SPECIAL 2019 Home & Garden Edition

PLUS...

SPECIAL SECTION HOME & GARDEN

- A.R. RODGER CONSTRUCTION

-MORTGAGE TIPS - BROCCOLO TREE & LAWN -HILL COUNTRY CONSTUCTION

2ONE Companies BLOODLINE.

- AND MORE!

FIFTH GENERATION CONTRACTORS.

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A.R. RODGER CONSTRUCTION

BY JULIA YAW I PHOTOS BY JAMIE PANKOW

The first time I introduced my husband to my dad, my dad was working on a roof. I looked at my now husband, Doug, and shook my head: “No.” “Don’t do it.” I thought. But up the ladder he went and started helping. This isn’t going to work, I said to myself. He better not fall in love with roofing, because I certainly wouldn’t be falling in love with him if he does…

Before we were married I looked at Doug and told him I would divorce him if he ever quit his job and joined the family business.

Two days after the return from our honeymoon, Doug had quit his job, and he was pursuing a career… with a family business; my families business; A . R . Ro d g e r Construction. I married a roofer.

I still roll my eyes and sigh as I think about it.

Twelve years later, we are still not divorced and he still hasn’t come to his senses, but I have come to mine. I have accepted the fact that he loves this business, and I have come to terms that I really do love it, too.

A.R. Rodger Construction was formed in 1988 by my mom, Lynne Robinson and my dad, Allen Rodger. You will 118

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read more about the fifth generation business we started from in the middle article, but for now, I will start with my dad. Allen, my dad, had worked for and with my grandfather and uncles for years prior to my existence. He had tested the waters with his own business, completing projects on the side under A.R. Rodger Construction, and then by the time I was three, he decided to leave the Robinson business and officially

pursue his own, full-time. At that time, both of my parents were diagnosed with medical conditions that would require an increase in their financial situation and the flexibility they needed.

I remember the planning, all the work… and even the arguments between my parents as they pursued this expansion and business venture together. My parents were a great team- a true force to be

reckoned with. My mom was business savvy and could envision the impossible; my dad could construct those dreams, and make it a reality- he was and still is a true specialist in the trades. I remember my mom helping my dad on job¬sites.

It was a normal sight to see her carrying shingles up the ladders in her high heels.

I’m not condoning it, but don’t try to argue with a woman who loves her shoes.

“I need to be ready for anyone to show up at anytime…” she would say.

“You never know what kind of opportunity will present itself to you.” My mom was right, and yes she still wears her heels to this day…

My mom always woke up early to prepare meals for the crews and I would always help her clean and organize the work vehicles. I remember being on any and every job I could be on because my parents prioritized me. They not only wanted to spend time with me, but they wanted to give me the experience. I remember the days, stopping to measure a job for an estimate; while my dad was busy with that, my mom would be sure to make her way to the neighbor’s house to introduce herself and hand them a business card. They contracted many jobs that way. My parents both functioned better on a high-demanding, stressful workload. They absolutely loved the idea

{ COVER STORY } ““I need to be ready for anyone to show up at anytime… You never know what kind of opportunity will present itself to you.”

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{ COVER STORY } “I never want someone to see me and think that they’re beneath me or not feel comfortable here. Everyone’s welcome and I’ll make sure they feel that way.”

of the American dream- owning their own business and helping other people fulfill theirs by the work they provided.

My parents are the most generous people I have ever met.

For years, I couldn’t understand why my mom would dress to the nines and why my dad would wear his holey roofing jeans to church. “I never want someone to see me and think that they’re beneath me or not feel comfortable here. Everyone’s welcome and I’ll make sure they feel that way.” he would say. My dad, much like my grandfather, taught me several core values. Some important ones I always refer back to are; “Even the dog deserves a hello in the morning.” Both of my parents can start a conversation with anyone— and they will take any opportunity to do so.

My dad was also a farmer and truckdriver. When he taught me how to drive, I remember him saying, “You look out the windshield to the farthest point you can see and you don’t lose sight of anything in between.” This quote in particular has shaped my life. Because 122

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of my parents, I’m a dream chaser. Stare down your dream and never lose sight of it, or anything in between.

“Never go the same way twice. Go to work one way, drive home another. You never know what you’ll see. My dad loves to drive. For as long as I’ve known him, he has driven around, checking on all the jobs he has completed over the

years. It gives him a great sense of pride.

If my dad sees something wrong, even if it’s work he had completed 20 years earlier, he’s going to stop and make sure it’s fixed. My dad says his warranty never expires. This is how our business has been sustained. For the past 31 years, we haven’t advertised; we have survived solely on word-of-mouth referrals from our clients and a simple logo. We have

employed, we have grown, and we have constructed residential, commercial and government projects in five different states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island, Michigan and Connecticut.

Chances are, you have seen our work on one of the restaurants, schools, supercenters or even court houses you frequent.

Chances are, you would have never known it was us.

In our area, my dad’s name is well known.

We have thought about changing the company name several times, but we won’t fix what isn’t broken; we will only do our best to improve. Since my husband and I are the next generation to take over, I have stressed the importance of a brand. A few years ago, we rolled out our new logo, and just last month, updated it again.

We also joined social media, though admittedly, we were too busy to upload much content. Find us on Facebook and Instagram @arrodgerco We are very happy to announce the release of our new website, www.arrodgerconstruction. com thanks to Seth Graham Computers and Design and partnership with Jared Quackenbush from ROC City Media

{ COVER STORY } “You look out the windshield to the farthest point you can see and you don’t lose sight of anything in between.”

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for all of our marketing needs.

While sticking with Construction was never my intention, I am blessed with the legacy and opportunities this company and my parents have left me with. May I not forget to mention the several generations of contractors before them.

Owning your own business is certainly not for the faint of heart, but they say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. My friend corrected me the other day, and said “that’s not true—you’ll work harder because your passion will drive you.” This is what drives and fuels us.

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Somehow, I manage to help run this business and serve as the Regional Director of the Northeast Kidney Foundation, serving patients in Rochester, N.Y. and the surrounding regions. My parents drive and determination were passed through to me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is a convenient partnership to be able to give back both ways, in order to build a better community. Today, I write this, as a proud wife, daughter and granddaughter of contractors. Fifth Generation strong, and raising the sixth. I’m sure we’ll be here to provide the services you need for many years to come. Give us a call.

A FIFTH GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS Better living is a better future and it starts with your home, your family; even your business. At A.R. Rodger Construction, we are a family company. We are Fifth Generation contractors, owned and operated since 1988, but working in the industry for decades prior. Our office is rooted in Livingston County, but we serve all of Western New York and beyond- including out of state commercial contracts. We specialize in all areas of construction from minor and emergency repairs to your new

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build needs: • Residential • Commercial • Remodeling • Custom Contracting • Tree Services • Emergency Repairs

We can take care of all facets of your project so that you don’t have to juggle multiple contractors. Whether you need a new roof, addition, windows, doors, siding, seamless gutters, insulation or ventilation, we can help. We also specialize 128

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in tree trimming and removal! We take care of your project, work neatly and clean up as if we were never there- creating an aesthetic image that will leave you satisfied with minimal disruption to your family and/or workplace.

It is our goal to maintain the highest level of integrity, honesty and fairness in our relationships with our suppliers, professional associates and customers.

We aim to provide the highest level of quality construction services and market fair, competitive prices for our clients.

We’re here to help make your vision a reality and build a better future- one project at a time.

We know how important your home and business are, which is why we are FULLY INSURED and GUARANTEE our work beyond the average manufacturer’s warranties. Contact us today for more information.

A.R. Rodger Construction- The Metal Specialists.

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THE METAL EXPERTS - CUSTOM

(585) 223.1198 I (585) 991. 9305 I ARRODGERCO@G ROOFING

SIDING

SEAMLESS GUTTER & WRAPS

WIND

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GMAIL.COM I WWW.ARRODGERCONSTRUCTION.COM

DOWS

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TREE SERVICE & REMOVAL

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{ FIFTH GENERATION }

5TH GENERATIONS

BY JULIA YAW & KAILEE SALAMONE I PHOTOS BY JAMIE PANKOW

I’m Kailee Salamone, (and I’m Julia Yaw). We’re writing this article together.

We laugh together, we make memories together and we consult and do business together. We are cousins, but more like sisters and best friends. Running separate companies, but linked by our grandparents, we are Fifth Generation Contractors.

What does it mean to be a fifth generation contractor? It means generational ties that lead to unity, one bloodline leading to multiple companies.

It means years of dedication and refining. It means long road-trips solely to drive by jobs family members completed, and knowing every single one of them along the way. It means errands that turn into estimates, “while I’m here we might as well stop…” It means constant constructive criticism at family reunions…and the jokes that follow. It means commitment that runs so deep that roofing is literately in our DNA. It all began with our Great, Great, Grandfather- George Robinson. From tracing our family history we were able to locate a priceless photo of George and the crew that originally built the Jack Rabbit Rollercoaster at the Seabreeze Theme Park in Irondequoit, NY! At that time, the Jack Rabbit was the fastest rollercoaster in the world. It currently

is the forth oldest operating coaster in the world and the second oldest rollercoaster in the United States; that says something about the quality and workmanship of that crew! If you have ever been fortunate enough to take a ride on the Jack Rabbit, you can now know our great, great, grandfather had a hand in the making of a rollercoaster that has brought laughter and joy and is still standing strong 99 years later for

many more generations to come.

George’s son, our Great GrandfatherFloyd SR. married Laura Berry. Like most Robinsons, Floyd Sr. was a laid-back, joke-cracking constractor. Although we hear he enjoyed the trade, with the money he received and saved from roofing, Floyd Sr. was able to buy his dream farmhouse near Watertown, NY. and finish out his days farming, and Laura was able to open

her dream restaurant named Rainbow, in Alexandria Bay. This home became the family homestead, where everyone would return for family holidays and vacations. The grandkids loved to visit, pick fruit and berries and see the animals.

The grandkids (our parents, aunts and uncles) remember them fondly, and never remember Floyd Sr. or Laura raising their voice or arguing- they were the kindest, most loving people you would ever meet. Floyd Sr. and Laura had ten kids: Johnny, Jerry, Carl, Bobby, Dick, Milfred, Floyd JR (our grandfather), Gloria, Shirley, and Violet.

Our Grandfather, Floyd JR Robinson, married our grandmother Shirley Zeitvogel and also had ten kids of their own. Following suit with greatgrandpa’s family, they would also have seven boys and three girls- Ronnie, Lynne, Kathy, Jerry, Valerie, Wayne, Keith, Raymond, Charles, and Marty. We aren’t sure of the year, but our Grandfather started a company with his brothers. None of them had the money, but they all had the know-how, so they found an investor and thus a very successful Rochester-based company was formed. Our grandfather’s sons, (our uncles) all started under this business and took over when our grandfather became ill, all branching out into the many companies below: ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY/AUGUST EDITION 2019

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Robinson Roofing, Veteran Roofing, Interstate Roofing, High Tech Roofing, Universal Roofing of Rochester N.Y., Sunset Construction (Sold to another party in 2010) and A.R. Rodger Construction, formed by Lynne and her husband Allen.

Grandpa was an adult onset Type 1 diabetic and experienced many complications later in life, including an amputated leg. Regardless of the situation, you would still find grandpa involved in the business end of things or 134

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even on the roof. Grandpa always defied the limits set before him. He insisted on showing up to as many jobs as possible to tell everyone how to do things and teach them. Being sick came secondary; living his life would always come first.

Grandpa and Grandma Robinson were very well loved. Even with ten kids, there was always an extra plate on the dinner table. “What’s another cup of water and soup?” Grandpa would always say.

Grandpa was full of jokes and tricks; famous for his one-liners which we heard

he picked up from his many years of service in the Navy. “Don’t stand there sleeping on your shovel!” “We’re not building pianos here, boys…”

Our aunts and uncles said they couldn’t go anywhere in the City of Rochester without Grandpa pointing out a roof he had put on. To them, it had seemed he had done them all. We sit here and laugh as we reminisce, because we lived through this with our dads as well.

Shoveling off roofs in the winter is how

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{ FIFTH GENERATION } “He insisted on showing up to as many jobs as possible to tell everyone how to do things and teach them. Being sick came secondary; living his life would always come first.”

Grandpa provided Christmas for all ten kids. Aunt Lynne says the house was always full of gifts and they never went without. There was always food on the table and the kids weren’t forced to eat what was in front of them; they could eat what they wanted if they preferred something different.

There was always a pot of coffee at all times and grandpa & grandma always prepared an extra ham or turkey for the homeless at the holidays.

“Not pictured here is the owner of champion horse, Behaving Day, Floyd Robinson Sr. , aka Junior, aka, grandpa.

There is a lot to be learned from our long lineage of contractors and we sit here thinking about how much of it we still carry with us and apply to our businesses today. We are proud to be the granddaughters of such strong, confident businessmen and women; the people who literally paved the way and shaped our future.

It was always an open-door policy, and this lasted until their final days, as we recently lost our grandmother this February. We sit here and wonder in amazement as to how they did it.

Grandpa was a known gambler and race horse owner. He always bragged about winning at cards and pool, but we all know his friends let him win because he had ten little mouths at home to feed… Grandpa was known to have played with some very well recognized players in his era.

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her and had her swim in a pond. Story has it, my grandpa got a flat tire on the way to the race. He probably got a nail in one of his tires. Damn roofers. He was more mad my dad didn’t bet enough on the horse.”

–Keith Robinson Jr.

We reflect back on all the work that had been done and that we are continuing to do, knowing that because of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, sacrifice…and even betting on a dream, we can hold onto what is sacred, and know that it belongs to us and know that we will continue to pass it on.

In loving memory of Floyd Junior Robinson, October 27, 1926- May 27, 2010 Love, Julia and Kailee My dad is the handsome smiling man second from the right. Behaving Day did not win a race until my grandpa got

{ FIFTH GENERATION } “There is a lot to be learned from our long lineage of contractors and we sit here thinking about how much of it we still carry with us and apply to our businesses today. ”

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{ FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS }

HIIGH COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION

BY KAILEE SALAMONE I PHOTOS BY JAMIE PANKOW

Kailee Salamone, 32 years old, from Silver Springs, NY is the wife of Travis Salamone, mother of two beautiful girls- Aizlyn and Jozlyn, a wild and crazy husky puppy, and five adorable ponies. She is an advocate for kids and believes everyone has a chance at an amazing life. Her main purpose in life is for everyone to live their best life, and know the sky is the limit no matter where they end up. It may not appear to be the dream they aspire for, but it will shock you and make you realize, the biggest surprises are in fact the best! She comes from a long line of hardworking construction workers, in fact her company is the fifth generation company!

I can’t say I ever imagined running a construction company, despite the fact my ENTIRE family seemed to follow that path. In fact, I turned down my fathes’, Charles Robinson, successful construction business when he decided to sell and retire during the years I was in college. I achieved my bachelor’s degree from Johnson and Wales University pursuing a career path in Food Service and Event Planning. The hospitality world was everything I wanted and that was my focus…

Until I met my husband. I had big plans, was going to be a big city girl, running a trendy restaurant, planning elaborate events.

I traveled the country building my resume any way possible, lived in many amazing places; Providence, Denver, Bar Harbor, Boston- determined to live anywhere but 140

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Upstate NY …Until I met my Husband!

I met Travis Salamone in 2009 and it’s pretty safe to say it was love at first sight.

He was the most hardworking, motivated, handsome man I had ever met. He was working in the construction industry in upstate NY. He was living the life I swore I didn’t want a part of, but soon, I found out it was everything I really dreamed of.

Shortly after we started dating he took a job running a crew, traveling the country, installing new roofs on government facilities.

This is where High Country Construction slowly began…

For six years my husband perfected his management and roofing skills all across the United States. He was responsible for renovation air force bases, armories, government office buildings and much more…It was a perfect start in learning and reporting the precise details that were

involved. I was fortunate enough to travel to most of the places with our youngest daughter, Aizlyn. By the time she was 3 years old she had flown on 32 different airplanes! We created many family memories and I continued to learn more about the construction industry. This is when I realized it was actually quite interesting and so much more than I thought it was before. Then along came baby number 2….

it is paying off.

Once Jozlyn was born it was nearly impossible to travel with my husband job to job and it was time to settle down and build a life in my husband’s home town Silver Springs, NY. We purchased our dream home and started the wild journey of running our own construction company.

High Countr y Construction was officially established!

It was a huge commitment that literally took blood, sweat, and tears, but we aren’t afraid of hard work and it is obvious

High Country Construction is a local, family owned company that is dedicated to going above and beyond on all your home improvement needs. Our company is fully insured for both residential and commercial projects. Our high quality work comes with an affordable price, we ensure the job is done right the first time.

Don’t let the fear of cost scare you from making a call, we are proud to announce, we offer a great financing program with low

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monthly payments to keep your wallet a little fuller and your property looking great.

Credit cards are also accepted. We work hard and get the job done fast. We promise your satisfaction is our top priority and we will leave your property looking better than when we arrived. We specialize, but are not limited to; Asphalt roofing, Steel, Steel Shingles, All rubber roofing systems, Decks- wood and composite, Siding, Interior renovations, Gutters, Windows, Painting, Landscaping, Drywall, Concrete, and much more. Our main purpose and goals are to set ourselves above the average construction company, we want to achieve greatness and let people know we care as much as they do about how their property looks. We recently became certified in stone coated steel shingles and are so thrilled to be able 144

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to offer this amazing product.

the beautiful life I am able to live!

My dreams of hospitality did not fall short.

I now am a proud owner of a thriving food tuck, Grateful Flippin’ Birds, whose main purpose is to solely be grateful to the community that has made both my businesses successful. My food truck proudly plans their main events around foundations that fundraise to give back to communities and families that are in need. What I have learned most through being an entrepreneur is having the drive to run your own company comes with the ability to give back to the people who need it most. It has been nothing but an honor to provide not only solid employment, but the opportunity to raise money for organizations that mean the most to me! I am satisfied and thankful for

I am so thankful for the love and support of my amazing family…they have instilled the mindset of working hard and doing honest work. As my favorite band The Grateful Dead says, “Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” Long story short, never get discouraged if the dream you thought you wanted turns into something completely different. I don’t think I could be any happier and as I mentioned before, 18 year old me would have rolled her eyes and laughed if you said this would be my future!

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ROOFING, DECKS, SIDING, AND MUC

CH MORE I WE OFFER FINANCING

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HILLCREST ESTATE

BY KATE WILCOX-RODWELL

Before I was born my parents inherited The Hillcrest Estate, a 120-acre property set back in the woods surrounded by corn fields.

We lived in the mansion in the back of the property and it was one of the coolest places to call home. The ballroom was where I learned how to dribble a basketball, roller-skate, and where my sister taught me how to dance before my first school dance.

The grounds were where we gathered with friends and family and played capture the flag and had family reunions. Ever since I was a child, I had dreamed of restoring the entire mansion and raising my family there.

T h e Hi l l c re s t Estate is in the town of York, NY and features a 9,500-squarefoot mansion with a ballroom and 11 bedrooms. It was built in the late 1800s during the “Country Place Era” when well-to-do families, wanting to escape the unhealthy conditions found in cities during warm weather months, sought out pristine country locations for a rural retreat. A prominent Buffalo socialite, Frances Metcalfe Wolcott, financed the building of the mansion and the

extensive landscape surrounding it, which included an in-ground pool, tennis courts (laid by A.J. Spalding), tiered terraces, and a reflecting pool.

She hosted a variety of events and entertained numerous historical figures at Hillcrest. Theodore Roosevelt, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Mark Twain, and Ethel Barrymore were

but a few of the social and literary figures who enjoyed Mrs. Wolcott’s hospitality. Another guest, Karl Bitter, was an internationally famous sculptor whose 1903 plaster molding of the Louisiana Purchase remains on display in the ballroom. The property also consists of a winding drive and the barn, carriage and caretaker’s houses.

When people hear you grew up in a

large mansion that Teddy Roosevelt stayed in, some will assume you’re wealthy, it’s glamorous, or that you’re a bit out of touch. The reality of the situation was that we inherited a home and property with amazing potential and history, that had not been properly maintained for decades.

Additionally, when your teenage years include mowing the lawn for ten hours every weekend, raking up leaves and sticks, and constantly cleaning and dusting your house, it’s not that “glamorous.”

My father is a crop farmer, his first farm being the 60 acres of farmland at The Hillcrest Estate. My mother graduated from SUNY Geneseo and worked part-time jobs and managed the rental properties at The Hillcrest Estate. They both took active roles in taking care of my older sister, my twin brother Ben who has autism spectrum disorder, and me.

It was my mom’s dream to restore the mansion and grounds to its former glory; however, my family didn’t have the resources needed to restore it, and the responsibilities of raising a child with severe developmental disabilities ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY/AUGUST EDITION 2019

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{ SPECIAL FEATURE } “Before I was born my parents inherited The Hillcrest Estate, a 120-acre property set back in the woods surrounded by corn fields. We lived in the mansion in the back of the property and it was one of the coolest places to call home.”

As a family, we did what we could to maintain The Hillcrest Estate mansion and grounds. The portion of the mansion we lived in was the main living quarters, which is the insulated portion of the home, totaling about 2,500 square feet. The other portions of the home are the servants’ quarters in the back, and the ballroom and large guest bedrooms in the front that were utilized for entertaining summer guests in the early-mid 1900s.

The best part about our home, to this day, is its ability to bring people together to celebrate momentous occasions. My mother hosted many weddings and events for friends and family in the ballroom beginning in the early ‘90s. The fun and joy guests would have celebrating these special occasions was amazing to be a part of. As a kid I remember dressing up in dark clothes at night and sneaking around the outside of the house to peek in the ballroom windows to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom during weddings.

I also recall holding my ear up to the crack in the big chestnut doors separating the living quarters from the ballroom to try and hear the music and conversation. And the excitement that would build knowing that my mom would be bringing us a piece of wedding cake was unparalleled.

I moved away from home after graduating from high school, and I attended SUNY Oswego and studied marketing. As a junior in the honors program, I took the unconventional 154

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route of making my honors thesis project the creation of a business plan for running The Hillcrest Estate as an event venue. I had known for years the only way to save the mansion was to find a way to have it generate income that could be reinvested back into the property. I received high marks on the plan and after college graduation in 2011, I went to work in Rochester in various sales and marketing roles. Shortly after I met my husband Matt in 2012, I told him all about my childhood home and that, someday, I hoped to restore it to its former glory.

To my surprise, someday was only a few years away! In the summer of 2015, my parents announced their plans to move out of the mansion.

Around that same time my mom had asked me to come home to help set up for an August wedding she was hosting. She said the mansion’s ballroom and terrace had never looked so beautiful and that I had to see it to believe it.

That moving announcement coupled with the sheer beauty of that wedding made me realize it was now or never.

I took my college business plan and expanded on it. I eliminated my negative thoughts and found ways to navigate through potential obstacles.

And most importantly I stopped making excuses such as not having the time. I’m a firm believer that if you really want something, you find a way to make the time and put in the effort.

SHIFT+CONTROL {{ SPECIAL FEATURE }} “The best part about our home, to this day, is its ability to bring people together to celebrate momentous occasions.”

My husband and I spent the next three years setting the foundation for the transition of the property from my parents to us. During that time my husband went back to school for his bachelor’s degree in nursing, we got married, and we renovated the other homes on the property, the caretaker’s house, barn and carriage houses.

In July of last year we sold our home in Henrietta, moved into the carriage house at The Hillcrest Estate and began renovating the mansion. By the end of August of this year, we will have restored the original reflecting pool, improved accessibility via the addition of a new ramp and accessible restroom, added a bridal lounge, and made various upgrades to the landscaping and ballroom.

The Hillcrest Estate offers a unique, elegant and versatile space ideal for any occasion, and I am so excited to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to guests in such a stunning and secluded setting. The grand ballroom, picturesque grounds and outdoor terraces are now available to the public for weddings, special occasions, and community and corporate events.

Our ballroom can accommodate up to 120 while a tent wedding on the terrace accommodates up to 300.

My family is also excited to give back to the community through donating our venue to various causes. This year we will be donating the ballroom and grounds for two special events.

The first event celebrates the town’s bicentennial on Sept. 7 as we host a fundraising dinner for the York Town Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and protect the history of the town for future generations. On Sept. 28 we will be partnering with ARC of Wyoming and Livingston County to host a prom for adults with disabilities, an event my autistic twin brother Ben will be able to attend.

The Hillcrest Estate is not just a business for us; it’s our home where we will raise our family—our first child is due in January of 2020! Our focus over the next few years includes moving into the living quarters of the mansion, continued landscaping enhancements, and making our carriage house available as an Airbnb.

Our long-term plans are to invest the revenue generated from renting out the ballroom and grounds back into the house to restore it one room at a time. This includes renovating the guest bedrooms and bathrooms above the ballroom for overnight accommodations and eventually the servants’ quarters for additional living space.

Pursuing my childhood dream and owning and running this family business is not something I could do without the support of my husband, family and friends. I am thrilled to begin sharing the estate’s unique history and character with the community and our future family and cannot wait to see my vision ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY/AUGUST EDITION 2019

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{ SPECIAL FEATURE } “The Hillcrest Estate offers a unique, elegant and versatile space ideal for any occasion, and I am so excited to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to guests in such a stunning and secluded setting.�

Hidden on 120 acres of forests and fields, The Hillcrest Estate is a historic mansion that provides a one-of-a-kind experience in a stunning and secluded setting.

The grand ballroom, outdoor terraces and breathtaking views of the countryside create the perfect backdrop for a truly unforgettable, fun and historic event.

A W O M E N - O W N E D & F A M I LY - O P E R A T E D V E N U E

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{ WOMEN TO WATCH }

ROCHESTER’S WOMEN BUILD WOMEN BUILD TO BREAK GROUND ON 15TH FLOWER CITY HABITAT HOME Seeking the Power of Rochester Women to Lift Families & Community

Women Build will break ground on its 15th Flower City Habitat for Humanity (FCHH) home build on Holworthy Street in the JOSANA neighborhood. Women Build, who’s slogan is “Give a Women a Power Tool, and She Will Change the World,” is a volunteer program within FCHH that brings Rochester women together to raise funds and volunteer on the jobsite.

No construction skills are necessary to participate in this year’s project. FCHH is seeking women build teams to volunteer on the jobsite shoulder-toshoulder with women and families from all walks of life – executives, business leaders, retirees, and families who have purchased or are waiting to purchase their homes through FCHH at an affordable noprofit mortgage.

Just this past month, Flower City Habitat for Humanity’s 14th Women Build house was officially dedicated to its home buyer, Regina Thomas. Since 160

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1984, FCHH has partnered with almost 250 families as they earned, purchased, and moved into decent, affordable homes in the city area of Rochester.

Regina is one of those “almost 250 families” and now has a stable place for her family and a safe place to launch her new childcare business. Regina’s new home, located on Child Street in the JOSANA neighborhood, is the

or contact us at RocWomenBuild@ gmail.com.

ABOUT FLOWER CITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Flower City Habitat for Humanity (FCHH), founded in 1984, is a nondenominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard and poverty housing in Rochester, NY. Since 1984, FCHH has built or renovated more than 240 homes, 90 of them within the JOSANA neighborhood.

For more information, www.rochesterhabitat. org.

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that improvements in the status of women and girls also drives prosperity, stability, and security of families, communities, and nations.

Join us in helping to raise up the Rochester community.

90th FCHH house to be completed in that community.

For further information on the FCHH Women Build program or if interested in forming or joining a team for this year’s campaign, please visit www. rochesterhabitat.org/womenbuild

Building with the Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Committee provides the opportunity to work closely with other women, build skills and networks, and contribute to the Habitat for Humanity vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

{ WOMEN TO WATCH } ““When women and girls rise, their communities and their countries rise with them.”

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{ WOMEN TO WATCH } “A safe, decent, affordable home is like a vaccine, it literally prevents disease.””

Time and again, we have seen women volunteers and women homebuyers become empowered by their Habitat for Humanity experience.

EMPOWERMENT: • Empowerment is a social process that helps people gain control over their own lives; it enhances their ability to make strategic life choices where previously those options may have been denied.

use of her new, safe, clean, and energy efficient home to start her own business of providing much needed day care services in her community.

PARTICPATION: CREATING A TEAM: • Teams can be comprised of any of your favorite ladies; friends, coworkers, family or neighbors.

• A team leader would be designated to

Habitat provides a HAND UP, not a hand out.

Families and individuals who buy a Habitat house must meet strict requirements which include; meeting savings goals, completion of homebuyer classes such as financial literacy to improve sustained selfsufficiency, put in 300+ hours of “sweat equity” on a Habitat home, and finally once they are in their home, they are responsible for paying a low interest mortgage on the home.

EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN: • A majority of the homebuyers that come through the Habitat program are female-led families, many of them single parents. • For numerous Habitat homebuyers, this is the first home that they will ever have owned, for many this is the first home owned in multiple generations of their family. • Most recently one of our homebuyers made 162

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be the liaison with the Women Build Committee and the team.

FUNDRAISING: • Team members will pledge to raise or donate $200.00 each to the teams goals which is relative to the size of the team. • For every $1,000 that a team raises, they can schedule a build day for their team. • Fundraising goals can be met through any number of efforts from individual fundraising, to

collaborations with local businesses such as bar takeovers, pie sales, ugly sweater parties, can drives, trivia nights. You name it, we’ve probably seen it, and we encourage you to do what works best for your team.

FACTS AND FIGURES: • Habitat International was founded in 1976.

• Habitat works in nearly 1,400 communities across the U.S. and in nearly 70 countries and has helped more than 13 million people achieve strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable shelter. • Flower City Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1984, and as of December 2018 has built 230 new homes.

• Habitat is committed to an open-door policy and welcomes all partners who believe in our vision, regardless any distinction that might divide us. “ J O I N F LOW E R CITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND THE WOMEN BUILD COMMIT TEE IN OUR MISSION TO EMPOWER THROUGH SHELTER. • Women are empowered to break the cycle of poverty right here in Rochester, one family, one home, one neighborhood at a time. • Women learn new skills, whether as home buyers or construction volunteers. • Women become part of a team. • Women make new friends. • Women make a difference in Rochester!

{ WOMEN TO WATCH } “In Rochester, where the graduation rate is at 58%, Habitat children graduate at an unprecedented 90%! �

https://www.rochesterhab

bitat.org/womenbuild.html

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{ RWO PAINTS THE TOWN }

ROCHESTER NY PAINTERS

BY STAFF WRITER

When Bill Pine, owner of Rochester NY Painters, discusses his ability to persist and successfully serve the painting needs of Rochester and its surrounding communities, he is quick to note the importance of team and partnership in a residential and commercial painting and contracting operation that has withstood the test of time. Bill began his work in the contracting business as a painter f o r t h e Se n e c a Building Company in Geneva, New York more than 30 years ago. Working under the guidance of company owner, and his uncle, David FitzGerald, Bill initially took work with Seneca Builders to support himself while attending Hobart College.

Upon graduation, an opportunity in financial planning and investments brought Bill to Rochester, New York.

While Pine embraced the City – perfect in size and strong in community – and enjoyed his position, he found himself drawn back to work which relied on people and functions coming together for a common, immediate, and essential goal; to make peoples’ environments more useful, more functional, and more purposeful for

their living and working every day.

Driven by this passion and understanding, Bill launched Pine’s Painting in Rochester, New York in 1997. Immediately, he distinguished himself with a strong work ethic and a professional ethos that welcomed and valued the partnerships and collaborations with other home and

business improvement professionals.

With the business expanding, in 2013 Bill incorporated Rochester NY Painters; the operation that remains a source of pride for Bill and his team to this day.

Bill remains grounded by principles of collaboration and community, knowing he can achieve better for his

customers by inviting the expertise of multiple professionals into the problem-solving and decision-making processes. One such collaboration is the partnership Rochester NY Painters enjoys with Susan LaRose Color & Design ((https://colordesignbysusan. com/). When color chips and painted samples on walls leave his customers dazed and confused, Bill calls on Susan and her expertise in working with clients, their spaces, and their project goals. As Susan shares, “Bill and I have been teaming up for a few years and it’s a win for everyone, especially the homeowner.

Together we help homeowners save money by assisting them with good color choices and quality in the application process.” Bill and Susan know that working together they will get the ideal color scheme right the first time; saving everyone stress, money, and multiple trips to the paint store.

Bill’s meticulous attention to well-crafted results supported by professional partnerships, as well as the relationships he builds and sustains with his customers are each a part of ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY/AUGUST EDITION 2019

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{ RWO PAINTS THE TOWN } “Our son was graduating two weeks after we contacted Bill. He gave us an estimate that was far more reasonable than we expected. Bill’s team came in for two days and did meticulous work. We received so many compliments from family and friends the day of the party, that we will invite Bill back into our home for our next painting project. (Amy M.) ”

the relationships he builds and sustains with his customers are each a part of the “village” essential to his successful operation in a community as closeknit and connected as Rochester. To ensure his work meets the demands of each customer each time, Bill invites feedback – individually, and through a number of on-line sites (Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, etc.) In one very lengthy post, one customer raved about their attention to detail and service, including the team’s willingness to “send photos of (the project’s) progress to us” daily when work was being completed while the customer was out of town on a family vacation.

Valuing collaboration, relationships, craftmanship, and customer satisfaction, Rochester NY Painters, and Bill Pine are grateful to the Rochester community for the invitations to improve and enhance countless homes and businesses.

Bill would welcome the opportunity to work with you to address your residential or commercial needs.

He can be reached at www. rochesternypainters.com or by phone at (585) 329-8437.

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{ RWO PAINTS THE TOWN } “We have an older home with finicky, imperfect plaster walls that do not always paint well. They handled it all well. Would recommend for sure.”

(Kathryn O’Brien)

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{ GARDENING TIPS WITH BROCCOLO }

BROCCOLO’S SUMMER ADVICE

BY LAURIE BROCCOLO

Planting with a Purpose:

allow the sun to warm it up.

The trend is less is more which means less maintenance such as less lawns.

Trees can protect you and your home from the hot sun & extreme winds.

They can screen the view of the road, utilities and block out noise.

Plant natives for the Birds, the Bees and Butterfly Gardens.

Natural gardens provide seeds and need minimal trimming. Do not cut perennials in the fall and leave them for the birds

Too wet?

Plant a Rain Garden with colorful perennials and shrubs to absorb the water, reduce mowing and feed the birds and butterflies.

This year the intense pounding rains broke the barrier and crabgrass seeds germinated throughout the lawns in thin areas or especially sandy

Here are examples of areas of the lawn that can eliminated and planted purposely.

Do you want a green lawn in summer?

Mow as high as possible with sharpened blades.

This will help shade the roots, crowd out weeds and reduce drying out. Just 1/2� taller makes all the difference.

Too hot?

Change the climate by planting a shade tree to you and your lawn cooler. A shade tree planted on the west and south side of your house will keep it cooler and during the winter will 174

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Crabgrass is a problem this year due to the heavy storms. The pre-emergent is applied and creates a barrier to stop the seeds from germinating.

It is common to get weeds along the edges of your driveway or road because the barrier is broken by lawn mowers, foot traffic etc.

Too many trees and shade for a lawn?

Plant assertive woodland plants. Add pathways, a bench and create a park in your yard.

Come to the Broccolo Garden Center and see examples of these types of gardens.

Are you crabby about crabgrass?

The only way to eradicate crabgrass this year is to completely kill the lawn in those areas and seed the this fall.

Add soil to edges of driveways to fill the gaps.

Otherwise, just wait until next spring and try the early preemergence control again.

Come see us at the BROCCOLO Garden Center. 2755 Penfield Rd (east of Rt 250) Laurie Broccolo, CEO Certified Nursery Professional Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care 2059 Brighton-Henrietta TL Rd.Rochester, NY 14623 585-424-4476 www.broccolotreeandlawn.com

{ GARDENING TIPS WITH BROCCOLO } “The only way to eradicate crabgrass this year is to completely kill the lawn in those areas and seed the this fall. ”

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Designing landscapes with a purpose Save the Bees • Protect our Water Promote Pollinators • Plant trees for clean air

broccolotreeandlawn.com • 585-424-4476

{ MORTGAGE TIPS FOR WOMEN }

YOUNG FIRST TIME BUYERS

BY PHYLLIS HABERER

ARE SAVING FOR THEIR DREAM HOMES

One o Millennials and Generation Z have waited longer than previous generations to enter the housing market for their first home. That being said, this hasn’t stopped them from dreaming about the home they will eventually buy. Many young buyers spend hours searching listings on the market that cost more than they can afford.

This window shopping has led 45% of millennials to expect the first home they buy to be their dream home. They’re 178

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prepared to wait longer, save more for a bigger down payment, and they’re more picky about the listing they want to visit and the features they want in a home.

Waiting a longer than older generations did to purchase a home has helped young buyers become more established in their careers prior to making a large purchase.

In some areas, high competition in the starter home market forces young buyers to be patient and wait longer. The extra money they save during that waiting period opens their search to bigger, more expensive homes. If this trend continues, older millenials will completely skip the starter home, instead of going directly

to a premium home instead.

If you are one of the many young renters who are planning to buy your first home in the near future, meet with a local real estate professional who can help determine which type of home will best suit your needs.

Whatever your circumstances, I am happy to sit down with you, discuss your options, and find the perfect financing program to get you into the home of your dreams! (585) 314-8511 | phyllis@ premiummortgage.com.

Connect with me on Facebook @ PhyllisHabererPMC

Making a move this summer?

CALL YOUR LOCAL EXPERT IN HOME FINANCING! PHYLLIS HABERER Senior Loan Officer | NMLS#58078

C: (585) 314-8511 D: (585) 363-7087 O: (585) 241-0000 x104 Phyllis@PremiumMortgage.com

MANY FINANCING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!

CONVENTIONAL · FHA · USDA · 203K · VA · PORTFOLIO · SONYMA 2541 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618 | (585) 241-0000 | Lic. Mortgage Banker NYSDFS | NMLS #3254 ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: JULY/AUGUST EDITION 2019

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