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• PART OF HISTORY — Are you attending the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Washington? We'd like to hear from you.

We 're looking for a few residents to speak with us by phone Wednesday, Jan. 21, to tell their story and send us photos of themselves at the inauguration or events surrounding the inauguration.

Those attending are asked to call me at 204-4917 or e-mail me at jfinch@beenews. com by Friday, Jan. 16, to let us know if they're interested in participat- ing in the story and e-mailing photos. We hope to feature the story on the Jan. 28 and 29 Lifestyle pages of our nine newspapers, so those participating must be able to contact us Jan. 21.

• NEW HOBBY — I think everyone needs a hobby — something you do just for the pure enjoyment of it. Last year I tried a few new hobbies — cooking, scrapbooking and skiing — none of which will make it into my regular schedule, but at least I can say I tried them.

Whether it's a physical activity or something low-key, perhaps musical or artsy, you can find a variety of activities through the town's Recreation Department and community education programs.

Williamsville Community Education recently mailed out its brochure, with information on classes, trips and events taking place through June. For information, visit http://williamsville.augusoft. net, call 626-8080 or e-mail communityed@ williamsvillek12.org. With 55 pages of listings, I think most everyone can find something of interest and in their price range.

If you don't find anything there, how about fly fishing? But you have to travel for this hobby. The instructor contacted me saying he has had quite a few Amherst students because this is the only community education location to offer the course. The class is offered through Lake Shore Central Community Education and runs for six weeks beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27. Classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuition is $35 plus a $10 lab fee payable to the instructor the first day of class. All equipment is provided. Enroll at Lake Shore Central Community Education at 926-2270 or call instructor Ray Markiewicz at 549-1977.

While I have often thought about trying a new hobby, including piano lessons, I plan to stay with a hobby I have been doing for years: running. Please consider finding something you enjoy, too.

• NEW BABY — Traditionally, The Amherst Bee has always printed a photo of "Baby New Year," the first baby born at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Unfortunately, due to privacy regulations regarding that specific child, we are unable to share information about the new baby with you. However, the last baby born in 2008, "the tax deduction baby," is featured on page three of this edition.

It may be the first baby of the year who grabs the media headlines, but it's the last baby of the year who yields the tax savings.

"Mere minutes can mean major tax savings this New Year's Eve," said Dave Schlierf, district manager for H&R Block. "Babies born on Dec. 31 provide parents with a retroactive tax exemption for all of 2008. To get that same tax break, parents of babies born after midnight on Jan. 1 will have to wait until they file their 2009 taxes — in 2010."

That's right, it's tax time again.