that, for each additional hour of sleep a child gets, the risk of that child becoming overweight or obese decreases by 9 percent. Children who slept the least, according to the research, had a 92 percent higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to children with longer sleep duration. The NSF adds that poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioral problems and cognitive problems that impact kids’ ability to learn in school. To promote good sleep habits in children, parents and other caregivers can establish consistent sleep/ wake routines; ensure children avoid excess caffeine, particularly late in the day; create a cool, dark sleep environment; keep televisions and other media devices out of bedrooms; and help children work through stressors that may impact sleep.
Magic Maze MATES
Wayne County Fair’s “Fair Grounds”
Coffee and “In
My Fair Era” Sweatshirt win International Acclaim
BY SUZIE WELLS
The Wayne County Fair recently garnered international acclaim, securing recognition for its innovative marketing and commemorative projects. Competing in the highly regarded Hall of Honor Communications Contest during the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) 2024 Virtual Awards Show, the Wayne County Fair took home an Award of Excellence for its marketing. Anna Wilson, Membership Development Coordinator of the IAFE, says the contest is quite competitive, with experts judging entries based on creativity, resource use, and innovation.
AmongWayneCountyFair’sstandoutinitiativeswasacollaboration with Imprint Coffee, a Sodus coffee roaster, to create a custom blend aptly named “Fair Grounds.” is initiative not only celebrated the fair’s community roots but also showcased its commitment to innovation and partnership, earning First Place out of 781 entries in the Souvenirs and Commemorative Items category.
Adding to the accolades, Wayne County Fair’s “In My Fair Era” sweatshirt claimed ird Place in the same category. e sweatshirts, designed by Kelsey Hamelton and printed by PB&J Apparel in Palmyra, exemplified the fair’s dedication to collaborating with local businesses to produce high-quality, memorable merchandise.
e fair’s achievements extend beyond the awards themselves. Sarah Hamelton, a board member of the Wayne County Fair and an Ambassador for the IAFE, has been instrumental in driving these successes. Her tireless efforts to improve the fair through inspiration and collaboration have made a significant impact. Having visited eight state fairs and twenty county fairs this year alone, Sarah draws upon a wealth of ideas and best practices from across the country. She emphasizes that sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships are core values within the IAFE community, where fair coordinators encourage one another to adopt and adapt successful initiatives.
Sarah’s role as Ambassador enables her to connect with colleagues nationwide, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas back to Wayne County. One such idea – the “Fair Grounds” coffee blend – came to her a er learning about a similar local beverage collaboration another fair found successful. e result was a product that resonated deeply with the local community while earning international recognition. Reflecting on the partnership, Sarah says that Imprint Coffee, a longstanding presence at the fair, has “the smallest square footage with the greatest impact,” so collaborating with them was a natural step.
While Sarah’s creativity and dedication are pivotal, she is quick to highlight the collaborative spirit that defines the Wayne County Fair. From maintaining the grounds year-round to ensuring safety and security during fair week, the efforts of countless volunteers and local businesses are crucial. “We would be nothing without our supporters and sponsors,” Sarah says, underscoring the importance of these partnerships in sustaining the fair’s legacy and offering the community its well-loved annual tradition.
Superior Propane, where Sarah works in customer service, is one such supporter. As the sole propane provider for the fairgrounds, fueling the food the community loves about the fair, Sarah points out,
the company’s support reflects a strong community connection. Sarah credits her employer’s flexibility and encouragement for enabling her to dedicate significant time and energy to her volunteer work at the fair.
e Wayne County Fair always seeks new opportunities for collaboration. is year, for instance, a partnership with a hot sauce company based in Bloomfield (and whose owner lives in Palmyra and grew up in Wayne County) will showcase another locally cra ed product, and they’re always open to other collaborations. Such initiativeshighlightthefair’sdualmissionofsupportingthecommunity and promoting local businesses.
“As a fair, we’re here to support the community, the kids, and the agriculture of the community,” Sarah explains. She remains steadfast in her vision for growth and change, ensuring the fair remains a vital and vibrant part of Wayne County for generations to come. By combining tradition with innovation, the Wayne County Fair continues to shine as a beacon of community pride and creativity.
waynecountyfair.org
imprintcoffeeroasting.com
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DIFFERENT WAYS TO HELP RESOLUTIONS STICK THIS YEAR
In the heat of the New Year’s Eve countdown, fueled by enthusiasm and possibly a few glasses of champagne, resolutions may roll off of the tongue. But come the morning of January 1, such resolutions may not hold the same appeal.
Between 40 and 45 percent of the American population will make a New Year’s Resolution, according to polling by researchers at the University of Scranton. Research suggests that only about 8 percent of people stick with those resolutions and achieve their goals. The outlook is similar for Canadians, 31 percent of whom setNewYear’sresolutions.Among those that do, three-quarters will break them, according to a poll from Ipsos. A survey of online shoppers who visited the website FreeDeliveryLand.co.uk revealed that the average length of time a person can expect to pursue their New Year’s resolution is around three and a half weeks, or 24 days. Maintaining resolutions can be a resolution in and of itself. Resolutions are made and broken every year. Make this the year you realize your resolution.
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
SMALL HARD-SHELL CAMPER needed by local Boy Scout Troop.
Text/Call 585-455-4363
MOVIE FILM or VIDEO of 2 local rock bands from 1966-1972 named Us & Company and Redhorse. 2musicbands@gmail.com
A COMPUTER CHAIR in Batavia. 585-536-6269
7’ MEDIUM/HEAVY FISHING ROD with 30# fishing line and any extra fishing tackle. 585-645-2618 (no texting)
WOOL BLANKETS for insulation from the ground. 585-500-8839
COMIC BOOKS, any & all, any condition. Will pick up.
Text/Call 585-260-0437
ADULT NUTRITIONAL DRINKS, any brand. Text/Call 585-649-8706
COAT TREE, WINDOW SCREENS, small IGLOO DOGHOUSE, PORTABLE
WHEELCHAIR and WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE RAMP. 585-507-8788
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
METRONOME, either manual or electric. 585-948-5079
‘70s-’90s ROCK RECORDS, CASSETTES, and 8 TRACK TAPES. gzintel1967@gmail.com
Mercury SNOWMOBILE PARTS 1974-76 for restoration project. Call/text 585-733-2026
DOG FOOD, CAT FOOD, CAT LITTER, ADVANTAGE OR FRONTLINE. holdfort@rochester.rr.com
Guidelines:
Submissions published as space allows. We reserve the right to decline/edit/omit info. We assume no responsibility for submissions. Submissions must include phone # or email. Noncommercial use only. 20 word limit. Please call to remove listing once item is taken/received. Submit at www.gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us - Give & Take or call 226-8111 x 111
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BRIGHTER
Carhartt Santa
Courtesy
Thank you to the Carhartt-decked Santa at Aldi yesterday! At least six people in the store received envelopes with a cheery “Merry Christmas” and inside was money! I was one of the lucky customers. It was such a kind gesture. Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Walmart workers
The workers at our local Geneseo Walmart have been so cheerful and helpful throughout this holiday season. Even the ones that are “shoppers” would take the time to check on the location or availability of items. I was there on the 23rd and many were festively dressed – even a green faced Grinch was busy! Thanks to them for making the season a little better for your customers!
Go shopping lately? It’s bad enough with the self-centered drivers, but also those inside the stores. Leaving their cart smack in the middle of a row while they “window shop” a few feet away, then getting mad when someone moves it to pass. Blocking the deli counter waiting to be served. The “joggers” who fly out of a side isle and literally run their carts into others. A family of 5 or 6 blocking the whole aisle, oblivious to people trying to get around them. Don’t forget the two shoppers with carts standing next to each other discussing personal matters. Finally, even though there’s more, you try to be courteous and move off to the side. That draws more attention and they stand there until you move over. They look for whatever, I don’t know, then walk away with nothing. They must believe you’re hiding something standing there. Shoppers need to look further than the tip of their noses.
Life Saving Signs ...
Happy to see some extremely important signs at dangerous intersections that read “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop,” however, there are so many other intersections that need this important message. Should be pretty simple to remedy!
