Passages

St. George - Forsythe Funeral Home and M uments

109 West Naples St. • Wayland, NY 14572 (585) 728-2100

(NAPSI)—There are about 74 million children in America today and if you’re a parent, here’s something you should know: involved fathers— whether they live with their kids or not—can help their children lead happier, healthier and more successful lives. Children who feel close to their fathers are two times more likely to go to college or fi nd a job after high school, 80 percent less likely to end up in jail and 50 percent less likely to experience depression.1 The small moments kids enjoy spending with their fathers can make a big difference in their lives. If you’re like most fathers, you’re already doing what you can to be a great dad. Here’s a look at fi ve easy ways to keep it up.

What You Can Do 1. Spend time with your children. 2. Be a positive role model. 3. Send a text to stay connected when far away. 4. Read to your children. 5. Remember #DadJokesRule! There has been a massive growth in fatherhood involvement over decades—fathers now spend nearly triple the amount of time with their children than fathers did in the 1960s.2

What Dads are Already Doing Recent research suggests fathers are already very involved: • 90 percent consider their role as a dad to be rewarding day in and day out.3 • 78 percent have talked to their child’s teacher about progress in school.4 • 61 percent have attended a PTA or other school meeting.5 • Over half have helped with a class trip, special project or activity.6 • Over a third of fathers have helped with coaching their children’s sports teams.7 Even though fathers are largely more involved than in previous generations, dads today still want to be more engaged. Nearly half say they don’t spend enough time with their kids and want to do a better job at parenting.8 To help more fathers understand the importance of their role in their children’s lives, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (@fatherhoodgov), and the Ad Council (@ adcouncil) have partnered on a national Responsible Fatherhood Campaign. “All dads should be supported and celebrated for their efforts on Father’s Day and year-round because we know how the story ends for the kids whose fathers show up for them consistently—these children and families thrive,” says Kenneth Braswell (@braswellkenneth), Director, National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Fathers Incorporated. The campaign drives to Fatherhood.gov a free resource that offers information, tools and more. Dads can visit the website for ideas to get involved and stay involved in their children’s lives. Other resources include activity suggestions, homework help, online games and a long list of dad jokes! No matter how busy you may be, make time for your children. It only takes a moment to make a moment. Learn More: For helpful tips, tools, information, jokes and resources, visit www.fatherhood.gov.

Roger E. Hobbs “Hobby” December 18, 2020 Dansville/Hilton: At age 83, Roger E. Hobbs passed on December 18, 2020 at his home. He was born on February 9, 1937 in Albion, NY to the late Everette and Freida (Hollenbeck) Hobbs. He was also predeceased by his son, Gary Hobbs, brother, Donald Hobbs, and sister, Susan Bennett. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean (Miller) Hobbs and children, Donna (Donald) Smith of Gates and Gregory Hobbs of Avon; grandchildren, Stephanie (Christopher) Carter, Jennifer (Robert) Roser, and Patrick Hobbs; greatgrandchildren, Isabella, Landon, Carson, and Hudson. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Roger and Jean were married on May 21, 1960 and were married for over 60 years. He served in the Army National Guard and also worked and retired from Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, NY. Roger was a lifetime member of the Walker Fire Department and Exempt Member. He was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, shing, baseball and golf.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 9th, 2021 at 1pm, with military honors, at Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion, NY. In lieu of owers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Kitten Korner Rescue Inc., PO Box 248, Honeoye, NY 14471.

To send a condolence or share a memory, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com 346-5401

1 - Primus, L. (2017). Changing systems & practices to improve outcomes for young fathers, their children & their families. Washington, DC: Center for the Study of Social Policy. Retrieved from https://www.cssp.org/pages/body/Changing-Systems-Practice-Young-Fathers.pdf 2 - Parker, K. & Gretchen, L. (2017). 6 facts about American fathers. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/06/15/fathersday-facts/ 3 - http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/2-satisfaction-time-and-support/#fi nding-timefor-family-friends-and-leisure 4 - NRFC Data Snapshot 2018, 2013-2015 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) 5 - http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/2-satisfaction-time-and-support/#fi nding-timefor-family-friends-and-leisure 6 - http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/2-satisfaction-time-and-support/#fi nding-timefor-family-friends-and-leisure 7 - http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/2-satisfaction-time-and-support/#fi nding-timefor-family-friends-and-leisure 8 - http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/06/15/fathers-day-facts/

Celebrating the Most American of Freedoms

BY KEN PAULSON

The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence knew what they were getting into. As we celebrate the 4th of July 245 years later with ags and reworks, it’s easy to forget that these patriots risked death to give a new nation life. If you’ve never read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety, this is a good time to do so. More than two centuries later, it’s still a good read. ese rebels, who would be accused of treason by Great Britain, wrote the document in a reasoned manner, attempting to convey to the world that their cause was a just one. At its most basic, it’s a demand for a divorce, with one party explaining why the marriage can’t be saved. What’s fascinating, though, is how the list of complaints about the King of England not only cited justi cation for the break-up, but it also telegraphed the principles the new nation would insist upon when establishing its own governance. e entire document was a bold statement, speaking truth to power. As it established its own future, this new nation would have to nd a way to guarantee free speech, particularly in regard to criticizing government. e Declaration of Independence lists more than two dozen examples of why the king “was un t to be the ruler of a free people.” e new United States of America would need to create a check on those who abused their power. at would come from a free press. Much of the Declaration is devoted to examples of the king ignoring the colonies’ needs and maintaining a stranglehold on new legislation to address those needs. Clearly, the United States would have to guarantee petition and assembly. Memorably, the Declaration states that all men are endowed by their “Creator” with certain “unalienable rights.” is was an acknowledgement of a Higher Power without a speci c reference to any religion. is new nation would go on to guarantee freedom of faith. Freedom of speech, press, and religion; the rights of petition and assembly: today, we see all ve nestled together in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It took a war for independence and 17 years, but those aspirations became the cornerstone of a young and vibrant country. Fast forward to the 21st century. A new survey of citizens around the globe by legal public policy center, Justitia, has assessed how citizens in 33 countries feel about freedom of speech. It found that most citizens in most countries feel free speech is important and positive, but they waver when presented with scenarios in which free speech o ends others or hampers society. In order, Norway, Denmark, the U.S., and Sweden top the list. Citizens of these nations say they are steadfast in their support of free speech. At the bottom of the list sit Tunisia, Kenya, Egypt, and Pakistan. In a telling passage, Justitia quotes free speech expert and Columbia University President, Lee Bollinger, as saying that the U.S. is “the most speech-protective of any nation on earth, now or throughout history.” e report also notes that a 2015 Pew research study determined that no nation in the world was more supportive of free speech and a free press than the U.S. At our best – and not without lapses – we walk that talk. In 1776, our founders published a Declaration of Independence, but also a declaration of intent. ose early Americans sought “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” by creating a nation founded on freedom. But those freedoms must never be taken for granted, and our collective vigilance is essential. On the most American of holidays, let’s be sure to celebrate the most American of freedoms.

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