Circulation Manager Kristy Rapone Member Colleen Mann
CHOCOLATE CARDAMOM TRUFFLE CAKE
Serves 10 to 12
Amaretti Base
5 ounces amaretti
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
5 tablespoons sugar
Cardamom Truffle Filling
2 1/3 cups heavy cream
4 to 6 green cardamom pods, lightly bruised to open them
25 ounces dark chocolate
(60-70% cocoa solids), grated
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cubed
4 tablespoons chocolate liqueur
Cardamom Cocoa Sugar
3 green cardamom pods
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 10-inch cake pan with a removable base, base and sides lined with nonstick parchment paper
To make the amaretti base, finely crush the amaretti in a food processor or put them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Melt the butter and sugar in a pan over low heat, then stir in the amaretti crumbs. Press the mixture evenly over the base of the prepared cake pan and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
To make the cardamom truffle filling, put the cream and cardamom pods in a pan and heat until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and set aside to infuse for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Strain the infused cream through a fine strainer onto the chocolate (the cream will be warm enough to melt the chocolate). If it doesn’t melt, warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally, but do not allow to boil. Stir in the liqueur, then set aside until almost cold, but not set. With an electric mixer, beat the chocolate mixture for a couple of minutes - this will give the cake a lovely airy texture. Pour onto the amaretti base. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 48 hours before serving.
To make the cardamom cocoa sugar, remove the black seeds from the papery cardamom pods and put the seeds in a spice grinder with the sugar and cocoa. Grind to a powder. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and peel off the lining paper. Set on a chilled serving plate and sift the cardamom cocoa sugar evenly over the top. Serve immediately, cut into very thin slices.
While supplies last!
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Clipper Sauce, Awesome Sauces, Twisted Sauces, Sizzlin’ Sweet Sauces 10% OFF • Grills... 15% OFF
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Clearance Items 75% OFF
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Christmas Eve - 4pm Holy Eucharist St. John’s Episcopal Church
183 N. Main Street, Canandaigua All are welcome
stjohnscanandaigua.org
Fire Safety Protocols To Keep In Mind When Holiday Decorating
• Buy the safest lights. It might be tempting to buy the most inexpensive lights, especially given all the extra costs already associated with the holiday season. However, safety should be the utmost priority when buying new lights. Testing laboratories such as CSA, Intertek and UL certify products to ensure they’re safe for use. Products that aren’t certified should be avoided.
• Use lights and cords where they’re intended to be used. e packaging on lights will indicate if the product is intended to be used indoors or outdoors. It’s vital that individuals decorating their homes pay attention to these labels. Extension cords made for indoors also should not be used outdoors and vice versa.
• Be especially careful with candles. Candles should only be burned when adults are in the room and should always be extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed. When burning candles, place them on heat-resistant surfaces that are beyond the reach of curious kids and pets. Never place candles within arm’s length of Christmas trees or houseplants, including poinsettias.
• Ask an electrician to inspect your exterior outlets and circuits. Ground fault circuit interruptor (GFCI) outlets are designed to prevent electric shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires. GFCI installation is not an especially expensive job, so homeowners should ask an electrician to inspect their interior and exterior outlets and replace non-GFCIs with GFCIs.
• Do not pinch light cords. Stringing lights can be a hassle, but cords should never be pinched in doors or windows or beneath interior and exterior furniture. Doing so increases the risk of damage to the cord, which in turn increases the likelihood of fire.
• Avoid overloading circuits. Overloaded circuits pose a significant fire hazard. When plugging in lights, choose outlets that aren’t already occupied by devices and other electronics. If need be, unplug appliances like televisions and devices while lights are on and plugged in.
I love you SO much. This year, I really want a dinosaur toy.
Love, Andy (age 3)
I am always nice to my big sister, Ava. I helped my mommy put the decorations on the house. I helped daddy rake up the leaves. Could you please bring me a haunted Barbie house with all the people? Or I would like the toy dog that you can feed and then it poops and you have to pick it up and you can walk it. Thank you, Santa.
Love, Emma U. (age 4)
This year, I want a flamingo that poops out jellybeans.
Love, Amelia (age 5)
This year, I would like any Hess truck I don’t have yet, please.
Love, Robbie (age 9)
Please bring me new stuffys. I would also like new books. I need a new piggy bank, because mine is full! May I please have a new bicycle without training wheels. I have been a good girl this year.
Love, Harper (age 5)
I love you. Please bring me a Spiderman that lights up in the dark. You don’t have to bring my dogs a present, because I already picked up presents for them. Ho ho ho.
Teddy W. (age 5)
I tried my best to be a good girl this year! I’ve drank my milk and took my vitamins too, and I’ve done my very best to listen to mommy and daddy, but I don’t care too much for veggies… I’ll try better on the veggies this coming year! I’m hoping you’ll bring me a Thomas the Tank Engine toy for Christmas! Thanks, Santa!
Edith (age 2)
I would like a fish tank, cars, belt, LEGOs, magic.
Love, Vito (age 6)
I have been a good boy this year. Do your reindeer like carrots? A Squirtle battle set for Christmas. Please and thank you.
Austin (age 6)
I want hunting stuff. See you in four weeks.
Jacob (age 9)
I think that I have been good this year. For Christmas, I would like a Barbie and a scooter and a coloring book. PS make sure my house is the last house you visit. The trap master is back :-) Mackenzie (age 6)
Hi. I love you. I would like a tablet, a toy horse, a Labubu. Please. I will leave you cookies.
Love, Ada (age 6)
Our young readers let Santa know just how good they’ve been this year!
I want for Christmas is a toy car, Bills football, toy TV, I want to tell you Santa is your elfs and reindeer are being good.
Will (age 8)
Can you bring me a OMG doll for Christmas. And a LOL doll for Christmas. And a Barbie doll. Thank you, Scarlet F. (age 6)
I have been very good this year! I have done lots of good deeds. Here are some of the things that I’ve done… I help my class make their ant projects. I have also helped my pa and gi in the garden. I help my dada in the shop. Also with getting the eggs. I help my mama in the kitchen. Sometimes, I help my sister clean her room. I enjoy helping other people. Some things I want for Christmas are… Well fit clip making kit. Next a foot bath and escape room. And a trip to the Polar Express train and an Easy Bake oven. Thank you for reading my letter and Merry Christmas.
Chloe (age 8)
My name is Lisa. I’ve been a good girl this year. I would like a new case for my cell phone. I also want two new dresses, underwear, and socks. Also, you can surprise me with gifts. Bills blanket. Please keep warm and feed the reindeer.
Lisa (age 63)
We are 9 year old twins, Lily and Lana. We don’t know our grandpa. We was two months old when he died. Our gramma Tia really misses him this time of year. Since we have everything, will you please heal our gramma‘s heart? We love her so much. We hope this note to you will make her smile.
Thank you, Lily and Lena (age 9)
I am always nice to my little sister, Emma. I help mommy and daddy pick up the playroom. If you think I have been good, I would like a Barbie dream house with a pool with all the dolls and the mom and dad. And the Barbie camper. Have a merry Christmas and also thank you.
Love, Ava U. (age 6)
I hope I have been good this year. What I want for Christmas is a chicken. I will leave you a gift and cookies.
Love, Blaire (age 7)
I have been good. I want a Labubu and a tablet and makeup and a good Christmas. Ada has been mean to our dog, Zuri. Please bring Zuri presents too. Love Josie. PS I love you. Hi Josie (age 7)
I have been good at school. I helped Max build the mini Christmas tree. Please leave a chalkboard. Thank you.
Bennett (age 6)
I have been good this year by getting two 100s in ELA and science. For Christmas, I would like for my family to be happy, healthy and would love to go to Seabreeze/Great Wolf Lodge again with my family.
Thank you, Talia (age 10)
I’ve been very good all year. I helped my mom and dad. I helped put up the decorations on the Christmas tree. I moved my Jeep and tractor to be stored for the winter, so the batteries don’t die. Please give me a brand new Jeep to ride… A Jeep with lights. Thank you, Santa Claus!
Leland (age 4)
I have been a good boy this year. I want a PS5. Please. And a level up Rekt executive gaming chair. I love you, Santa.
Love, Carter J. (age 7)
I’ve been a good friend. I helped do laundry and stack wood! I would please like slime, a bike, gel pens, purple notebook, and a Buffalo Bills dress. Please bring my brothers presents too. I will bake you yummy cookies :)
Bristol (age 6)
I have been very good this year. I let my dog out and I feed my dog every day. I feed my fish too. What I want for Christmas this year is a karaoke machine. Merry Christmas.
Lilah (age 8)
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I’ve been a good listener by turning my ears on for mommy and daddy. I’ve been kind to my family. Every day, I am helpful to my new baby twins. For Christmas, can you please bring me a toy squirrel that doesn’t make noises and princesses? Thank you and I love you, Santa.
Love, Isla (age 4)
I have been very good this year! Some things that I did this year was helping clean, doing my homework, practicing lacrosse, and doing good in school! For Christmas, some things that I want is a lacrosse draw stick, USA wall ball lacrosse club sweatshirt, goat USA sweatshirt, and pajama pants, twinkle lights, and a lacrosse draw post! Thank you!
Love, Claire (age 10)
I’ve been very good this year! What I’m hoping to see under the Christmas tree is a Labubu! Price: 37.35. Hope you can get it and I take good care of Trina, one of your elves, and I bought another one of your elves. I named him Max. Hope Trina comes soon. Tell her I love her and to come soon (I already have Max!) Hope it’s chilly down there!
Aubry Anna Rose (age 9 in a quarter)
HOW TO STAY SAFE ON DIY PROJECTS
Be especially careful with power tools. Power tools can do a lot and they’re fun to use. But it’s important that DIYers do not let fun distract them from safety. The Power Tool Institute urges power tool users to wear personal protective equipment, including eye and hearing protection and a dust mask, whenever using power tools. The PTI also advises users to make sure tools are powered down before plugging them in and to inspect the tool before using it. Inspections can confirm that all guards are in place and that tools are up to the task at hand. Much like it’s unsafe to overreach on a ladder, overreaching when using power tools increase the risk for mistakes, accidents and injuries.
ROOFING, SIDING, GUTTERS
OTHER home services FEATUREDBUSINESSES
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” -- Og Mandino
Fair Housing Statement
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
PREPARE VEHICLES FOR HARSH WEATHER
Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 F, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength.
Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive.
Address: (required)
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
Get rid of your old holiday lights. Still using the same Christmas lights you used in 1995? Such lights are likely incandescent bulbs that are considerably less efficient than today’s LED Christmas lights. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that LED lights consume 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, the OEERE says that LED holiday lights are easier to install and that as many as 25 strings of lights can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.
LEAF PEEPING PLANNING GUIDE
Pick your destination
Anywhere with deciduous trees provides the opportunity to witness blazing autumn color. During leaf-peeping season, travelers can go coast to coast and see awesome vistas. Some regions are particularly known for their leaf displays. New York’s Catskill and Adirondack regions are prime spots for visitors in the autumn. Those who live further north will find that leaves in Vermont are such an attraction that routes are published indicating where to enjoy the best views. Further south, Central and Eastern Virginia peak in late October. And don’t forget the shores of the Great Lakes, which are awash in reds, oranges and yellows by mid-September. The travel resource Frommer’s offers more leaf-peeping locales to visit.
hometown events
There’s so much happening at your local libraries!
244 Main St., Geneva • 315-789-5303 genevapubliclibrary.net
M-F 8:30-7; Sa 9-2
Macedon Public Library
30 Main St., Macedon • 680-346-1500 macedonpubliclibrary.org
M-Th 10-8; F 10-5; Sa 10-2
Newark Public Library
121 High St., Newark • 315-331-0552 newarklibrary.org
M-Th 9:30-7; F 9:30-6; Sa 9:30-1
Palmyra Community Library
402 East Main St., Palmyra 315-597-5276 palmyracommunitylibrary.org
M-Th 10-8; F 10-5; Sa 10-2
Phelps Library
8 Banta Street, Suite 200, Phelps 315-548-3120 phelpslibrary.org
M-Th 9-7; F 9-5; Sa 9-1; Sun Closed
GET CRAFTY WITH HOMEMADE ORNAMENTS
Handmade gifts, trinkets and treats help make the holiday season special. Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, giftgivers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects. Ornaments and decorations are one such idea.
MarionMuseumOpen- December 6th,andDecember21st,theMarion Museumopenwillbeopenfrom 11am-3pm,3794S.MainSt.,Marion. Saturday,December20th4:30-6pm HolidayOpenHousewithrefreshmentsandliveholidaymusic (violin)beforethecommunityparade. MarionMuseumatJennie’sHouse, 3794S.MainStreet,Marion.
STATISTICS SHOW JUST HOW BIG SMALL BUSINESS IS
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.
AWA Communication Technologies Museum Two Hundred Years of Innovations
Hours are: Tuesdays 10am-3pm and Saturdays 1-5pm
6925 State Route 5, Bloomfield, New York 14469 585-257-5119 • www.antiquewireless.org
Guidelines for Hometown Events
To Post Your Event:
Log in and submit your event online at www.gvpennysaver.com/calendar or in person at: 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY 14414 Submit your event by the Monday 2 weeks prior to publication date.
Events must occur on a specific date and time. Event submissions may not include businesses or schools seeking registration for classes or programs, or organizations seeking crafters, vendors, or item donations. Genesee Valley Penny Saver reserves the right to approve/reject events for publication. Events are published as space allows.
An informal poll of friends and neighbors got me a range of responses, from grimaces to laughs to snarls. My question was about how they were going to spend the approximate extra $56 that Social Security beneficiaries will be receiving as of January when the new COLA kicks in.
That 2.8% increase in the average Social Security benefit ($2,071 for individuals, $3,208 for couples) won’t get us much when compared to what is happening in the grocery stores -- and everywhere else.
We have been complaining about this for years: the Cost of Living Adjustment price index (CPI-W) that’s used to calculate Social Security increases doesn’t apply to us. Instead, we keep saying, they should use the Research Consumer Price Index (R-CPI-E), which is more in line with how seniors over the age of 62 actually spend money.
And then there’s the wee problem of Medicare Part B also going up -- again -- from $185 this year to $202 for 2026. That amount has to be subtracted from the $56 increase,which means an actual $38 increase in Social Security.
There is, however, a movement afoot in Congress to give us a temporary (six months) increase of $200 per month from January to July 2026. Called the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, the proposal is being batted around in Congress at this point. The bill (S.3078) text says it would provide payments to “recipients of social security, supplemental security income, railroad retirement benefits,and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits.”
Level: Advanced
I asked, in my informal poll, what they would do with that extra $200 per month should the proposal pass: stick it in savings for an emergency ...pay off a medical bill ...turn up the thermostat ...buy a good winter coat. The responses ran the gamut of possibilities, which says one thing: We need that money.
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
• Two WOOD TOBOGGANS. Ogden. 585-509-9902
• New, unused MINIATURE DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE. Avon. 585-313-6394
• OAK DRESSER. Pick up Geneseo. Bruce.jean.Bennett@Gmail.com
• So Clean Device for C-PAP users- New, never used. Newark. jzornow001@gmail.com
• COMPUTER DESK: Single drawer, upper cupboard, can text picture. Approximately 50” H x 24” W x 43” L. Nice condition. Canandaigua. jamesrrahm@aol.com
• 7 1/2’ pre-lit CHRISTMAS TREE, most lights work. Pick up in Caledonia. 585-330-6457
• RABBIT HUTCH, 44”L x 36”W x 40”H. Pick up Farmington. Text 315-601-7520
• 40 issues of FINE HOMEBUILDING, 25 issues FAMILY HANDYMAN MAGS. Great building and fixing guides. Pittsford. pcarney44@hotmail.com
• HESS TRUCKS, 2014 & 2015, in boxes, perfect condition. Just in time for Xmas. Scottsville. 585-889-4259
• STAMP COLLECTION, Many US mint condition, various years & numerous Foreign cancelled, most over 60 years old. Scottsville. 585-889-4259
• Craftsman 10 inch RADIAL ARM SAW . Runs very well. bernieb15625@yahoo.com or 607-329-2977
• COUCH. 585-813-8587
• Paper ROAD MAPS - multiple states. Visitors guides for TX, MT, MI, CO, Golden Isles, GA, ADK. Victor. Text 585-754-1275
• Healthy, small HOUSEPLANTS. Please call 585-394-4790
• MULTIPURPOSE CLOSET – Rack to hang clothing, two shelves for display and two drawers for storage. Heavy. Pick up Henrietta. 585-315-9345 or 585-334-2576
• PREMIUM MAXIMUM BLADDER CONTROL UNDEWEAR from Because. Three packages, 10 pairs, size 5XXL One bag Prevail ADULT UNDERWEAR, size 3. Pittsford. 585-200-4393
• Beautiful METALLIC SILVER CHRISTMAS TREE. About 4-1/2’ T. Pittsford. 585-415-9360
• Bach UPRIGHT PIANO. Batavia. 585-993-5156
• 18 CASSETTE TAPES - mostly Christmas songs and country. Pick up Canandaigua. 585-394-9305
• KEURIG coffee maker, M50. Not working, Use for parts or repair. Pick up W. Henrietta. 585-334-0077
• YARN needed to make prayer shawls and lap robes for cancer patients. 585-313-6394
• Great big WOODEN CABINET suitable for storage, BINOCULARS and a small, portable, foldable PIANO or ORGAN. 585-424-0732
• HATS: Hat collections for display. Baseball Trucker Style with advertising. 585-766-8842
• GUITAR, any kind as long as it plays in tune. Dings or dents are fine. Showe@rochester.rr.com 585-690-0367
• Looking for CANANDAIGUA ACADEMY YEARBOOKS, before 1961 and after 1972. Call 585-394-4790
• PET ITEMS: Dog & Cat Food, Cat Litter, Flea Medication - Advantage or Frontline. shld4th@gmail.com
• ROCKER RECLINER. 585-471-4424 or 585-531-4004
• 4-step ALUMINUM STEP LADDER. E-mail only Suesassy1231@gmail.com
• LAPTOP, used, unwanted. For senior citizen. stan1k1@yahoo.com
• Any BUFFALO BILLS stuff, men’s WINTER HAT & GLOVES, pair of men’s WINTER BOOTS size 8 or 9. 585-415-8513
• BABY GATES for house with special needs child. 585-506-8132
• UPRIGHT FREEZER in good condition and small LIVING ROOM END TABLES in good condition. Text 585-749-2432
• 6’ square VINYL SHED and a used Ferris Zero Turn LAWNMOWER w/60” deck. 585-201-3444
• LYNXX BATTERY - 40VDC 2.5 Ah Lithium Battery Pack. New or used. 585-367-2849 or 585-500-0112
• SPORTS ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINES. No texting. 585-377-0878
King CROSSWORD
polltime
In Autumn 1621, Wampanoag joined English settlers at what is now Plymouth, MA to mark a successful harvest. Over the years, that harvest evolved into what we now recognize as the “First Thanksgiving.” Traditions may differ across the country, even across town or households, but typically, people pause and give thanks for the people and opportunities in their lives. This year, what are you most thankful for?
- Family, friends, and the people who support me
- Health and overall well-being
- Work, stability, and new opportunities
- Community, connection, and the ability to gather
- Personal growth, resilience, and hope for the year ahead
Poll ends 12-9-2025
Poll ended 12-2-2025
Autonomous vehicles continue to be tested and explored in increased realworld environments across the country and world. What is your perspective on the place of autonomous vehicles in the near and far future?
5.0% They’re the future. I expect widespread adoption soon.
15.0% They will grow steadily, but remain a mix with human-driven vehicles.
15.0% They are useful in certain situations, but limited use overall.
10.0% I’m skeptical. Major safety and ethical issues remain.
55.0% I don’t support autonomous vehicles at all.
WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Think of small business sponsorships when putting together school- or clubbased fundraisers.
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features a French bulldog named Stella?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Algeria?
3. MUSIC: Which famous song starts with the line, “I read the news today, oh boy ...”?
4. MOVIES: Who wrote “Hedwig’s Theme,” the main music in the Harry Potter movies?
5. FOOD & DRINK: What is the origin of popcorn?
6. HISTORY: Where was Napoleon Bonaparte exiled to after his defeat in 1815?
7. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “The Sound and the Fury”?
8. ANATOMY: What are the smallest blood vessels called?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In what year did the international version of TikTok launch?
10. SCIENCE: What substance makes plants green?
ANSWERS
Just after the death of the flowers, And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season, When nature is all aglow— Aglow with a mystical spendour
That rivals the brightness of spring,
Aglow with a beauty more tender Than aught which fair summer could bring....
~Emeline B. Smith, “Indian Summer”
the art of
1. “Modern Family.” 2. Algiers.
“A Day in the Life,” The Beatles.
4. Composer John Williams.
5. Indigenous people in the Americas mastered
popping corn.
6. The remote island of St. Helena.
7. William Faulkner.
8. Capillaries.
9. 2017. 10. The pigment chlorophyll.
Canaltown Chorale Brings “Holiday Joy” to Local Stages This December
BY SUZIE WELLS
e Canaltown Chorale once again ushers in the festive season with its annual holiday concerts, “Holiday Joy,” offering audiences a blend of cherished classics and contemporary seasonal music. Under the direction of Barb Seppeler, with accompanist Kay Oosterling, the group’s voices will bring warmth, harmony, and community spirit to two local performances.
e first concert will be held on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 3679 Main Street, Walworth. e second takes place on Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m. at the United Church of Marion, 3848 N. Main Street, Marion, followed by a community reception hosted by the Chorale.
Founded in 1980 by Mike Nash, the Chorale has grown into a beloved local institution. General Manager Barb VanDelinder says she joined the group in 1982 when she moved to the area, and they have performed two program seasons every year, except for three seasons they missed due to COVID.
e December concerts feature beloved holiday music, and the June concerts feature a variety program. e Chorale also lends its voices to community events throughout the year, including a veterans tribute program in Newark for the past four years and the Summer of Roses series in North Rose. Over the decades, the group has even tackled large-scale works; Barb says that one year they performed a musical called ‘ e Witness,’ complete with costumes, singing, and acting.
“Music makes your world better and it can soothe and distract in times of stress.”
BARB VANDELINDER
For Chorale members, the heart of the group goes far beyond performance. VanDelinder says, “I feel our goal is to enjoy making music with our friends and share this music with our audiences. e music becomes part of you... it runs through your mind much of the time.”
e Chorale is a welcoming, long-standing musical community supported through dues, community donations, and an annual grant from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, administered by Auburn Public eater. One of the goals of the grant, VanDelinder says, is to provide access to choral music performances in Wayne County. And each year, the Canaltown Chorale delivers, with a set of festive performances to delight the community.
A er the second concert each season, members host a community reception with refreshments and socialization. VanDelinder says, “ ere is nothing like singing together [with] a welcoming and caring group that enjoy each other’s company as well as family members who attend the concerts.”
Always, but especially in uncertain times, VanDelinder says, “Music makes your world better and it can soothe and distract in times of stress.” Canaltown Chorale members love music and sharing it with their community.
We welcome stories and story ideas from readers yearround. We always seek stories and story ideas about local artists, authors, craftspeople, and experts who share ideas about their trade, as well as the people and stories behind the scenes of local nonprofit organizations. Please send them to hometown@featuredmedia.com. Most timely, we seek stories or story ideas about holiday light displays (with no admission fee) by local citizens we haven’t yet covered in this column, as well as ideas about people and organizations spreading holiday cheer around the community. Thank you!
New singers are encouraged to join (choral experience is helpful but not required). For more information, contact General Manager Barb Vandelinder at 315-597-9558 or Membership Chair Dottie Graudons at 315-331-5961.
To support the Chorale, community members can attend concerts or become “Friends of the Chorale” by making a tax-deductible donation at the concerts or mailed to the treasurer at Frank Halstead, 639 Frey Rd., Macedon, NY 14502. isweekend,comeshareinthemusic,memories, and holiday joy that make the Canaltown Chorale’s December concerts a treasured Wayne
Brighter
ank You
Many thanks to all those who donated to the food pantry to help our neighbors in need during the SNAP funding crisis. Your support is impressive and your generosity knows no bounds. Thank You! We cannot do all the good that our neighbors need, but our neighbors need all the good that we can do.
The Geneseo Groveland Emergency Food Pantry
Generosity Abounds
There are good times and not so good. With the SNAP benefits going away it leaves many people low or without food. Many pantries are being swamped with people who need food to feed their families. In Avon, and I know many other towns, the good outweighs the bad. People are stepping up their donations to the pantry. It renews our faith in humankind. So many people are so giving. Thank you to not only commercial businesses, but the DeHond family who have a great produce stand on Bronson Hill Road and have been donating fresh vegetables by the truck load for most of the summer. Among the giving are the individual families who reach deep into their pockets to help others. A HUGE thank you to all.
Volunteering
I would like to thank ALL of the volunteers for many different services they provide and do! You are appreciated very much! May God Bless You All!
Respect for the Arts
Theater actors and musicians put in an incredible amount of time and training to hone their craft. The shows and concerts that are performed are the result of their efforts. We as the audience need to show more respect to these people. Using phones in the theater is disrespectful. Wearing pajamas is disrespectful. Let’s do better in our support of the arts.
Drivers & Pets
Drivers, just so you know, dogs can’t drive! They don’t belong on your lap while driving. That’s dangerous and could cause an accident. Smarten up.
Deer Hunter
Please stop hanging your gutted deer right next to the road. I’m sure you’re proud. You want to show off. Many parents driving by with children in their cars do not appreciate seeing your kill. It’s not your place to teach others what they should or shouldn’t be exposed to.
&body mind FEATUREDBUSINESSES
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Breaking Down the Difference Between a Cold and Influenza
Q.
DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the difference between a cold and the flu? -- A.T.R.
ANSWER: Both colds and influenza (the “flu”) are respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. Influenza is caused specifically by the influenza viruses, which come in two main types (A and B). Influenza A is further broken down into different subtypes based on hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
H1N1 and H3N2 are currently the most-common circulating influenza A viruses. Even within these subclasses, there is strong variability among flu viruses, which is one reason why we need a new flu vaccine each year.
Many viruses cause colds. Rhinoviruses (“rhino-” is the Greek word for nose) are the most common, but corona-, parainfluenza- and enteroviruses, as well as respiratory syncytial viruses, are all well-known causes of respiratory illnesses, which can be difficult or impossible to tell apart from any other type of cold.
Unfortunately, there are so many of these viruses, some of which change quickly and others that escape our immune system, so it is (so far) impossible to get immunity by an infection or a vaccine to all the cold viruses. Viruses are generally less severe than influenza.
It isn’t always easy to tell flu from a cold, especially in young people. Both can cause a fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat. However, the flu often causes muscle aches, which can be severe. The flu tends to cause higher fevers, more cough and worse headaches, and it often comes along suddenly. (“I got hit by the flu truck.”) Runny nose and nasal congestion tends to be worse with a cold.
Since there is specific antiviral treatments for influenza, clinicians will sometimes make decisions on whether to treat a person based on their symptoms, or they may get a lab test to look for the flu specifically. (Some tests will also check for COVID-19, a special type of coronavirus, at the same time.)
People who are at a high risk for severe flu may be recommended antiviral treatment, whereas there is not a specific antiviral treatment for colds. It’s particularly important for people over 65 and those with any heart, lung or immune system issues to get the influenza vaccine. The optimum time to get it was from October through the end of November.
Q. A. A.
DEAR DR. ROACH: What do we now call what was once referred to as a “nervous breakdown” in the 20th century? -- A.M.
ANSWER: I asked this question to my psychiatry professor way back in the late 20th century when I was a first-year medical student. My professor replied that the term didn’t have a meaning anymore. There is no formal medical or psychiatric diagnosis of a “nervous breakdown.” The term is used by laypeople to describe when a person has severe impairment of their day-to-day function as a result of a psychiatric diagnosis, especially mood disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder.
An adjustment disorder may resemble a major depressive disorder, but it occurs within a few months of a traumatic life event. A severe case might also be termed a “nervous breakdown.” It is not usually used to describe a person with acute psychosis (a term meaning a grossly distorted sense of reality), such as a person with schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder in their acute and uncontrolled state.
All these conditions have effective treatments. Treatment starts by talking to someone, who might be your own regular doctor or a mental health professional. For people who are in acute distress with thoughts of hurting themselves, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is an option in the United States and Canada.
How to pack a suitcase: Roll pants and tops, adding to suitcase first, toward the handle side. Then add heavy items (shoes, boots) toward the wheel end. Make sure you choose the right size case for the trip; too much room will cause items to shift around.
SUDOKU Answers
Polly
is a one & a half year old Cavapoo. She loves everyone she meets and sleeps on our bed every night. She’s a sweetheart who loves all her toys and puzzles.
ANSWERS TO COMMON PET FOSTERING QUESTIONS
Who can I reach out to? The animal care resource Great Pet Care says municipal shelters, nonprofit shelters and nonprofit animal rescue groups typically have fostering programs. Rescue groups tend to have more time and resources to provide temporary pet parents with more compatible animal matches.
By Sam Mazotta
Why are cats such finicky eaters?
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I find it weird that my two dogs, “Shep” and “Bull,” can eat just about anything (I have to hide all the pet food), while my cat “Trudy” will turn up her nose at most food. And although she’s perfectly healthy, sometimes she gets sick after eating wet or fresh food. Why? -- Sarah in Madison, Wisconsin
DEAR SARAH: Cats’ eating behaviors have long been a source of curiosity for both pet owners and the scientific community. Why do they turn their nose up at certain foods and chow down on others? Why do they sometimes throw up after eating? Why do they gnaw on grass when they’re meat-eaters?
The answer is: It’s complicated, and no one is entirely sure. A 2015 study, for example, found that cats have some genes that are more commonly possessed by herbivores (animals that eat only plants, like cows). These particular genes help them detect bitter flavors, alerting them to potentially poisonous plants.
This research opens a new avenue into understanding why cats are more picky about their food than dogs -- also meateaters -- tend to be. If cats are detecting a bitter taste in their food then they may be less inclined to eat it. And, a bitter taste also may trigger a vomiting response to safeguard against ingesting what is perceived to be poison.
The study’s results could lead to changes in how commercial producers formulate their cat food. Whether that is a good thing remains to be seen.
In the meantime, feeding a finicky cat remains a trial-anderror process.Try small amounts of different foods -- dry, wet and fresh -- and note Trudy’s likes and dislikes.
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