2-5pm Mon.-Fri. Starting at $10! Includes entree, sliced French bread, choice of soup or salad
Consider breakfast burritos. Pre-scramble eggs with diced peppers and onions and store in containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the mixture onto a tortilla, top with cheese and heat in a skillet or in the microwave.
New Orleans hosts the 59th Big Game on February 9th. If you watch the game, what is your favorite part of the day?
• The game itself
• The halftime show
• Commercials
• Food/snacks that have become tradition
• Connecting with friends and family
• All of the above
• None of the above
Poll ends 02-11-2025
Poll ended 02-04-2025
Tax experts say Americans should now have documents needed to file their taxes, but filing choices differ. When do you typically file your taxes?
23.1% As soon as I receive my documents
30.8% Last minute, running down the clock to April 15
46.2% Depending on my circumstances each year
FACTS ABOUT FEBRUARY
Residents of St. Lucia celebrate theirindependenceonFebruary22.
delivered weekly to 105,000 Homes
165,000 Print Readers
80,000 Digital Readers
Valentine’s Love
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 T H , 2025
Office: PO Box 340 • 1471 Route 15 Avon, NY 14414
Phone: 585-226-8111 Fax: 585-226-3390
www.gvpennysaver.com
Email: mail@gvpennysaver.com
President ...........................Steve Harrison
General Manager
...........................Manuel Karam
Creative Director
................................Kelly Nolan
Assistant Creative Director ................................Kara Ivison
Production Supervisor .................................Jeff Wasson
Send address changes to: Genesee Valley Penny Saver PO BOX 340 Avon, NY 14414-0340
In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is a day more devoted to friendship than romantic love. It is called “Sõbrapäev” in Estonian, which translates to “Friend’s Day.” Cards and gifts are exchanged among friends.
Valentine’s Love
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 T H , 2025
ENJOY VALENTINE’S DAY WHEN THE BABYSITTER’S BUSY
Let the kids help
Enlist the kids to give you the night off from dinner, or have them select the perfect take-out menu for a Valentine’s Day dinner. Children do not always have the opportunity to give back to their parents, and on February 14 they can step up their game. Move up bed times a little so the kids are tucked in early enough to allow you to cuddle on the couch.
1. Which two conferences compete in the NFL’s annual championship game? AFC (American Football Conference) and NFC (National Football Conference)
2. Who holds the record for the most championship wins by a player? Tom Brady (7 wins)
3. What year was the first NFL championship game played? 1933 (NFL Championship Game) or 1967 (AFL–NFL World Championship Game)
4. Which team has the most championship wins? Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots
5. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the champion? Vince Lombardi Trophy
6. Which team has made the most appearances in the NFL’s championship game? New England Patriots
7. What is the only team to go undefeated in the regular season and win the championship? 1972 Miami Dolphins
8. Which city has hosted the most NFL championship games? Miami or San Francisco 49ers or Pittsburgh Steelers
9. What is the largest margin of victory in a championship game? 51 points or 45 points
10. Which quarterback famously guaranteed a win in the 1969 championship game? Joe Namath
11. Which team was the first to win the championship in their home stadium? Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. What is the most-watched halftime show performance of all time? Rihanna, 2023
13. What team scored the most points ever in a single NFL championship game? San Francisco 49ers
14. Who was the first defensive player to win MVP in the championship? _Chuck Howley
&body mind
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Understanding the Mechanisms Behind a Nuclear Stress Test
DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a comment about your recent column on nuclear stress tests. As an 87-year-old person who has experienced atrial fibrillation and a mild stroke, I have had two nuclear stress tests done. In both cases, I told the supervising nurse I wanted to go to the max limits that they would allow. Even though I attempted to prepare by briskly walking up the hill close to my home and thought I was doing well on the treadmill, I failed to reach the final parameters that they were seeking.
To get me there, I was injected with something (the name escapes me) that is supposed to achieve the same result as the final stage of a nuclear stress test. As I recall the discussion, the nurse stated that many couldn’t get as far as I did. Medications were a way for them to obtain the needed results. -- J.M.
Q. A.
ANSWER: Stress testing may be done for several reasons, but the most common is to determine whether there are blockages in the arteries in the heart that are severe enough to limit blood flow. When ordering a stress test, the clinician has to decide how to stress the heart and get information from it.
In people who can exercise (meaning they don’t have an orthopedic or neurological condition that keeps them from being able to move), then using exercise is the best approach in almost all cases. Exercise is safer since you can stop doing it at any time, and it also provides useful information. People who can exercise for a longer time (9 minutes on a standard protocol called a Bruce) have a very good prognosis; whereas if you can’t make it to 3 minutes, this is a poor prognosis.
The treadmill gets steeper and faster every 3 minutes on a Bruce protocol so that eventually even an Olympic athlete has to give up. The goal is to get to maximum exercise where a person simply can’t go any further. The person who runs the stress test looks for any sign of incipient heart damage through an electrocardiogram (EKG), a blood pressure monitor, or symptoms so that the test can be stopped if it seems dangerous.
Despite trying really hard, some people cannot get their heart rate and blood pressure high enough where the stress test can diagnose heart disease. In this case, the exercise stress test is converted to a pharmacologic stress test. A medication, such as dobutamine, is given to make the heart beat faster and stronger until the adequate workload is achieved.
Many of my patients tell me that this is uncomfortable, and more than once, I have heard someone say, “My heart was going to jump out of my chest.” If there are signs of danger, the medication can be stopped, and in some cases, a reversal agent is given.
Once the heart is at an adequate level of exertion,abnormalities in the blood flow can be detected by the EKG. However, the test’s sensitivity can be improved by looking at blood flow through a radioactive chemical injected in the blood, which can measure blood flow to various regions of the heart more precisely. The sensitivity can also be improved by examining the heart’s wall movement through echocardiography. In other cases, a more limited stress test is done to determine the safety of exercise. This is often done after a heart attack to determine which exercises a person can do as part of their cardiac rehab.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
Sue DeBruyne, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology
Lakeville 3513 Thomas Dr., Suite 2
Henrietta 20 Finn Road, Suite C Accepting New Patients.
SAFE WAYS TO DEAL WITH SINUS PRESSURE
Sinuses are bony, hollow, air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses.
When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed. However, the American Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult. This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur.
In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy.
Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses. These small teapot-like devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets. Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using these devices improperly can increase one’s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the “braineating” amoeba.
The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections.
Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion. However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe.
Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages. Discover the Human Touch in Hearing Technology
There’s so much happening at your local libraries!
East Rochester
Public Library
317 Main St., E. Rochester, NY (585) 586-8302
www.eastrochester.org
M 9-7; Tu-Th 9-6; F 9-5; Sa 10-2; Su Closed ERPL Book Nook: Open M, W & Sa 10-1
* OMG, the popular acronym for “Oh my God,” was first used in writing in a letter to Winston Churchill in 1917, by John Arbuthnot Fisher, a retired Admiral of the British Navy, who said, “I hear that a new order of Knighthood is on the tapis, O.M.G. (Oh! My God!).”
The U.S. Small Business Administration notes that small businesses make up 99.7 percent of all employers in the United States. Percentages are similar in Canada, where BDC, a bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, notes that 99.8 percent of businesses employ fewer than 499 workers.
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
106 Village Landing • Fairport, NY 14450
STORE HOURS: Tues. - Sat. 10am to 4pm
Donations are only accepted on Mondays from 10am to 2pm cornerbookstore106@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fairportcornerbookstore Operated by the Friends of the Fairport Library
HOW CONSUMERS CAN SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Review the business online. Review Trackers reports that more than 81 percent of consumers are likely to visit Google Reviews prior to visiting a business. That’s a testament to the value of online review aggregators. After a positive experience with a local business,consumers can visit Google Reviews or another online review aggregator like Yelp and share the details of their encounter. Chances are strong the review will be read and compel others to patronize the business.
Magic Maze
LOVE SWEETS
FEBRUARY TULIPS CUPID HEART DATE FLOWER
BOUQUET FLAME
ROMANTIC KISS
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
SPONSORED BY
Brighter
DearAmazingPerson
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the wonderful person who found and turned in my anniversay ring at the Geneseo Walmart on February 1st. I was absolutely heartsick when I realized it was missing. You are a wonderful, amazing and honest person and have proven to me that there are still great people in this world!
You are an angel in my eyes!
On Friday, a couple of weeks ago, I came out of Tops in Dansville and my car wouldn’t start. Tried a couple of times and due to the radio and heat being on and because it was about 11 degrees out it just wouldn’t! A young lady knocked on my window and asked if I needed help. I said my car won’t start, and she said give me 10 minutes, I’ll go home and get my jumper cables. She drove away in a fairly new Ford pickup and sure enough she came back. By that time my car recouped enough power to start. I ran over to tell her it started and thanked her. I can’t tell you how much that meant to an older person that this young person would be so kind! I didn’t get her name but I certainly would know her if I saw her again! Thank you!
RemarkableYoungLady
A-Salted
While I do appreciate having safe roads to drive on during snowy winter weather, I am dismayed at the amount of salt that coats the roads in our village and town. Not only is it terrible for the environment, it is a waste of taxpayer money, not just for the salt but with the price of fuel.
Plows are out on roads that are clear of snow at all hours of the day and night (can you say overtime?). I passed 6 plows on a 15 minute drive to a nearby town last night. Highway departments, please show some restraint and implement sensible salting and plowing policies!
TurntheLightsOn
A [Local Pharmacy Location] has had their outside lights and light poles out for months and it isn't safe. Turned around the corner to leave the building by the dumpster and a man walked out in the dark. I have written a letter, wrote their corp. office and nothing. They keep saying they have put in a ticket.
Vent
King CROSSWORD
services
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
• Deck Repairs
• Deck Sanding,Washing,and Staining
• Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Spring Chimney Cleanings & Inspections
• All Carpentry Work
• Drywall Repair
• Gutter Repairs
• Basement Repairs
• Soffit & Fascia Repairs ... and more!
FREE HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the spaceship on the TV drama “Firefly”?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only tropical rainforest in the United States?
3. LITERATURE: What is the title of author Oscar Wilde’s only complete novel?
4. MOVIES: What is the name of the killer in the movie “Silence of the Lambs”?
5. SCIENCE: What are the three branches of science?
6. AD SLOGANS: Which fast-food chain’s slogan is, “What you crave”?
7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many NFL teams are named after animals (including birds)?
8. U.S. STATES: In which state is the U.S. Naval Academy located?
9. ASTRONOMY: How many constellations are visible from Earth?
10. ART: What is the Japanese art of arranging flowers called?
Serenity.
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
Buffalo Bill.
Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Formal Sciences.
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
Stone - All types (Driveway Stone, Drainage Stone, Pea Stone)
* Author William Faulkner refused a dinner invitation from JFK’s White House. “Why, that’s a hundred miles away,” he said. “That’s a long way to go just to eat.”
Fair
Each numbered 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.
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 St., Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org
GiveTake&
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.
FREE STUFF OFFERED FREE STUFF WANTED
• BALING TWINE SEGMENTS cut from hay bales, most between 6 - 7 feet long. 585-317-1058
• POOH X-STITCH COVERLET, unfinished. MAGAZINES - Country Living, Country Woman 1980s and ‘90s, Deer Hunting 1990s. ginnylf@gmail.com
• BOOK: The Eternal Purpose Of God In Christ Jesus. On flash drive only. Livingword_livingtruth@aol.com
• 12-MONTH POCKET DAY-TIMER, January 2025 to December 2025. New, unused, in box. Pittsford. 585-200-4393
• CHERRY DROP LEAF TABLE, WICKER ROCKER, and STEEL 2-DRAWER FILE CABINET. Pick up, Penfield. 585-265-1068
• Like new, four MODULAR WORK DESKS of two different sizes. Can be fit together. White desktop, handsome slate gray base. Victor. tlouie88@gmail.com
• MANILA FOLDERS, letter size. 300 new, 300 gently used. HANGING FOLDERS, letter size, 30 lightly used. Victor. tlouie88@gmail.com
• GREETING CARDS, NOTE PADS & NOTE CARDS and some small KITCHEN ITEMS. Fairport. 585-388-0318
• Package with instruction of GOLD LEAF, 2025 CALENDARS, small WRITING PADS, and GREETING CARDS for crafts. Fairport. 585-388-0318
• 300 USED CORKS available to any nonprofit organization. Henrietta. 585-474-0588
• Daily Messenger (Canandaigua) 150TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION from 1947. 175th ANNIVERSARY EDITION from 1972. DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE 1998. 585-742-3687
• FOOSBALL TABLE - original wooden model. Quite heavy. You move. Lima. mudd959@yahoo.com
• CHRISTMAS VILLAGE and other Christmas decorations for the benefit of The Joy Project. Jim: 585-813-5089 or jim@delooze.com
• Looking for ‘70-’90s ROCK RECORDS, CASSETTES, and 8-TRACK TAPES. gzintel1967@gmail.com
• Vintage MERCURY SNO-TWISTER parts. Call or text 585-733-2026
• 3.8L V6 ENGINE for a ‘98 Ford Winstar minivan. 585-505-3895
• OAK DINING ROOM TABLE in good condition. 585-381-6546
• New or lightly used KEURIG or NESPRESSO MACHINE for the Holley Library. witchinghour.artwork@gmail.com
• 40-50gal FISH TANK for a bearded dragon & any sports cards. Text or call 585-282-4881
• New or gently used YOGA MAT in good condition. Call or text 585-649-8706
• Two-wheel, push-pull GOLF CADDY to transport golf clubs. salvatore.d.timpani@gmail.com
• CAT FOOD, CAT LITTER, DOG FOOD, ADVANTAGE or FRONTLINE. holdfort@rochester.rr.com
• New or Used GAMING PC or LAPTOP. Any condition. inuserics8@gmail.com
• LADIES PULL-UPS, Cardinal Health, Sure Care plus underwear small/ medium, type 1605. Brockport area. junkmail1360@yahoo.com
• BED/CHAIR PADS for incontinence leakage control approximately 3’x 3’ Brockport area. junkmail1360@yahoo.com
• CPAP MACHINE for sleep apnea, COPD. jimfisher66@yahoo.com
This is Harley,
our 6 month old Cavachon puppy. He loves blueberries, stealing socks, and playing with his cousin Daisy the Boston Terrier. But above all he is a huge cuddle bug & loves a warm lap!
pet place
FEATURED BUSINESSES
A BIG PERSONALITY IN A SMALL PACKAGE
Vocal, but not too vocal: Apartment dwellers should rest assured that while parrotlets may be quite the chatterboxes, their vocal abilities are not so loud as to be problematic. Parrotlets do not scream. ParrotSecrets.com says that parrotlets frequently learn to talk, but with patience. A parrotlet has around a 300-word threshold, according to the pet resource PetKeen.
HOUSEBREAKING PUPPIES
Contain the pup when you can’t provide it with your undivided attention. It only takes a moment for a puppy to wander off and have an accident.
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.
By Sam Mazotta
Cold weather can be deadly for outdoor cats
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I care for a rescued barn cat who refuses to come indoors -- she will come onto the porch for food and water, and let me pet her, but that’s about it. I was able to get “Gertie” spayed a few years back, so that’s no longer a problem. However, I worry about her in the cold weather. What do you recommend to keep outdoor cats from suffering in freezing temperatures? -- Caroline in Roanoke, Virginia
DEAR CAROLINE: Shelter is important during the coldest months of the year, and even if an outdoor cat has survived OK in past winters, that can change -- especially as they get older.
Food, water and shelter are the three biggest things you can provide to help an outdoor cat survive and remain healthy during the winter. Place fresh water in a container that won’t freeze easily, such as a thick-walled dish.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends building (or purchasing) an outdoor cat shelter that is appropriatefortheirsize--nottoosnug,butnotsolargethat it can’t hold in the cat’s body heat (www.humanesociety. org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter).
You can line the inside of the shelter with Mylar sheets that reflect body heat even better. For bedding, an old pillowcase filled with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper is helpful, or you can use straw. Place the shelter near where you’ve observed the cat resting, or try placing it on the porch next to her food and water. (Don’t put water inside the shelter in case it spills.)
Remove and replace bedding every couple of weeks to keep things fresh and help maintain warmth. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Break the boredom with our four week Cabin Fever Contest! Solve the puzzles each week and send them in for your chance to win a Cabin Fever Survival Basket! No purchase required.
All entries must be postmarked by March 2, 2025. Winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries. Enter each week for a greater chance of winning. Must be 13 or older to play. 18 or older will be signed up for our coupon club. Playing all 4 weeks? Mail your entries together by 3/2/25.
SENIOR NEWS LINE
By Matilda Charles
Winter Activity: Painting
It looks like we’re in for a long winter, with extremely cold temperatures in several places. Many of us are already realizing that we just don’t want to go out in that. But what shall we do to occupy ourselves while we’re at home?
I don’t know how it started, but in my neighborhood this winter the favorite activity has become ... painting. Each day new photos of “works of art” are sent around via cellphones as the idea spreads. I decided to join in. Between the internet and home deliveries, we have access to everything we need without going out!
My first step was to do a YouTube search for painting lessons. Right at the top was “Beginner’s Guide to Painting,” and I was off and running. On YouTube it’s possible to narrow down the search results to the subjects you’re most interested in learning to paint, whether it’s sunsets, flowers, mountains, snow scenes, cats, dogs, lakes, vintage cars, beaches -- if it can be painted, there’s a tutorial for it. The topics can be further broken down by watercolor and acrylic painting.
There are even videos that outline what supplies you need.
Some suggestions, if you’d like to paint:
Unless you have a store near you that will ship or deliver supplies to you, look online for the big names such as Michaels, Joann and Hobby Lobby as places to start.
You need paint and water, and something to paint on, such as paper or canvas panels, plus a selection of brushes. Add in a small plastic palette for mixing colors.
Look for beginner kits that have a selection of a dozen or so small tubes of acrylic paint colors or a dozen watercolors in a metal tray.
If you fear you have no real talent for painting, I invite you to explore Acrylic Squeegee Painting on YouTube. That technique can make anyone an artist!
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Published May 2025
Highlighting businesses and organizations serving the community including automotive, doctors, home services, non-profits, restaurants, schools & more! 6,000 PRINT COPIES + 20,000 EMAIL BLAST Print copies will be distributed to businesses and homes in the area. Also available online and emailed to over 20,000 readers.
Full color is included with all ads!
NOTABLE FIGURES TO CELEBRATE THIS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Viola Davis Desmond: Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1914, Viola Davis Desmond took a stand for African Canadians in 1946 when she refused to sit in the balcony at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, a section designated for Blacks. Desmond was forcibly removed and arrested and ultimately fined and sentenced to 30 days in jail. She took her case all the way to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, which upheld the verdict. Desmond passed away in 1965, but in 2010 the province of Nova Scotia issued an official apology and pardoned her.
POONAM CHOUDHARY
ExploringEmotion roughAbstractArt
BY SUZIE WELLS
Victor resident, Poonam Choudhary, has carved a niche for herself as a distinguished abstract artist. With unique murals and artwork that bring spaces to life, her work transcends traditional boundaries, inviting viewers into an emotive world of color, texture, and form. Her relentless passion for creativity showcases the transformative power of art.
ough always surrounded by creativity, Choudhary only le a corporate career to pursue her passion a few years ago. She says, “Over time, I dedicated more of my energy to exploring my artistic voice, which led me to experiment more seriously with abstract art.”
Since then, her work has traveled far and wide, finding homes in private collections across the US, Canada, Europe, and the UAE. Collaborations with interior designers have further expanded her artistic reach, allowing her to infuse spaces with the energy and depth of her creations.
For Choudhary, abstract art is a boundless medium of expression. She was drawn to art for its freedom to express emotions and ideas without boundaries, saying, “I was always fascinated by how art could convey such depth and feeling.” Exploring the power of color, composition, and texture in abstract art, she aims to evoke deep emotional responses, allowing each viewer to interpret her work personally. She says, “I love the challenge of conveying an idea or emotion through non-representational means. It’s incredibly liberating and encourages both the artist and the viewer to experience the piece in a personal way.”
Acrylic on canvas is her primary medium of choice, offering both versatility and control. She explains that quick-drying acrylics complement her “spontaneous approach,” enabling her to layer, texturize, and experiment freely. She also incorporates epoxy resin and mixed media into her work to add additional depth or textures.
Her creative process is largely “intuitive,” she says, beginning with an idea or feeling she wants to express, then letting the painting itself evolve as she goes. Choudhary explains that inspiration typically comes from nature, urban landscapes, and personal experiences, but sometimes, a particular color combination, shape, or even a texture she encounters in daily life sparks an idea. Music also influences, with melodies and rhythms shaping the direction of her paintings.
Choudhary’s work frequently explores themes of transformation, emotion, and “the interplay between chaos and order.” rough abstract minimalism, she dives into the subconscious and communicates feelings or thoughts that are hard to express with words, inviting the viewer to reflect, question, and perhaps feel something they hadn’t expected.
Among her influences, abstract expressionists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko stand out for their raw emotional intensity and focus on the subconscious. She says she’s drawn to a variety of artists and movements in all artistic disciplines, including contemporary artists who blend abstract and figurative elements, though she remains committed to forging her own artistic identity, shaped by personal experiences and a supportive community of fellow artists.
Choudhary appreciates this region’s blend of traditional and contemporary art, finding inspiration in both its natural beauty and the energy of its local artists. Western NY, with its rich artistic history, continues to evolve, and she is excited to be part of the growing community.
Exhibiting at a local gallery for the first time remains one of her most cherished milestones. She recalls it being both thrilling and nerve-wracking, yet a reaffirming experience in sharing her art with the community. Like most artists, she has faced moments of self-doubt, but she views these challenges as part of the creative journey. Staying true to her artistic instincts and pushing through uncertainty has been key to her growth.
Lovetowrite?Share your original stories about local heroes, community events, school achievements, or hidden gems—and you could earn CASH! Your submission might even be featured on our website or in print!
For those looking to embark on their own artistic journey, Choudhary encourages persistence. She advises aspiring artists to keep creating, even in difficult or discouraging times. She says, “Trust your instincts and embrace the process, rather than focusing solely on the end result. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes—those o en lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs.”
Choudhary’s work gained recognition in prominent publications, including e World of Interiors Magazine and Arts to Hearts Magazine. e coming months are filled with exciting opportunities for Choudhary. She is set to exhibit at e Other Art Fair in Chicago and New York. She also anticipates debuting a new series of abstract pieces that explore themes of movement and change.
As her journey unfolds, Poonam Choudhary continues to push the boundaries of abstract art, forging connections through her evocative creations. With each brushstroke, she cra s a visual dialogue that resonates deeply, proving that art, in its purest form, is an ever-evolving expression of the soul.
WWW.POOVIART.COM
FOLLOW HER ON FACEBOOK, IG, AND PINTEREST AT POOVIART
MAKE CUT FLOWERS LAST LONGER
Clean vases of bacteria
Be sure that vases or other vessels you use to hold flowers are completely clean. Bacteria can cause the flowers to decompose prematurely. Use a diluted bleach-and-water solution to clean vases thoroughly between uses.
STREAMING SOURCE
NOW: “We Live in Time” (R).....................................................Max
13-Feb “Cobra Kai” (Season 6 - Part 3) ..................................Netflix
13-Feb “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” (R) .................Peacock
16-Feb “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (Season 16) .......Max
16-Feb “Have I Got News for You” (Season 2)............................Max
16-Feb “White Lotus” (Season 3)...............................................Max (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. WEEK OF FEB 10, 2025 What to watch & where to watch it:
now hiring!
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
Brighton Central Schools is now hiring:
Maintenance Mechanic II
(7am-3:30pm, M-F) $18.65 per hour (negotiable based on experience).
Head Custodian
(6am-3:30pm, M-F) Starting at $50,000 depending on relevant experience.
Full-time, 12-month positions that include health, dental, vacation and retirement benefits.
Visit our website at www.bcsd.org under Job Opportunities to apply and to view additional position details.
RELOCATING FOR A NEW JOB
Rent your first home. The Allied survey found that 31 percent of respondents indicated the most challenging part of relocating for a job was finding a home, while 29 percent felt acclimating to their new community was the most challenging aspect of their relocation. Adults who rent their first homes upon relocating can remove some of the pressure to find the perfect home, knowing full well their first home in their new community will be temporary. If possible, rent in a location that makes it easy to immerse yourself in your new community, which should make the adjustment easier. In addition, place items that are unnecessary for day-to-day life in storage. Having some of your possessions already packed should make your next move less stressful.
GROWING Greatness IN AVON
Placer, Operator and Maintenance roles available. Pay range for production roles:
$18.12-$22.66/hr.
Pay range for maintenance roles: $33.33-$37.86/hr.
Hiring for all shifts.
Competitive benefits and shift differentials.
FAIRPORT
Payroll Clerk
Teacher Aides
Bus Drivers • Custodians/Cleaners
IS
Visit our website to view all openings and apply: www.fairport.org/humanresources
& Awnings Year-round work, 40+ hours per week, health/dental plan, IRA with company matching 3%, holiday and vacation pay, competitive pay. Compensation based on experience 30 day review • Potential to earn over $60k/yr.
PATIO SOLUTIONS
Despatch Dr., East Rochester, NY 14445 585-385-9999
Valid Driver’s License Required
see all openings and apply, visit: www.webstercsdjobs.org
local classifieds
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TRAVELING?LaminatedLuggage Tags with handlefastener.Just$1 eachforsomuchpeaceofmind! GeneseeValleyPennySaver,1471 Route15,Avon.OpenM-Th8:30am5pm&F8:30am-3pm.
IMPRESS FELLOW FANS WITH SMOKED BRISKET FOR THE BIG GAME
Sports is often credited with bringing people together. That tendency to connect people from different walks of life is even more noticeable when sports is combined with food. Food and sports go hand in hand. Food is never too far away when getting together with fellow fans. That’s true if fans are hosting a game watch at home or if they’re tailgating in a stadium parking lot. Certain styles of food are synonymous with sports, and that includes grilled and smoked items. Smoking has become particularly popular among sports fans in recent years, and many modern smokers are now portable enough that they can be taken on the road when following a favorite team.
Gameday can be the perfect time to master the art of smoking. Smoking can take a long time, which makes it an ideal option for day-long tailgates or game watch parties. Fans who have volunteered for cooking duties this season can impress guests with their smoking skills by following this recipe for “Texas-Style Beef Brisket” from “The Essential Kamado Grill Cookbook” (Rockridge Press) by Will Budiaman.
Texas-Style Beef Brisket
Serves 6 to 8
1 8- to 10-lb. beef brisket
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
Dry-brining time: Overnight
Prep time: 15 to 30 minutes
Cook time: 7 hours, 30 minutes to 9 hours, 30 minutes; plus 1 to 2 hours to rest
Grill temperature: 250 F to 275 F
Smoking wood: Oak or pecan
1. Trim off any hard fat from the brisket and square off the edges. Trim the fat cap down to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle evenly on all sides with the salt and pepper. Refrigerate overnight.
2. Prepare the grill for smoking at 250 F to 275 F.
3. Place the brisket fat-side up on the grate over the drip pan. Close the lid. If desired, wrap in aluminum foil after 5 to 6 hours or once the bark (crust) is dark brown.
4. Turn over the brisket, close the lid, and continue cooking for 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours, 30 minutes more or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 200 F.
5. Rest the brisket, wrapped in foil, for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Cut across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Pour over as much of the drippings from the pan as you like, and serve.
Cooking tip: The grain in each part of the brisket - it’s made up of two different muscles, known as the flat and the point - runs in two different directions. Roughly speaking, the grain in the point runs perpendicular to the grain in the flat, so you’ll want to slice the two sections separately.
