For a number of people, this may be the year they relocate to a new home or apartment. The moving rate in the United States has remained steady since 2008, with roughly 12 percent of the population relocating each year according to reports from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Movement to the suburbs continues to be high, and renters tend to move more frequently than others. People who move cite a new job or a job transfer as one of the primary motivators to relocate.
Acclimating to a new home and neighborhood after a move can be challenging. Even after boxes have been unpacked and items put away, some people still feel unsettled. It could be because one of the most important parts of being in a new house is feeling at home. That involves meeting neighbors, having friends over for dinner and knowing all of the local haunts that help solidify a homeowner as a true member of his or her new neighborhood. It can take time to establish feeings of belonging.
If you have children, you may have the advantage of meeting people at school functions or at the bus stop. Volunteer with the PTA/PTO or sign up to coach youth sports or serve as a scout leader. These opportunities will help expand the number of people you meet in your new community.
THE HISTORY OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS
The tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.
Joi u t Worshi ou Newbor Kin!
Candlelight Worship on Dec. 24th
3pm (contemporary)
5:30pm (traditional)
7:30pm (traditional w/Holy Communion)
Christmas Day Worship w/ Holy Communion Dec. 25th
10am (traditional) Or join us on livestream @ faithpenfield.org
Faith Lutheran Church 2576 BROWNCROFT BLVD, ROCHESTER
FAITH and WORSHIP
METHODIST
1160 Macedon Center Road, Macedon Sunday Service @ 9:30am. Coffee Hour to Follow South Perinton United Methodist Church 291 Wilkinson Road, Fairport Sunday Service @ 11am
Webster Methodist Church
169 E. Main St., Webster • 585-265-9720 www.umcwebster.org • office@umcwebster.org
Rick LaDue, Lead Pastor Sunday Worship 9:30am - Combined service Online Services; Childcare & Classes - both services “Love God, Love Others, Serve Jesus”
ORTHODOX
Archpriest Gregory Naumenko, Rector • A ROCOR Parish
Webster Methodist Church
Serving all English and Russian Speaking Orthodox Christians Full schedule of services and live service streaming at www.pomog.org
PRESBYTERIAN
Services: 11am. Every second & fourth Sunday. Christmas Eve Service: Tues., December 24 @ 4pm Christmas Service: Sun., December 29th @ 11am
How To Avoid Growing Bored In Retirement
• Embrace a new hobby. Whether it’s perfecting your golf game, writing that novel, learning to cook like a gourmet chef or whatever else you might have always wanted to do, retirement is a great time to do it.
• Volunteer. If a part-time job is not up your alley, then consider volunteering in your community. Volunteers are always in demand, and volunteering with a local charity can provide a sense of purpose and provide opportunities to meet likeminded fellow retirees, all while helping to quell your boredom.
When nurses go to work each day, many report to hospitals while others work at private
For others, a day at the office takes place at research labs. According to the online nursing resource Nurse.org, research nurses develop and implement studies to investigate and provide information on new medications, vaccinations and medical procedures. Research nurses, sometimes referred to as clinical nurse researchers or nurse researchers, typically have advanced degrees, and many first work as research assistants, clinical data collectors and/or clinical research monitors to gain some practical experience as they pursue or consider pursuing their degrees. Some research nurses even conduct independent research, though Nurse.org notes that such professionals need advanced degrees such as an MSN or Ph.D. to pursue such a path. More information about becoming a research nurse can be found at www.Nurse.org.
eRiding Home
2. Pink Friday shopping fun! 3. No one ever says, “We have too many cookies!
1. Charlotte Kudla is waiting for Santa!
Hostess gi s, jewelry, purses, kids, classic/trendy clothes, gourmet foods plus so much more
Oodles of Rochester themed products Josh/Buffalo Bills merchandise Betty White and oh yes Taylor Swi items... You’ll love shopping the holidays at Lala’s
THEWINNERIS
Frosted Ginger Cookies From Victoria W., Livonia
1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling cookies
¾ cup butter, at room temperature
1 egg
3 Tbsp molasses
2 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp each salt, ground cloves, & freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup granulated sugar with butter until light & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg & molasses. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda & spices. Add to butter mixture & blend well. Fill a shallow bowl with granulated sugar. Break off walnut-size pieces of dough & roll into balls; roll balls in sugar.
Arrange on greased cookie sheets & bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to cooling racks. Meanwhile, make glaze: Combine powdered sugar with 1 Tbsp water & stir until smooth, then stir in lemon juice. Drizzle glaze over cookies.
Thanks to all who entered! See more recipes online @gvpennysaver.com
827 Ridge Road • Webster, NY 14580 (585) 216-1049
4655 Ridge Rd W. • Spencerport, NY 14559 (585) 352-1170
www.christianflooringandmore.com
a festive table on a dime YOU CAN DO IT!
Presentation is king when it comes to setting a memorable holiday table, and it needn’t be daunting or expensive. Here are some essential tips that will garner rave reviews at your next gathering.
Mercury Glass
It’s everywhere these days. From trees, to pumpkins, to candlestick holders, it’s timeless and transitions well from season to season.
Mix and Match
Don’t be afraid to mix metallics. This gold flatware, purchased second-hand, is a standout.
Be Resourceful
Think outside the box. These heavy metal pinecones are confiscated from an old cuckoo clock. Add some freshly clipped greens and you’re good to go.
Start by scouring the house to see what you can mix and match to bring your table to life. Don’t be afraid to ask parents or grandparents for family heirlooms that they may be willing to part with.
One of the best investments you can make is solid white porcelain dishes. You can get them for a steal at most places and they’ll take you through every season. For a fun twist, layer them with whimsical holiday plates. Solid red napkins add a pop of color, and when placed under the plates, there’s no need for a runner or placemat.
Wooden reindeer, real pinecones and mixed greenery take the textural feel to the next level. Snips of spruce or boxwood trees from the yard up the texture, and best of all are free.
Details make all the difference. Adding personal placecards is a great touch that makes everyone feel special. How about adding a surprise lottery ticket to the bottom of a random plate? Sometimes a winner, and always a hit!
Add Interest with Height
A mix of faux and metallic pine trees give your table the height it needs. Be sure to place them strategically so your guests can easily see one another.
Experiment
Pinterest is a great place to get ideas. Take a stab at different napkin folding techniques and see what suits your fancy.
Wheresplurgeto
This dining room table is a restored farmhouse table. It seats 22 people when all leaves are in. If you’re going to go all out, do it here and know that it will be enjoyed for generations to come.
WEBSTERPUBLICLIBRARY:
Literary FanFest
East Rochester Public Library
317 Main St., E. Rochester, NY (585) 586-8302
www.eastrochester.org
Mon. 9am-7pm; Tues.-Thurs. 9am-6pm; Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm; Sun. Closed. (ERPL Book Nook: open Mon., Wed. & Sat. 10am-1pm
Fairport Public Library
1 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport (585) 223-9091
There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~ Ruth Stout
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
My mom passed on her obsession of all things antique or vintage. I love to go thrift store shopping or explore any sort of garage sale. Treasure hunting is a family passion. ~Zoey Deutch
Clean Up Christmas AUCTION
Fri., Dec. 20 • 5:30PM 4500 Rt. 414, North Rose, NY
All New Merchandise, Electronics, Toys, Stocking Stuffers, Tools, Clothing, Door Prizes, Raffle Prizes...Come Join e FUN!
Village Auction Company
James C. Hoyt ~ Auctioneer www.auctionzip.com #2898
P.O. Box 20, Alton, NY • Sodus, NY • 315-483-1900
KEEP RODENTS OUT THIS WINTER
Fill larger gaps inside your home with pieces of steel wool, as pests are deterred by the roughness of the steel fibers, especially rodents who are unable to gnaw through the material.
HANDYMEN/WOMEN
Fairport, New York 585-690-1670
Alex Korol, Owner
• Custom full Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
• Custom Deck and Deck Railing Solutions
• Custom Wood Projects
• Basement Remodeling
• Professional Tiling
• General Repairs - Plumbing, Electrical,Carpentry
The PathStone Weatherization Assistance Program is available for income-eligible households in Monroe County located outside of the city limits. Reduce energy costs and improve the safety of your home through energy efficiency measures in owned or rented property.
By Lucie Winborne
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. LITERATURE: Which Victor Hugo novel was made into an animated Disney movie?
2. MUSIC: In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what was the gift on the eighth day?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the Kalahari Desert located?
4. HISTORY: Who was the first African-American justice on the U.S. Supreme Court?
5. BIOLOGY: What is the process called in which a nonreproductive cell divides in two?
6. MOVIES: In the movie “Elf,” what is the name of Santa’s sleigh?
7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the largest mammal on Earth?
8. U.S. STATES: Where did the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) take place in the U.S.?
9. ASTRONOMY: Which planet is the smallest in our solar system?
10. TELEVISION: Which 1980s-1990s TV family sitcom had a holiday episode titled “A Very Tanner
Trust us for your Heating, Ventilating, and A/C solutions to ensure your home remains comfortable through every season.
• Installation, Service, & Maintenance
• Residential & Commercial
• Fully Insured
(585) 732-4163
Owner: Joseph Raskopf
Serving the Rochester Area
COLD WEATHER WILDLIFE IN HOMES BOOSTS DISEASE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE RISKS
Many people may practice the “love thy neighbor” creed, but when it comes to four-legged wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels, and opossum that often seek refuge in yards and homes when outdoor temperatures dip and food sources become scarce, they are best kept at an arm’s length. As community development has thinned natural habitats and forced these critters into residential areas and lessened their fears of people, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has found that many areas of the country continue to report increased encounters with nuisance wildlife.
“While it can be a unique experience to spot wildlife in neighborhoods, these animals should be discouraged from taking up residence,” advises Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Not only can they damage property, many are vectors of disease, most notably rabies.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 40,000 people are exposed to rabies each year, a viral infection passed through the bite and saliva of an infected mammal. Raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes and bats are the most commonly reported animals infected with rabies. Because of the risks associated with these pests, homeowners should take extra precautions to protect against them.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Stone - All types (Driveway Stone, Drainage Stone, Pea Stone) Sand - Mason, Pool, Concrete/Fine Screened Topsoil Quality service. Competitive prices. earthworkstruckingLLC.com
Consider the many special delights a lawn affords: soft mattress for a creeping baby; worm hatchery for a robin; croquet or badminton court; baseball diamond; restful green perspectives leading the eye to a background of flower beds, shrubs, or hedge; green shadows - “This lawn, a carpet all alive/With shadows flung from leaves’ - as changing and as spellbinding as the waves of the sea, whether flecked with sunlight under trees of light foliage, like elm and locust, or deep, dark, solid shade, moving slowly as the tide, under maple and oak. This carpet! - Katharine S. White, Onward and Upward in the Garden, 1979
With the holiday season and end of year stresses upon us, neuroscientists across the nation and world continue to prove the benefits of welcomed hugs. What do you think is the greatest benefit?
- Hugs help me feel calmer and less stressed
- Hugs lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Hugs boost the immune system
- Hugs soothe fears and provide comfort
- There’s no downside to a warm, welcome hug!
- I do not welcome hugs
Poll ends 12-17-2024
Poll ended 12-10-2024
Buffalo seems to have an incredible advantage against fair-weather teams when Mother Nature dumps on the area. Do you think the Orchard Park outdoor stadium and snowy home-field advantage are key to their identity, or should they prioritize comfort with a domed stadium?
38.9% The outdoor tradition defines the team! Fans and staff can bundle up 50.0% I can’t wait for the dome— comfort and consistency matter for fans and staff
11.1% Undecided
and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!
Dean Chapman Stump Grinding and Tree Service Tree Removal Tree Pruning Stump Grinding
“If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.”
- Jack Handey
(Clean, hand loaded)
Mixed hardwoods
$80 per face cord (2 years seasoned, cut, split & delivered)
Coble’s Cut & Carry Tree Service 739-1707
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. A+ FIREWOOD
harvest teach,inwinterenjoy
Maze
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
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
active senior living
Here’s A Tip
BYLINE: By JoAnn Derson
* To stretch your laundry budget, cut fabric so ener sheets in half. ey work just as well. Also, save them a er they come out of the dryer. ey make excellent dusters in the home.
* If the vegetables you are cooking give off an unpleasant smell, grab a small saucepan and simmer a bit of plain vinegar while cooking. It will negate the smell, and leave your house smelling pleasantly like mealtime a erward.
* “Cornstarch is great for itchy, rashy skin. is is true for babies’ bottoms and for doggy bellies, which is what I use it for. My pup is allergic to grass but loves to romp. Sometimes his belly gets red, and I clean it with a mild soap and water, then give him a cornstarch rub. It sure helps.” -- T.W. in Ohio
Hocus Focus
BY HENRY BOLTINOFF
Reconditioned BABY LOCK SERGER. Pick up, Leicester. Text only 585-519-9963
54” x 78” FOAM MATTRESS TOPPER, 3” thick. Great for camping. Phelps. 315-548-8685
COMMODE, barely used. Batavia. Call before 12noon. 585-813-5325
Solid oak DINING ROOM ROUND PEDESTAL TABLE with leaf. Pick up, Brighton. 585-472-6198
Large quantity CHRISTMAS CARDS. All brand new. Use for crafts or sending out, Elba/Oakfield. clkendall57@yahoo.com
HOT AIR CORN POPPER. Webster. 585-645-9835. Texts preferred.
WOOD CABINET, 71” H x 31” W. Three upper shelves. Lower has two doors/two shelves. Pick up, Penfield. 585-678-4525
STATIONARY BIKE, EXERCISE MAT, 10LB WEIGHTS. Pick up, Penfield. choffman962@gmail.com
300-gallon FUEL OIL TANK with accessories. Must be removed from cellar. Batavia. 585-201-3114
Six tall kitchen garbage bags full of used BUBBLE WRAP. Previously cut into various sizes but no dirt or odors. Fairport. rmadier1@rochester.rr.com
Many Taste of Home MAGAZINES, plus hardcover annual issues 2000-2010. York. sylvavalentino@yahoo.com
Good quality BOXES FOR MOVING. S, M and L sizes. Some packing paper. Pick up, Victor. rosehogan1313@gmail.com
Assorted FABRICS & some tailoring items. New in rolls. Have all been kept in bedroom. Batavia. onagenesis@gmail.com
150+ RED FIRED BRICKS to repair fireplace in 1850s home. Call/text 585-802-3328
OLD VEHICLE that runs. 585-629-8678
SHED in good condition. Will pick up. 585-301-1247
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
TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Liver Specialist Recommends Removing Cyst Growing in Size
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with several liver cysts over 15 years ago. My primary doctor and I followed the growth of the cysts by ultrasound, and one is increasing in size. We did an MRI with and without contrast to take a look at the cyst. The radiologist stated that the cyst looked “complex” and, for a lack of a better word, unusual.
A liver specialist’s consult revealed that we could remove it if I wanted to. The doctor stated that he just had a patient who had a cyst, and it was cancerous. He felt that it may be best to remove it, but it’s not urgent to do so.
I would appreciate your take on this situation. -- L.S.
ANSWER: Simple liver cysts are common, and even when they are large, they do not need to be removed unless they cause symptoms. However, any other cyst than a simple one needs to be carefully evaluated. There are many possible causes, including various types of cancer, especially a mucinous cystic neoplasm, which can be associated with invasive cancer.
I looked at both the ultrasound and MRI reports you sent, and although it seemed to me that the radiologists thought this was likely a simple cyst with some bleeding, they could not be sure. Furthermore, the growth in the size of the cyst is concerning. In some cases, it’s reasonable to wait and redo the scans in 6-12 months when the risk of a cancerous cyst is low. However, since the liver specialist (who has much more experience than I do) is concerned enough to recommend surgery, I don’t understand why you would want to wait. I suspect the surgery will prove that it was a benign cyst, but you’ll probably sleep better at night once you know for certain. The surgery is normally done laparascopically, and although it’s usually a very safe and effective surgery, there is always a small risk for complications. You should speak with a surgeon.
DR. ROACH WRITES: Do you have any comments on the use of metformin for weight loss and prediabetes? I am a 57-yearold woman. -- B.S.
ANSWER: Factor V is a protein that is critical in making clots, and an abnormThat’s one question I can answer based on very good data. The National Diabetes Prevention Program looked at this very issue. Subjects in the study (who averaged 51 years of age and were overweight with prediabetes) were treated with metformin, an intensive lifestyle-behavioral-change program that aimed for a low-fat diet and 150 minutes of exercise per week, or a placebo. The diet and exercise group had the best response, decreasing the rate of new diabetes by 58% compared to the placebo group. However, the metformin group also had a benefit, with a 31% decrease in the rate of new diabetes diagnoses. Personally, I recommend both. Metformin does help a bit with weight loss, but taking it along with some diet changes and exercise would likely have a much better response than metformin alone. We don’t recommend a low-fat diet anymore, instead emphasizing whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and very few processed foods. A registered dietician would be a valuable partner in helping with the diet of your regimen. You don’t need to exercise for the whole 150 minutes, but it’s a goal you can work toward. New studies show that drugs like semaglutide are even more effective at preventing diabetes, but they are very expensive and often not covered by insurance.
HEALTH CARE SCREENINGS FOR MEN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 39
Cholesterol: Men with no known risk factors fo coronary heart disease are urged to get annual cholesterol screenings beginning at age 35. Men with known risk factors should begin receiving annual screenings at age 20. More frequent screenings might be necessary for individuals with diabetes, kidney problems or heart disease.
Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
CHRISTMAS COOKIES MADE SIMPLE
Use a cookie mix. Who says you have to toil and make cookies from scratch? It’s the thought that counts, and any number of creative recipes can begin by utilizing a premade baking mix. These mixes already have most of the dry cookie ingredients sifted together, including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. All you have to do is add the wet ingredients and any extra embellishments to make the mix your own. If mixes are too much work, purchase refrigerated or frozen cookie dough. Include your own add-ins, such as nuts, white chocolate chips, bits of dried fruit, or crumbled candy canes, to give the premade dough a unique flavor.
Penny Saver
Princess
is a 16 year old Maltese, surviving cancer well and happy on lots of love and some meds.
PAW’S CORNER
By Sam Marzotta
Send us a photo and a writeup 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.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GREYHOUNDS
Greyhounds are very fast. Some retired racing greyhounds can hit speeds as high as 45 miles per hour. While they only achieve such speeds for very short periods of time, that’s still pretty fast.
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.
INTRODUCING A NEW PET TO YOUR CAT
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I recently adopted a year-old puppy. “Max” is a friendly, well-socialized dog, and during the trial stay a month ago, my 10-year-old cat, “Nora,” seemed to tolerate him. Well, on the second day that Max was home, he started barking excitedly. Nora sprang up and attacked him, cornering Max on the sofa. She batted him around the snout several times. Now, Max slinks out of the room anytime that Nora appears. How can I make peace between them?
-- Gerry G., Manchester, New Hampshire
DEAR GERRY: I’m sorry to hear that! Introducing a new pet into an established household can be stressful for both pets and sometimes unpredictable. And any negative interactions that occur -- from hissing and barking to an all-out boxing match -- can make future harmony nearly impossible to achieve. One or both pets may begin to exhibit behavioral issues like aggression, soiling in the house, chewing and scratching, and more.
For the foreseeable future, you’ll need to manage and monitor all interactions between Max and Nora. As soon as they begin to react negatively, they need to be separated.
Reintroduce the two gradually. I recommend taking Max for a nice, long walk before each meeting so that some of his puppy energy is worked off beforehand. Work intensively with Max on basic commands like sit, stay, lie down and come here. When Max is in the room with Nora, have him sit or lie down close to you -- they don’t have to meet face to face. Limit interaction time to five minutes or less at first, then gradually increase the time.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
BeHeard!
SHARE YOUR “ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE”NEWS OR VENT YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE COMMUNITY www.gvpennysaver.com/brightervent
Wanttoreply? Goonlinetosee all&comment! 2
Thank you, farmers!
Exiting thru handicap parking
In the world of supermarkets and deliveries, I just want to say thank you to the farmers and farmettes who share of their abundance with their neighbors. Farm stands are a cool great way to buy produce and eggs (even meat sometimes, depending on the farmer) directly from the people who grow it or tend to it. I’ll miss my local farm market for the winter, but I hope you all enjoy a restful respite with your families and friends. I’m sure the season is long and grueling. Please know your neighbors greatly appreciate your hard work!
I would like drivers to know that "cutting thru" the yellow hash markings in the handicap parking areas is illegal. Not that anyone worries about tickets anymore, but what about taking someone's car door off, or worse hitting someone in one of the store’s electric shopping carts. Please use the designated exiting lanes. You've come too close to hitting me or my car door too many times.
Signs for Roundabouts
Young people thank you
I want to thank the young people that are working in the stores where we shop. If you’re not aware, there is a shortage of young workers. I do not take my change from the cashiers but leave it in the hope that they will receive it as a small thank you for their willing to work rather than stay home or on the phone. I would much rather donate to someone I know is helping me and moving forward in life than having the money go to some six figure income executive in a so-called “charitable” organization.
I wish NYS would put signs up at all entrances going into a roundabouts stating that you need to signal your intent when you go into one. I have seen several close calls because people don't signal their intent. It is the law.
Illuminating Joy: Jeff Lange and the Lights on Factors Walk
BY SUZIE WELLS
For the past few years, a dazzling light display at 1887 Factors Walk in Ionia brightens the holiday season, bringing joy to countless families in the community. At the heart of this spectacle is Jeff Lange, a so ware engineer and adjunct Computer Engineering professor at RIT with a passion for innovation, creativity, and spreading cheer.
Jeff’s journey to becoming a holiday light maestro began inhishometownofNiagaraFalls,wherechildhoodmemories of festive lights sparked a lifelong appreciation for the season. “In a time of such divisiveness, holiday lights are one thing that can bring everyone together,” he reflects.
A er moving to Rochester for college in the 1990s, Jeff stayed, earning a BS in Computer Science and an MS in So ware Engineering at RIT. In addition to his light shows, Jeff is deeply involved in the community, mentoring HF-L High School’s FIRST Robotics team. His wife, Jaime, whom he met at RIT, “lovingly puts up with my light addiction,” he says. Together, they have two daughters, one a freshman in college and one a junior at HF-L High School.
When the girls were little, the family would drive around town checking out all the different Christmas light displays. He explains that in 2020 as they toured the light displays as usual, he was inspired to try out his own. For the next year, he researched and built his own props, controllers, and learned how to sequence songs to put together his first display the following year.
Today, his Lights on Factors Walk is a testament to dedication and ingenuity. From hand-drilling thousands of holes in PVC pipe to custom-soldering cables, Jeff’s display is as much a labor of love as it is a technical feat. is year’s display features an astonishing 17,185 lights, including a 22-foot mega tree adorned with nearly 5,000 lights as well as a new nine-foot tree.
Jeff also sequences every song in his show by hand. “ is means my show is custom-designed from scratch to work with my house and props,” he explains. A er selecting festive songs he thinks will work well with light effects, he uses open-source so ware called XLights to meticulously synchronize light effects with musical details. He says each song takes about 10-20 hours of programming, which he likens to video editing, listening carefully for precise instruments and piecing effects together precisely. “A lot of people will never notice some of the small details, but having elements perfectly synched with a cymbal crash or a trumpet hit makes all the difference.”
Jeff creates custom mixes to keep songs under 2.5 minutes, ensuring the display captivates without overstaying its welcome. Each year, he says his goal is to “make each year better than the last,” adding new display elements and a few new songs to the mix. Last year’s 25’x50’ 2,000 light “pixel forest” ground array allowed him to create fun new effects.
For Jeff, the greatest reward is the joy his display brings to others. “From Facebook messages about how much joy it brought their children to a plate of cookies someone le in my mailbox – it’s moments like these that keep me going... I love that something I create can make other people happy.”
A particularly heartwarming memory came last year when a senior living facility bussed residents to view the show. “It was great to talk with them and see how much fun they were having,” Jeff recalls.
Jeff hopes his light display inspires others to embrace the spirit of the season. Stop out to take in the Lights on Factors Walk 6-10pm nightly through January 1 at 1887 Factors Walk, Ionia. Be sure to tune your radio to 95.9 FM to enjoy the synchronized music. Please respect the neighbors by avoiding parking on the grass as you stop to enjoy the show. For updates, join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lights.on.factors.
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STORIES
1887 Factors Walk, Ionia
WEBSTER CSD IS HIRING!
SCHOOL BUS MONITORS AND DRIVERS
• Paid Bus Monitor to Driver training available
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• NYS Employee Retirement System pension
• Health and dental benefits Visit www.webstercsdjobs.org or call 585-216-0205
General Education Teacher (K-5) Earth Science Teacher (7-12)
Continual Recruitment - Substitutes:
• Teachers (Certified and Uncertified)
• Aides/TAs
• RNs/LPNs
• Cleaners
• Bus Drivers
All interviews begin upon receipt of application Additional information and application available: www.yorkcsd.org
WEBSTER CSD IS HIRING!
• Teaching Assistants • Student Aides
• Clerical Staff
• Food Service Staff
• Health Office Aides
• Cleaners
To see all openings and apply, visit: www.webstercsdjobs.org
STEPS TO LEAVE A JOB GRACEFULLY
Deciding to leave a job is seldom an easy decision. However, it’s a more common decision than many people may know, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the average worker holds 10 different jobs before age 40.
People change jobs for a variety of reasons. Some do so because of better opportunities elsewhere, while others simply need a change. Regardless of what’s motivating a job change, leaving a place of employment can elicit various emotions, including some that may contribute to negative thoughts about a current employer. But it’s always best to leave a job gracefully, which can pay dividends down the road.
Puzzle Answers This Week
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