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september 2011
good or bad? Nora Bredes Maggie Brooks an rwm tribute
teens in tanning beds
Paying it Forward leading by example
donna dedee
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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september
contents ETC
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platter cHatter: scene on main
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fasHion forward: vintage clothing
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special feature: teen rights
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leading women: maggie brooks
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Fabulous finds: rochester’s fashion week 2011
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Local Business Matters: shear ego international school
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for a Good cause: partnering for success
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wisdom in a traffic jam
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queen of arts: sculpting her second nature
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in her own words: learning to dance
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special feature: sylvan learning center
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entrepreneurs: joe bean coffee roasters
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Cover Story: donna dedee
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gardening diva
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fitness: can exercise make you smarter
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special feature: the courage bowl
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world of women sports
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rochester women inspire
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healthy woman
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special tribute: nora bredes
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main event
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making dollars & sense
rochester woman pets
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in & out of town
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Say What?
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ON STAGE NOW Experience the funny and touching classic that inspired the hit movie!
By Ernest Thompson Box Office: (585) 232-4382 Buy online: www.gevatheatre.org Groups: (585) 232-1366 x3057
From the director of Almost, Maine and Over the Tavern! Supported in part by:
ON SALE NOW A lush, passionate and seductive adaptation of Bram Stoker’s haunting story
By Steven Dietz BEGINS OCTOBER 11
OUR TEAM... Publishers
Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden
Editor-in-Chief
Barbara McSpadden
Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer
Graphic Designer
Letter from the PUBLISHERS “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove . . . . but the world maybe different because I was important in the life of a child.” - Kathy Davis For this month’s cover story we had the pleasure of meeting Donna DeDee Doyle, president and chief executive officer of The School of the Holy Childhood. We were intrigued watching Donna interact with these very special students as we walked around the school for our cover shoot. One after another, the students would rush up to her with a sense of urgency that their problem needed her attention at that very minute. Without fail, Donna would stop what she was doing and make sure that the student’s needs were met and problems solved. By the end of the day, it was very clear that Donna makes a difference in the lives of these students each and every day. Read all about her incredible new journey on page 34. Looking for a new and interesting place for dinner? We were too so we sent one of our writer’s, Nicole Shein, to the new Scene on Main restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Downtown. We won’t give way her impressions of the restaurant, but you’ll enjoy reading her Platter Chatter on page 9. Let’s just say, your mouth will be watering by the time you’re done! If you enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning, you probably think that Maxwell House in your coffee maker is as good as it gets. Just step into Joe Beans Coffee Roasters and in a short period of time you will discover how much you didn’t know about coffee. There’s a good chance you may never go back to that regular morning cup again. It even made a coffee drinker out of one of us. Can you guess which one took her first sip at Joe Beans? Now that the kids are back to school we hope you have even more time to enjoy Rochester Woman Magazine, maybe even with a good cup of coffee on University Ave.
Kell y & Barb Enjoy fall!
Jessica Bates Melissa Merritt Emma Tang
Photography Brandon Vick Michelle Macirella
Contributing Writers Sarah Jane Clifford Ilana Green Frances Grossman John Hutchings Sherrif Ibrahim, M.D., PhD. Michelle Inclema Joan E. Lincoln Angella Luyk Michelle Macirella Jennifer Magar Anne Marie Marshall Gabriella Martinez Stephanie G. Mortellaro Sraddha Prativadi, MD Caurie Miner Putnam Nicole Shein
Advertising Sales Scott Doe Jennifer Wood
Advertise with us...
Unlike any other publication in the Rochester area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Rochester women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 300 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.
Contact our home office
585.924.4426 10 East Main Street Suite 301 Victor, NY 14564 info@rochesterwomanmag.com Download our media kit at
www.rochesterwomanmag.com The photo of Deb Magone in the August issue of RWM, was courtesy of Michael Rivera Photography.
6 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
Rochester Woman Magazine is printed locally. The magazine is published 10 times a year by InnovateHER Media Group, llc. 10 E. Main St., Suite 301, Victor, NY 14564. Copyright © 2011 InnovateHER Media Group, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Rochester Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of InnovateHER Media Group, llc. and will not be returned.
Etc... september movies...
17th ANNUAL FINGER LAKES FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL
An action-thriller centered on the threat posed by a deadly disease and an international team of doctors contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak. The all-star cast features Matt Damon, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Laurence Fishburne.
On Thursday, September 15, 2011, St. Ann’s Community will host its 25th annual Community Care Health Fair for the public. The fair will be held at St. Ann’s Home (1500 Portland Avenue) from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Admission is free and a complimentary lunch will be served around 11:45pm. Over 30 organizations focusing on health care and community resources for seniors will provide information to attendees. Health screenings will also be offered.
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Kate Reddy devotes her days to her job with a Boston-based financial management firm. At night she goes home to her adoring, recently-downsized architect husband Richard and their two young children. When Kate gets handed a major new account that will require frequent trips to New York, Richard also wins the new job he’s been hoping for—and both will be spreading themselves even thinner. Dolphin Tale’ is inspired by the amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who banded together to save her life. Swimming free, a young dolphin is caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail
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Some say that all houses have memories. For one man, his home is the place he would kill to forget. Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz star in ‘Dream House,’ a suspense thriller about a family that unknowingly moves into a home where grisly murders were committed...only to find themselves the killer’s next target.
25th Annual St. Ann’s Community Care Health Fair
Speak of “fiber” to area knitters and weavers, and their eyes sparkle in anticipation of the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 & 18 at the Hemlock Fairgrounds. Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Hand Spinners Guild, it’s the largest festival of its kind west of the Hudson Valley drawing almost 3,000 visitors each year. Highlights include exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations of a wide variety of fiber arts including knitting, crocheting, weaving, hand spinning, felting, lace making, rug hooking and basket-weaving, as well as almost 100 vendors selling supplies and equipment. The festival features something for everyone including free demonstrations of the skills of sheepherding dogs and free horse-drawn wagon rides for attendees to ride from one display area to another. Families young and old will enjoy free demonstrations of the history and craft of fiber production that take place throughout the festival. In addition, one-of-akind finished goods hand-crafted by local artisans are available to suit every budget. Admission to the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival is $5 per day; children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is also free. No pets are permitted anywhere on the fairgrounds, including the parking lot. For further information on the festival, visit www.GVHG.org/fest.html.
St. Ann’s Community is one of Rochester’s largest private employers with over 1,000 employees, and provides a varied range of services and care levels designed to meet the individual needs of older adults. St. Ann’s, a non-profit that is Caring for the Most Important People on Earth, serves seniors with two licensed, accredited and certified skilled nursing facilities, medical and social adult day programs, independent retirement housing, a transitional care program, assisted living, enhanced living, specialized dementia care, geriatric outpatient primary care practice, and Hospice care (in partnership with two local Hospice Agencies) located on two campuses in the Greater Rochester area. For more information about St. Ann’s Community please call 585-697-6000 or visit www. stannscommunity.com.St. Ann’s Community is located at 1500 Portland Avenue in Rochester, directly across the street from Rochester General Hospital..
Scene
on main
by nicole shein I photos by brandon vick When you think of Rochester’s hip, edgy, trendy neighborhoods, what comes to mind? Probably Park Avenue, Corn Hill or the South Wedge—but right smack dab in the middle of downtown? Not so much. Scene on Main, the new restaurant on the lobby level of the Hyatt, wants to change that. The space once occupied by Palladio is now smartly dressed in shades of dark charcoal, with pops of bright purple accents, pixilated cherry blossom murals and bold mobiles. At once classy and inventive, the décor reflects Scene on Main’s menu, which is organized around the idea of “share plates.” Similar to tapas, but with slightly larger portions, share plates allow Scene on Main’s guests to enjoy several of the delicious dishes crafted by Chef Dustin Muroski—ranging from an earthy, umami-packed mushroom tea soup to re-imagined classics like steaks, Cobb salad and chicken French—without being overwhelmed. “What do you do when you go out to eat?” asks Michael Bohanon, Assistant Food and Beverage Director. “You want to try everyone else’s dishes.”
One dish that everyone wants to taste is Scene on Main’s sumptuous lobster mac-n-cheese. Cavatappi pasta in a rich cheddar sauce is accented with large, tender chunks of Nova Scotia lobster, chanterelle mushrooms, Canadian bacon and crisp parsnip chips. This is comfort food at its most decadent. Another unusual seafood dish, pastrami-style salmon flatbread, resembles a cross between pizza, brunch and a trip to a New York deli. Thin, satisfyingly chewy flatbread provides a base for smoked salmon, Gruyere, and a scattering of arugula. Pickle relish and Nance’s mustard strike a tangy note, and help keep the open-faced sandwich from tasting too rich. Smoked pork mini tacos are a three-bite delight, with tender chunks of meat, bright green sofrito and slivers of cheddar folded into a crispy wonton. The Angus hanger steak, another popular menu item, is served atop a Yukon gold hash brown cake, with flavorful condiments; here, the sofrito is contrasted with a tomato-chorizo sauce. One of Rochester cuisine’s classics, chicken French, is reinvented by Chef Muroski as an Asian-inspired satay with lemon-sherry
emulsion. There’s also a nod to the au courant with Angus sliders, as well as more traditional entrees like duck breast served atop mascarpone polenta with raspberry jus, and a cowboy-cut ribeye steak. There are plenty of plant-based options available at Scene on Main, for those who choose not to eat meat. A poached pear, blue cheese and candied walnut salad may seem quotidian, but several things elevate Scene on Main’s interpretation: the use of Bibb lettuce rather than more typical spring mix, crisp, sweet nuts and chocolate balsamic vinaigrette with subtle but sublime flavor. A more substantial vegetarian dish is the Vermont chévre sandwich, which combines the earthy, creamy flavor of goat cheese with piquant basil pesto. All sandwiches—including the ciabatta chicken club, the English-style club with fried egg, and more—come with fries, field greens or Scene on Main’s delectable house-made potato chips. Dusted with salt and freshly cracked pepper, these thin-cut potato slices are sometimes crispy, sometimes slightly chewy, but always scrumptious. Chef Muroski plans on changing up the menu seasonally, and is committed to locally sourcing as many ingredients as possible without sacrificing quality. “Staying sustainable is very important to us,” he says, and this extends to the organic, cage-free eggs used in Scene on Main’s breakfast buffets and a la carte omelets. With choices that include peekytoe crab hash, steel-cut oats with macerated berries and orange blossom honey cream, and challah French toast, this is a hotel meal worth getting out of bed for—even if you stayed up late the night before, indulging in some of Scene on Main’s signature cocktails. “We want Scene on Main to be a destination,” says Bohanon, “where people settle in and have some good drinks and good food.” Scene on Main is located in the Hyatt Regency, 125 East Main St., Rochester. For reservations, hours, menus and more information, please visit rochester.hyatt.com or call 585-794-4800. rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011 9
::fashion forward SHIFT+CONTROL
By Joan E. Lincoln | Photo by Drew Gardner.us
Based on the book, A Vintage Affair, Isabel Wolff “Wearing vintage is a protest against mass production.” The new savvy attraction to vintage clothing is the ability to capture beautiful fabrics of finer quality and appreciate the intricate design detail. A newly chic seamstress and those with a passion for fashion are eager to invest in these garments so that it can be redesigned into a unique garment to achieve that one-of-a kind look that everyone is striving for today. My search continues for those unique, extraordinary items lurking in closets and finer wardrobes. I have always been fascinated with the styles of yesteryear. Vintage teaches the why and how of designer’s patterns that adorned the runway years ago. The newly chic approach to vintage clothing is so interesting to me. Today’s fashion savvy generation is most excited about wearing the garments from decades ago. They are also expressive and creative in how they fashion their individual look. A Vintage Affair, by Isabel Wolff, has been a recommended read to me by a number of customers throughout my first year at Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment. Wolff writes in her book, “There are lots of Hollywood stars wearing vintage now on the red carpet-Julia Roberts at the Oscars in vintage Valentino, or Renee Zellweger in that 1950’s canary-yellow gown by Jean Desses. All this has changed the perception of vintage, which used to be seen as something Bohemian and quirky, rather than the highly sophisticated choice that it’s become.” A short time ago a client arrived at the store sharing a copy of this special book and even signed it for me. Realizing this book had a very significant message, I knew I had better secure some special time to begin reading and experience what others had been enjoying. Fortunately, I have been afforded many opportunities to experience Estate sales prior to their opening to the public. These rare opportunities allow me to pick the cream-of-thecrop. Care and preservation of garments made from such finer fabrics is a real treat for me to make available to my customers. I look forward to October 13 - October 16, 2011 when Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment will present on the Fashion Week of Rochester runway, a Formal Affair of Glorious Vintage. May the fabric bring to life the stories in the lining of vintage garments. Joan Lincoln is the owner of Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment, 1855 Monroe Ave. www.joanlincoln.com
10 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
vintage clothing The Education through the story of...
:: special feature
rightshealth
Long-term reversible contraception – Good choices for the
Teen or our children’s By Anne Marie Marshall and Sherrif Ibrahim, M.D., Ph.D As the new school year looms right around the corner, many parents begin to feel the pressure to accommodate the many needs of their high school-bound teenagers – shopping for new clothes, school supplies and a tanning membership?
With popular TV shows like ‘Jersey Shore’ promoting “GTL” (gym, tanning, and laundry) an enormous impact is made on how our impressionable teens feel they should look, regardless if it is hazardous to their health. Despite the widespread public health messages on the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) tanning, parents are still signing off on that consent form allowing their teenagers to use a tanning bed. Current New York State law mandates that children 13 and under are banned from using all UV devices, while those aged 14 to 17 require a note from their parents. While this sounds good on paper, studies in the United States and abroad indicate that up to 88% of tanning businesses illegally allow minors to tan without parental consent. Furthermore, the notes from parents are often valid for up to one year and once a teen has access, they are potentially allowed to tan limitlessly without renewing the parental consent. Approximately 30 million Americans visit tanning salons every year, and 2.3 million of those are teenagers according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. On average, 1 million people tan daily, and 70% are Caucasian women aged 16 to 49. Tanning is big business, generating $5 billion annually in the U.S. (up from $1 billion in 1992), and it is difficult to avoid their catchy slogans and even advertisements in high school newspapers.
What about your vitamin D? Many tanning salons claim tanning provides you with the correct amount of Vitamin D. According to Dr. Sherrif Ibrahim, MD, PhD a skin cancer specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, there are many safer ways to get the vitamin D our bodies require. “A daily intake of two 8 ounce glasses of fortified milk or orange juice, one standard vitamin tablet, or incidental sun exposure to the face and backs of the hands two to three times per week for just a few minutes is sufficient to achieve
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normal serum levels of vitamin D,” said Dr Ibrahim. “Thus, advocating exposure to a known carcinogen while a completely safe alternative exists is an extremely negligent suggestion, particularly when one in three Caucasians will develop skin cancer.” “It’s difficult to explain to a teenager that something they are doing now that makes them feel good about their appearance may cause cancer in 30 years, they just have no concept of what that means.” Dr. Ibrahim continued, “Skin cancer in this country has reached epidemic proportions. Our offices alone treat around 100 cancers per week, and 90% of these are on the head and neck, often requiring extensive surgery.” If the cancer scare isn’t enough to convince teens of the risks involved with indoor tanning, young tanners can also expect to have premature wrinkles, skin discoloration, cataracts, burnt skin, dryness, nausea, reactions to photosensitive medications and, of course, cancer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. So what can be done? Currently, 22 states are reported to be on the verge of passing laws that would ban teenagers ages 14 to 18 from UV tanning salons regardless of parental approval, with New York leading the charge. Better education, heightened public awareness, and a change in public perception of what a desirable appearance is, are all needed as we better understand the links between UV tanning and skin cancer. In the meantime, just as with the risks of smoking and drinking, teens also need to be made aware of the risks of indoor tanning so that they can make an informed decision Anne Marie Marshall is owner of Glow Sunless Tanning & Spa in Brighton
Sherrif Ibrahim, M.D., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Chief Medical Editor of www.skinsight.com.
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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SHIFT+CONTROL ::leading woman
Maggie Brooks: by Nicole Shein I photo by Brandon vick
Leadi
Trailblazer, role model, inspiration, Rochester institution: Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has held a highly visible place in our community over the past three and a half decades, and it’s certainly true that she is one of Upstate New York’s most influential women. Yet, when I sat down with the televisionanchor-turned-politician recently, I found that she is also remarkably accessible and down-to-earth. She may be a trailblazer, but she’s also an Everywoman, one who understands the struggles faced by working wives and mothers the world over.
effective escape is just to find a quiet corner, pick up a good book and read. That’s what I do for my internal workout, my stress reliever.”
“Even though we’re in 2011, and you’d think that’s a non-issue, for a lot of women the balancing act of raising a family and having a career is still a major issue,” says Brooks. Asked about her gender, she says “I don’t know if it’s helped or hindered, but I’ve certainly been aware of it. The common theme in my career is that I always worked in nontraditional fields. When I started in radio in 1977, I was one of only two women who worked at WHAM. There weren’t a lot of women in that field. When I went to television, there were only three or four of us in the newsroom, and then when I joined the county legislature, there were only four women out of 29 legislators.”
Brooks also loves to take advantage of the city’s arts and cultural opportunities, as well as the recreational opportunities provided by the canal, Lake Ontario, and nearby countryside. Despite the fact that promoting the area’s natural and cultural resources is part of her job description, there’s a genuine enthusiasm in her voice as she describes the quality of life here.
Yet Brooks is fairly adamant that keeping the focus on gender is pointless at best, and can be destructive or debilitating when it comes to making and meeting career goals. “I tell other women this, if you focus on being female as your number-one qualification for a job, you know what? You’re gonna lose out on a lot. You need to get in there and bring the unique qualities that you have as an individual, not as a woman. “To be honest with you, I think in some ways women hold themselves back. We have issues that keep us from getting into the game in the first place—it’s hard, especially in politics and government, for women to put themselves in a spotlight that’s very personal. Your family is going to be criticized, your children. I think that’s a struggle for women.” Brooks, who started out as a general assignment reporter on the AM station WHAM, moved over to the television side of broadcasting in 1980, with an anchor slot on WHEC. Before embarking on her political career, Brooks also worked as the Vice President of Programming for Companion Radio, a Penfield company which provides satellite radio programming for senior adults and their caregivers. In 1995, Brooks made the leap to the public sector by winning a seat on the Monroe County Legislature, representing West Irondequoit’s 17th District. Two years later, then-governor George Pataki appointed her County Clerk—a position to which she was elected by voters in 1997 and again in 2001. Whether her day-to-day responsibilities centered on local news or legislation, Brooks made her family a priority. “I always made sure, when my kids were growing up, that I minimized the impact on them,” she explains. “If they had a school play, I tried to be there. I tried to be attentive to what they were doing in school. When I started in government my oldest daughter was eight and my youngest was five, and the media and government are very similar in terms of your visibility and your nontraditional schedule. As they’ve grown older, I think my daughters have come to appreciate the fact that I was able to balance home and work, but it a real challenge. You have to be able to be a mom, to be a wife, and to give 100 percent to your job.” What about time for herself? Brooks laughs at the thought, rueful but resigned. “‘Me Time’ is an elusive commodity,” she admits, “but I do try to find pockets of time that are just for me. I love to play golf, and I’m a big reader. For me the most
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A mystery buff, Brooks has been working her way down a list of the 100 Best Mysteries of the 20th Century, and discovering some new authors along the way. “It’s been a great mix, ranging from classics like To Kill A Mockingbird to modern books like The Ice House by Minette Walters.”
Given the chance to play tour guide to out-of-towners, she says, “I would try and cram everything into a weekend that I could! I certainly would give my guests a taste of our arts and culture. I would take them to the George Eastman House, to the Memorial Art Gallery, to hear great music at the RPO. We have great theatre here. And I would absolutely take them to the water, whether it be traveling on the Sam Patch or going up to Charlotte Beach. Having access to the water here is something that other communities envy. The things that put Rochester and Upstate New York on the map, in my opinion, are the things that will keep people coming back time and time again.” Originally from Irondequoit, Brooks moved to Washington, D.C. with her family when she was a pre-teen, then returned to the area to attend Ithaca College. After graduating, she says, it was tempting to try her luck in the big city, and she considered either returning to the capitol or maybe giving Manhattan a shot. “But both of my parents’ families grew up in this region, and upstate New York is in our DNA,” she laughs. “Rochester was always a comfortable place for me because of that family connection, and I love the quality of life here. You won’t find a better place for raising a family, for establishing a long-term career, for putting down roots.” Getting this message across to young professionals—those who might be tempted to leave the area for larger cities—is one of the biggest challenges facing Rochester, says Brooks, and one about which she’s passionate. “The cost of living here is affordable, this city is family oriented, and you can get that urban feel if you want it or you can experience the rural, agricultural lifestyle. There is truly something for everyone in Monroe County; that’s something I’ve really come to appreciate in my current capacity as County Executive, because I travel all parts of this community, and I see the variety in terms of lifestyle, but also in terms of the spirit of people, which I think is great.” Towards the end of our conversation, Brooks brings up other notable Rochester women, past and present, who serve as role models: Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, soccer star Abby Wambach, and of course Susan B. Anthony. “These are the women who are blazing trails and putting us on the map,” she says, and then jokes that although Democrats and Republicans both lay claim to Anthony, she’s a role model for all women, regardless of ideology. “I say to all women, her legacy is here, her spirit is here, and we’re going to be able to continue her legacy as we build a community of strong women.” “The one thing I want to do as a woman is to lead by example,” she adds—and when it comes to finding the balance between career-oriented trailblazer and modern American family woman, Maggie Brooks is a fine example indeed.
ing By Example
::leading woman
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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::fabulous finds
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::fabulous finds
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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SHIFT+CONTROL
::local business matters
Training Stylists and Serving the Community by Michelle Inclema
She knows what you want and understands you. He or she is always there to offer advice and beauty tips. Where would you be without your hair stylist? The Shear Ego International School of Design is a renowned Rochester institution that has been preparing students for the beauty industry since 1986. Founder Gene Cardamone developed a unique education and training program that has produced thousands of graduates in cosmetology, aesthetics, nails, waxing, and barber services. Shear Ego offers the only accredited barber program in upstate New York and the prestigious Lacoiffure advanced cutting class taught by Artistic Director Peter Webb, a Master Stylist who relocated from England to join the Shear Ego team. As the Director of Operations and Marketing/Job Placement, Megan Donner is responsible for managing the business departments at the School and works closely with students to select a course of study and find employment upon graduating. “I work hard to motivate our students and guide them through the process of interviewing and job placement,” she says. As part of the training program, students in all courses of study get hands-on experience in the salon alongside master stylists and leaders in the nail, skin, and cosmetology industry. The community is welcome to receive services at the salon for a fraction of the cost compared to other salons. “We are passionate about giving back to the community with salon services or donations, these events build confidence and compassion in our students which are skills they will need working in the industry,” she says. This past May, she organized a “Cut-A-Thon” for
Alternatives for Battered Women. “We had a facilitator come to the school and educate the students on domestic violence issues, and we raised $1,000 for ABW through the weeklong event.” Many events such as the Cut-A-Thon take place at the walk-in training salon, but the Shear Ego team also travels to area schools and local organizations. This past year, Shear Ego brought the “Empower Yourself Inside and Out” event to eighth graders at Greece Athena Middle School. “We offered skin, hair, and nail services to the students, and taught them about self confidence, health, and hygiene,” she says. The day featured female speakers from a variety of industries, including WHEC 10 newscaster Rebecca Leclair. “We wanted to empower female students to pursue their career aspirations,” says Megan. The event was well received, and Shear Ego plans to return to Athena next year. “We do as many charitable events as we can. They allow our students to perfect their skills and benefit the community.” Shear Ego recently participated in “Prom Day” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, offering beauty services for children and teenagers living with Muscular Dystrophy to go to a prom held at the Sunshine Campus in Rush-Henrietta. “Shear Ego is fortunate to have a loyal client base that is passionate about involvement in our events,” says Megan. “We have a very dedicated staff and we strive to provide an enriching experience for our students.” For more information on Shear Ego International School of Designplease visit the website at http://www.shearegoschool.com
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::for a good cause
partnering for success
22 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
::for a good cause by Nicole Shein I photo by michelle macirella “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller Success is frequently born of collaboration; when two people put their heads together, a kind of alchemy takes place in which ideas flourish and problems are more readily solved. Last year, Christine Whitman of Complemar, Inc. and the Catholic Family Center’s Carolyn Portanova put their heads together, and the result has been collaborative alchemy for Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works. Healthy Sisters is an employment training program run under the auspices of the Catholic Family Center’s Workforce Development Department. It helps women who come from backgrounds of unemployment, chemical dependence or displacement, teaching them the job skills they need to reenter the workforce. These women not only manufacture the products—which include bean soup, salsa, dip and rice mixes, as well as gift baskets—but they also perform accounting, inventory control, marketing, and sales roles. And at the same time as they are acquiring business skills, they are also earning money, developing self-confidence, and learning how to support themselves and their children. “Working as a group, working on a team—these are foreign concepts to women who have been [drug- or alcohol-] dependent for years and years,” says Carolyn Portanova, President and CEO of Catholic Family Center, citing many challenges which these women, who enter the Healthy Sisters project from one of CFC’s two residential addiction treatment programs, may face. “These are women who have maybe never worked. They’re scared, they have had many blows to their ego, but working here can help them to blossom and feel their personal worth and dignity.” Started in 1996, Healthy Sisters has helped hundreds of women to reestablish their independence after struggling with addiction or other obstacles. Yet the small soup company has had its own share of obstacles—one of the most daunting was its cramped, crowded, unappealing manufacturing facility located in a downtown basement. The employees weren’t fazed by this less-than-ideal work environment— in fact, says Portanova, they affectionately dubbed it the “lovely lower level”—but in order to really grow, the company required a larger, more hospitable space. That’s where Complemar came in. At first, Healthy Sisters approached Complemar, a business solutions provider, to ask if they could help with packaging and fulfillment of the bean-soup mixes and other products. Yet there was something about this initiative that caught the interest of CEO Christine Whitman and others in the woman-owned company. “I love the whole concept, that the program offers job training,” says Whitman. “That’s the big hurdle facing a lot of folks who have had tough times; they’ve gotten out of the habit of going to work every day and making good choices in the work environment. This gives women a chance to be exposed to the rhythm of the business environment.” After Complemar representatives took a tour of the Healthy Sisters site, which included a tasting of the soups, chilis and dips made by the women, opportunities for partnership began to really percolate. From the very beginning, Whitman demonstrated a collaborative, can-do attitude that was more about how she and her company could help, rather than if. “Chris is very, very open, and we hit it off right away,” says Portanova. “She really went the extra mile, taking a personal interest in the project.” First, a move was in order. Complemar carved out space at its own facility, and helped secure funding to enable Healthy Sisters
Soup and Bean Works to move and expand their operations. The new location, which is conveniently located on a bus line, is larger and more professional than the “lovely lower level” site, and offers opportunities for further expansion as the company grows. In addition to the literal move, this partnership with Complemar can also help the women of Healthy Sisters to make career moves. “Because of the training they give these women, and its similarity to the type of work that our employees do, this could potentially be a great opportunity for employment,” says Whitman, who describes the scenario as a win-win. “Healthy Sisters helps these women to transition back into the workforce, and Complemar receives the benefits of that training. We get people with great work skills.” Complemar, which provides design and marketing services as well as manufacturing, logistics, packaging, warehousing and fulfillment, occasionally has periods of high volume when it hires on temporary workers. Since December, when Healthy Sisters moved its manufacturing facility to the Complemar building, three of its graduates have been hired on a temporary basis. Says Whitman, “We are hoping that by the 4th quarter, there will be at least one opening. Our expectation is that over the next year, this pool of potential employees will be a great feeder into the growth of our organization.” The relationship between company expansion and employee satisfaction is one that Whitman emphasizes.”Our first goal is to delight our customers,” she explains, “and we know that to be able to deliver on that, we need to have employees who are motivated and satisfied. Then the growth of the company and sustainability will follow.” At Complemar, motivating employees means monthly one-on-ones with managers to make sure workers set and understand personal goals; training programs, in which all employees are asked to participate, to optimize job skills; and an education assistance policy that helps to ensure career growth. When asked about the future of the Complemar-Healthy Sisters partnership, Whitman cites twin goals. “There are two trajectories: one, we hope that we are successful in helping Healthy Sisters sell more soup to the world, and thereby to generate more revenue, so that they can expand their program. Second, we hope that demonstrating how great these employees are will bring us more competition in terms of hiring their graduates.” Carolyn Portanova also wants to see Healthy Sisters continue to grow, and graduate more women into the workforce, but she would like to increase public awareness and understanding of this and similar programs. Packaging beans and spices into soup mix may seem simple, but there’s more to it than providing a few women the self-esteem and job skills they need to be successful employees. “Human services are perceived as an add-on, as something that takes a lot of tax money, and is expensive to the community,” says Portanova, “but we actually save this community money. This moves people off welfare, off government support, makes them taxpayers.” She agrees with Whitman that there ought to be more programs like Healthy Sisters in the Rochester community, perhaps aimed at helping other populations, such as refugees. In the meantime, Portanova—who favors Rita’s Ragin’ Cajun bean soup, one of the spicier mixes made by the sisters—continues to spread the word about the soup and bean mixes, which are sold at many Wegmans locations, small boutiques and bookstores, and at local festivals. “I hope people buy all those beautiful beans!” she laughs.
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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Raise How to ask for a
::wisdom inSHIFT+CONTROL a traffic jam
by Angella Luyk
Dear Angella, I have been working at my job for almost a year now. My first annual employee review is coming up, and I would like to ask for a raise. I am nervous and unsure how to go about this, any suggestions? Thanks Tina.
Dear Tina, Congratulations on your first year anniversary! There are a few steps you want to take now to prepare yourself for your annual review which will ease the anxiety you feel about asking for a raise. First, research the current salary range for your position. You can consult with friends in your field and see what they are being paid. There are several on line resources to determine the market value of your position. Also, check to see what the average percentage increase your company offers. Perhaps they offer between 5% and 10% increases every year. Now you know the range you should be asking for. Second, prepare your “presentation” and what you are going to say. Make a list of all the contributions you have made to the company over the past year. Did you bring in new clients, cut the budget in half, or created a system that saved the company money? Try not to list your normal job duties. When asking for a raise you want to list the things that you did that were above and beyond your normal job description and prove you are an asset to the organization. Also, they say practice makes perfect, so be sure and practice your speech with a friend. Have them play the role of your boss and offer you constructive criticism on what you are saying. You don’t want to go into the meeting and start fumbling your words. Finally, you will want to set some goals for next year. Show your boss you are thinking long term. Write these goals down and present them along with a timeline of when you would like to accomplish them. Remember, no one really likes asking for money, it is an uncomfortable topic. If you are prepared it will be much easier. Your boss at some point, has to go to their boss and ask for a raise as well. They may also not be the final decision maker for your raise. By giving them plenty of written documentation they can explain to their boss why you deserve your raise. They understand the position you are in. By being prepared you will both come out of the meeting happy. Angella Luyk is CEO of Midnight Janitorial Inc. and published author of Wisdom in a Traffic Jam. Want to learn more about her or have a question, check out her website www.wisdominatrafficjam. com or www.midnightjanitorial.com rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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Sculpting:
::queen of arts
her second nature by Susan L. Dutch | photo by cindy bell Carolyn Palmer remembers being baffled by all the fuss. As far as she knew, she was just a typical 4-year-old, having fun in the sand with her four brothers and three sisters. Yet, beach strollers were stopped in their tracks as a passerby admired her work, took photos and offered words of encouragement. “I thought everyone was trying to be kind because I was just this little thing playing in the sand,” Carolyn said. But the adulation that began on the Florida beaches would quickly become the norm. From the endless accolades by teachers and peers about her incredible talent, to the many prestigious art awards she won throughout her elementary and high school years. Carolyn’s gift astounded many, but no one more than her parents. “Artistic ability doesn’t run in my family so my parents weren’t sure where all this came from,” Carolyn said gesturing to her array of impressive sculptures and paintings that adorn her Mission Landing condominium. A high honors student with a strong aptitude in the science, Carolyn’s parents, although supportive of her talent, insisted she pursue a more traditional academic path. She obliged by attending Wells College in Aurora but soon discovered that her intense passion for art could not to be suppressed. “I was interested in the human body as a three-dimensional art form, not so much scientifically,” Carolyn said. “I wanted to follow my art.” Carolyn transferred to and graduated cum laude from Nazareth College, and soon after traveled extensively to museums and ruins throughout Italy, France, Spain and Greece. It was then that she believes her “real” training began. “The classical and renaissance sculptures really inspired me. It amazes me how sculptors as early as the 4th Century B.C. created such lifelike figures out of clay, marble or bronze. I can sense their passion for bringing those materials to life and that same spirit inspires my work today,” she said. Her evolving talent ultimately led to public commissions to sculpt several prominent historic figures in bronze, including the Wright Brothers for a Sanford, Orlando Airport; a life-size Thomas Jefferson for the Jefferson Center in Syracuse; and a bust of Dr. Zef Oroshi for a prominent Albanian venue in Ardsley, N.Y. Her most recent commission is to commemorate the lives of Gov. Robert P. Casey and Vice President Joseph Biden for Scranton, Pa. Carolyn also sits on various committees and boards, including the Museum of Young Art (MOYA) and the Vera House Foundation. In 2005, she chaired the Syracuse Stage’s Beaux Arts Ball, naming it after Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, “Starry Night.” It was one of the most profitable fundraisers in the Stage’s 26-year history. Away from her creative world, Carolyn also enjoys her position in marketing and sales for a family owned company, L.P. Transportation, Inc., which hauls liquefied petroleum up the Northeast. “I enjoy the diversity, but creating art is truly my passion even though I never feel completely satisfied or finished with any one piece.” A selfproclaimed perfectionist, Carolyn believes Leonardo da Vinci had it right when he said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” With a smile she says, “Art, like life, is a magnificent work in progress.” To see more of Carolyn’s work, visit www.palmersculptures.com. rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
27
::in her own words
dance
Learning to
on a Shifting Carpet by Stephanie G. Mortellaro, RYT
Sixteen years ago, while living my dream of dancing professionally, I began to experience strange and painful symptoms in my body. Ignoring them for nearly a year, they progressed to the point of becoming too painful to be ignored any longer. An exhaustive and emotionally wrenching period of testing and diagnostic procedures culminated with a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.). R.A. is a chronic autoimmune disease (where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue for unknown reasons) that can lead to the damage and destruction of the many joints of the body. In the early days, I spiraled into a black hole of anger, fear, and confusion. Up to that point my identity had been derived from the ease and use of my physical body. Now my body was attacking itself and I was feeling a deep sense of betrayal and fear. I was lost and looking into a future that seemed uncertain and bleak. After a few years the pervasive pain rendered most daily activity impossible. I was mainly housebound, depressed, and taking a potent cocktail of drugs prescribed by my doctors. I realized I was choosing a path to the future I feared instead of the future I desired. It was time to take matters into my own hands. I first found my way to Pilates. Working on the Pilates Universal Reformer provided me the opportunity to move in ways that supported and freed my joints. Gradually, with determination and persistence, I began to move again. With each movement I felt the glory of reclaiming my life. This was enormously helpful to me, it was the beginning of my physical restoration, but I still felt there was something missing emotionally. This was when I found Yoga. With Yoga I began to learn how to live in the present moment. As I strived to embody the words of Patanjali (Sutra I.II), “Yoga is to still the patterning of the consciousness.” I realized that I could remove the disquieting thoughts from my mind and with them the fear and pain they were causing. I replaced my old thought patterns, I started to become whole again. Through the yogic discipline of self study and observation I began to see that “the causes of suffering are not seeing things as they really are” (The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali II.III) and I realized that my identity was not my disease. This knowledge freed me and I was no longer a victim of R.A. I felt an unstoppable momentum building within me, fueling my desire to take responsibility for my own health both in body and in mind. Today, at 39, I am a full time Yoga instructor who is medication free. I find it difficult now to recall the pain that had permeated my body and spirit for so long because now, for the most part, I am symptom free. Although I do embrace other modalities in my healing, Yoga remains the foundation upon which I continue to build a healthier me. Through Yoga I was able to shift from fixating on the physical body to something deeper, unchanging within, something that is fundamentally my authentic self no matter what may afflict my outer shell. Ultimately, Yoga has helped me transcend the physical and emotional challenges of living with a chronic disease which has no known cure and has opened my heart to the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the horizon!
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Stephanie G. Mortellaro, RYT is the owner and director of Beyond Center for Yoga, Pilates and Well-Being 67 Main Street, Brockport, NY 14420 585.259.4633 www.BrockportYogaPilates.com
Mail to: Rochester Woman Magazine, 10 E. Main St. Suite 301, Victor, NY 14564 www.rochesterwomanmag.com
::special feature by jade mathis As an educator for over 40 years, Carol Steron always wanted to have her own school. She recognized the importance of working with students as individuals and tapping into their unique learning style, while building confidence as they master new skills and strategies. After returning to school herself and graduating with a master’s degree in administration from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education, the opportunity finally arose in the form of Sylvan Learning Centers. Carol feels lucky to combine her two passions, education and the love for her family, as the owner and director of the Sylvan Learning Centers. Carol, along with her daughter, Susan, and her son, Scott, have worked together for the past 18 years building the foundation for Sylvan in the Rochester area. “It is our family helping your family!” says Carol. Sylvan has expanded to include four learning center locations in Pittsford, Greece, Webster, and Canandaigua as well as partnering with school districts around the area to help students achieve academic success. “Sylvan represents everything that I believe in as an educator. It is truly a gift to be able to help students and their families experience success that transcends far beyond the classroom. We change lives everyday. Being close to my own children only enriches that experience” says Carol. Sylvan provides individualized instruction for students of all ages, creating personalized programs in reading, writing, math, study skills, SAT/ACT preparation, and New York State Regents preparation for students that are struggling or are seeking opportunities for enrichment. “I enjoy being the link that connects students, families, Sylvan, and the schools together in order to ensure a student’s success. It is exciting to watch students grow as learners, striving to reach their greatest potential” says Susan. Carol and Susan are a great mother-daughter team and are proud to be a growing woman-owned business. “We each bring something different to the table and respect each other’s ideas and opinions. We have created a learning and business environment that has allowed us to expand together and as individuals” says Susan, a graduate of the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. They attribute their success to the caring and dedicated staff “that love Sylvan as much as we do” as well as to the supportive families that have trusted Sylvan to help. “We have worked with thousands of students and their families and enjoy making a personal connection with each of them. Each student has a unique need, large or small, and we work hard to create a personal program for every student” Carol stated. Carol and Susan have lived in Rochester all of their lives and are proud to be able to give back to the community. Partnerships with Rochester Mentors, Town Youth Services, Junior Achievement, and Golisano Children’s Hospital are among the organizations that the Steron family has supported allowing more children access to a bright future. According to Carol “Kids are my life. Spending time with students at Sylvan or with my own five grandchildren is what keeps me young at heart. I believe children are our future and we are cheerleaders for their success. Sylvan has provided me with a great environment to continue to do what I love.”
classroom
Achieving Success
Beyond the
30 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
Who are you going to be?
The Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester offers graduate programs in
Teaching “The 3M Company shut down its manufacturing plant in Rochester, so I was laid off. I thought I’d take a break and stay home with the kids for a year or two—but it turned into 10. When I did think about going back to work, I wanted to revive my earlier dream of teaching and combine it with a passion for sharing science with kids. My scholarship made it a possibility and a reality. What I enjoy most about teaching is watching the light bulb go on for a kid when they understand something.” —Kathryn Jensen, Chemistry and Middle School Science Teacher in the Rochester City School District
Counseling Human Development Higher Education Educational Policy School Leadership Health Professions Education Part-time, full-time, and non-matriculated study available. Grants and scholarships available to qualified applicants.
www.warner.rochester.edu admissions@warner.rochester.edu 585.275.3950
::entrepreneurs
Joe Bean Coffee Roasters
Connecting with the Community
Story and Photo By Michelle Macirella
Upon entering Joe Bean Coffee Roasters’ new home on University Avenue I was greeted with wonderful coffee smells, warm décor, laughter from the customers and a bartender with a big grin ready to help me with my order. I felt like I had walked into a popular neighborhood bar, only this one serves coffee instead of cocktails. It was only 11:00am and pouring rain, but the bar was still full of people talking and laughing with each other. I heard one of the men recommend to his friend to let the bartender choose something from the menu for him then said excitedly, “Wait till you see how they make this coffee!” Accompanied by my custom-made cappuccino, I sat down with Kathy Turiano, co-owner of Joe Bean Coffee Roasters. Although this was our first meeting, I felt like I had known her for years. Armed with a welcoming smile and friendly demeanor she quickly made me feel at home. The biscotti samples didn’t hurt either. This is how Kathy strives to make all of her customers feel. And I believe they do. “I’m really big on community and investing back into your community,” she told me. “We wanted our set up to be very community oriented, which is why we did all bar seating and put the servers in the middle of the room so they can function like bartenders and service everyone better around them.” The company also tries to educate people about the benefits of supporting local and puts that into practice itself. The food they carry at the bar is provided by all local companies; and even the ingredients Joe Bean uses, whenever possible, are purchased locally allowing them the opportunity to showcase and support other local businesses. Kathy and her business partner Dena Jones started Joe Bean as a more traditional coffee shop in the village of Webster in 2004. It was very successful, but the more they got involved in the coffee industry they could see there was more competition starting to come in, especially from larger franchises. Kathy and Dena decided they needed to really invest in getting to know their core product better – coffee. So in 2007 they made the difficult decision to take the business in a different direction and learn to be roasters. Kathy also has a lot of experience organizing community art events and has a passion for helping young people. She has done a great deal of leadership training and development with youth and the arts. She is also no stranger to family business. When her children were young she worked at her husband’s advertising business, which he took over
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from his parents. And now her son Ben is the bar manager of Joe Bean as well as a co-owner. As I listened to Kathy tell me about her life and her business, her enthusiasm and passion were contagious. And when asked what she’s most proud of with the company, she beamed with pride and didn’t hesitate to say it’s her employees. “I love my team! To me that’s the most fun. I love watching them work, watching them be so passionate about what they do - connecting with the customers and serving people well. I have an awesome team.” And when asked how she feels about coffee – “It’s every aspect of my life. It’s social. It’s community. It tastes fabulous. And it’s global.”
“How did I end up in a leadership role at Turner Broadcasting? It all started at Fisher.” Veronica Sheehan Senior Vice President of Network Operations Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. St. John Fisher College Alumna, Class of 1988
DISCOVER THE WORLD WITHIN
www.sjfc.edu
:: cover story
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paying
g it forward... ::cover story
donna dedee by caurie Miner Putnam I photos by brandon vick As a former television news reporter Donna Dedee is used to talking to very important people. She continues to do so today as the president and chief executive officer of the School of the Holy Childhood, a Rochester agency with serves children and adults with developmental disabilities.
I had the privilege of watching such an interaction recently when I visited Dedee at the school. “Donna Dedee!” cried out a young man when she entered a vocational training classroom at the school. “I need to talk to you!” Dedee made a beeline for the young man who began tearing up as she drew closer. “My grandpa died,” he said sadly. With compassion and total attention Dedee held the young man’s hand and listened to his story as if he was the only person present in a room full of students excitedly calling out her name. When Dedee was done listening to him his tears had stopped. “Walking in here every day and interacting with these students is a privilege,” Dedee said. “I have an amazingly fulfilling moment like that every day.” Dedee began her position at the School of the Holy
Childhood six months ago. However, she was no stranger to the school, which is located in a quiet residential neighborhood at 100 Groton Parkway.“I had been here many times throughout the years as a reporter,” Dedee said. “I understood its legacy, services, and high level of respect in the community.” The school is a non-denominational, non-profit agency that was founded 1946 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, educators and community leader visionaries in Rochester who believed in the value of every person regardless of their abilities. Today, it serves 115 developmentally disabled children ages 5 – 21 from 36 school districts in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne, Yates and Wyoming counties. It also provides an adult day vocational training program for 100 adults with developmental disabilities and has a comprehensive health center, aquatics program, adaptive physical education program, and Medicaid Service Coordination center on site. “We have a keen focus on quality and relevant programming here,” Dedee said. “We strive to provide top notch education and vocational training so our children and adults can fulfill their own
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::cover story
“Walking in here every day and interacting with these students is a privilege.�
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::cover story highest, individual potential.”Dedee is particularly proud of the vocational training the school offers. During my visit she showed me the Special Touch Bakery, Partners With Industry room, and the Woodworking Shop. All programs are located within the school and provide real work training and paid jobs to adult students. The Special Touch Bakery makes 13,000 pies a year for local restaurants, Partners With Industry sub contracts with large corporations like Wegmans and Paychex to provide sorting and assembly work and the Woodworking Shop produces everything from wood stakes for Frontier Communications to wine racks.When Karen and Dan Lynch took a similar tour in December 2010 they were so moved by the passion of the students, the strength of the instruction, and the quality of the products made it altered their own lives tremendously.“When we walked through the doors of the School of the Holy Childhood for the first time it changed our lives,” Karen Lynch said. “We were blown away by pieces being produced in the wood shop and the beautiful smiling faces there.” The Lynches were shocked to learn the school did not have a retail outlet for the pies and wood pieces produced there. Two months later they approached Dedee – who had been CEO of the school for just two weeks - with an incredible idea.“When we approached Donna with our idea for The Generosity Store she was awesome,” Karen Lynch said. “She was so happy and so excited to collaborate with us.” The Generosity Store – a non-profit gift store to benefit The School of the Holy Childhood and the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong - opened this month at 39 South Goodman Street in Rochester. The store is stocked with items produced at The School of the Holy Childhood – like pies, Adirondack chairs, and cheeseboards. And, starting in the fall, students from the school will begin interning there as well. “Our students will have the opportunity to be involved with the Generosity Store from start to finish,” said Dedee, who sits on the board of directors for the store. “They will be able to make something by hand, deliver it to the store, and actually help sell it. It is an incredible teaching and learning experience for them.”The ability to collaborate with the Lynches to benefit the school and its students shows part of Dedee’s strength as a leader. “Donna has a unique way of connecting people,” said Mary Ellen Burris, Senior Vice President of Consumer Affairs for Wegmans. “She is a practical person as well as a visionary.” Burris has known Dedee since she was a reporter at Channel 10 in Rochester and followed the progression of her career to anchorwoman, news director at FOX Rochester, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the United Way of Greater Rochester, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bishop Kearney High School, and now CEO of the School of the Holy Childhood. “She has had an evolution of responsibilities,” Burris said. “Her skills as a manager are proven with past experience and it is very exciting to watch her apply them in a different organization.”
Dedee considers Burris a mentor and believes mentoring is part of the reason she has been so successful in her own career. Dedee’s career began with a mentor – Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. At the time, Brooks was a weekend reporter at WHEC TV-10 news in Rochester when Dedee, a senior at Bishop Kearney High School, had the opportunity to shadow her.“From the exposure and connections Maggie gave me through mentoring I got a part time job at Channel 10,” said Dedee, who worked at the station while earning a degree in journalism from St. John Fisher. She later earned her MBA at St. John Fisher as well. Dedee began her full-time broadcast journalism career at Channel 10 and transitioned to news director at FOX Rochester in 1995. As she built a name for herself in Rochester’s news community, she paid back the opportunities she had received from mentoring. “I have been blessed that men and women have been there for me as mentors throughout my own career progression,” Dedee said. “If I don’t pay it forward shame on me.” Nancy Goldsmith Zawacki, the VP of Marketing and Communications for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, was a student at Spencerport High School when she called Dedee at Channel 10 and asked to shadow her. “She didn’t even know me, but she gave me her time and patience and let me follow her,” Zawacki said. “I was so impressed and in awe of her.” Zawacki went to school for broadcast journalism in Washington, DC and later applied for a job at FOX Rochester. “I was so fortunate to have her there for me as a mentor,” said Zawacki, who got the job. “And then she brought me home.” Home is a huge part of Dedee’s life. “Family is a huge priority to me – the priority,” said Dedee, who lives in Penfield with her husband Dr. Edward Doyle, a chiropractor, and their children Eddie, 16, and Mary Grace, 14.She is close to her brother Michael Dedee who is the manager of The Monroe County Department of Public Health’s Maternal and Child Health Division and her mother Joyce, the founder of the Hot Flash Tap Dancers. Her father Harry is deceased. “I’m fortunate to have grown up in an uplifting, close-knit family,” Dedee said. “My parents showed me by example the importance of working hard and service to others. The importance of family is something Dedee does not check at the door when she arrives for work at the School of the Holy Childhood each day either. “My goal is to treat each individual that comes here as they are treated in their own family,” Dedee said. “There is a family like feel here because we are a family.” For more information on The School of the Holy Childhood visit http://www.holychildhood.org For more information on The Generosity Store visit http://www. thegenerositystore.org
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TREAT
YOURSELF
to EVENING
an
UT
and
GET…
In the Pink An evening
5:30 pm
•
October 12
•
f inspiration & celebration
Hyatt Regency Rochester
Join an informative and entertaining event that’s all about breast cancer awareness and women’s health! FEATURING
The New York Times health columnist Jane Brody.
A wine tasting, compliments of some of our region’s best vintners.
A lively cocktail hour (with pink drinks, of course).
Tasty hors d’oeuvres and treats created by the Hyatt’s executive chef.
Smooth jazz by the “Adrian DiMatteo Trio.”
Register early to receive complimentary pink wrap at the event.
Tickets $50.
Enter our raffle to win a pink LX150 Vespa sponsored by Advantage Credit Union through Country Rode Motowerks. To learn more, please visit www.HighlandHospital.org or call Tammy Chmiel, Highland Hospital Events Coordinator, at 585.341.0530 or email Tammy_Chmiel@urmc.rochester.edu.
Proceeds will benefit the Highland Breast Imaging Center’s education and outreach efforts, which support access to life-saving breast screenings for women and men in our community.
Hug!
Big
The Fall Season Resembles a
by frances grossman
by frances grossman
::gardening diva
Hello friends - happy fall season! When growing up in Wisconsin, it wasn’t uncommon for us to experience what seemed like the four seasons all in one week. The weather often times couldn’t decide which way “the wind should blow!” Although our local weather here can often be fickle, I firmly believe that we are blessed to live in an area that truly experiences the four seasons. And in general, we experience them with gusto!
packed with fall fragrances makes your garden, perhaps the sweetest place on earth to be. Enjoy the season; feel the enveloping embrace of fresh air, nature and getting back into your ‘garden & home…’
I find it easy to talk with you about the benefits of each season; the distinct and unique features that come with each changing month. What’s not to talk about? We have texture, temperature and visual changes galore as we go about our lives, like few other places across the country. I love my garden in all seasons, of course (Pssst- like you, I sometimes like it more than others!) yet the fall season is so special, so endearing and so… personal. Spring feels like an awaking. We yearn for sunshine, green grass and friendlier temps. Summer shares the excitement of outdoor entertaining, relaxing and freedom. Fall tends to welcome us back; back to school, regular schedules and back to family gatherings around the dinner table. Yet, with fall, the dinners can still be outdoors, perhaps near the fire pit with the smoky fragrance and sounds of logs crackling. Family walks, football games or apple picking may even be on the agenda. We’re gearing up towards the cold months when we completely hunker down to await cozy evenings and weekends tucked snuggly indoors. Whoa Hang on! I’m not quite ready for all that just yet!
Frances Grossman is president of Grossmans Garden & Home. She can be reached at frances@ grossmans.com, or visit www.grossmans.com .
Right now, I’m all about the fall decorating and bringing robust color to the forefront of our outdoor spaces. Pumpkins, gourds and squash begin to be tucked into nooks and crannies for pops of fun and interest. As the season progresses, I enjoy tying a few cornstalks near our front entrance. I use fall flowers from our garden and the woods around our home to adorn the stalks. A thick piece of ribbon or twine adds the perfect touch to bring everything together. Yet, the emotion that stirs the strongest is the gardener in me that wants to share my message; the mantra that I’d like to happily shout from the mountaintop, “Fall is the very best time to plant!” You’ve got to know Mother Nature is rooting for us to succeed. The temperatures are cooler so watering may be done a bit less frequently. Planting now means that roots have plenty of time to establish themselves so when spring comes, the plants will be ready to perform beautifully for you! There’s a menagerie of fall shrubs, trees & perennials to carry color and interest until the snow flies. These low maintenance, easy care plants give years upon years of enjoyment. It’s time to enjoy the moment yet look ahead to next seasons possibilities as tulip, daffodil, crocus and hyacinth bulbs need to be planted now. In fact, planting now may be looked upon as a simple pleasure. It’s not hot, the sweat isn’t dripping from your brow and the crisp breeze
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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advertorial ROCHESTER Healthcare Profiles
The Benefits of Massage Therapy Are you stressed? The American Academy of Family Physicians reports 43 percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects related to stress. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that massage is used to reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries and aid general wellness. For people diagnosed with cancer, massage can be especially effective. A study sponsored by the Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (2008) revealed that a therapeutic massage can immediately reduce pain and improve the mood of people diagnosed with advanced forms of cancer. Jean Van Etten is a licensed massage therapist who has worked at Pluta Cancer Center since 2003. Van Etten developed the oncology massage program at Pluta, where patients receive massages at no charge in a spa-like room on site as well as in the Center’s chemotherapy suite. “At Pluta Cancer Center, patients who receive massage therapy become our biggest advocates of the service because of how much better they feel afterwards,” Van Etten said. “Pluta has been a pioneer in the Greater Rochester region, offering massage and other complementary services because of our belief in the value these modalities have in enhancing a
…a therapeutic massage can immediately
reduce pain
and improve the mood…
patient’s ability to get through treatment and recovery.” Massage therapists trained to work with cancer patients learn to customize the massage in light of the patient’s disease status and treatment side effects. For instance, the pressure used is typically light to moderate with the aim of supporting the body and enhancing relaxation. Other modifications to traditional Swedish massage may include avoiding radiation treatment sites and medical devices, providing slower massages for a shorter duration, and special techniques for people who have had lymph nodes removed.
In addition to massage therapy, Pluta Cancer Center also offers patients other complementary services without fee, including support groups, yoga, tai chi, nutrition counseling and healthy living cooking classes.
Your Cancer.
125 Red Creek Drive Rochester, NY 14623
585-486-0600 plutacancercenter.org
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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Smarter?
::fitness
Can Exercise Make You
by john hutchings
In keeping with this month’s theme of education, I wanted to do some research to support what I’ve always believed anyway. That is, exercise can actually make you smarter.
For you kids (and parents) out there, results on academic achievement tests have improved following single bouts of exercise. Charles Hillman, a professor at the University of Illinois, told Good Morning America recently that he found moderate exercise - 30 minutes for adults and 20 minutes for children - results in a 5 to 10 percent improvement in cognition. Hillman’s previous studies also found that fitter kids generally scored better on such cognitive tests. And in this case as well, those children performed better on the tests.
MRI’s actually provided a clearer picture of how it might work. They showed that fit children had significantly larger basal ganglia, a key part of the brain that aids in maintaining attention and “executive control,” or the ability to coordinate actions and thoughts crisply. Since both groups of children had similar socioeconomic backgrounds, body mass index and other variables, the researchers concluded that being fit had enlarged that portion of their brains1.
You are probably aware that exercise releases endorphins into the body in as little as 10 minutes of activity. In addition to making us ‘happy’, endorphins have been proven to increase mental focus by calming us down, allowing us to think clearer and perform better. Do endorphins make us smarter then? Well, they at least allow us to get the most out of our ‘thinking’ if nothing else. For us more mature people, even if exercise can’t make you smarter, studies have shown that exercise can make your brain work more efficiently. Scientists looked at the brain waves of two groups of elderly people, one athletic, one sedentary. They found that the brain waves of the athletic group more closely resembled those of younger people, suggesting that exercise can help you maintain your mental sharpness as you age2. Research has also suggested the one of the long term benefits of exercise is an increase in the size of the frontal lobes of the brain, possibly delaying onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Let’s face it, evidence is everywhere supporting my theory that exercise can make us smarter. But here’s the bottom line; who cares? Isn’t ‘smart’ a relative term anyway? I’m smarter than some people; some people are smarter than me. What I do know for sure is this. Exercise allows me to get the most out of the intelligence, creativity, emotional stability and many other things that are important to all of us. Do this. Make a note of how ‘smart’ you feel after your workouts for the next thirty days that this article will be hanging around your coffee table (refer back to it often, Kelly and Barb do a fantastic job with Rochester Woman, don’t they?). In particular, how do you interact with family, friends, co-workers and strangers? If you notice that you are more pleasant to be around, less irritable and generally easier to get along with - which leads to less stress, conflict and frustration in your life - I think we’d agree...exercise makes you pretty smart. John H owns the Downtown Fitness Club and you can find him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/johnH.DFC or on his website at www.downtownfitnessclub.com from NY Times Well Blogs. 2from ezinearticles.com.
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Camp Good Days ::for a good cause ::special feature
Cross Town Rivals Take to the Field to Benefit By laura osborn
College football games are at their best when the competition involves an old school rivalry. For the past 7 years, a cross town rivalry is resurrected every year in a unique effort to raise money to help kids struggling with cancer. On Saturday, September 17th, St. John Fisher College Cardinals and the University of Rochester Yellowjackets will square off again in the Camp Good Days Courage Bowl VII at Sahlen’s Sadium.
The Inaugural Courage Bowl was played in September of 2005 at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College and was played each September for five years, alternating between St. John Fisher College and the University of Rochester. The Courage Bowl moved to the neutral, downtown venue, Sahlen’s Stadium, in September 2010. Moving the Courage Bowl to Sahlen’s Stadium provided an extra special atmosphere for all involved. The players from both teams have the opportunity to play on a neutral field, and the components have been put into place to make the Courage Bowl a true community event, with two local institutions of higher education and Camp Good Days being a strong community organization that was founded right here in Rochester more than three decades ago. The move also provides the space for many more alumni from both schools and community members to attend the game, and be a part of this extraordinary event. As part of Courage Bowl VII, Camp Good Days will select six campers, three per team, who have all been battling cancer, to serve as this year’s Honorary Coaches. The Honorary Coaches will be invited to a practice with their team during the week leading up to the game, where they will meet their fellow coaches and players. On game day, the Honorary Coaches will meet their teams on campus for the pre-game meal and preparations and travel with their team to Sahlen’s Stadium. All six of the Honorary Coaches will be in the locker room with their teams; lead their teams on to the field; and will be at mid field for the coin toss. They will spend the game on the sidelines with their fellow coaches. In addition, Camp Good Days will also select four girls who have been battling cancer to serve as Honorary Cheerleaders, two with each school’s Cheerleading Squad. The Honorary Cheerleaders will attend a practice during the week leading up to the game; meet their squads prior to the game to prepare for the game, travel to the game with their squads, and cheer from the sidelines during the game. New to the Camp Good Days Courage Bowl this year, Carry the Ball for Courage, sponsored by 13 WHAM TV and Advantage Federal Credit Union will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 and is similar to the Olympic Torch Relay. Camp Good Days is asking community members to donate some of their time and energy, as well as the support of their friends and family, to carry one of the “official” game balls for approximately one quarter of a mile en route from the Camp Good Days’ Headquarters in Mendon to Sahlen’s Stadium in Downtown Rochester. Participants may register as an individual or as a team, and may indicate their preferred route and preferred quarter-mile area. Registration forms may be obtained at any Advantage Federal Credit Union branch or online at www.campgooddays.org, or www.13whamtv.com. Participants who register early will also have their name listed in the Courage Bowl Souvenir Program Book and all participants will receive a ticket to Camp Good Days Courage Bowl VII on Saturday, September 17, 2011.
SHIFT+CONTROL
46 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
critical to women’s sports
Education, Training & Research ::world of women sports
by sarah jane clifford
Like all sports, education, training and research play a major role in the world of women sports. One good example is the Tucker Center For Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota. The Tucker Center
The vision and pioneering spirit of Dorothy McNeill Tucker led to the establishment of the Tucker Center in 1993. The creation of an interdisciplinary research center—devoted solely to girls and women in sport—established standards of excellence with respect to scholarly inquiry, graduate education and community outreach and public service. Housed in the College of Education and Human Development’s School of Kinesiology, the Tucker Center is devoted to sponsoring, promoting, and disseminating scholarly activity on how sport impacts the lives of girls and women. As part of her lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of others, Dr. Tucker, a 1945 graduate of the University of Minnesota, also established the Dorothy McNeill and Elbridge Ashcraft Tucker Chair for Women in Exercise Science and Sport. This Chair, made possible with a $1 million gift, was activated in the fall of 1996. The significance of the Tucker Endowed Chair is that it was the first of its kind in the country. The mission of the Tucker Center is threefold: first, to conduct, sponsor, and promote basic and applied research; second, to support and enhance the education, training, and mentorship of graduate students; and finally,
to engage in community outreach and public service by disseminating research findings and educational materials to targeted constituencies. Since its inception, the Tucker Center has provided centralization, organization, scientific excellence, and national leadership on issues of great national and local significance. Through its direction and leadership, it has encouraged researchers, policy makers, educators, parents and practitioners to work together to better the lives of girls and women in ways that go far beyond the playing fields. The Gymnastics Training Center Another example of education, training and research is Rochester’s own Gymnastics Training Center (GTC) founded in 1987. For the last 17 years the GTC has been housed in a fully equipped 22,000 square foot facility at 2051 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road in Penfield. The GTC is currently running gymnastics and cheerleading classes for boys and girls from beginning to highly advanced levels as well as special programs for disabled children. Fit by Five, which presents an outstanding physically based preschool learning experience for toddlers is also offered. The Botsford School of Dance, which provides world-class programs from pre-ballet to advanced levels, is based at the GTC. All this is done at the GTC on a continuous year-round schedule. The enrollment of over 2,000 students participates in learning, training and research projects. If you have information, ideas, comments or suggestions for “World Of Women Sports,” please contact Sarah Jane Clifford at 585/388-8686. Her e-mail is gtc@frontiernet. net. Clifford owns and operates The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, Inc., 2051 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd., Penfield, NY 14526
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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From Mini-Makeovers to Total Transformations. Call 585.278.8320 for an in-home consultation or visit www.VickiRuffInteriors.com today.
Homearama Showhouse designed by Vicki Ruff Interiors
Š 2011 Vicki Ruff Interiors.
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50 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
Inspire rochester women Rafaella Borasi
Dean of the Warner School of Education and Human Development by Jennifer Magar I photo by brandon vick
We’ve all heard that education is the key to success, but what is the key to a successful educator? At the Warner School of Education and Human Development, teachers and school counselors participate in masters and doctoral programs that prepare them for the future of education. The Warner School, one of the University of Rochester’s schools of graduate study, not only strives to help educators to find success in the classroom but helps them develop as leaders and innovators who can find success in the community. The school is committed to improving education for those who are most disadvantaged and working with high-needs schools. In the past decade, The Warner School has grown faster than any other academic division within the University. The School has doubled its student enrollment, which is a point of pride for Dean Rafaella Borasi, who started with the Warner School in 1985 and has served as Dean since 2001. More than five years ago, Dean Borasi first approached the University’s President Joel Seligman with a vision for a new building for the Warner School. She has since worked vigorously to make this dream become a reality. The Warner School is expected to move into the new Raymond F. LeChase building in 2013. “We are continuing to grow as an institution and an organization,” said Dean Borasi. “We are realizing our mission to improve education.” At the press conference to announce the construction of the new building, President Seligman praised Dean Borasi for running the smallest School in the University with what he considers the greatest determination he has ever seen in any Dean. As a School of Education, the Warner School also strives to be a catalyst for change in the community. “We pride ourselves on collaborating with the community on projects that have a direct impact on children,” said Dean Borasi. One project to engage students is the Get Real! Science Camp. The week-long camp provided 32 low-income Rochester middle school students with the opportunity to learn about science through hands-on investigations of Lake Ontario’s water quality issues. The camp supports these soon-to-be science teachers in learning a new way of teaching science while also improving their skills as science educators. Rather than encouraging memorization in math and science, using an inquiry approach engages students by teaching them to ask questions and investigate how things work. Dean Borasi says today’s curriculum in our education systems doesn’t excite or stimulate students. “Our students recognize that the current status of our education system is not acceptable. We believe teachers need to be agents of change,” said Dean Borasi. While good teachers are the key to student success, Dean Borasi emphasizes that it is also critical to have good school leaders in place in order to have schools that are well-run and provide a nurturing learning environment. “It’s import to tend to the needs of students, not just their academic needs, but other factors that impact their potential for success.”
“One thing I love about Daystar is that they treat the child not the illness.”
Stephanie Shirley Owner Katie Shirley’s Closet
byCaurieMinerPutnam I photobymichellemacirella When most parents walk into Daystar for Medically Fragile Infants, Inc. in Pittsford for the first time, they are searching for a place to provide daycare for their child with significant medical needs. When Stephanie Shirley first walked into Daystar in 2008 she was just searching. Period. Stephanie had lost her daughter Katie Shirley on June 26, 2007. Katie was one of five young women killed in a car crash in Sodus just five days after graduating from Fariport High School. “I was searching for a way to remember Katie,” Stephanie said. “When I walked into Daystar it was a life changing moment.”Katie loved babies and there are few places in Western New York where the love of babies is as palpable as Daystar. Daystar is New York State’s first and only licensed nursing-supervised medical day and respite program for infants under age three and is specifically designed to serve families whose fragile babies require care above and beyond the capabilities of traditional daycare. “One thing I love about Daystar is that they treat the child not the illness,” Stephanie said. “They make every day count and make it special for each child.” Stephanie chose Daystar to be the recipient of the funds raised by Katie Shirley’s Closet – a store she opened at 19 Courtney Commons in Perinton that sells pre-made and handmade jewelry by a legion of dedicated volunteers. Stephanie began Katie Shirley’s Closet in her home just months after losing Katie. She had received a donation of 6,000 pearls from a jeweler in Fairport and began making bracelets with five pearls – one for each young woman that died in the accident. “I wanted a bracelet on the wrist of every girl in Fariport,” Shirley said. “And from there it just snowballed.” Katie Shirley’s Closet now offers hundreds of different bracelets and other jewelry, Build-A-Bracelet parties, bridal jewelry and accessories, and prints by Lorraine Staunch. Everything in the store reflects Katie’s “exquisite taste” and every dollar made by Katie Shirley’s Closet goes to Daystar. “Exorbitant” is the word used by Coleen Emblidge - Daystar’s Director of Development and Finance – to describe the financial contribution Katie’s Closet has made over the past three years. “The impact Stephanie and her volunteers have made on Daystar has been tremendous.” And Stephanie is not done. Currently Daystar occupies a 2,300 square foot house in a residential neighborhood in Pittsford. The house can only accommodate 12 full time babies, but has a consistently full waiting list. Over the next year, Daystar will be expanding to a 10,000-squarefoot day care home on Lac De Ville Boulevard in Brighton that will allow for 30 children up to age 5 in full-time care.
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The new building will cost approximately 2 million dollars and Stephanie has pledged her continued support. In the next few months Katie’s Closet volunteers will be placing silver paint cans at Rochester businesses where people can donate their lose change to the project.When the new Daystar building opens, it will have the same warm and homey feel of the original Daystar house that Stephanie fell in love with. And it will have something very special for all those who walk through the doors – an entryway named after Katie Shirley.“I’m very honored to have Katie’s name attached to Daystar,” Stephanie said. “It certainly doesn’t take the pain of losing my daughter away, but it is gratifying to know she continues to help others.”
“I like to invoke change so that we can continue to grow and progress.” Dr. Twyla J Cummings
Associate Dean- College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at RIT by Michelle Inclema I photo by michelle macirella As the Associate Dean of the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Dr. Twyla J. Cummings is responsible for preparing students to work in creative fields. “I have an open door policy for all students,” she says. “We have 2,000 undergraduate and 300 graduate students across the six schools of CIAS and we are the creative hub for Imaging Arts and Sciences.” Students can elect to pursue a variety of specialized degrees within the School of Art, Design, Photographic Arts and Sciences, Film and Animation, Print Media, or American Crafts. “The disciplines of CIAS allow students to tap into the artistic and scientific sides of their chosen concentration,” she says. The College has produced graduates working in all industries locally and around the world. Primarily, Dr. Cummings is responsible for curriculum processes, marketing, and faculty recruitment efforts. Additionally, she is the Paul and Louise Miller Distinguished Professor in the School of Print Media and has taught courses in the areas of media industries analysis, media distribution and research methods. With a background in digital printing and business development, she established the News Media Initiative program for the School of Print Media in 2006. “I like to invoke change so that we can continue to grow and progress,” she says. “As a researcher, I know that change is an opportunity to discover more creative and efficient ways to accomplish tasks.” She is also dedicated to connecting graduate students to the College, serving as the advisor for the recently established graduate executive board. “I want to build community for our graduate students,” she says. “For the last fifty years, the focus was on the undergraduate students. I want to give the graduate students a voice.” Prior to her career in academia, she worked in marketing and management roles for a division of Kodak in Dayton, Ohio. At the same time, her husband worked for Kodak in Rochester. After a four year long distance relationship, she left her job and moved to New York. “One of the biggest lessons I learned in Rochester was about the importance of networking,” she says. “I had to step outside my comfort zone in order to meet people and integrate myself.” She became an active volunteer for the YWCA, and served as the Board Chair. She has also volunteered as a board member for the Rochester Women’s Network and is on the current steering committee of the Rochester area Business Ethics Foundation. It was her keen networking skills that opened the door to a new career. “I had connections with RIT from my previous job because we worked with the printing school,” she says. What started as an adjunct professor position in the College of Applied Science and Technology led to a newfound passion. She became the Graduate Program Director in the School of Print Media and then moved to Associate Dean. “People say I am the quiet strength,” she says. “My mother, Betty, was the key to making me the woman I am today. She taught me to never settle, always do the best job I can, and to speak up and speak out. She is my inspiration.” For more information on the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at RIT, visit: http://cias.rit.edu rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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confused… Why Facebook Users Might Get
::dollars and sense
By Ilana Greene
June saw the unveiling of a new Facebook app by comparethethemarket.com that allows users to compare anything from video games to phones to insurance policies and pretty much everything in between.
From prnewswire.com: “Specializing in more than just car insurance, comparethemarket.com has over 400 insurers offering a range of competitive products, ranging from life insurance to home insurance, pet insurance and motorbike insurance as well as utility bills including gas, electricity, phone and broadband.” The Financial Services Authority (FSA) researched nineteen different price comparison websites –including market leaders comparethemarket.com, gocompare. com, moneysupermarket.com, and confused.com – and discovered “failures to comply with our rules applicable to the regulated activities of arranging and advising on insurance, and with obligations under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), which could result in consumers not being treated fairly.” The regulator stated that because of the complexity of the terms and conditions pertaining to each policy, the comparison companies need to shoulder the responsibility of checking a customer’s disclosure and eligibility when they apply for insurance products as opposed to leaving that task up to the customer. This is to ensure that the customer buys the appropriate policy to suit their individual needs.
“Consumers... may believe based on the claims made by price comparison sites (or the absence of any statement to the contrary) that they are receiving a quote based on their individual demands and needs when they are actually receiving an illustrative quote based on a set of generic risk criteria,” said the FSA. The lack of individualized information could ultimately thwart a customer’s ability to “claim benefits against a policy purchased through a lack of opportunity to disclose all material facts, causing an insurer to refuse to pay out in part or in full on the benefits due under a policy”. The FSA also decided that certain sites, in doling out “best buy” or “five star” ratings to specific products, were venturing into the murky realm of advising and recommending those policies. In some cases, a website page displayed the logo or name of only one of the insurance products being compared, thereby implying the superiority of that particular product. In response to the FSA’s findings, chief operating officer at gocompare.com, Lee Griffin, said: “We welcome the FSA’s review and will continue to contribute actively throughout the consultation. Our number one priority is that customers receive the best possible service and we will study the FSA’s recommendations to ensure that we are fully compliant with their guidelines. If this review leads to greater protection and clarity for all comparison site customers and forces sites to take a good look at their systems and processes to ensure they are treating customers fairly, then we fully support it.”
rochesterWomanMag.com :: august 2011 rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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56 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
::healthy woman
Planning for Your Family
PERMANENT BIRTH CONTROL BY Sraddha Prativadi, MD
Last month we described various forms of long-acting reversible contraception. However, many women desire permanent, nonreversible contraception when they get to a point in their lives where they have made a definitive decision to have no more children and they are still have menstrual cycles. I would like to point out here that simply making the decision to not have any more children does not provide you with contraception. It seems obvious but as physicians, we very often see women who have completed childbearing that arrive pregnant and they tell us, “But I was done! I didn’t think I could get pregnant.” Yet they are still having cycles and are clearly able to get pregnant. There are minimally invasive methods of permanent contraception available to the modern day woman that require no more than a few short office visits. This is a nice fit for women who can accommodate office visits into their busy schedule but cannot take time for a hospital procedure, or the recovery time required from having abdominal incisions. Two methods that are currently available in the US and have been in use for many years outside of the United States are Essure and Adiana. In both of these methods, inserts are placed into the fallopian tubes by a catheter that is passed from the vagina through the cervix and into the uterus – no incisions. In the case of the Essure, the insert contains inner polyethylene terephthalate fibers to induce benign fibrotic reaction (scarring) and is held in place by flexible stainless steel inner coil and a dynamic outer nickel titanium alloy coil. These are highly trusted materials and are even used in medical devices for other organ systems for many years. Once in place, the device is designed to elicit tissue growth in and around the insert to form over a period of three months. This creates an occlusion or blockage in the fallopian tube that will prevent passage of an egg into the uterus and sperm into the fallopian tube. The Adiana is similar in principle. A soft, biocompatible silicone matrix is hysteroscopically positioned in the patient’s fallopian tube,
creating a permanent barrier within 3 months. The silicone matrix does not carry the risk of chronic inflammation or painful perforations. Radiofrequency energy is administered to the inner portion of the fallopian tube to make the tissue more receptive and responsive to the silicone matrix. Unlike other forms of tubal ligation, no general anesthetic nor incision through the abdomen is required for the Essure and Adiana procedures. If you choose to have this procedure performed, the uterine lining must be thin to maximize success of the procedure in the office. Your physician may choose a time of your cycle when the endometrial lining is thin or administer hormonal contraception in order to thin the uterine lining and provide you with contraception during the 3 months that you wait for the fallopian tubes to create the scar tissue. These methods can only be considered reliable forms of contraception after a confirmatory test is performed showing that dye cannot pass through the tubes. For both of these methods, three months after insertion a physician performs an x-ray test called a hysterosalpingogram to confirm that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked and that the patient can rely on the Essure or Adiana inserts for birth control. A contrast agent (dye) is injected through the cervix, and an x-ray technologist takes photos of the Essure coils to ensure that they are in place. For both procedures, blockage of the tubes must be confirmed in this test in order to rely on the method for contraception. These methods are considered to be over 99% effective. Because they are not appropriate for every woman’s situation, the final decision regarding a contraceptive method should be made between a woman and her physician. Sraddha Prativadi, MD is Clinical Instructor at the University of Rochester Medical Center and is a provider with Madonna Obgyn. www.madonnaobgyn.com rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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C O T TA G E
NEW
H O M E S
RENTAL Opportunity You can now RENT a cottage at Cherry Ridge: no entrance fee required!
A rental option has never before been offered and is proving to be very popular! Call today while this opportunity is still available. Call Lucy Lester at 585.697.6702 to schedule your personal tour. We’d love to tell you more and show you around!
900 Cherry Ridge Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580 www.CherryRidgeCommunity.com
58 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
Courage
::special rwm tribute
Paying Tribute to a Woman of
nora breese
BY STAFF WRITER
Last month, Rochester lost a community leader and an advocate of women’s rights when Nora Bredes, director of the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women’s Leadership at the University of Rochester, died of complications from breast cancer. Ms. Bredes, was former Suffolk County (N.Y.) legislator and longtime activist in women’s, environmental, and public health issues. Her loss was felt deeply by many members of our community. “If we are very lucky, someone will come into our lives that provide a model of courage and determination that moves us to be better than we might have been before - to think more carefully, to act more convincingly, to take risks without fear, to speak our minds, to acknowledge our hearts - this is the gift that I was given by Nora Bredes over the past 10 years,” said Elaine Spaull, Vice President of the City Council of Rochester. “Her unabashed commitment to social justice for all people demands that we work harder now because she has left us, yet her mark on our lives remains... forever.” Ms. Bredes had served as director of the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women’s Leadership since 1999. Her work at the center involved celebrating women’s achievements and analyzing barriers to their progress. “Nora Bredes made enormous contributions to the advancement of women in politics in New York State by creating programs and initiatives that support women’s aspirations and talents,” said University President Joel Seligman. “Nora was a person of extraordinary commitment and intelligence who made a difference in the life of our University. I am deeply saddened by her too early death. She will be profoundly missed.” Among Bredes’ many accomplishments at the University was the expansion of the center’s hallmark program, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton/Susan B. Anthony Conversations, and the creation of a history conference about the life and times of Susan B. Anthony.
In 2006, she created ‘’100 Years Since Susan B.,” a yearlong, community-wide examination of women’s progress since Susan B. Anthony’s death in 1906. In 2010, under Bredes’ leadership, the Anthony Center launched the First Women website, an online resource dedicated to the first women elected to political office in New York State. In 1996, she was a candidate for U.S. Congress, winning the endorsement of the New York Times, which described her as “a reform-minded member of the Suffolk County Legislature who has proved a tenacious and effective advocate for the causes she pursues.” In 2009, she ran as a Democratic candidate for Monroe County (N.Y.) Legislature. “Nora Bredes brought to Rochester a woman who possessed integrity, intelligence, dedication, and loyalty,” said U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, who represents the 28th Congressional District. “Her love for Rochester was sparked by her love for the women’s movement and Susan B. Anthony. She served as a model for the young people she taught at the university. She truly left a void in us that cannot be filled.” Lynn Sherr, award-winning former ABC news correspondent and author, met Ms. Bredes on her travels to Rochester when researching her book, Failure Is Impossible, and later attended several University of Rochester events at Ms. Bredes’ invitation. “Nora cared deeply about the issues that affect women today,” said Ms. Sherr. “She never compromised her values and she wanted everyone to understand as she understood that equal rights were not a privilege, but they were in fact a right.” Susan B. Anthony once said “Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of all the work for women! There is so much yet to be done.” Like Ms. Anthony, Nora Bredes left behind a legacy of commitment to social justice for all people and one we should carry on to honor of her memory. rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
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Events
s
Rochester woma
::the main event
Beauty and the Beast:
Events Events Ev vents Events Roch Fashion Week Party with a purpose
Over 200 guests lined up to make their way into Shear Ego’s Monroe Avenue location for their Beauty and the Beast event helping promote Rochester’s Fashion Week. Free mini treatments, casino games from Upstate Vegas Events, wine and vodka tasting and delicious food from Green Lizard catering were among some of the many highlights of the event. Guests purchased raffle tickets to win over $2,000 in prizes. The Beauty and the Beast event was part of the Fashion Week Party with a Purpose with proceeds benefiting The Center for Youth.
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Rochester woman magazine
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Rochester woman magazi
Fashion met fitness joined forces for the first Rochester’s Longest Runway 5K Run/Walk at Cobbs Hill Park. One of several events created to promote Rochester Fashion Week, the 5K encouraged runners to be as fashionable as they chose. A number of serious runners decided against the frills but the Rochester Speed Skating Team nicknamed themselves the “Maids of Dishonor” for the day, as they donned ball gowns and tiaras along with their running shoes.
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Proceeds benefitted the Center for Youth, which provides support services to young people in the city of Rochester.
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60 august 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com 60 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
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ABW Walk A Mile launch event at panache
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The “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” annual campaign, a fundraiser for Alternatives for Battered Women (ABW), kicked off with an event at Panache Vintage & Finer Consignment in Brighton. Tony Infantino from Warm 101.3 emceed the event which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to not only mark the start of a campaign that will culminate with a walk at Eastview Mall on Oct. 1, 2011, but also to celebrate Panache’s 1-year anniversary. Local dignitaries in attendance included Senator Joe Robach and acting Brighton Town Supervisor Jim Vogel.
::the main event SHIFT+CONTROL
Rochester wom
Rochester woman mag
Upcoming Events September
10
2nd Annual CURE River Walk
ORGANIZATION: CURE Childhood Cancer TIME: 8:30am-2:00 pm WHERE: Charlotte WEBSITE: www.curekidscancer.com
16
Speaking of Women’s Health Conference
ORGANIZATION: WXXI TIME: 8:30am-2:00 pm WHERE: Rochester Riverside Convention Center WEBSITE: interactive.wxxi.org/swh
17
CAP Family Walk & 5K Run
ORGANIZATION: Children Awaiting Parents TIME: 8:00am -2:00pm WHERE: MCC WEBSITE: www.capbook.org
17
Free Mammogram Screening
ORGANIZATION: EWBC TIME: 7:30am – 12pm WHERE: Elizabeth Wende Breast Care WEBSITE: www.ewbc.com
18
16th Annual Purple Foot Festival
ORGANIZATION: Casa Larga Vineyards TIME: 10:am – 5: pm WHERE: Casa Larga WEBSITE: www.casalarga.com
24 24
2nd Annual NY Wine Festival
ORGANIZATION: Mirbeau Inn & Spa WHERE: Skaneateles WEBSITE: www.nywinefestweekend.com
Barktoberfest
ORGANIZATION: Lollypop Farm TIME: 8:30am – 3:00pm WHERE: Lollypop Farm WEBSITE: www.lollypop.org Do you have an event coming up? Submit your information to events@rochesterwomanmag.com
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
61
Fair & Expo Center 2695 E. Henrietta Rd. • Begin your October 15 (Sat.)
holiday shopping
10am – 5pm
season
October 16 (Sun.)
• Over 100 artists, crafters and
10am – 4pm
boutiques
Admission: $5.00/person Children 12 and under are FREE
Proceeds from this event help support our GIRLSrock! community projects
a non profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization
www.jlroch.org
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Million
::rochesterSHIFT+CONTROL woman’s pets
four by Gabriella Martinez By gabriella martinez
Four Million.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, that is the approximate number of cats and dogs that are euthanized each year. It saddens me to think that with over eight million dogs and cats in shelter care each year, half are euthanized. Why is this number so high? It can be many reasons One is easy—Over-population. There are simply not enough responsible homes to house every animal in need. The other is sad but unfortunately true—owner relinquishment.
As I try to wrap my mind around that four million number, I can’t help but think that it includes a many dogs and cats that would have made a great addition to any family —most didn’t do anything to deserve their fate. All they asked for was to be loved and in return they would give
unconditional love, trust, loyalty and companionship.
It’s up to us to help lower these numbers. We can start to help by following some of these practical solutions: - Spay and neuter your pets, not only will spaying and neutering prevent overpopulation, it can also reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting and spraying. - If you are looking for a family pet, opt to adopt an animal from a shelter rather than buying one from a pet store or breeder.
- Make sure you microchip or properly tag/id your pet. This will help to greatly increase the return to owner rates in our local shelters. - Publicizing pet-problem solving resources. (Check out Lollypop Farm’s Pet Peeves behavior help line at 585-295-2999 or on their website for info/help with common pet problem resolutions). - Promoting owner/pet activities such as dog parks and pet carnivals. Owners who do things with pets are much less likely to relinquish them.
It’s time that we as a community become part of the solution and stop ignoring and contributing to the problem. If we make it our mission to reduce the number of adoptable animals euthanized through our local shelters, then it should be possible to effectively reduce this enormous number and help more animals live out their natural lives, h a p p y,
rochesterWomanMag.com :: september 2011
63
::in & out of Town
IN-TOWN - Braddock Point Lighthouse -- Hilton, New York The shores of Lake Ontario are scattered with a network of lighthouses that at one time helped sailors and fisherman find safe harbor during storms. The lighthouses were manned by watchmen responsible for maintaining the facility and making sure that the light was always on. Today, most lighthouses are no longer functional and those that are, are now completely automated. There is one lighthouse, only minutes from Rochester, that let’s you experience what it may have been like to live in these majestic buildings. The Braddock Point Lighthouse was established by the United States Lighthouse Establishment (USLHE) in 1896. It is still a working lighthouse maintained by the US Coast Guard. Since the 1950’s, the property has been in private hands and has had several owners over the years. All have worked to restore it to its original Victorian splendor. For most of those years, the lighthouse was not open to the public, and was strictly a navigational beacon and private residence. Now you can not only tour the facility, but it is also open seasonally as a truly unique bed and breakfast. The rooms in the lighthouse are appointed with period, Victorian antiques to give you the feel of how it must have looked back in its hay day. But, they also have all the modern comforts you would expect today including TV, spectacular views and Wi-Fi. Braddock Point Lighthouse is located on Lake Ontario within an hour of Niagara Falls or the Finger Lakes Region. For more information visit www.braddockpointlighthouse.com.
OUT-OF-TOWN - Naples, NY Nestled in the hills of the Finger Lakes at the south end of Canandaigua Lake, is the tiny town of Naples. Established in 1779, the town didn’t become known as “Naples” until 1782. Grapes were first grown in Naples in the 1760’s, which began the rich grape and wine industry in the town. This was also the beginning of the much anticipated Naples Grape Festival. The Naples Grape Festival is held every fall; this year’s event is September 24th and 25th. The festival features wine, food, arts and crafts and some of the best grape pies you will ever have the pleasure to taste. After enjoying the festival, there are many other places in the region to discover. For starters, you can head to Arbor Hill Grapery. This restored 18th century building that once housed the local post office, now serves as a showcase for their wine and food products including their famous hot grape sundaes. Just up the road on the campus of Alfred University is the Stull Observatory. This is considered by many to be one of the finest teaching observatories in the Northeast. Also, just a short drive away is Letchworth State Park; know affectionately as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. The Genesee River winds its way north through the 14,350-acre park cascading down more than 20 waterfalls through a series of gorges some 600 feet high. While in the park, be sure check out the Glen Iris Inn, perfect for an overnight stay or an excellent stop for a lunch or dinner break. The Naples area has a lot to offer any time of year, but the fall combines the beautiful colors of the season, with the flavors of the fall grape harvest. It truly is the best time of year to explore the area. 64 september 2011 :: rochesterWomanMag.com
::Say wHat?
Say
WHAT?!
Hmmmm. What were they thinking?
We come across a lot of things in the course of our day that just make us stop and say ‘Huh?’ That’s what this section is for. It may be a silly road sign, maybe your pets or your kids did something funny, or yes, maybe you see someone who should have checked the mirror before leaving the house.
Offer expires 10/1/11