People generally make charitable donations out of a selfless desire to help those in need. Indeed, Investopedia notes that charitable organizations survive primarily on donations. Without the financial contributions of donors, many charitable organizations and nonprofits would be incapable of meeting their missions. Donors may make charitable contributions to help others, but there’snoshameintakingadvantageof thetaxbenefitsassociated with donating. Laws governing the tax benefits associated with charitable donations can vary from year to year, so it’s best that donors stay on top of the rules, particularly if they plan to prepare their own returns in April. Charitable individuals can keep these strategies on maximizing the tax benefits of donations in mind as they prepare to support their favorite charities.
Work with a financial planner. As noted, the tax laws governing charitable donations can change from year to year, and some of those changes may be subtle. That’s why it can benefit donors to hire a seasoned financial planner, ideally before making donations. Financial professionals can advise prospective donors about donation strategies that will earn them the most significant tax deductions. Some donations help donors avoid capital gains taxes, while others may not even qualify for deductions. Making sense of the rules is easier when donors work with licensed, experienced financial professionals.
Keep digital records and receipts. Even if a donation qualifies for a deduction, taxpayers can only claim it if they keep records of their contributions. Organizations on the receiving end of donors’ generosity may provide proof to donors who lost their original receipts, but that process can take time, particularly if taxpayers wait until April to prepare their returns.When donating to charity, request digital receipts of all contributions, as these are harder to lose and easily accessible come tax prep season.
Donors may not give to charity with tax deductions in mind, but there’s no shame in maximizing the tax benefits.
BRIGHTER
Thank You
Thank you to the person or persons who picked up our breakfast tab mid-December. We were not able to find out who you are or where you were sitting and don't know much about you. What we do know is that you are thoughtful, kind and generous. My husband is a veteran and often wears his hat. If that was the reason for your kind gesture, thank you. it was much appreciated. Hope you see this 'vibe' and know we will pay it forward! - A veteran and his wife
Thank you Dr Ken and Lorie Of Lima Veterinary Center! My daughter and I picked up an injured red tail hawk this evening and stopped there hoping for some advice on what to do with it or who to call. Instead, even though they had literally been in their car ready to leave for the night, we were brought right in and got to watch/help as they expertly examined the hawk and set him up for the night! Turns out Dr. Ken works with Wild Wings, Inc, so we lucked out! He was the exact right person to help the poor hawk! We are so very lucky to have people right here in our community who can and will drop everything to help our injured wildlife! Fingers crossed the hawk is just stunned and will be feeling better tomorrow.
School closed, what’s important? [Recently], two schools were closed due to weather and travel conditions, and regents exams canceled. But low and behold, [local school] held hockey practice that day, and also had a game that night against [local school], that was also closed because of poor travel and weather. A travel advisory was issued all day. When school is closed all activities should cease. Travel time was 50 minutes to the rink. Why put kids in danger? If the school allows a sporting event for a total of 4 hours when school is closed, they could have given the regents exams that night, not to upset another day of lost classes. Do sports count more than classroom work? It seems that every year there are fewer and fewer school days. Why not just go to remote learning, get rid of our school taxes, and if anyone wants sports, start private schools?
Don't crowd the plow
Why do people choose to crowd the plows? They can only go so fast down the road, and for goodness' sake, they're clearing the roads so that you can drive safely to wherever you need to go so darned fast. When it snows, slow down, take a breath, pay attention to the world around you, and we'll all get where we need to go safely.
BATH, NY: Rose Marie Snyder, age 80, of Bath, New York passed away peacefully on Monday evening, January 27, 2025, at Steuben Centers, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on November 16, 1944, in Urbana, Rose was the daughter of the late Helen and Orlo Hughes. She spent her life devoted to her family and community, touching the hearts of all who knew her with her kindness, warmth, and love.
A devoted wife and mother, Rose was a stay-athome mom who lovingly raised eight children. She had a passion for creativity and enjoyed drawing, painting, and spending time in the sunshine. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—listening to music, admiring flowers, and observing wildlife. Her gentle spirit and caring nature made her a beloved figure in the lives of her family and friends Rose is survived by her five daughters, Tammy (Rob) Hale, Julie Walters (Dave Sabins), Bonnie Snyder, Mary Bates, and Wendy (Chris) Comstock; her two sons, Mike Snyder and Richard Snyder; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Clayton; her daughter, Susan Garrison; and her three sisters, Ramona, Mary, and Kathy, as well as her three brothers, Ronnie, David, and Art.
The family will receive friends for calling hours from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 North Main Steet, Avoca, New York. A funeral service will follow at 1:00PM in the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Vale of Rest Cemetery, Avoca. The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Rose’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences or remembrances of Rose are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
TOWN OF WAYNE
The Town of Wayne is seeking request for proposals (RFP) for a new Highway Department pick-up truck. All interested dealers should contact Superintendent of Highway, Bryan Starkweather for specification sheets and RFP document.
Email: superintendent@townofwayneny.com
Phone: 607-292-3450 Ext. 5 Wayne Highway Department 9800 Silsbee Rd. Wayne, NY 14893
Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm Monday thru Thursday Proposals will not be accepted after February 7th, 2025 at 3:00pm.
ANY MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
7418 State Route 415 North Bath, New York 14810 Office: 607.776.2000 Missy Wilk, Manager: 315-264-7355
FEBRUARY
AT 10:00AM EARLY CONSIGNMENTS 15 Angus Steers And Heifers, Natural, Vaccinated And Boostered (550-600 Pounds) 50 Angus-Hereford Cross Steers & Heifers, Vaccinated And Boostered
and maintains sanitary sewers;
Starting annual salary for the position is $61,901 with possible overtime associated with overtime and call-outs along with pay incentives for obtaining related licenses and/or certifications. BEGWS benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; paid vacation, personal time, holidays, sick time, and New York State Retirement.
BEGWS is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal or state law.
Potential candidates can obtain a more complete job description and application by contacting Echo Ree Yeoman. Administrative Assistant at eyeoman@begws.com. Potential candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume in addition to the application. When applying please be specific as to which department you are applying for.
All real estate advertised in the Southern Tier Shopper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, whichmakesitillegaltoadvertise 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 opportunitybasis.
FairHousingEnforcementProject
Monroe County LegalAssistance Center
1 W. Main St., Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org
DO know the rules of the venue. The rules of tailgating vary by location, but may include anything from prohibiting outside alcohol to refusing pets on property to not allowing noisemakers or fireworks. Familiarize yourself with the rules when planning your tailgate.
DON’T leave it all to chance. Create a list of ways to stay busy. Many tailgaters, in addition to bringing food, will pack activities. These can include a small pigskin to toss around or cornhole boards. Again, make sure you abide by the rules of the sight.
A PROBLEM AFFECTING THE WORLD’S OCEANS
Dead zones: Certain types of fishing, like trawling, and agriculturalpollutiononland, can cause oversaturation of nutrients in the water. This, in turn, depletes oxygen levels that result in dead zones.
Garagedoorreplacement: The average job cost for this project is slightly more than $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194 percent ROI.
How much should I eat before exercising? It’s unlikely anyone is going to want to eat a large meal before a workout. Doing so will undoubtedly affect performance in a negative way, particularly if you’re eating shortly before a workout. The HSS notes that the further away a workout is from the time a person eats, the larger and more mixed that meal can be. According to the HSS, the general guideline around eating and exercise is:
• A full meal three to four hours before exercising
• A higher carbohydrate snack two hours before exercising and/or a small, easily digested carbohydrate right up until the start of a workout
SEARCH FOR NUMBERED FOOTBALLS IN OUR ADVERTISEMENTS
YOU CAN MAIL OR DROP OFF THIS FORM AT OUR OFFICE: 1) Find the numbered FOOTBALLS in the ads of participating businesses and WRITE THE NAME OF THE BUSINESS NEXT TO THE CORRESPONDING NUMBER on the entry blank below. 2) You MUST answer ALL of the questions pertaining to the businesses’ ad. 3) Pick the winning and losing teams and their points scored. 4) If the exact score is not guessed, the entrant with the closest score and most correct answers will win. In case of a tie, a blind drawing will be held. Entire entry blank must be complete to qualify. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025. No meter mail accepted.
1) What is the phone number of our Hammondsport office?
2) How much is our “Wednesday Special” Chicken & Biscuits?
3) Where are we located at?
4) How much for Frank’s Red Hot Sauce?
5) What brand of coffee do we now proudly serve?
6) What number should you call for Valentine’s Reservations?
7) Where are we located in Bath, New York?
8) How much per ton for our Bulk Coal?
9) How much can I save on Regal Premium Interior Paints now?
10) What are our hours of operation on Friday & Saturdays?
11) How much can I save on any service charge over $200? ___________________________
12) What number should I call for 24 Hour Rollback Service? ___________________________
JANUARY 31, 2025
500 BC | Hot & Spicy Chocolate
By Keith Roach, M.D.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m interested in consuming dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). I’ve read that it will destroy the root of cancer and hasten the healing of broken bones, ligaments and strained muscles. My question is whether it is OK to consume the suggested amount of DMSO? My aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical valve three years ago. After 12 months of followup exams, I was informed that the valve had sealed perfectly and was told to enjoy life.
The Ancient Mayans drank chocolate made from crushed cocoa seeds mixed in water and chili peppers.
1876 | Milk Chocolate Swiss Chocolatier Daniel Peter created the first milk chocolate by combining powdered milk with chocolate.
This drink reminds us of rainy days, skiing, sledding, or even a quiet day watching the snow fall. It’s thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in whipped cream—no other drink brings warmth to our lives and tastebuds quite like hot chocolate. Cozy up with your favorite mug because on January 31, we celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, a day devoted to our favorite chocolate beverage.
ANSWER: DMSO is indicated by the Food andDrugAdministrationforthesymptomatic relief of interstitial cystitis, a chronic and painful bladder condition. It is instilled directly in the bladder and is sometimes used for other urinary conditions, although there is no evidence of its usefulness. DMSO is often used topically for musculoskeletal injuries, and some people do note pain relief. Numerous studies on rheumatological conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis) failed to show a benefit, although a study from Germany in 1995 showed that DMSO gel with a 25% concentration reduced pain when applied to joints.Otherstudieswereunabletoconfirmthis. For cancer, there are no convincing studies that show benefit, and some studies have shown an increase in breast cancer cell growth with DMSO. Based on studies showingminimalbenefitandpotentialharm, I don’t recommend the use of DMSO.What’s moreimportantisthatthestudieshavebeen done with medical-grade DMSO, which is only available with a prescription. When you buy DMSO at a hardware store, you are getting industrial-grade DMSO, which is potentially contaminated with industrial toxins and isn’t intended for human use.
In addition, DMSO is very good at bringing other substances with it into the skin. This is useful as a drug-delivery system but dangerous when the DMSO you use is contaminated with chemicals or if you get thosechemicalsonyourskin.WhileIcanfind DMSO for sale that companies purport to be very pure, you are relying on the company that may or may not have purified it, as it isn’tindependentlytested.However,Idonot thinkthatthetopicaluseof DMSOislikelyto be a danger to your prosthetic heart valve.
DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, at an event sponsored by our community, an expert on the gut microbiome gave a lecture on how to keep it in balance. While the lecture was generally informative and useful, at one point, he stated that vaccines were detrimental to the microbiome. Is there any evidence (other than anecdotal) that supports such an opinion? -- W.G.
ANSWER: The huge number of bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract is referred to as the microbiome, and our microbiome can have effects on many aspects of our functioning. How much of an effect it has is debated. COVID-19 infections were known to have a marked detrimental effect on the microbiome, but the effect of vaccination on the microbiome was not well-studied until quite recently. A 2024 study from the University of Cambridge found that the microbiome was only minimally affected by vaccination. Based on this recent study, I disagree with your community speaker and conclude that if you’re concerned about your microbiome, you’d be much better off getting vaccinated and taking other steps to prevent infection.
SANDBLASTING: Car parts,frames,tractors,trucks, trailers,rims.Smallprojects welcome.Zimmerman’s SandBlasting.11747County Rte122,Prattsburgh. 607-268-4006,bychanceor byappointment.
DIY Homeowners: are you in need of special molding, a custom cabinet, or an odd size picture frame? or Contractors: need a build to fit a VANITY or a set of interior stairs finished and reaDy to install with a fast turn around? If so, call Creative Woodworking for a free estimate! References and photos available.
It’s Up To You To Keep Pets Safe From COLD Weather Injury!
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I hope you will warn your readers to take care of their dogs’ paws during the winter. Recently, after a big snowstorm, I took my toy poodle, “Blake,” out for his morning walk. Five feet from the door, he let out a yelp and started limping with his right front paw lifted. A big piece of rock salt had embedded itself in one of the pads! I took him back inside to clean the wound. Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad, but I had to carry him outside for the rest of the week to do his business until it healed. -- Tired Momma in Buffalo, New York
DEAR WILLIAM: Many owners are aware that ice and snow can cause frostbite injury to their dogs, but some don’t realize that rock salt and other deicers are also dangerous. In addition to potentially cutting their paws, deicing mixtures that have low or no salt use chemicals that can poison pets.
Before venturing out in cold weather -- even when it’s above freezing -- dogs of all sizes should have on booties and a warm vest (one that is water-resistant if it’s snowing or raining). I know some owners will scoff and say that dogs survived thousands of years without booties. But they didn’t have to contend with salt-strewn sidewalks!
A frostbitten paw is very painful, as well, and could mean your dog is sidelined indoors for several days as the injury heals. Getting too cold while outside -- especially for small dogs -- can cause hypothermia or reduce their resistance to illness. So remember, if it feels cold to you, it feels cold to them. Take heed and protect your dog from cold weather.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
dryers; GE gas range; table and chairs set; end tables; futon and ottoman; glass display cabinets; marble top end tables; kitchenware incl. stockpots; crock pots; kettles; Pyrex; window A/C units; fans; variety of kitchen utensils; blue and white glassware; salt and pepper shaker collection; guitars; antiques include: trays of jewelry, including gold rings; variety of watches incl. some railroad; 100+ Little Golden Books; Moose copper weather vane; Ertl money banks; variety of crocks; Cayuga Indian head double bit axe; Tools include: (2) snowblowers; Stihl backpack leaf blower; propane Buddyheater; Spectra 360 degree laser transit w/pole; Freud router bits; Bessey and Irvin squeeze and bar clamps; Werner ladders; and much more not listed!!!
DOORS OPEN FOR PREVIEW AT 7:00AM ON FEBRUARY 8TH. FOR MORE INFO AND PHOTOS GO TO: AUCTIONZIP.COM ID# 51220. AUCTIONEER’S NOTES: This auction will have some more good quality clean household furniture and more. Standard terms of sale apply to all buyers. A 10% buyers premium applies to all buyers. The Farmhouse Kitchen will be serving Breakfast for the EARLYBIRDS!
Thrift Store With A Little Bit Of Everything Two Floors With Many Rooms To Shop And Treasure Hunt
Indoor plumbing: Check the pipes beneath sinks throughout the home, including those in the kitchen and bathrooms. Homeowners whose washrooms have a slop sink or utility sink should inspect these areas for leaky plumbing as well.
Dentalinsurance from PhysiciansMutualInsurance Company.Coveragefor 400+procedures.Realdental insurance-notjustadiscountplan.Getyourfree InformationKitwithdetails! 1-855-526-1060www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258.
DID YOU KNOW?
Peaches are tasty and good for the body as well. Peaches are related to apricots, cherries, almonds, and plums.They’re known as stone fruit because their flesh surrounds a shell with an edible seed. Peaches are packed with beneficial plant compounds, minerals and vitamins.Peaches contain about two grams of fiber in one medium-sized peach. Fiber helps to move food through the digestive system and reduce the likelihood of constipation, offers Healthline. Peaches also contain Vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps the immune system fight infection. They also have vitamin C, which the body needs to fight off infection. Peaches are good sources of potassium,which the body needs to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Foods high in potassium also can help lower blood pressure, says WebMD. Vitamin K, which helps heal wounds, also is found in peaches. Research says that peaches may help to prevent cancer as well. One study indicated that consuming peach peels offers the highest level of anticancer phytochemicals, which assist in protecting cells from free radical damage that can lead to cancer.
The Town of Thurston is accepting bids to build a roof over our fuel tanks and install an electric heater in the oil room at the Highway Shop, as well as paint and fix drywall cracks in the upstairs of the Town Hall, replace the downstairs bathroom floor, and install a parking lot light by the playground. For more information and to place an estimate contact Michael J. Volino, Thurston Town Supervisor at 607-227-5621or thurston.supervisor@gmail.com. Estimates must be received by February 18, 2025
Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, February 15th
10% Discount On All In-Stock Items! Some exclusions apply.
Pancake Breakfast All Day! Lunch specials available. February 10th-15th
10% OFF Valentine’s Candy! Open for Breakfast
Thursday-Saturday at 8am
Store Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10am-6pm, Thur.-Sat. 8am-6pm 6839 County Rt. 69, Bath, NY • (607) 368-1041 (Formerly the Towlesville Grange) Proprietors – Jonathan & Erin Slayton & Family Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
that
injuries among
increased by 5 percent between
and 2021. Recognition of these figures is important, and it’s equally notable that 83 percent of motorcyclist fatalities occurred in good weather, and a little more than half (53 percent) involved two vehicles.
