TO MAXIMIZE THE TAX BENEFITS OF DONATING TO CHARITY
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.
Probiotics May Help Restore Good Bacteria In The Gut
DEAR DR. ROACH: You recently wrote that you do not recommend probiotics in healthy people. I am a 78-year-old male who, three years ago, underwent an esophagectomy to remove my esophagus and part of my stomach because of cancer. I was put on 30 mg of pantoprazole, which was later increased to 40 mg. I’ve read that prolonged use of this medicine isn’t recommended.
My understanding is that this medicine is used to reduce the chance of acid reflux. I have read that it also kills bacteria (both bad andgood)inthestomach.Iaskedmyprimary care physician about this and whether she was OK with me starting probiotics to help restore the good bacteria. -- E.M.
ANSWER: Proton-pump inhibitors like pantoprazole are often used in people after surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. They reduce acid reflux and consequently prevent a stricture where the remainder of the esophagus meets the remainder of your stomach. While it is true that proton-pump inhibitors do have the potential for side effects with long-term use, there are times when the benefits outweigh the risks. Many esophageal cancer experts feel that the benefits outweigh the risks in esophageal survivors like you.
BRIGHTER
VENT
Thank you
Thank you to whomever turned in my wallet at Tops. It was the week before Christmas too, no less. Thank you.
KUDOS
THANK YOU to our local town/ village of for keeping our roads cleared so far this winter. They are always out early, late, and inbetween, helping to make sure we get to our destinations safely. We appreciate you!
Please Drive Safely and Smartly! Please be sure that your headlights are on whenever your wipers are. It is astounding how many vehicles do not follow this LAW. It is required of drivers to use their headlights when visibility is low, at dawn and dusk, and when it’s raining, snowing, or sleeting. It’s not just to help you see where you’re going - it’s to help others see YOU/your vehicle. Pleasedrive safely and smartly!
Electric Shopping Carts
Long-term acid suppression does lead to changes in the gut bacteria, called the microbiome. Using probiotics to improve the quality of the microbiome has been studied, and preliminary studies showed that taking probiotics daily can get more healthy bacteria in the gut. What isn’t clear is whether this translates to better outcomes for the patient or whether any of the longterm adverse effects of proton-pumpinhibitor therapy will be reduced. It makes sense that it might help, but it is unproven as yet.
There is the potential for harm in probiotic treatment, but it’s not common. A very few cases of infection have been shown to be transmitted by probiotics. The main harm is mostly financial, since some probiotics are expensive.
I felt bad for this elderly lady (80+). She was dropped off at the door. She could hardly walk or stand and had an oxygen tank. She had to wait, quite a while, until an electric handicap cart was brought in from outside by an employee. Everyone of the handicap carts were being used by other people. Most walked ok from their vehicles that were parked far out in the lot. Yes, some do require the use of a handicap cart but it amazes me that they feel more entitled to one than to someone who really does need one.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 81 years old and in pretty good health. I often have a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep. A couple of months ago, I was dealing with a sore lower back from overdoing yard work, so I took two ibuprofen tablets before going to bed for several nights in a row. What I noticed is that I was able to get to sleep quicker.
BENTON/PENN YAN, NY: Leon Fox Hoover, age 40 years, 10 months, 20 days died peacefully after a brief illness from Marfan Syndrome complications on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Family, friends and neighbors were invited to call at Leon’s former home, 1197 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, New York 14527 on Sunday, January 19th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Services were held on Monday, January 20th at 9:30AM at Scenic Grove Old Order Mennonite Church, 721 Thistle Street, Penn Yan, New York 14527.
Leon was born in Ephrata, PA on February 25, 1984, to Adam N. and Elva L. (Fox) Hoover. When he was 8 weeks old, the family moved to Penn Yan, New York. He was a member of Scenic Grove Old Order Mennonite Church. He worked with his brothers doing office and repair work.
Leon is survived by his parents, Adam and Elva; siblings, Rachel Hoover, Raymond (Mary Ann) Hoover, Elizabeth Hoover, Harvey (Rhoda) Hoover, Erma Hoover all of Penn Yan, NY, and Mabel (Samuel) Hoover of Dundee; ten nephews, six nieces and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Leon was preceded in death by grandparents, Harvey and Eva Hoover and Martin and Suie Fox; a niece, Emily Hoover; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Perkins-Ames Funeral Home of Gorham, New York.
Perkins-Ames Funeral Home
P.O. Box 201, 2583 East Main Street Gorham, New York 14461
CAROL ANN
CAROL ANN MOSCHIANO
COHOCTON, NY: Carol Ann Moschiano passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, just days after her 79th birthday.
Carol was born December 12, 1945, in Auburn, New York to Angela D. Taviano and John B. Jones. Adopted later in life by her stepfather, Lester Moschiano.
Carol resided most of her life in Cohocton, but also lived for many years in Winter Haven, Florida.
Carol graduated from Cohocton Central School and Alfred State College with a bachelor’s degree.
Carol worked for many years at Frontier Telephone, Gunlocke Chair Company, Bok Tower Gardens and St. Matthew’s Catholic Church where she retired in 2014. Carol returned to NY and resided in the local area where she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Carol was predeceased by her parents, Angela and Lester Moschiano and brother, Thomas Moschiano.
Carol will be greatly missed by her surviving children, Mark (Patsy) Walker of Dansville, Tina (Marc) Hopkins of Avoca and Adam (Jenni) Walker of Greece; her grandchildren, Angela Walker, Ashley (Chad) VanHusen, Marcus Hopkins all of Avoca, Shelbylyn Walker of Dansville, Courtney (Brett) Dunn of Syracuse, and Olivia Walker of Greece; her great grandchildren, Ean Walker, Lily Walker, Paddrick Owens, Alexandria, Easton VanHusen and Mena Dunn.
The family will celebrate her life at a later date. Donations can be made in her name to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron Street, Bath, New York in honor of Carol’s beloved cat, Sylvester. For online condolences please visit www.stgeorgefuneralhome.com.
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STRANGE BUT TRUE By Lucie Winborne Niagara Falls is slowly eroding by 1 to 2 feet per year. Since their formation some 12,000 years ago, the falls have already withdrawn 7 miles upstream, and if that rate continues, they should meet up with Lake Erie,about 20 miles from their present site,within the next 35,000 years.
We are hiring for the following positions: Project Managers, Estimators, Office Assistants, Project Foremans, Operators, Laborers, Truck Drivers, Shop Mechanics. Excavation, Utility Work, Asphalt & Concrete. Full-time, Prevailing Wage, Insurance, and Retirement available. For more information call 607-527-3256 or email aelliott@elliottcs.com.
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By JoAnn Derson
WHEREAS, a new Real Property Tax Law §466-a now permits enrolled volunteer firefighters throughout New York State to be eligible to qualify for a partial real property tax exemption on their residential real property subject to approvals by local counties, towns, cities, villages, fire districts, etc.; and
WHEREAS, Real Property Tax Law §466-a requires that local government entities wishing to confer the benefits of said statute on enrolled volunteer firefighters serving within their boundaries hold a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hammondsport Fire District wishes to consider conferring the partial real property tax exemption benefits of Real Property Tax Law §466-a upon the enrolled volunteer firefighters of the Hammondsport Fire Department; NOW, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hammondsport Fire District will hold a public hearing in order to hear public comment on whether or not it should confer the partial real property tax exemption benefits of Real Property Tax Law §466-a upon the enrolled volunteer firefighters of the Hammondsport Fire Department on Monday, February 10, 2025 commencing at 6:00 PM at the Fire Department Building located at 8521 State Route 54, Hammondsport, New York.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforesaid matter will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Hammondsport Fire District and the Board of Fire Commissioners for public comment to the Board of Fire Commissioners so that all persons interested in the subject can be heard at such time and place.
Dated: January 13, 2025 • Hammondsport, New York
By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Hammondsport Fire District
* Lunchbox tip: Assemble your sandwich the night before (without veggies). Wrap in waxed paper and freeze. Add veggies and a condiment packet in a separate bag. Your sandwich will thaw by lunchtime and will stay cold!
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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.
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Whitericeofferssomebenefits. The carbohydrates in white rice provide energy to get through the day.Plus,white rice often is enriched,meaning some nutrients have been added back in.
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I adopted a puppy about two months ago. “Spencer” seemed to housetrain just fine, but for the last couple of weeks, he has been pooping on the bathroom rug. It’s not diarrhea, just regular healthy poos. He does it between walks -- even though he poops as normal during walks! What is going on? -- John D. in Burlington, Vermont
DEAR WILLIAM: Even though Spencer seems healthy, take him to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. In the days prior to the vet appointment, get out a notepad and write down his behaviors, what time he poops each day, if he’s doing a lot of barking -- anything. Bring that to the appointment; it might give the vet additional insight. Puppies go through phases during their growth, and it’s not too unusual to see some regression in housetraining periodically. For example, when they’re teething, or as they enter their “teen” phase at around 8 months or so, you may see a change in behavior patterns or “forgetting” commands you know they’ve learned.If there is no health issue to worry about, focus on training. Go back to basics and teach him how to alert you when he needs to go outside. Work on his basic commands. Observe him closely when you’re at home to see whether his behavior is changing.
You may need to adjust your schedule as well. If he’s an especially young puppy, his body is changing rapidly and he may need more potty breaks than the training guide says. Be prepared to make those adjustments as you patiently retrain him. And don’t worry, he will fully housetrain, as long as you remain diligent. surprises (like territorial peeing).
Congratulations, and best of luck! Sounds like you will soon have a new friend in the household.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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RISK FACTOR FOR MOLD INFESTATION IN A HOME
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.
Outdoor drainage: Maintaining effective outdoor drainage is another way to prevent mold growth in a home. This typically requires maintaining gutters and drains so they do not become clogged during or after rainstorms. Gutter guards can prevent gutters and drains from clogging. Homeowners also may want to work with a landscaper or landscape architect to ensure soil around the house slopes away from the foundation, which can prevent water from pooling near the walls. When water pools near the walls, this can contribute to foundation problems and make it easier for mold to grow.
ONE TIP TO TO UPDATE A RESUME TO ALIGN WITH THE MODERN JOB MARKET Include important keywords. The frustration many modern professionals feel when looking for new opportunities may stem from how easy it can be to apply for a job but never hear back. Indeed notes that many hiring managers utilize applicant tracking system (ATS) software when considering applications. Such programs scan resumes for predetermined keywords, discarding applications that do not include them. Reading each listing carefully can shed light on which keywords to include, as the right terms tend to be right there in the job description. Indeed also advises mentioning the company’s name and exact position title in the summary statement or career objective section.
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MEMORABLE GAME FROM THE LAST DECADE OF NFL FOOTBALL
New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl LI, February 5, 2017: Sometimes a season’s most memorable game unfolds on its biggest stage, and that was certainly the case with the 2016 NFL campaign. Super Bowl LI is sometimes referred to as “28-3,” a nickname that alludes to the Patriots’ stunning comeback against a Falcons team that looked all but certain to secure the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The Falcons dominated much of the game’s first three quarters, building a 28-3 lead midway through the third quarter. But Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and running back James White went to work in the third quarter and beyond, and the Patriots rallied to score 31 unanswered points en route to a 34-28 overtime victory.
TOWN OF
THURSTON
LEGAL NOTICE:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that I, Sandra J. Nowicki, the undersigned collector of taxes of the Town of Thurston, County of Steuben and State of New York, have duly received the tax roll and warrant for the collection of taxes within the Town of Thurston for the year 2025, and that I will attend at the Town Municipal Building located at 7578 County Route 333, Thurston, New York, during the month of January on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and on January 31st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During the months of February and March on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; on February 28th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; and on March 31st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that taxes may be paid on or before January 31st without charge or interest. On all taxes received after such date, there shall be added interest of one percent for each month or fraction thereof until such taxes are paid or until the return of unpaid taxes to the County Finance Office pursuant to law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that pursuant to the provisions of the tax law tax roll of the Town of Thurston will be returned to the County Finance Office of the County of Steuben on the 31st day of March, 2025.
DATED: January 8, 2025 Sandra Nowicki Collector of Taxes of the Town of Thurston
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.
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seeing bright colors as faded or yellowed; seeing double or a ghosted image; and difficulty seeing at night. Using brighter lights at home or getting a new eyeglasses prescription can help manage cataracts in their early stages. An eye doctor may suggest surgery if cataracts are getting in the way of daily activities. Surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens.
Congruent pairings, according to Wine Folly, create balance in the mouth by amplifying shared flavor compounds. For example, earth wines paired with earthy mushrooms. Contrasting pairings create balance through contrasting flavors.Therefore, a salad with acidity and bitterness may be complemented with a wine that is sweeter and not so acidic, or so may be the case with a fatty, salty food like foie gras.
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT EATING BEFORE A WORKOUT
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
TIPS TO DINING OUT AS A FAMILY
Avoid peak hours: Book a reservation before peak hours so everyone can relax and take their time.Also, choosing a day of the week other than Friday, Saturday or Sunday also may mean smaller crowds and less wait time to receive food.
honey lemon vinaigrette
CENTER CUT FILET OF BEEF
topped with blue cheese, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, red wine demi, roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus
LAMB CHOPS
lemon cracked potatoes and arugula, tomato cucumber salad, homemade tzatziki, mint pine nut gremolata
