It’s never been harder to stay inspired and productive. We may not be able to gather right now, but we can still connect in amazing ways. Join Metro Cowork’s digital community for virtual gatherings, supportive friends, inspiring programming, and so much more. We’ll be ready to open our office space soon – can’t wait to see you there!
www.metrocowork.com
COVER STORY 18
NORTHEAST KIDNEY FOUNDATION
104
may edi
{ TABLE OF CONTENTS }
12
254
240
274
18
ition
{ TABLE OF CONTENTS }
138
152 266
may edition { TABLE OF CONTENTS }
12
88 126
332
164
32
WE DON’T JUST SELL ESTATE JEWELRY, W IT TOO!
ESTATE & FINE JEWELRY
ESTATE & FINE JEWELRY BY HARRY 3025 MONROE AVENUE ROCHESTER, (585) 453-2860 WWW.KRIKORIANJE
L BEAUTIFUL WE COLLECT !
Y KRIKORIAN NEW YORK 14618 EWELERS.COM
{ FROM THE PUBLISHER }
“When you can’t control what’s happening challenge yourself to control the way you are responding to what;s happening. That’s what the power is.”
T
he May edition of Rochester Woman Online includes two huge special inserts. One, the Northeast Kidney Foundation, which is our amazing cover story features incredible stories of the people behind this inspiring organization, donors, recipients, doctors and more! Don’t miss meeting some of these wonderful, selfless people and reading their stories starting on page [18] featuring photography by Charlenes= Mann Ford, Jason Breese, and more! Plus, we hope you enjoy our new monthly section, SHE Hustles Talks featuring women entrepreneurs across our local community bringing you their businesses products and services and talking with you, our audience about all they have to offer. This month, we feature over 20 amazing lady bosses you don’t want to miss! Read all about them starting on page [135]. Want to be a part of this incredible new platform? Be sure to contact me today, and get in for our special promotion of just $99!
T T
ON OUR COVER
On our cover this month we have donors, recipients and staff members of the Northeast Kidney Foundation spanning from Albany to Buffalo. The cover image was taken by Charlene Mann Ford on location in Webster at the Rochester Woman Online’s Boutique Studios.
12
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
RWO is excited to announce we have moved! We are now in the Cornhill neighborhood, and can not wait to show you our new office space and boutique studios and are plannign to do a Grand Opening Celebration on July 30th. Stay tuned for more details to come, and we hope you will bring all your friends to join us in the fun!
{ A LOOK AT OUR TEAM }
PUBLISHER ASSOCIATED EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ADVERTISING SALES SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS WEB DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
Kelly Breuer Tammy Reese Kelly Breuer Charlene Mann Ford Dan Doyle Devin Mack Charlene Mann Jason Breese Mark Knopp Tammy Reese Mary Lupien Robin DeWind Olga Monacell Alana Cahoon Lisa Wagner Judi Swanson Dr Larry Peshkin Christina McDonald Indra Quagliata Denise Karma Clifford Dr Pam Denton Giovanna Walton Tracy Simone Becky Picone Ellen Feldman Terry Daniele Meredith Dawes Robin Hertz Alicia Hicks Bonnie Floyd Kristin Bauer-Gross Tammy Vreeland Devon McLeod Laurie McKnight
Angela Vahue Lay’Lah Jennifer Frary Daniella Woodward Jeffrey Hoffman Apple Domingo Dana Madison Natalya Gristka Cassie Bartosch Reese Jones
Kelly Breuer Katie Lawler-Melia & Toni Natalie The Next Design
Rochester Woman ONLINE is the premier professional woman’s online publication in the greater Rochester area. Our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local area women. The electronic magazines are distributed freely through your favorite app store and will be in your inbox electronically by the first week of every month. The publication is available free of charge. Please feel free to contact publisher Kelly Breuer at 585.727.9120 or you can email us at networkrocqueen@gmail.com. Download our current media kit at www. rochesterwomanonline.com. The magazine is published 12 times a year by Rochester Woman ONLINE. Copyright © 2020 Rochester Woman ONLINE. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publisher. Rochester Woman ONLINE is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Rochester Woman ONLINE and will not be returned.
{ COVER STORY }
NORTHEAST KIDNEY FOUNDATION BY CAROL LEFLEUR
The mission of the Northeast Kidney Foundation is to improve the quality of life of those affected by kidney disease and related conditions, to increase organ donation and to empower those we serve to be effective voices for better healthcare at the local, state and federal levels. Our services are local and include:
• Free publications including “So You are a Dialysis Patient” and our “Renal Exchange Booklet”
• Grants that assist with medical, housing and nutrition needs
• Free school education programs that teach kids about lifelong kidney health • Clinical education • Healthcare advocacy • So much more!
• Patient assistance, education and support • On line resources including online support groups; nutrition classes; exercise classes and more! 18
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
• Scholarships for young adults affected by kidney disease • Free kidney screenings and risk assessment programs
Our offices are located at: NeKF Headquarters
22 Colvin Avenue Albany, NY 12206 NeKF 95 Allens Creek Road Bldg 1 Suite 323 Rochester NY 14658 NeKF 731 James Street Suite 408 Syracuse NY 14203 www.healthykidneys.org * info@ healthykidneys.org * 800-999-9697 Give us a call today!
donna reese
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
19
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE} } IN LOVING MEMORY { SHIFT+CONTROL
ABOUT NEKF ABOUT THE NORTHEAST KIDNEY FOUNDATION The Northeast Kidney Foundation formed in Albany in 1974 as a result of a philanthropic gift of the Sperber family, owners of a well-established and popular local retail business. They created the organization for a very personal reason – a short time before their daughter Barbara was to be married, they learned that she was in kidney failure and would need a transplant. Her father became her kidney donor and after life got back to normal, they created the
20
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
organization so that others living with kidney disease would have a support organization they could call upon. Barbara did very well with her Dad’s kidney for 30 years. She would, however, need another transplant. She received her second gift of life in 2002, this time her daughter was her donor. Since the organization’s founding, we have served tens of thousands of patients, family members, caregivers and clinicians. In response to patient need, we expanded our services into
Rochester three years ago. We focus on direct patient support, providing grants that assist with medical, nutrition and housing needs; free screening programs for underserved communities that teach people about risk factors and prevention; patient, community and professional education; and healthcare advocacy. Your support of the NeKF makes an impact at the local level, providing services to your family, neighbors, coworkers and friends right here at home.
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE} } IN LOVING MEMORY { SHIFT+CONTROL “Your support of the NeKF makes an impact at the local level, providing services to your family, neighbors, coworkers and friends right here at home.”
charlene gavin
donna reese
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
21
22
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE }
MEET OUR CEO CAROL LAFLEUR MEET OUR CEO Carol LaFleur is the CEO of the Northeast Kidney Foundation, a position she has held since 2002. She came to the organization with a background in fundraising and working with volunteer driven organizations, something she is passionate about. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded its geographic reach as well as its programming. A staunch patient advocate, Ms. LaFleur has provided testimony at the state and federal levels on how policy decisions affect patient care. She also testified before the FDA in an effort to bring to market the first medication to treat a rare kidney disorder, with that medication ultimately receiving FDA approval. As a patient advocate, Ms. LaFleur works hard to tell the patient story and to put a face to kidney disease and organ donation. Kidney disease is complex and it does not affect any two individuals the same. She hopes that through the Foundation we can create awareness, provide support to those that need it the most, and make an impact in the
Rochester region. This is something is of particular importance as we deal with a pandemic that has absolutely changed our lives. “The Foundation was created to serve patients. That’s what we do. Whether it’s providing a
become an extended family to those living with kidney disease, and I can think of no better way to serve. In these uncertain times. It’s good to know that we are all in this together and that together we can make a difference.” Ms. LaFleur encourages everyone to become involved with the Foundation. We are always looking for volunteers, supporters, members of the kidney community and others to join us! Call 800-999-9697 for information or email info@healthykidneys. org. You can also contact Julia Yaw in the Rochester area at Julia@healthykidneys. org.
grant to help with a medical, nutrition or housing need, or whether that’s sitting and holding someone hand’s while they try and understand their diagnosis. It is often said that we
Ms. LaFleur resides in Albany with her dog, three cats and her partner, Peter. She has one son and has recently become a grandmother! She will welcome a second grandbaby this fall! She enjoys kayaking and hiking and spending time with her son and his family. A bit of an adventurer, she boasts sky diving, hang gliding, and this fall will attempt white water rafting!
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
23
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE IN LOVING MEMORY { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
JULIA YAW Julia Yaw is the Regional Director for the Northeast Kidney Foundation of Rochester and surrounding regions. She is an avid advocate for sibling rights in the foster care and adoption community, organ donation, and is also a transplant patient advocate.
24
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
She enjoys public and motivational speaking, and focuses on several humanitarian efforts. Julia joined the Northeast Kidney Foundation family in 2016, just months before receiving her very own kidney transplant. She has brought tremendous growth to the foundation and its outreach efforts.
Julia looks forward to servicing local and regional sectors and continuing advocacy, education, and services for patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
25
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE }
BEYOND THE SCARS BY JULIA YAW
Last year on NY Organ Enrollment Day, we hosted an event called BEYOND THE SCARS, an art gallery and exhibit highlighting life before and beyond transplant. We didn’t focus entirely on Scars; we focused on life before and after them. We focused on patients still awaiting their life-saving scar or organ transplant; and we focused on patients and living donors who were living life to the fullest after receiving their gift. These scars are gifts. They are beautiful
testimonies of redemption, love and healing power. . . If a picture can tell a thousand words, these scars will carry you to stories that are so profound and miraculous, that you couldn’t help being impacted by seeing them! We dreamed about making a statement with this event- capturing photos that were POWERFUL- each beautifully unique to every individual being photographed- and we think the photographers far exceeded every expectation we had. Thank you to Jason Breese and
Michael Crisafulli for capturing the majority of these images and for contributing photographer Kelly Lemon Photography. Thank you to each and every patient for their contribution and allowing us to feature these beautiful pieces. If you would like to see these images or rent them for a traveling display, or if you are a patient interested in being photographed, contact us today! julia@healthykidneys.org www. healthykidneys.org
{ CNY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT }
28
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
29
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
32
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
33
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
34
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
35
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
36
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
38
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
39
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
40
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
41
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE} } { SHIFT+CONTROL
JILL MICHEL Since beginning my career in Finance and Accounting in 2000, I have held progressively senior roles and accumulated 20 years of financial, operational and managerial experience in both large multinational settings as well as within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi before returning to Rochester in late 2018. Thankfully the majority of this time has been spent working in the healthcare sector, which I have found to be significantly more rewarding than my earlier work in pure finance. Upon completing my MBA from the Simon School of Business at the U of R, I joined Fresenius Medical Care, an extremely large MNC who primary business is focused on the full vertical integration of dialysis products, pharmaceuticals and services, and is headquartered in Germany. Here I held various positions beginning in Business Planning and progressively growing to the International Business Development Department. In these roles I was instrumental in using financial information to develop long-term plans for expanding the business through M&A activities as well as large investments in 42
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
production facilities, world-wide marketing campaigns and other strategic initiatives. This is where I had my first true exposure to creatively pairing business knowledge and principles with clinical needs to further patient well-being. One such project was focused on understanding why peritoneal dialysis was so successful in rural areas of Romania and Turkey
and then expanding this therapy for other patients in countries with vast rural areas. Also during this time I learned of the importance of having a specialized type of dialysis for fragile hospitalized patients which is broadly known as CRRT, and a different therapy than normal hemodialysis which is an outpatient therapy. Here my work was focused on the needs in the majority of European
countries and how to deliver with a reasonably priced device with a smaller footprint. After a brief period of consulting from the US for IBD while my daughter was born, in 2010 I undertook the role of establishing the business for one of the MSA’s I had worked to establish in conjunction with the government of Abu Dhabi (SEHA Dialysis Services) in the UAE, first as CFO, then as COO. In this capacity I have been responsible for all financial and operational aspects of this Business Entity of SEHA, utilizing my financial experience while honing my skills as an executive manager with a significant number of staff from multiple disciplines reporting to me. Here we were able to make significant improvements in the full scope and progression of kidney disease, from pre-ESRD care and early identification to designing and building the infrastructure for such a vast population of patients in the Middle East. I first started celebrating World Kidney Day in Abu Dhabi, bringing patients and caregivers together with the community to broadly educate in the prevention of kidney disease.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
43
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
44
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHIFT+CONTROL } } { {FOR A GOOD CAUSE “I first started celebrating World Kidney Day in Abu Dhabi, bringing patients and caregivers together with the community to broadly educate in the prevention of kidney disease.�
Every year there is a slightly different theme and focus area for World Kidney Day, these are relevant to the current state of kidney health and contributing factors such as diabetes and heart disease. So much international work and exposure to other health systems throughout the world has been a wonderful learning experience; however I was keen at that stage of my life and career to return to my hometown of Rochester, giving my daughter the same experiences that I had as a child in this community, while continuing
to develop myself professionally as well as benefiting a reputable organization. In my current role at Unity Dialysis, I have been fortunate to establish a wonderful relationship with the Northeast Kidney Foundation. About a year ago when I was planning a World Kidney Day event for Unity Hospital, I reached out to the NEKF for support in executing our celebration, complete with education and a free screening for indicators of kidney disease. This initial contact has led to a continued partnership between Unity Dialysis and the NEKF, supporting
each other with social work events, education for both patients and staff, and of course the goal which is close to all of our hearts, advocating for the best care and support for our patients while navigating the challenges of providing excellent healthcare in the US given the financial and regulatory constraints. I personally look forward to continuing to overcome these challenges and specifically rise to the occasion of improving transplant rates and preESRD care for patients in Rochester and the surrounding area. ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
45
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
46
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
LAURA TORIBIO OVERSTREET PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
Laura Toribio Overstreet, is a Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), board certified by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, currently working for the Division of Solid Organ Transplantation at the University of Rochester Medical Center, providing multi-organ transplant (kidney- liver and pancreas) services to the Western New York region, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Southern Tier.
As a volunteer member of the Northeast kidney Foundation (NeKF) committee for Hispanic/Latino support group, Laura’s commitment to her patients and to her community is to educate the public about kidney disease, it’s causes, how to prevent it, how to improve the lives of those living with kidney disease and ultimately to provide information on the importance to become an organ donor.
prepares all student assignments, facilitates post-conferences on clinical training, and ensure compliance to all academic course program and evaluates their performance. Laura also shares her knowledge and skills with nurse practitioner students from St. John Fisher College and University of Rochester. She provides academic preparation and shares necessary skills for role development of a nurse practitioner.
Her role is to care for patients who are receiving or donating organs via a transplant surgical procedure from the preparation phase, provides post-operative care and work with a multidisciplinary team to prepare patients for discharge. She also sees patients for concerns such as rejection, infection and follows up on post-surgical procedure and testing. The majority of this job is to educate patients and families about medications, test results, and treatments.
“Education is the cornerstone of success!
As busy as she is, she enjoys taking pictures and long walks with her Fiancée Frank Halpa and dogs Leo and Alice.
As a Transplant Nurse Pr a c t i t i o n e r, L a u r a understands the key components of donor selection and organ allocation in the state of New York. There are over 123,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 101,000 need a kidney, but only 17,000 people receive one each year. Every day, 12 people die waiting for a kidney. Thus, the biggest challenge on organ donation is the lack of organs. Poor education due to limited access on information on becoming an organ donor (living or after death), has been known to be the number one factor as to why people are discouraged to become an organ donor.
Laura has participated in the Rochester Catwalk for Kidneys, besides helping raise funds, the Catwalk has given her the opportunity to “celebrate life” with her family, friends and organ recipients. When someone receives an organ that saves their lives, it is literally getting a second chance to live.
One of my personal goals in nursing has been to help mentor new and emerging nurses to give them the knowledge they need to be successful.” Laura stated and this why she also dedicates her time to share her knowledge and skills with undergraduate and graduate students. She is an adjunct faculty nursing clinical instructor for St. John Fisher College. Laura’s job responsibilities are to educate nursing students in a medical surgical floor. She
“It is always good to see how someone that is really sick return to good health and we all have the power to do so, so yes, become a super hero, pass on life.” “I am excited to be part of the Northeast Kidney Foundation and make a difference here locally. There are so many thing that we can do to improve the lives of those living with kidney disease and those waiting for a life-saving transplant. My colleagues and I are anxious to bring resources to the kidney community and encourage everyone affected, and friends, family members and colleagues to join our efforts!” ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
47
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
48
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
49
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
EDELMIRA T. ROSENFELD, BSN, RN PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
Ambulatory Care Manager Edelmira Rosenfeld normally goes by Edy, and is a bilingual nurse, currently working as an Ambulatory Care Manager for Rochester Regional. Her role is to work closely with other disciplines identifying and managing high risk patient with complex medical diagnosis. In her role, she looks closely for ER and IP visit frequency, discharge disposition rates, readmission rates, and physician appointment attendance for patients. She has the outstanding ability to understand patients’ intrinsic needs in health literacy, socioeconomic and multi-cultural background allowing her to s e r ve p a t i e n t s efficiently. She has close to 20 years of experience as a nurse, having worked in an Emergency room, Trauma, Cardiac, Home Care and as a supervisor nurse. Her passion for transcultural nursing came while working for Home Care Of Rochester as a Case Manager for the Hispanic team and received a 50
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
certification for transcultural nursing. Edy poses the ability to recognize and appreciate cultural differences in healthcare values, beliefs, and customs. By doing so it ensure patient satisfaction and positive outcomes during their care. Edy attended Jamestown community
college where she received an Associates of Science in Nursing, then attended Roberts Wesleyan College and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Edy also attended the Universidad de Panama and has a degree in accounting. She has experience in marketing, networking and public speaking. Besides her medical work,
Edy also worked as an Editor for La Voz, a monthly bilingual publication in Rochester addressing cultural, social, political and health issues in the community. Edy is heavily involved with multicultural events and is the President of Latinos de Corazon (LDC) a not-forprofit organization in Rochester NY with the mission to create awareness and to unify the community through cultural expressions, art and dance. Edy has performed at the Eastman Theater, the Ibero American Action League (IAAL) Gala, St John Fisher University, Nazareth College, Rochester Institute o f Te c h n o l o g y, the University of R o c h e s t e r, t h e City of Rochester Latino Night, the Rochester Puerto Rican Festival and St Michael’s Latino day. She currently a member of the Memorial Art Gallery Hispanic committee where she is the organizer of the Multicultural Fashion show for the Hispanic/Latino Family day. Edy is truly honor to be part of North East Kidney foundation committee for Hispanic/Latino support group
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
51
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
52
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } } ““Providing a forum for open communication and support is vital for any patient living with a chronic illness. We are excited to bring this resource for the Latino population through the Northeast Kidney Foundation.”
for kidneys. She always looks forward to educate patients and families with Chronic Kidney disease CKD, finding resources and educational materials to improve quality of life. For her it is a duty to educate the community about organ donation. She is excited to be part of the team that will be introducing a support group for the Hispanic population, something that is very needed. “Providing a forum for open communication and support is vital for any patient living with a chronic illness. We are excited to bring this resource for the Latino population through the Northeast
Kidney Foundation. While COVID has challenged us in terms of when we can introduce the support group, we are working hard to have this resource available and look forward to sharing the information when appropriate.” She had walked the Rochester Catwalk for kidney the last two years and plans to do it this fall to continue to “celebrate life” with patients, family and friends of organ donors, recipients’ and living with kidney disease.
Edy is married to Adam Rosenfeld a full time Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserve currently serving as the Battalion Motor Sergeant for the 865th Combat Support Hospital in Niagara Falls. Edy and Adam have 6 children between them ranging in age from 17 to 26 and one 2 year old grandchild. Edy has passed on to her family her love of culture and dance, and family members often join her during performances. On her time off you will usually find her cooking for her family and friends.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
53
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
ADAM ROSENFELD PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
Staff Sergeant Adam Rosenfeld is a 17 year veteran of both the Navy and Army, currently serving full time in the Army Reserve with the 865th Combat Support Hospital. He has also spent the last 8 years as the Secretary of Latinos de Corazon, a local folkloric dance group and has managed the production of several 54
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
galas, military balls, and even planned his own wedding. Adam is married with 3 children, 3 step children, and one grandchild. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, dancing Tango, watching movies, and working on his houses landscaping. Adam is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in
Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University and is looking forward to pursing a career in military logistics management once retired from the Active duty. Adam currently sits on the board of the Northeast Kidney Foundation and serves as the Events Production Manager.
{ CNY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
55
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
RICHARD PEREZ PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
CO M M I T T E D TO F E L LOW PATIENTS AND CREATING TOMORROW’S HEROES From being taken in by a loving Rochester family when abandoned in his youth, and a serendipitous career in retail and then financial security, to starting a family with his late wife, Maria, which yielded a son and recently twin grandsons, 63-yearold Webster resident Richard Perez feels blessed by his life in Rochester. A Life-Saving Opportunity A life-saving liver transplant on July 21, 2003, at UR Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital (SMH) would turn out to be among Richard’s greatest blessings. Given a rare second chance at life, he has since embarked on a new mission and purpose—to help educate our community about organ donation and transplant, as well as providing comfort, support and comradery to fellow transplant patients. Even before he received his own transplant, Richard seemed to know, intuitively, that there was a need in Rochester’s Donate Life community—a calling—that he could help fill. “I was sitting across the table from my surgeon, Dr. Mark Orloff, listening to the prognosis, how contingent on and rare that there would be a viable liver available, given that participation in the organ donor registry is so low,” he remembers. “I asked him right then if there was anything I could do to help change that.” So, after his transplant, Richard began volunteering with the Rochester Eye and Tissue Bank, now the Lions Eye Bank at Rochester, educating the public about organ donation and encouraging people to sign up for the Organ Donor Registry at various community events. 56
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
“Richard has this ability to make you think about organ donation differently,” says Karen Guarino, communications director at the Lions Eye Bank. “His vibrant enthusiasm for life, his humble and sincere gratitude for his donor, and his donor’s family, touches people in a profound and positive way.” Care and Compassion Grow From Shared Experience By June 2004, while he was busily helping raise awareness and get folks registered as organ donors, he also expanded an official volunteer program with SMH’s Friends of Strong to help comfort and provide comradery to inpatient patients and families who were now experiencing the same transplant journey that he and his family had also travelled. Since then, he’s volunteered more than 5,000 hours at SMH to make their lives just a little more bright. “Richard is always smiling and never down,” says Sandy Arbasak, director of Friends of Strong. “He generates enthusiasm and goodwill with patients, family and staff with every visit.” This program, with Richard leading the charge, now includes at least eight volunteers at any given time—all of whom are fellow organ transplant recipients and uniquely able to provide comfort, hope inspiration to those who face the same daunting obstacles much like they themselves have overcome. Throughout the years, Richard has helped a significant number of the more than 700 liver transplant recipients, 2,000 people who have undergone a transplant evaluation, and innumerable family members who have turned to him for reassurance. They come from all over Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania. “These patients must
often wait years for a lifesaving donor organ to become available,” says Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro, M.D., director of Solid Organ Transplant at Strong Memorial Hospital. “He knows and understands the patient perspective and he provides a level of reassurance that is different from that of our clinical team members.” A Home Away from Home One of the more remarkable ways Richard has given back to our community was when he secured an apartment—half donated and personally paying the remaining balance—which he then worked with social workers to provide for families to stay near their loved ones while awaiting and recovering from transplant surgery. From 2004 to 2010, more than 105 families from throughout the Rochester region were able to avoid hotel costs or what might have otherwise been a stressful daily commute from outlying areas. Although he no longer provides this donated home-away-fromhome, he now serves as somewhat of an ambassador, connecting families-in-need with Harbor House, which provides that same service in the SMH neighborhood for today’s transplant patient families. Striving for Continued Awareness and Commitment Richard continues volunteering throughout the Rochester area to help bring greater awareness and support for organ donation. He works tirelessly to recruit those he meets to register for the New York State Donate Life Registry, and over the past six years, he has become one of Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network’s most stalwart volunteers. According to the organization, which coordinates organ donations at 36 hospitals throughout the Finger Lakes, Central and Northern New York regions,
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
57
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
58
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHIFT+CONTROL } } { {FOR A GOOD CAUSE “He’s pro-active and very innovative with his ideas to improve the patient experience here at Strong, both before and after their organ transplant, and he’s all-encompassing in his compassion for patients, families and their support team.”
the percentage of registered organ donors in our local region has grown from 27 percent to almost 40 percent in the time since Richard joined in their efforts. “This accomplishment can be attributed, in large part, to the hard work of our volunteers—particularly Richard Perez,” says Rob Kochik, executive director of Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. His own volunteers witness his dedication on a daily basis. “Richard puts his heart and soul into caring for patients and their families,” says volunteer and organ
recipient Larry Rosner. “He’s pro-active and very innovative with his ideas to improve the patient experience here at Strong, both before and after their organ transplant, and he’s all-encompassing in his compassion for patients, families and their support team.” Most people may not think about or consider the possibility that they or someone they love may one day find themselves in need of a life-saving organ
donation, let alone the personal energy that goes into treatment and healing on the part of the patient and family. For patients and families who find themselves in such a circumstance today, the outlook is a little brighter because of Richard’s kind heart, steady volunteer ethic, and his group of volunteers who are now in place to give guidance, wisdom, or a kind and listening ear from a perspective that few are in a position to provide.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
59
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
DR. MATTHEW GROSS PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
When asked to write a few words - I pondered what is our main mission in serving those afflicted by chronic kidney disease (CKD). I concluded that our efforts should always be directed at making life better. I am a nephrologist at Strong Memorial hospital. I am passionate about serving others and I am a strong patient advocate. I am honored to be asked to serve on the Northeast Kidney Foundation board. One of my main efforts will be educating other colleagues about kidney disease and opportunities to advance the care of the ever growing population of patients with CKD. Also -there is a growing need to reach out to the community, to other care providers and to families about opportunities such as kidney transplant and living kidney donation. Cultural barriers and lack of knowledge and understanding regarding transplant and transplant donation are low hanging targets which could greatly impact outcomes of those with advancing CKD. It is hoped that with an increasing presence we can carry out our mission and really improve quality of life. The mission of the Northeast Kidney Foundation appealed to me because of its emphasis on patients and serving at the local level. While these times are uncertain for sure, there is a great amount of work we can do when we come together and I look forward to making a difference as much as I can!
60
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
61
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
KRISTOPHER FERRARA PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN FORD
Kristopher Ferrara is a husband, father, and supporter of helping others. Kris is 37 years old and has spent most of his life trying to help others. Since 18 years old, he has been a volunteer fire fighter and EMT. Kris has been a paramedic for 8 years and works per diem for Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network as an organ procurement coordinator. Kris pours himself whole heartedly into everything that he does. Once he has committed to doing something, he doesn’t let anything stand in the way of him completing that task. Kris is funny, outgoing, and energetic. He is at his best when he is around people and making them comfortable. Whether it is bringing levity to a stressful or hard situation or comforting someone in their time of need in a difficult situation. Kris has a beautiful wife, Daryl, of 13 years, a 9 year old daughter, Gabriella, and a 5 year old son Dominic. Kris and Daryl met while they both worked in the food court of a local shopping mall 19 years ago. In the course of getting to know each other, they realized that they had actually gone to grade school together and that they shared many 62
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
mutual friends. After a long courtship, Kris finally won Daryl over and they had a beautiful wedding and started a wonderful little family. Kris and Daryl welcomed their first child Gabriella in July of 2010. It was immediately clear that Gabriella was a small carbon copy of Kris. She has always been energetic, outgoing, and always moving. She is involved in karate and never lets someone
feel left out or picked on. She is always the first one to lend someone a helping hand as well. Four and a half short years later Kris and Daryl rounded out their perfect little family with Dominic. It is just as clear as it was that Gabriella was Kris’ clone as it was obvious that Dominic would be a carbon copy of Daryl. He is the most caring, quite, and tender child. He is shy and enjoys the quiet. He wants nothing more than to
be with his family and be close to them. From a young age Kris has been helping others in his community as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT. It initially started as a way to chase that adrenaline rush by fighting fires or providing rescue service and quickly morphed into a part of Kris’ personality. “I remember while I was still in EMT class when I was 18 and I came upon a motor vehicle accident and the fire department hadn’t arrived yet. I was able to comfort one of the passengers until the fire department arrived and from that time on I knew that I wanted to be that person that came to help people in their time of need.” Kris spends countless hours training and responding to calls with the fire department and while continuing to work part time on the ambulance. Additionally, the fire department raises funds to improve community education and fire prevention services. He worked for multiple ambulance services providing critical care patient services and treatment. While working as a paramedic, he discovered the world of transplant through a mutual co-worker
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
63
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
64
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“I remember while I was still in EMT class when I was 18 and I came upon a motor vehicle accident and the fire department hadn’t arrived yet. I was able to comfort one of the passengers until the fire department arrived and from that time on I knew that I wanted to be that person that came to help people in their time of need.”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
65
{ COVER STORY }
{ { FOR {WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD WHO STORY CAUSE ROC } } }}
“Since 18 years old, he has been a volunteer fire fighter and EMT. Kris has been a paramedic for 8 years and works per diem for Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network as an organ procurement coordinator. ”
who was a coordinator for the local organ procurement organization. When the opportunity presented itself for Kris to move into the work of transplant, he jumped in with both feet. He currently works full time as an organ procurement coordinator based mostly in Syracuse, while still working in emergency services in his off time. Kris first became involved with the Northeast Kidney Foundation during the 1st annual Catwalk for Kidneys. He was blown away by the dedication that was being put into making this event great and how much passion Julia and Doug Yaw, and Olivia and Jeremy Morgante put into making sure the 66
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
show went off without a hitch. Julia and Olivia did a great job of relating what donation meant to them and it struck home with Kris and he immediately approached Julia about getting involved with the foundation. It took another year and another Catwalk for Kidneys event for Kris to really get involved. He was able to help with set up and small things for the show and made some great new friends in the process. Kris and his family got to know Doug and Julia more over the next year and when Julia asked Kris to get more involved with the foundation, he jumped at the opportunity.
When Julia asked Kris to be part of the community advisory committee he couldn’t be happier. Kris is looking forward to use his ability to talk to people and contribute his networking skills. Kris also hopes to bring his love for helping others and community involvement to the Northeast Kidney Foundation amongst educating the communities that we serve about the services that the Northeast Kidney foundation can provide. Kris hopes to be able to use his contacts inside the healthcare and transplant community to make a difference. You can find him on the Catwalk this fall!
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
67
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
JASON BREESE
Jason Breese of Breese Photo is a wedding and portrait photographer out of Rochester NY, striving to be the world’s okay-est dad, husband, and entrepreneur. As the son of a father in the Air Force, he has moved throughout the country (and world) every 3-4 years, and was able to claim Rochester, NY as his permanent home in 2007. I discovered my passion for photography when my wife and I had our first kid, Joseph, in 2015. I was so madly in love with him that I spent countless hours with Creative Live and YouTube classes so that I could take stunning images of him as he grew in to a young man. 68
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Through that process, I fell in love with creating images of people that tell you who they are, rather than just what they look like. A few years ago I had the opportunity to come on board with the North East Kidney Foundation through a friend, and donor. To be honest, I am shocked by how little I knew about anything related to organ donation. Growing up we never had conversations about those options. I have lost so many friends and family members over the years and it pains me to think about the lives that could have been saved if some of them had donors, or if some of them had been donors.
Awareness is why I am devoting anything I can to this cause. The generosity that is in the heart of a living donor has to be the most admirable thing I have ever witnessed. We have the opportunity to restore hope and give life through living and non-living organ donation and I am truly honored to have a gift that can help create awareness, and shine a light on the everyday ordinary people who have given so much of themselves to save the life of another human! We have an amazing opportunity and responsibility!
{ CNY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
69
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE} } { SHIFT+CONTROL
OLIVIA MORGANTE PHOTOS BY JASON BREESE
My story starts about four years ago when I heard that my friend’s body was in crisis. She is a wife and mother, and just 29 years old. A diabetic since childhood and now in need of an emergency triple bypass surgery. We stood by their family’s side throughout her heart surgery and she miraculously pulled through but was still very much aware that the fight for her health wasn’t over yet. Not only was her heart in trouble, but she was also in need of kidney and pancreas transplants. The next step for her body to be restored to health was receiving a kidney. In August of 2016 she was able to meet all the requirements to be placed on the kidney transplant list. It was then that I felt God ask me to step up and be her donor. “Umm, me? God? Are you sure? Remember, I’m the one who is terrified of needles, hates the smells and sounds of hospitals, and has never even given blood because, oh yeah… I’m terrified of needles!?” But, God asked. And with that ask, He gave me an extra dose of bravery. I brought it up with my husband and assured him that I wasn’t going to offer my kidney unless he was completely on board. He responded: “I was wondering when we’d be having this conversation, because I had a feeling you were going to do this.” I realized I didn’t even know my blood type or if I was a suitable donor for her. So, I made a call to my doctor and found out that my blood type is A+. (Which meant nothing at the time because I had no idea what type she was.) 70
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
So with the full support of my husband and a promise from God that He wouldn’t ask me to do something He hadn’t equipped me to do, I made the call to my friend.
Our surgery was set for November 29th, getting my friend her life saving transplant before needing to go on dialysis.
She answered and I went speechless. (I mean, how exactly does one go about offering ones’ kidney?) But I managed to awkwardly offer up my organ. Then it was she who was speechless.
I answered and heard the voice of my transplant coordinator. They were in the middle of a board meeting to review my case and give me the final stamp of approval. She said that something in my blood work from last week looked off and that they needed me to come to the hospital right away for more blood work. Off I went, confused and anxious about what the hematologist might find. He informed me that he had uncovered some type of platelet disorder and that he could not in good conscience allow me to go through surgery.
It was silent. She said she had never expected to get this call. I nervously asked, “So, what blood type are you?” To which she replied, “I’m A+.” Immediately, I started crying (happy tears). This was just the first of many miracles to come!
But then I got a call.
I was devastated.
I made the call to the URMC Kidney Transplant Program and let them know I was interested in being a donor and the process began.
The doctors asked me to go off of a supplement I was taking and to come back in two months to have my blood work checked again.
Blood work, urinalysis, tissue typing tests, and a two day thorough evaluation at the hospital were all required before continuing in my quest to donate my kidney to my friend. We would anxiously wait for each test result to come back. One by one, all of the results revealed that before the beginning of time, my body was created for this. My kidney function was measuring at double the average person’s. (I believe the term “super kidneys” was used.) And as far as compatibility with my friend, she and I share four matching antigens. In other words, our bodies are more like siblings than those of no blood relation. Miracle after miracle came in and the whole team sat there in awe at how beautifully orchestrated this whole situation was.
Meanwhile, my friend ended up needing to go through dialysis and having to keep up with the rigorous schedule required. Three times a week she found herself at the treatment center for sessions lasting 4 hours or longer. Late December I received the call from my kidney transplant coordinator saying that we had been approved by each of the doctors and surgeons involved and we were given a new surgery date of February 8th! The first surgery, the transplant, went perfectly. I was progressing and healing at an average rate and was discharged after a six day stay. But after a few days of being home, battling fatigue and
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
71
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
72
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ {FOR A GOOD CAUSE SHIFT+CONTROL } } “Umm, me? God? Are you sure? Remember, I’m the one who is terrified of needles, hates the smells and sounds of hospitals, and has never even given blood because, oh yeah… I’m terrified of needles!?”
nauseousness, I called that Friday to let my team know how I had been feeling. At their request, I returned to the hospital and was immediately admitted into the transplant unit. My surgeon stopped by to see me and ordered for blood work, X-ray, and a CT scan to try and narrow down what could be going wrong. Saturday he returned to say that the CT scan revealed “free air” in my abdomen. The primary concern was that I might have a perforation in my intestines. Prior to surgery, my team had listed off every possible side effect and this was among them. However, I had pretty much always been convinced my surgery would certainly be free of
any complications and hadn’t thought through that this could be a very real possibility. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if there was a perforation, was to reopen my incision and remove my intestines for inspection. I was desperate to stay away from the operating table and together with my team decided to wait 24 hours. Perhaps the symptoms would change. Perhaps there was a different answer. However, the only change in symptoms was a spike in my fever to 103. After another CT scan, my surgeon sat at the end of my bed that Sunday morning. He compassionately and firmly admitted
that he was uncomfortable waiting any longer and that surgery was needed… NOW. He needed to get me into surgery immediately and examine the possibilities. Within fifteen minutes I was headed down to the operating room to get prepped to be opened up, yet again. They used the incision that had just been made twelve days ago and removed and inspected my entire intestine track twice. Miraculously, there were no perforations to be found and they were able to safely close me back up again. We returned back to our hospital room for another six day stay. After being discharged and home for a week, I ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
73
{ COVER STORY }
{ { FOR {WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD WHO STORY CAUSE ROC } } }}
“For three years now I have been left with a physical reminder of the gift that God made me brave enough to give. To some it might look like a five-inch-long scar. But to me, it will forever read: “Great is Your faithfulness.””
returned to the hospital for my one week check up. I met with my surgeon and he said that my incisions look great and that I’m healing up perfectly. He told me that in his twenty years of being a surgeon, I was his first patient he has ever had to reopen for fear of complication. (Aren’t I the lucky one?) I think about all of the pain I’ve had to endure. All of the mental anguish I had to face knowing that I wasn’t just going to need to heal from one surgery, but from two. I think about the complications and hardships we faced throughout this entire six month process leading up to surgery. And I ask myself, knowing all that I know now, would I do it again? Was all of this worth it? And then we ran into my friend who had just finished up a follow-up appointment with her doctor. They had just finished telling her that she is a “rare case to be doing this well”. Her new kidney is functioning at a normal level (which is apparently extremely hard to achieve this soon after transplant). She has lost a total of 19 lbs. She has so much increased energy that she can handle 74
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
being up and on her feet for hours at a time with no problem. She is no longer chronically cold- her entire body temperature has changed because there’s increased circulation. Her chronic high blood pressure is now normal without medication. She has been able to eliminate eleven blood pressure medications that she has been needing to take for the past year. And she no longer has to live with
daily pain and fatigue that kept her from being able to live life to its fullest with her husband and four precious little ones. At the end of my appointment my surgeon presented me with the Gift of Life Medal of Honor. It was such a humbling experience as he thanked me for my gift and reminded me just how valuable it was. He went on to explain that over 89,000 people with end stage renal disease (kidney failure) die each year. That
even though dialysis can be a lifesaving treatment, it’s only temporary. That my friend’s life expectancy would have gone down 20% each year she had to remain on dialysis. That most patients only live 5 to 10 years once starting treatment. Hearing him so passionately express these startling statistics reminded me that this was absolutely worth it all. Every single moment of it. That there’s no question in my mind that I’d do it all over again even knowing what I know now. This was literally a life giving experience that I will be forever grateful and humbled by the fact that God asked me to be a part of it. For three years now I have been left with a physical reminder of the gift that God made me brave enough to give. To some it might look like a five-inch-long scar. But to me, it will forever read: “Great is Your faithfulness.”
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
75
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
76
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
BECKY ROFFE MIRACLE OF LIFE My life is full of many miracles...I give God all the Glory. My name is Becky Roffe, I am the second oldest of three sisters. We are all 11 months apart in age therefore we grew up very close, and even having the same friends throughout our lives. With music as my mother’s part time career, she taught us piano but mostly sang four part harmony with my sisters throughout our primary and high school years. We sang at numerous places, Retirement parties, Eastern Star, Weddings, and graduations (including our own) to mention a few. Music and prayer were my coping strategies, through a stormy, troubled and unpredictable childhood. By the age of 26, I had suffered the unimaginable loss of two children; my son Mitchell Ryan and daughter Autumn Lynne, and 2 miscarriages. During this journey I have had many, very close relatives and friends pass away including a nephew and niece which was devestating. At times, my faith was the size of a mustard seed, but I held on to my faith with everything I had... I believed in God’s Promises.
God took my pain and intense grief, and transformed my heart to a deeper level of caring, loving and helping others.... especially children. For 20 years, I worked and nurtured
children in Special Ed, taught Sunday School, four years as a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at Teresa House (a house for end of life care) spent several summers at Genesee Valley Rotary Camp “Here Is
Love” for special needs children. Ive been Blessed to have traveled to Africa, three different times, to a Kenyan orphanage to help build dormotories and pour our love on these precious orphans who were saved from horrific conditions and situations. Currently, I am a “Wish Granter” for Make A Wish Foundation, a foundation that grants wishes for children who live with life threatening diseases. God has Blessed me with an amazing husband for over 30 years. We have two beautiful daughters who have given us so much joy. I am the proud grandmother of six wonderful grandkids, who inspire me daily. Our youngest grandson, Collin James, is a true Miracle, born at only 1.2 pounds, a micro preemie, whose skin and vital organs were not fully developed. We held prayer vigils over his isolette at Golisano Childrens Hospital, where he was revived countless times, we held on to our faith. After 5 months, Collin James came home. Our miracle grandson is a happy, active four year old. Trusting in God has been my strength...I dont always understand, but I trust in His plan for me, so when my daughter ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
77
{ COVER STORY }
{ { FOR { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD WHO STORY CAUSE ROC } } }} {WOMEN
“By the age of 26, I had suffered the unimaginable loss of two children; my son Mitchell Ryan and daughter Autumn Lynne, and 2 miscarriages.”
78
Autumn Lynne died tragically and unexpectedly, on the day of her first birthday party, I made the heart wrenching decision to donate her organs.
Program sat under my jewelry box all these years until my friend Julia learned of her story (and also my pastor’s story, of donating his kidney to his mother, which saved her life)
My sister Debbie was there for me, supported my decision and assisted me through the paperwork for organ donation. Autumn Lynne gave life to a boy in Utica who would have died without her liver. Her kidneys went to a woman in Pittsburgh who no longer needed diaylsis. The letter from the organ & tisse Procurement
For the past 2 years, I have volunteered for the Northeast Kidney Foundation, as a committee member, helping with fundraising and patient services.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Autumn Lynne lives on through the lives of others with her story. She was a special gift to me, her life was very short, and in that short time,
she made an impact on others with organ donation. Autumn Lynne has been a Miracle. God doesnt always answer our “why” questions, but He gives us Himself the Comforter. I continue to trust in God, who has the perfect plan. God promises us, those who Believe in Him, will have eternal Life, where I will be reunited with my children and family who have gone before me...Miracle of everlasting Life.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
79
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE} } { SHIFT+CONTROL
LOREN METZGER I have been asked at least a dozen times over the past year why I would donate a kidney to someone I didn’t know. My initial response was that I couldn’t think of a reason why I wouldn’t. I felt a strong push to take action, and was hard-pressed to talk myself out of it. Someone in the world needed my help, and I was going to give it to them. When I was questioned by a psychiatrist as part of the process for evaluating potential donors, I explained to him that the world can be a very dark place for some people. I told him I understand this action will not change the entire world, but that maybe this action will change my little corner of it. And upon seeing that change, maybe other people would try to brighten their own corners. Maybe the light would spread. Even if this light did not drive others to take the same action, just seeing positivity in the world can make people’s burdens feel lighter. I saw the plea for help on Facebook. This person was my age. She struggling for most of her life, and all of the best parts of my life were unrealistic for her. She couldn’t travel, or swim, or even drink water without care. I messaged her and we spoke the rest of the day. I could tell she was proud, and tough, and kind. She works so hard, and she loves animals. Her name is Nicole. I wondered how many other people would see her post, and even fewer, how many would respond. Even fewer still, I wondered how many would get evaluated. I called the transplant team the next day. 80
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
During the process of being evaluated, I spoke with many people about the idea of donating a kidney. Most were taken aback. I had never had any type of surgery before, not even something as small as a cavity. I hadn’t had any conversations with other donors or recipients at that point, and I was wide-eyed and curious. Nicole and I spoke at length about the prospect of this donation. I was very honest with her that I didn’t want to set any expectations or make any promises that might not come to fruition, and that I was very concerned about disappointing her. She did not pressure me whatsoever. She answered all of my questions very honestly, and we became good friends. As I completed each step of the evaluation process, from bloodwork to stress cardiograms to CT scans, I became excited. Each time I texted Nicole and told her it went well, we rejoiced together. I became hopeful. I was nervous, but I was hopeful. I also became aware of something I hadn’t considered—she was nervous, too. Just like me, this would be her first surgery. The few months between seeing her post and entering pre-surgery were a blur. I was finally there, and after so many tests and questions, it was happening. I saw Nicole before I went into surgery, but it wasn’t a huge emotional scene with crying and hugging. We were wearing our hospital gowns and socks, and we talked about funny videos and games on her phone. We were both very
groggy since neither of us are morning people. It was exactly what I needed that morning. We were two people and we were in it together. It has been a little over a year since our surgery, and we still remain close. Through the Northeast Kidney Foundation, Nicole and I participated in the Catwalk for Kidneys event last spring, and I took part in the Beyond the Scars gallery event, as well. I expected my donation to have an impact on Nicole, and other people in our lives, but I did not expect it to impact me and my life as deeply as it has. After working with the Northeast Kidney Foundation, I became aware just how big the organ donation community is. I became inspired by the number of people united under this umbrella, all working towards the same greater good that I had idealized when I decided to donate. I have a new appreciation for the human body, and what it can do, as well as for the love and support humans are capable of, even in the darkest times. My journey is far from over. I will begin volunteering at Strong Memorial Hospital as a donor volunteer. I will continue to spread the message of living donation. I will share my story and my experiences with all who will listen. I’ve said it before and I will say it again—if I had another kidney to give, I would do it all over again.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
81
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
82
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
JAN SHARP A SHARED JOURNEY As a child, I was sick a lot. More so than most children. In my late teens it was clear that something was not right. In the 1980’s we basked in the sun slathered in baby oil. You had to have great color and big hair before you stepped out. I would get rashes on my cheeks and felt exhausted. I still went out. Suffering for days after.
pain and my body started filling up with fluid. I could only wear ballet type shoes because my legs were so swollen and sore. It was becoming harder to see the definition of my spine because of the edema. Then came patchy hair
In 1994 I was involved in a bad car accident. A pickup truck went through a stop sign, hit me on the driver’s side, pushed me into another car, I hit a telephone pole and ended up in a cornfield. I recalled almost nothing. I was flown to Strong. No broken bones, just lacerations on my arm, leg and a torn earlobe. It took hours for the surgeon to dig out the little cubes of safety glass embedded in the side of my face, upper eye lid and forehead. It could have been much worse.
When I was 18 years old I dated a fellow named Jason Panzarella. His Mom and I became very close. She was my “Mamma Panzarella”. My Mom loved her dearly also. Jason’s sister Lisa had had a kidney transplant She too was often sick. In the mid 80’s my sickness grew more intense. I had strange reactions to medications. A lot of ED visits. It made no sense to me or the doctors. I became paranoid thinking no one believed me. I was always tired and in a lot of pain. On June 1st, 1988 I saw a Rheumatologist. A quick diagnosis was made. I had lupus. They started steroids right away. Over the next two years my lupus was literally killing me. My Kidneys were failing, stabbing pain in my lungs from pleurisy, mouth ulcers, terrible joint
In 1990 I started chemotherapy. ( IV Cytoxan). I likened it to killing a fly with an atom bomb. My hair was falling out and I was terribly sick. After 2 years of tapered chemo the atom bomb worked. My lupus settled down.
loss. I felt so ugly. Endless tests. Difficult for an average person to comprehend. Lisa was the only person I knew who had a kidney transplant. I thank God I had her to talk to.
I had a bad concussion which has wiped out many pieces of my past memories. Within a few months my lupus flared again. I had another 1 ½ years of tapered chemo. My blood counts were too low. It had become too toxic. They started Cyclosporin and sadly that also became too toxic. It was just a matter of time before I would need a kidney transplant. It got to the point that my kidneys were not capable ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
83
{ COVER STORY }
{ { FOR {WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD WHO STORY CAUSE ROC } } }}
“My beautiful Donor has given me 14 years of life that I would never have had were it not for her. I talk to her each day. Even though she doesn’t answer, I know she is very much alive inside of me.”
producing enough erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production. After I would have a period I would need a blood transfusion. They started Procrit injections. After a couple shots I got hives. They said that was not possible. I went and showed them. No more Procrit. I had to have an endometrial ablation in order to stop having periods. I knew that meant I would not be able to ever have a baby. That absolutely broke my heart. A similar drug to procrit called aranesp was not yet on the market. Thankfully the pharmaceutical company gave me free samples to try. It worked. In 2003 I had to have a fistula made for dialysis. It was too small. The second one saved my life. I clotted on the operating table and they found that I had antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. That meant blood thinners for life. Lisa was so blessed to have been given the Gift of Life twice. Her first transplant was in 1977 and her second in 1996. She had 27 years she would never have had were it not for her donors. Such a blessing! Sadly, Lisa passed away on St. Patrick’s day in 2004. It was her Mother’s Birthday. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground. My Dad blew snow and he, Mom and I made our way over to the Panzarella’s. In 2005 I was too stubborn to start dialysis but I had to cave. On my first day of dialysis I cried my eyes out on the way home. I told God I couldn’t take this anymore. My Mom was in the hospital. She had suffered a heart attack, had Cdiff and pneumonia. I could not see her. Day 6 of dialysis I drove myself! On February 28th 2005 84
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
I got “THE CALL”. The nurse told me they had a perfectly matched kidney for me. All I could think of was that God was givng me this gift because he was going to take my Mom. My best friend. She was still so sick. After speaking to her she insisted I accept. When I arrived at Strong and the bifold doors to the main lobby opened right in front of me stood my Mamma Panzarella and Jason! What were the odds of that happening? Mamma had a Doctor’s appointment and they were leaving. I don’t believe in coincidences. I do believe in signs from God. After that happened a calm came over me. There was a bad snowstorm that night. My donor was from States away so they had to wait until morning. That gave me time to talk with my Mom and pray for my Donor and my Donor’s family. I could not imagine what they were going through. Their Daughter had died suddenly. At perhaps the most horrific moment of their lives they decided to donate their beautiful 15 year old Daughter’s organs. The most unselfish thing anyone could do. I am forever grateful. On February 26th 2011 my Mom died peacefully in her sleep. On February 26th 2017 my Mamma Panzarella died with Jason by her side. In April of 2017 I had heart attack symptoms and was taken by ambulance to Strong. They discovered that I had 3- 90% blockages and 1-60% blockage in my heart. They caught it in time. I had a double bypass. It was silly to think
that the lupus had attacked the rest of my body and had left my heart alone. Jason visited me and sat with me even when I didn’t know he was there. These words barely scratch the surface of my journey. During life’s most difficult times you find out who really loves you. Joyce Meyer once said “ You can be pitiful or powerful but you cannot be both at the same time” My story may sound pitiful but God gave me the strength to be powerful. My beautiful Donor has given me 14 years of life that I would never have had were it not for her. I talk to her each day. Even though she doesn’t answer, I know she is very much alive inside of me. Jan Sharp
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
85
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
86
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD THANKS TO ALTRUISTIC KIDNEY DONOR, UR MEDICINE SURGICAL INNOVATION Kidney recipient Odesi Junor was born with polycystic kidney disease, passed down from her father who died as a result of the hereditary condition. Odesi went undiagnosed until she began to have health issues. The Brockport resident suffered quietly with the condition for several years, telling few friends and family members about her struggles. “I didn’t want it to define me,” she recalls. But in early 2019, her health worsened and she began preparing for peritoneal dialysis, a grueling daily treatment performed at night while a patient sleeps, which would allow Odesi to work during the day at UR Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, but would inevitably take a toll on her body. At that time she considered opening up about her situation, possibly seeking a living donor, but she was reluctant to ask anyone for such a gift. And that is when an altruistic living donor, who after months of testing was approved for donation by the UR Medicine Transplant team, offered a kidney that was a perfect match.
“I was shocked,” Odesi says of the generous individual who she still has not met, who wished to remain anonymous. “I was prepared to be on dialysis for at least five years. My donor was God-sent, risking their life for a total stranger.” The fact that robotic-assisted transplantation was being introduced at UR Medicine was another miracle, according to Odesi, who is a Jehovah’s Witness and cannot accept blood transfusions during surgery. The robotic technique eliminated the need for that.
Odesi became the first patient in the Northeast to receive a living donor organ robotically, an innovation for the UR Medicine Transplant team, which consistently seeks to improve surgical techniques to positively impact patient outcomes. Odesi now sees her future as bright and is excited to get back to her position in the operating room, and to experience life with a different perspective. “I now have a brighter and healthier tomorrow.”
TRANSPLANT TECHNIQUE EVOLVES A year ago, UR Medicine began using the robotic-assisted technique for living donors, to remove their kidneys for transplant. The significant benefits include minimally invasive surgery, more precision due to better optics and 3D technology, and a shorter recovery period. This prompted transplant surgeon Randeep S. Kashyap, M.D., M.P.H., to consider expanding the use of robotic technology to kidney recipients. Robotic surgery is the next evolution of minimally invasive transplantation. With robotic technology, the surgeon performs the operation using small incisions and equipment, but sits across the room at a computer console to direct the robot and surgical instruments virtually. As the optics are of an even higher quality, the precision is further improved. The incisions are even smaller, thus less pain, faster recovery and fewer incidence of wound complications. Under the leadership of Kashyap, UR Medicine has successfully performed more than 25 cases using robotic technology to remove donor kidneys for transplant, and has now performed multiple kidney recipient cases. Kashyap trained extensively for the robotic technique with support from his UR Medicine Urology colleagues, who provided 3D printed simulation models, as well as surgeons at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, one of only a handful of centers ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
87
{ COVER STORY }
{ { FOR {WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER A GOOD WHO STORY CAUSE ROC } } }}
“We are excited to have been the first in the Northeast to offer this innovative roboticassisted technique, with benefits that further improve care for our patients in Upstate New York, both living donors and now recipients.”
in the nation using robotics for recipient surgeries. “We are excited to have been the first in the Northeast to offer this innovative robotic-assisted technique, with benefits that further improve care for our patients in Upstate New York, both living donors and now recipients,” Kashyap says. “And it broadens the patient population we can help. For those individuals who are overweight or obese, who in the past were often unable to undergo transplantation due to potential complications, this technique is truly a game-changer. We can now offer more second chances by providing life-saving 88
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
transplants to wider range of patients.”
and the kidney transplant team.”
Making history The UR Medicine Transplant team is proud to lead with another innovative technique, says Roberto Hernandez-Alejandro, M.D., chief of the Division of Solid Organ Transplant at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
UR Medicine Transplant provides care to patients across Upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, offering kidney, liver, pancreas and heart transplants, as well as a pediatric liver and kidney transplant program through UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. A significant focus is on living donor kidney and liver transplants, including a paired kidney exchange program.
“Our talented, driven team continually works to expand the offerings of leadingedge treatments for patients in need of transplants, as seen with this new use of the da Vinci technology,” Hernandez-Alejandro says. “This program provides innovations available nowhere else in the Northeast, thanks to the dedication of Dr. Kashyap
###
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
89
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE { SHIFT+CONTROL } }
CATWALK FOR KIDNEYS BY JULIA YAW
CATWALK FOR KIDNEYS IS THE AREA’S BEST FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISING EVENT! We wil feature the area’s finest boutiques, cocktail hour and dinner buffet, stories of hope & inspiration and a special vendor marketplace where you can shop for beauty items, a chair massage, accessories, home goods and more! OUR MODELS WILL WORK THE RUNWAY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PATIENT AND COMMUNITY 90
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
PROGRAMS, RIGHT HERE IN THE ROCHESTER REGION!
New Yorkers are waiting for a life saving kidney transplant.
Catwalk for Kidneys has a story to tell! Our models feature philanthropic members of our community, patients and family members, donor families and clinical & academic professionals all joining together with a common cause - to make a difference right here at home with an annual show in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany!
No matter your participation, know that you will be helping the Northeast Kidney Foundation provide grants that help patients with medical, nutrition and housing needs right here in the region. Thank you for helping us to make a difference!
One out of every three people are at risk for kidney disease. Nearly 10,000
For information call (585) 993-3161 or email julia@healthykidneys.org
{ CNY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
91
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
93
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
94
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
95
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
96
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
97
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
98
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
99
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
100
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
101
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
4th Annual Rochester
Catwalk for Kidneys Presented By
DATE TO BE DETERMINED Watch out for our announcements!
Join us for the premiere fashion show of the season! Catwalk for Kidneys is an opportunity to celebrate spring fashions modeled by local favorites, healthcare professionals, kidney and transplant patients and donor families and living donors. The event will offer an opportunity to celebrate friends, family and local seasonal activities, while also helping instill the importance of caring for the body, mind and soul when dealing with the effects of kidney disease.
Tickets: $50 regular ticket $45 young professional ticket (under 35) $30 for patients $450 for reserved table of 10 Purchase tickets at www.healthykidneys.org
It’s a fashion show like none other – and it’s one you don’t want to miss! 102
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
THE NORTHEAST KIDNEY FOUNDATION ROCHESTER
BEYOND THE SCARS DATE TO BE DETERMINED
Watch out for our announcements! ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
103
{ FOR A GOOD CAUSE {{ SPECIAL SHIFT+CONTROL FEATURE }} }
“COURAGE TO DREAM” BY KRISTIN BAUER-GROSS I PHOTOS BY
When developing model coaching curriculum and more recently my online program for small market models and actors I continually ask myself “what would have helped me tremendously when I was first got started in this industry 20 years ago?” When starting out, I remember it felt difficult to find honest information. It felt impossible to gain the “tearsheets” (published work) agencies and clients wanted to see. These provided a model with serious street cred and allowed new models to be viewed as experienced and in demand. Also, it was challenging to get booked on quality paid projects. Not to mention making connections and being taken seriously as a novice felt overwhelming. Creating the ACTION Program and the “Courage to Dream” Calendar, I set out to create solutions to as many of the problems and challenges new talent face as possible. While I cannot go back in time to be that help for myself. I can now use all that I’ve learned from working inside of busy talent agencies plus as a model and commercial actress to help others leap forward to success. Over the last few years, I started to step deeper into my life purpose and thinking about what kind of change I wanted to create in the world. In 2019, I competed in the Mrs. New York America pageant as Mrs. CNY representing my home region of Central New York. My pageant platform “Courage to Dream” became my life’s mission. 104
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
The “Courage to Dream” calendar photoshoot experience and publication is a bonus for annual members of my online program ACTION. Being in the calendar means the models get real world experience on a professional caliber photoshoot complete with hair, make-up, styling assistance and more. They gain posing and expression skills plus experience behind the camera in a safe space with our calendar photographer Mark Knopp. Mark is not only a NASA photographer, but he also spent many years as a professor of photography. He provides posing instruction, suggestions, and feedback to the models. This is so helpful because the day a new model is hired for their first paid assignment that client will expect the model is a professional and to know what they are doing. The calendar photoshoot is like “on the job” experience yet in a safe learning space. Next, the calendar publication allows the models to have a professional modeling project they can share about on social media or with prospective agents and the coveted “tearsheets” and other opportunities that being published in the calendar itself brings. Secondly, the “Courage to Dream” Calendar seeks to spread the message that we are all worthy of living our dreams. Dreaming is a muscle we must practice, use and strengthen to gain the most benefit. Our mission is to motivate and encourage women and girls to go for their goals and dreams. We are each the key to unlock
one another’s dreams. Each model in the calendar shares a piece of their story and what gave them the courage to dream. If someone’s story touches even just one other person or inspires them to take action, then the calendar’s mission is successful. Third, a portion of calendar profits will go to non-profits that are aligned with our mission. If we sell 200 calendars $1,000.00 will go to these non-profits. If we sell 500 calendars $2,500 will go to these non-profits paying it forward. You don’t just support a small woman owned business when you purchase a calendar but you join our movement! You help spread the models stories of courage - you or someone else might be inspired by their stories, you contribute to worthy causes, and you help the calendar models succeed in their dream! The “Courage to Dream” calendar will launch late May! Special offers posted on our website and social media! Join our movement! Purchase a calendar or a dozen at www.KristinB.com/calendar Follow Model & Success Coach Kristin on Facebook & Instagram @ KristinBauerGross
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
KRISTIN BAUER-GROSS
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
105
AMY
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CHERYL 107
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CHRISTY 108
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ COVER STORY }
FEATURE {SPECIAL COVERWHO STORY ROC } }} } {{ {WOMEN SHIFT+CONTROL
“Being part of the calendar and ACTION program with Kristin Bauer-Gross ignited a renewed sense of what it means to find your “Courage to Dream” with me, as I ALWAYS tell everyone in my life to follow their dreams.”
ABOUT THE “COURAGE TO DREAM” CALENDAR THE MISSION: The “Courage to Dream” mission is to encourage women and girls to find the courage to go after their dreams and goals. To take action, face their fears and not take to heart the commentary of naysayers. Dreaming is a muscle; we must practice using it! THIS CALENDAR SUPPORTS A MOVEMENT: This calendar is more than a motivational calendar. It’s a movement. Thank you for your purchase to help spread our mission. While developing my platform as Mrs. CNY 2019 representing Central New York for the Mrs. New York America pageant the “Courage to Dream” platform became my life’s mission. THE ONLINE PROGRAM ACTION: In 2019 we launched ACTION, my online membership program. It focuses on helping small market models, actors and talent learn, connect, and succeed. I then felt compelled to create a physical embodiment of the mission that allowed women to reach their modeling dreams while sharing their “Courage to Dream” stories. We each are the key to unlock one another’s dreams. One person’s story can be the catalyst to transform someone else’s life. When we have the courage to share our story, even if it changes the life of just one person, a ripple effect occurs.
FINDING MY VOICE: Modeling was my longtime dream. However, working professionally as a model I often felt voiceless; like what I had to say didn’t matter. Models are viewed as public figures though only until recently through the internet and social media have models really gained the opportunity and power to use their voice in a bigger way. For many years modeling at photoshoots, I was told we are hired for our look and not what we think or have to say. Meaning: be quiet! However, years later felt uncertain of who I was or what I stood for and set out to reconnect with my voice. Personal development programs and competing for Mrs. New York helped me develop my voice and focus. I’m determined to encourage all women to share their story. We are each the key to unlock one another’s dreams and each of us has a unique story to share that matters and encourages others. CALENDAR BENEFITS NONPROFITS: A portion of calendar profits will go to the Scholarship Fund for the Kaleidoscope Dance Theater. The program teaches movement, dance and performance as a vehicle for their greater mission of women’s empowerment, inclusion and diversity. I’m grateful for Sean McLeod and his team endlessly encouraging me to go for my dreams especially during times I didn’t believe what was possible for myself. The calendar aims to support their mission so KDT can continue to support more
students “courage to dream.” http:// kaleidoscopedancetheatre.com. A portion of calendar profits will also go to my hometown non-profit The House of Concern who are celebrating 50 years of feeding and clothing our neighbors in need in Central New York. Our annual fundraiser for which I was model coordinator and Emcee has been cancelled due to the corona-virus outbreak. www. houseofconcern.org Article Excerpts from Calendar Models EXCERPT #1 – written by Stacey Kull Stacey is a licensed EFDA in the dental field. She has been in the dental profession for 15 years. She also has a house cleaning business as a side job. She is a mother of 3 beautiful, loving children. Facebook: Stacey Kull Instagram: @StaceyKull “Being part of the calendar and ACTION program with Kristin Bauer-Gross ignited a renewed sense of what it means to find your “Courage to Dream” with me, as I ALWAYS tell everyone in my life to follow their dreams. Being a huge, positive part of people’s lives around me, particularly my children. Encouraging them that the sky is the limit, yet feeling like I had dulled my sparkle in order to help them shine. At this point of my life, I have learned that if I don’t take care of ME, if I don’t SPARKLE NOW....it may be too late. ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
109
CINDY
DEBORAH
{ COVER STORY }
FEATURE { {{WOMEN {SPECIAL COVERWHO STORY ROC } }} } SHIFT+CONTROL
“Find a way to remind yourself of who you are being, and that you truly are purposeful. Others have verified it. Believe. Shine Your Light� – Jacqui Biernat
Tomorrow is never promised, with that being said, I went for it! And I am so glad I did. Kristin has taught me things that I thought I knew, but in more of a business perspective. But most importantly, I feel confident and comfortable with who I am and what I have to offer the people around me.â€? Thank you Kristin!! đ&#x;’“ Stacey Kull EXCERPT #2 – Written by Amy Marie Moore Cruise director for the ‘S.S. Moore’, model, pageant manager, and software consultant; love my family, outdoor activities and margaritas! Instagram @grayful.amy Facebook ‘Amy Marie Moore - Gray Haired Model’ Email grayful.amy@yahoo.com I gathered the courage to allow myself to have my own dream, which was to pursue modeling. I made the purposeful decision to be proactive each day to reach my goal. In the fall of 2019 I became a member of the ‘Action’ community and I feel so blessed to be working with such a great group of people. I have learned so many things about the modeling industry and Kristin’s insight has been extremely valuable. I think my biggest take-away is that models come in all shapes, sizes AND hair colors, and there is room for me to participate.
112
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Having Kristin as my coach, has given me the confidence to move out of my comfort zone and pursue any modeling job that may come my way. Kristin’s positivity, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge have played a huge part in my modeling successes over the past year. The “Courage to Dreamâ€? Calendar validates what I have been working towards over the past year and I feel very proud to be part of this movement. EXCERPT #3- Jacqui Biernat Dream, purpose and life coach, author, speaker, model, wife, mom, grandma and volunteer, loving to teach, stay active and begin new adventures! As a coach and teacher, I believe in shining your own God-given light! Facebook Jacqui Sparks Biernat • Instagram @jacquisparksbiernat Website: www.light-r-u.com • Facebook Business Light-R-U, LLC Shine Your God-Given Light! Transformation from being an overweight and depressed mother of 4 to a model was not on my radar. I’m an introvert that loves being with people, but I still find it challenging to be in the spotlight. However, I have put myself on a trajectory of learning and change by becoming involved in a variety of activities and causes to better myself, and then help others do the same. Being a part of the “Courage to Dreamâ€? Calendar is a continuation of this journey. My passion is helping people find
their purpose. God has given every single person a unique light of their own to embody and to gift to others. Humankind was made in His image – light. The defining of that light is a very personal and meaningful process that solidifies something that is often nebulous or that the person hasn’t yet fully understood about themselves. It often provides the underlying drive and desire to push forward to fully manifest their purpose and more fully become the best version of themselves. Do you know what your purpose is? The path to my purpose began by asking others what they perceived as my strengths. You can do this too. Ask people you interact with in different aspects of your life – home, work, out socially, and even people who don’t know you! Others often see our light when we do not. Quietly reflect on the feedback that you receive. Do not push it away. Write it down. Put this in a special place that you can see and read often. Give yourself permission to accept that you could be “all thatâ€?. Find a way to remind yourself of who you are being, and that you truly are purposeful. Others have verified it. Believe. Shine Your Light – Jacqui Biernat EXCERPT #4 - Cindy Scribani Beauty educator, master stylist, motivational speaker in the making, future author. Facebook: Cindy.Scribani • Fa c e b o o k B u s i n e s s Pa g e : @
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ELIZABETH 113
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
GABRIELLA 114 ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY
EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
JACQUI
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
KATRINA
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
LAIKEN ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
117
{ SPECIAL FEATURE }} SHIFT+CONTROL “I’d rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven’t.” ~Simon Sinek
Instagram @myhairshop and Instagram @hairskinandlipstick Website: www.hairskinandlipstick.com Monat: seibellastudio.mymonat.com There is a place few possess the ability to reach; a place in which perhaps only I am aware of its existence; a place hidden so deep within my inner core. This place is the home of everything I am made of. There you will find all the special pieces I like to call tiny jewels kept safe within me, close to my heart. And these jewels are only birthed when someone special speaks into my life. They are also birthed through an intense purpose, a vision. My why. Kristin is one of those very special women who seem to possess magic within her pursuits. Her magic sprinkled awakening to new and exciting ventures I never realized were within me. I was asked to be a hairstylist for Kristin’s “Courage to Dream” event and calendar photoshoot. So to be honest, that is really all I thought I would be. There were event coordinators, makeup artists, photographers and many 118
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
gorgeous women who bravely pursued their dreams modeling. An amazing circle of influence. Modeling was one of those tiny voices I dismissed quickly in the past. I believed I wasn’t
during her event, she took me by the hand and led me-- encouraged me to partake in all that her event was offering. Yes, she even placing me in front of the canvas where a photographer (for the first time ever) put my nervous heart at rest while capturing moments.. moments of me. It takes much courage to deal with failures; especially those inner ones. It takes incredible courage to live my dreams. Courage, to me, is fear holding on for just a minute longer. And on that December day, Kristin taught me to grasp those dreams. Manipulate them, inspire them .. and rise above. She saw my tiny spec of confidence, that little bit of greatness I believe we all have, and created a fulfillness I never experienced before. “I’d rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven’t.” ~Simon Sinek Courage to Dream accomplished just that. Courage to Dream inspired me to believe “I can”.
worthy of modeling; not tall enough, not thin enough, not photogenic enough, not pretty enough. Kristin’s passion was so contagious
My cup overflowing with gratitude, Cindy Scribani*
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
MAKENNA 119
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
STACEY
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
STACEY S. 121
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
SUE 122
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
VERONICA
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
126
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FINANCIALLY SPEAKING } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
KAREN SERINIS BY KELLY BREUER
Q&A WITH CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK’S RETAIL BANKING AND MARKETING EXPERT KAREN SERINIS #1 Tell us a little about yourself, how you got started and what your role is with CNB? I am currently a member of the Executive Management Team at Canandaigua National Bank; my responsibilities include Retail Banking and Marketing. My experience spans over 30 years in the financial services industry and I have held positions in sales, marketing and management over that time. My tenure at CNB began in 1997 in branch management; immediately prior to my current position, I was Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, which included management of Branch Banking, the Call Center, Business Development Officers, and Personal Bankers. I have had the distinct pleasure of concentrating my efforts throughout my time at CNB on supporting and nurturing the delivery of the high level of customer experience that is recognized uniquely as “Canandaigua National” through all customer delivery channels. I work with great people with the same focus; it is a very fulfilling role. #2 How has your role changed during COVID-19? My role has taken on a new dimension with this pandemic; our branch banking environment has been modified to allow us to deliver service to the community in a manner that is effective, but also balances the safety of our customers and staff. We have been able to adapt quickly and have enhanced our delivery channels in ways that allow ease in negotiating this new world order and the necessary social distancing. We have tweaked our “high-touch” approach in such ways to enable us to keep that feel with our customers. Our relationship managers are engaged in phone conversations and in video web meetings; they are educating our customers as to our extensive digital capabilities, many in extended one-on-one sessions. Our Call Center has been inundated with calls. This additional volume has been adeptly handled as we have added branch individuals to the phones. Our customers are receiving the same exceptional service levels consistently with local employees they know and appreciate.
#3 What services do you offer through CNB for small businesses that people might not be aware of during this crisis and during normal times? Canandaigua National Bank is the only full service, community owned bank in this region. We have grown consistently, year-over-year--at rates beyond the growth rate of the market-because individuals and businesses recognize our ability to deliver. That recognition has never been so widely felt as it has over this past month during the execution of the Cares Act and PPP loans to the small business community. The sheer volume of business loans processed by CNB—over 2500 in Round 1 of the offering during a 2 ½ week period—and our ability to bring 95% of the applications received to approval with the SBA—proved to hundreds of new business prospects that our service and our competency is real. For our current customers, we had early on reached out directly to make them aware of the deferment programs for consumer loans—car loans, mortgage loans, lines of credit—as well as commercial loans. Many took advantage of those offers. All were very appreciative of our outreach. #4 How do you see the services you provide to clients changing over the next 6 to 12 months? The current Covid-19 situation has caused us to re-prioritize some of our planned projects. Our digital channels have always been recognized as a growing and necessary means to conduct business. However, we have lifted to the top some of the planned refinements to those digital capabilities. Our IT staff has been extremely responsive; we have added to our digital documents, accommodation of digital signatures in both lending and retail account opening for consumers and business. Our Mortgage Company representatives are fully functional in a remote setting. We will continue to develop more ways to allow our customers to do whatever they want to do—including, from a “safe” distance. But, again, our eye on “high touch” is always intertwined. We continue to strive with education and advice on matters that bring value to the situation at hand. #5 What type of things are you doing to adapt to the change in business during social distancing? We have modified our branch delivery to limit teller transactions to our drive-throughs and
lobbies are open by appointment only. Many transactions are done electronically and by Webex with video capabilities. We have enabled approximately 80% of our workforce to work remotely. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt, to pivot, to adjust. We will continue to do so in order to maintain service to our customers in the best manner for them and their employees. #6 Has COVID-19 affected your business or that of your clients negatively or positively and why? Covid-19 has had a startling effect on our business and that of our customers. We are seeing small businesses financially struggle because of closures, we are seeing consumers financially struggle with lay-offs and delays associated with unemployment. Our robust involvement in the PPP initiative is a means to help both segments. We are hopeful for a safe reentry back to some stage of normalcy—or whatever the new norm will be. The positives that may be considered include the way families and companies have pulled together with cohesiveness and pride. The new digital capabilities that have been quickly brought to market along with these digital skills will remain a positive. #7 What would be one thing you would suggest for small businesses to be aware of, or to do during this time? Same for individuals? Unfortunately, during stressful times, there are segments of our society that take advantage and prey, as their attention may be diverted. My recommendation is that everyone be on guard against fraud—on your personal finances, on your business finances. Do not fall victim; be diligent with your actions. Your bank is a phone call away. Use us as a resource for clarity. #8 How can you help both individuals and businesses plan for the future? Education and advice is one of our cornerstone offerings. CNB is a relationship bank; we deliver education and advice with a high touch service that our customers value and appreciate. Our job is to know our customer and to work with that customer one-on-one to devise a plan for the future. The best way to plan for the future, is to have a plan. Make it a point to sit down with your relationship manager and cover the points essential for your future. We have the resources to accommodate this effort both for individuals and businesses. Take advantage! ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
127
{ FINANCIALLY { SHIFT+CONTROL SPEAKING } }
LAURIE A. HAELEN BY KELLY BREUER
Q&A WITH CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK’S MANAGER OF INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES EXPERT LAURIE HAELEN #1 Tell us a little about yourself, how you got started and what your role is with CNB? I began working in financial services 27 years ago. My friend’s mom was a recruiter for an insurance firm and she hired me. I quickly found that I enjoyed the client interaction, but had more of a passion for financial planning and investments. My career evolved over time as I worked in various roles, starting out as an advisor and then leading the investments for a local bank, serving as a managing director, and then finally coming to CNB. I joined CNB because I wanted to work for a non-publicly traded company in order to be able to have local decision-making capability. In my role as the Manager of Investment and Financial Planning Services, I oversee our investment and planning offerings and work closely with our Wealth Advisor team. #2 How has your role changed during COVID-19? I don’t believe my role has changed much, but my focus has shifted to ensure clients and employees are equipped to deal with the market volatility during this unprecedented time. I spend a lot of time helping clients stay the course—which was not hard to do when the market was doing so well for so long. This means evaluating our portfolios to ensure they are well positioned for the eventual recovery, drafting market commentary and meeting with the team to discuss strategy as the landscape shifts. #3 What services do you offer through CNB for small businesses that people might not be aware of during this crisis and during normal times? Business owners need help with different 128
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
types of financial planning. Often, they do not have the time to look at their personal financial situation, as they are focused on the business. Our many Certified Financial Planners can create a personalized plan to develop goals and help them stay on track. We can evaluate their retirement plans if they have one and conduct educational sessions for employees. We offer risk management services, all types of investments and trust and estate services—all under the umbrella of comprehensive financial planning. These services are complementary to the full suite of banking and lending services offered by CNB. #4 How do you see the services you provide to clients changing over the next 6 to 12 months? I think the emphasis on financial planning will only increase, as we seek to help clients recover from financial challenges and prepare for better times. Our investment strategies are also being streamlined to better reflect the current environment. We are in the midst of enhancing our technology across the bank and I know this will help us- and our clients- have a seamless client experience. #5 What type of things are you doing to adapt to the change in business during social distancing? Like everyone, we have moved mainly to a virtual model, with most employees working from home and a smaller team in the office daily. In light of this, we use Webex for most of our internal meetings and Zoom calls or conference calls for everything else. We are onboarding digital document signing as well. In addition, we are working with our marketing team to increase digital communication for clients and prospects to help keep them informed during these trying times. #6 Has COVID-19 affected your business or that of your clients negatively or positively
and why? The pandemic has affected most businesses negatively from a financial standpoint, between the market decline (for banks/ investment firms) and, in many cases, being unable to operate. Our ability to help our clients with so many of their financial challenges, from loans and bank accounts, to more complex investment strategies, gives them peace of mind—and for us, creates a strong sense of personal satisfaction with our work. When we come out of this together, we’ll be stronger and ready to take on the next challenge. #7 What would be one thing you would suggest for small businesses to be aware of, or to do during this time? Same for individuals? It is important to realize that although this is a difficult time, this too will pass; it is hard to imagine when you are in the midst of it. I managed the investments for a local firm during the previous financial crisis and remember how hard it was to remain positive as we all watched firms collapsing and the markets swooning. We recovered then —and will also from this. I think it is key for both business owners and consumers to plan for something like this in the future by augmenting savings and having a documented financial plan to help stay on track. #8 How can you help both individuals and businesses plan for the future? We can help them put together a comprehensive plan that addresses everything from their day-to-day cash needs to complex investment strategies, education planning for their children, retirement planning, risk management and estate planning. Our team approach ensures that we can address most needs in one place, but we also coordinate with the other professionals (attorneys and CPAs) to ensure clients get a well-executed strategy for financial success.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
129
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
130
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ FINANCIALLY { SHIFT+CONTROL SPEAKING } }
SUSAN C. DIPROJETTO BY KELLY BREUER
Q&A WITH CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK’S BUSINESS BANKING SALES MANAGER EXPERT SUSAN DIPROJETTO #1 Tell us a little about yourself, how you got started and what your role is with CNB? I started as a teller over 30 years ago and worked my way up through positions as a Branch Manager, Regional Manager, Operations Manager (at other institutions) and now as Business Banking Sales Manager at CNB. I’ve always been customer service focused and this role keeps me hands-on with small business customers, attending to their business and personal needs. I am well versed in all of the products and services we offer, not just on the business side. My job is to offer solutions that will help make you money, save you money, save time and bank securely. #2 How has your role changed during COVID-19? What I do has not changed dramatically except for the incredible volume of SBA PPP loan applications since early April. My role and that of my team is to work with our branch partners to assist them with customer requests. We are another set of hands to help our branch teams. Given the massive PPP loan volume, we have all worked 7 days a week to secure funds for our local business owners and their employees. I’m pleased to say we helped nearly 2500 local businesses, with $289 million dollars injected into the local community; that was Round 1. We are currently working with local businesses through Round 2. #3 What services do you offer through CNB for small businesses that people might not be aware of during this crisis and during normal times?
Some of our cash management services have seen higher demand given the selfquarantine and social distancing and the need to still be able to do business. Remote Deposit Capture: being able to deposit your business checks to your business account without having into go to the bank. ACH origination: being able to pull-in or send-out payments to vendors or even employees. It’s safer and more efficient than mailing checks, waiting for a check in the mail and having to bring it to your branch to deposit. Terrific options in our current environment and even in normal times. #4 How do you see the services you provide to clients changing over the next 6 to 12 months? I see more business customers wanting to be able to bank remotely and being prepared to not bank in person, but still having full access as they did before. They may not want to come to our branches until such time as there is a vaccine for Covid-19. We want to offer convenience and safety to all our customers. #5 What type of things are you doing to adapt to the change in business during social distancing? We’ve always used secure file transfer so we can get documents to and from a customer safely and securely. Over the past 2 months this method has been more prevalent. Offering customers the ability to sign deposit account opening and loan closing forms electronically. I would expect these to continue going forward. We continue to adjust and adapt how we do business to best accommodate customer needs.
and differentiate ourselves by being hightouch. We love our customers and they enjoy stopping in the branch, having a cup of coffee and having us help them with their financial needs. There’s no doubt the decision we made to close our branches to walk-in traffic was the right thing to for our customers and our employees, but not an easy one. We love our customers and miss the in person interaction. #7 What would be one thing you would suggest for small businesses to be aware of, or to do during this time? Same for individuals? Be diligent in looking at your bank statements. Be aware of e-mails you receive from your bank. With so much else occupying people minds, you need to be aware of your accounts and the transactions being processed. If you didn’t originate a transaction, contact your bank immediately. If you receive an e-mail from your bank asking for information, call your branch to confirm it’s legitimate. The scammers are hoping you aren’t paying attention. #8 How can you help both individuals and businesses plan for the future? Stay in touch with your branch manager, business lender or anyone that you work with at your local branch. If you are struggling, please call us. Please call us to review the many tools available to get you through these difficult times.
#6 Has COVID-19 affected your business or that of your clients negatively or positively and why? We are a full service community bank ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
131
strength. stability. service. Everything you need in a bank. For relationships that span generations. While other banks come and go, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust has remained an independent, community bank since 1887—with stable, local leadership that has allowed us to thrive in every kind of economy. We stay focused on our customers’ needs and provide new and innovative ways to meet them, without changing our commitment to personal service. So we can be your bank now, and for future generations. As always, CNB continues to invest in you. Discover the CNB Difference today: Call or visit your neighborhood CNB office, or visit CNBank.com.
® (585) 394-4260 | Member FDIC BLOOMFIELD • BRIGHTON • BROCKPORT • CANANDAIGUA–LAKESHORE • CANANDAIGUA–MAIN • CHILI • FARMINGTON • GREECE–LATTA & LONG POND GREECE RIDGE • HENRIETTA • HONEOYE • HONEOYE FALLS • IRONDEQUOIT • MANCHESTER-SHORTSVILLE • MENDON • PENFIELD • PERINTON • PITTSFORD ROCHESTER–ALEXANDER PARK • ROCHESTER–COLLEGE TOWN • ROCHESTER–EAST MAIN • VICTOR • WEBSTER–BAYTOWNE • WEBSTER–JACKSON-RIDGE
Live your smile to the fullest.
TM
INDRA QUAGLIATA, DDS
COSMETIC DENTISTRY D E N TA L I M P L A N T S INVISALIGN ZOOM WHITENING S A M E D AY C R O W N S & B R I D G E S PRF INJECTIONS PRF MICRONEEDLING BOTOX & FILLERS
578-207-2159
•
IQDentistry.com
C A L L TO DAY F O R A F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N
@IQ_Dentistry @IQFamilyDentistry
IQ DENTISTRY 300 White Spruce Blvd. Suite 134 Rochester, NY 14623
SPECIAL INSERT
SHE HUSTLES TALKS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES
WOMAN OWNED BUSINESSES
-W.RITZDORF - VYANA WELLNESS - CREATIVE SOCIETY - JOVAN SPA & BEAUTY BAR - CBD DEPOT - CRISTINA VANAUKER -WELLNESS 360 L CRECCO MANAGEMENT - LITTLE BLACK BUDDHA - ALTER EGO BOUTIQUE BEYOUTIFUL SAVAGE CUSTOMS -BLISSFUL BALANCE - B MOR MARKETING -MARIBEL FIT - WELL TRAIL AND MORE!
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
135
138
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
FERNANDA WINCKLER BY FERNANDA WINCKLER
MY JOURNEY AS A CEO SINCE 2013 AND BUSINESS OWNER IN 2 COUNTRIES, I BELIEVE IN HARD WORK. I decided on a career plan when I was 13 years old. “I am going to be a famous fashion designer”.
My ego was fed! This course gave me the opportunity to meet industry leaders, visit famous italian factories plus I had a unique experience to meet up with international students, learn italian and live on my own. Going back to Brazil a few months later I fell into a depression. I was back into reality. I lost part of my confidence and
When I was 14 I lost my brother in a car accident. He was 25 years old and he was my hero. I couldn’t process his absence in my life and the hole he left in my family. My sister, my mom and dad were completely hopeless. I started painting. I painted him.
When 16 I had the leadership skills to engage 18 students of a public school from the suburbs of my city to dance hip hop. I created a dance festival in my school. I fought for what I wanted. I was expelled from 2 schools.
Starting the second year of the fashion program I won an award that took me to a 3 months Accessory Design course in a renomaded school in Milan, with all expenses covered.
My father is a jeweller. When he retired he decided to build his workshop at home. As a creative person I couldn’t stand to watch an active workshop producing something under the same roof and not be involved. I decided to join him and I started drawing jewellery. My father was quite resistant at first but for the sake of peace he accepted my needs. We created the first wooden ring as a fun experiment. We loved it. 2 months later I had designed a full collection of jewellery, clothing and accessories to present at the Fashion Week of my city Curitiba - It was a huge success! We sold most of what we had. I was encouraged to open my own business.
I was not an easy teenager. I was creative and determined. I was the center of attention. But also extremely authoritative.
I was curious about art and fashion. I studied Fine Arts, Fashion Styling and later on I graduated in Industrial Design with the best dissertation of my class. My project was invited to be part of the University’s official library. Following a program at a University was not an easy task for me. I had endless questions. I am a controversial person, quite polemic.
This was the moment when I decided to create something on my own, something to be proud of.
I branded it by rescuing the heritage of my grandfather’s company which has worked with wooden products in the past. W.Ritzdorf & Cia. by the German Willy Ritzdorf was established in Brazil in 1920 and has been nationally awarded for its amazing handcrafted wooden decor. the attention I got with the prize. I had problems with alcohol abuse. I was lost! Nevertheless, my family gave me strength and I couldn’t give up.
I was finally proud of my work. Giving a meaning to my father ́s hard work and being able to create a concept where I could merge sustainability, history, love and design all together.
In 2013 I was working for a pattern making factory and I did not like to be asked to copy famous designers ideas every day.
The brand was growing rapidly. I was invited to give interviews on TV programs and I was exposed by local media as the
“MY JOURNEY AS A CEO SINCE 2013 AND BUSINESS OWNER IN 2 COUNTRIES, I BELIEVE IN HARD WORK.”
{ { SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “Resilience is a smiley old goat.”
Successful Young Entrepreneur of my town. After 2 years I got a hint. It was time to think bigger, to think overseas. I did not speak a word in English. I decided to move to an English speaking country and follow an MBA so I could learn Business Administration and English mutually. Malta was a 3 years challenging experience that I am extremely grateful for. It has opened my eyes for cultural differences, its beauties and challenges.
I found a job as a Store Manager in a luxury boutique where I did also sell 80% of my store’s stock. I found a house and I finished my project. However, I neglected my dream in order to have stability. I missed the belief that I could be a “famous fashion designer” again. I moved to Sweden, for love. Embraced by love and a supportive relationship I started to reflect on my life
I felt the racism underlined in people’s questions and I got caught into the European structured society created to protect the privilege of a few. The need to fight for myself has made me tough. Malta gave me a British degree but also wrinkles.
I do not wish for anything that is not mine. I wish for more work, more meaningful work, surrounded by mindful people. I would not change anything in my past. I take every step as an important lesson. I just want to be sure that my wrinkles are there from my smiles and not from tears. W.Ritzdorf has never drowned. During all these years, the company was still alive and economically stable in Brazil. It is time for me to own it back. To see the magic happening. My heart beats faster. I built an online store. From Business Ideation to 8000+ customers around the world and a fully functional e-commerce implementation. W.Ritzdorf is a dream that came true.
Self-awareness and transformation has begun. I opened my first physical store on Maltese soil and I failed, for many reasons. It is not easy to describe what exactly was the mistake because when something goes wrong is never only one thing. Fear creates a huge fog of desperate thoughts and you just can’t keep it together. I lost everything I invested. Suddenly I had no place to live, no job and no energy to write the final project of my Masters. I was lost again. I met a friend, not a normal friend. Olivia was more like an angel that came to show me that life needs to move on. 142
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
I registered my company in Sweden. W.Ritzdorf was featured in the Stockholm International Fashion Fair 2019 and 2020.
goals and to work on my frustrations. I decided to take place in a digital creative program at Hyper Island. I believe it is going to accelerate my career and put me back on the trail. Sweden is a tough place for expats. Being a latina full of passion and questions in the country of conformism. I am learning boundaries and new communication rules every day.
digital market.
Retail sales have always been our flagship, but it is time to explore the
With the brand’s sensitivity, bold design and environmental responsibility, I believe that W.Ritzdorf has so much to offer. I am sensing the potential of the digital strategy to be the ultimate outbreak of W.Ritzdorf to enchant customers all over the world. “Resilience is a smiley old goat.” Fernanda Winckler.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
MAKENNA 143
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
145
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS } “I was not an easy teenager. I was creative and determined. I was the center of attention. But also extremely authoritative.”
148
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
149
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
152
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS } } { SHIFT+CONTROL
WELCOME TO ACCESS GLOBAL BY DR SHANELLE BENSON REID
HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO ACCESS GLOBAL! Here, we focus on Enlightenment, Encouragement, Empowerment and Excellence! My name is Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid and this is our space. Let’s get to know one another in love and in life. Together, we will laugh cry, learn and grow. Our trajectory is Onward, Upward and Beyond.
and make your mark. You knew you were built for greatness. You have known your entire life. All of your work has steered you to this point. Now take the next step, the rest of your life awaits.
Step 1: Take Responsibility — acknowledge the problems and begin moving forwards. Step 2: Eliminate Judgment — you may be you worst critic but those days are long gone.
ONWARD Just when you think life could not get any better, boom, you are catapulted into the greatest stage of your life. You are finally free. Free to move forward, to grow, to develop into the woman you knew you would become. She stands erectly, boldly, confidently prepared to lead, to rule. You are Queen. You are Strength. You are Power. You are Woman! UPWARD Climb higher, you will get there. Reach, stretch, maintain momentum. Keep rising, you are near the top. You decided. This is your mission. Your time is now. This is your moving forward process. Daunting, defeating and depressing at times, but you are destined. You are divinely designed for ascension. BEYOND Your inability to see it does not discount its existence. Travel afar, surpass expectations, blaze the trail
your revolution, your transformation. Your gift to you. You are the creator. Your tomorrow will thank you for the things you do today. Are you ready? Not yet? Relax and take it one step at a time.
Step 3: Acknowledge Your Feelings— know what you are feeling, know why you are feeling. Step 4: Be Patient — you did not get to this point overnight, likewise, the transformation will take time. Step 5: Gain Self-Awareness — this is the time to get to know yourself; likes, dislike, joys, pains. Step 6: Practice Gratitude — you are still alive and you can begin again. ALL ACCESS You deserve the best of you. You may need to begin small, but the key is to begin. Be patient but be determined. It may be frightening and you may be terrified but significance and success are on the other side of fear. This is
Step 7: Serve Others — someone else needs what you have to offer. Step 8: Start Small — the little choices and changes begin the revolution. Step 9: Trust Life — believe that only ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
153
{{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “Inspire individuals to pursue self-discovery, empower them to be innovative, progressive and revolutionary in thought and motivate them to be global activists.”
y good will come to you and watch the wonders unfold. Step 10: Forgive Yourself — when you know better, you do better. Step 11: Cherish Each Moment — life resides in every moment Step 12: Love — love for others begins with love for self. Your Trajectory is Onward, Upward and Beyond. May Your Next Day Be Your Best Day. Gain ACCESS! 154
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
~Dr. Shanelle~ Dr. Shanelle R. Benson Reid, President and CEO of ACCESS Global Group and ACCESS Global Enterprises is a Consultant, Coach, Author and Professional Speaker. Her expertise is in areas of Education, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Cultural Competency, Social Awareness, Equity and Community / Individual Empowerment. Her personal motto is “inspire individuals to pursue self-discovery, empower them to be innovative, progressive and revolutionary in
thought and motivate them to be global activists.” Dr. Benson Reid’s work is changing the landscape of society by empowering individuals, families and organizations. Here at the ACCESS Global Family of Companies, “we encourage selfassessment and self-discovery while promoting innovative and progressive designs for change and implementing strategies for sustained success.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ACCESS GLOBAL
MAKENNA 155
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
ACCESSDENTAL LABORATORIES
Coming Soon!
AD
LAB S
We’r e Adding Valu e www.ACCESSGlobalEnterprises.com info@ACCESSGlobalEnterprises.com
The Coaching and Consulting Organization
Got Questions? Get Connected!
www.TheACCESSGlobalGroup.com Gain ACCESS!
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
157
SHIFT+CONTROL {{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS}}
VYANA YOGA BY ROCHELLE BILOW
The Yoga Studio Owner Whose Dream Finally Came True — As Soon As She Let It Go … it’s all about the art of nonattachment. Helena Zera dreamt of owning a yoga studio for two decades. She meditated on it, thought about it, talked about it, and envisioned exactly how it would look. Her yoga studio would live in the center of a town and have close access to water. There would be plenty of parking. It would be a place for multigenerational practice. It would be a serene haven for spiritual growth. Years went by and Zera expanded her yoga practice and business. She completed numerous trainings, adding certifications and wisdom to her teaching repertoire, including Ayurvedic Consulting, Polarity Therapy, Pelvic Floor Therapy, Tantra, and Structural and Spine Alignment Therapy. She started a yoga clothing company, created the HastaPada® yoga strap, and launched a charming line of car ornaments called VediVaahan. She also worked as an R.N., raised three boys, and maintained a loving relationship with her husband, local orthopedic surgeon Glenn Axelrod. Many of Helena’s dreams came true — including ones she never imagined. But no yoga studio. So Helena practiced aparigraha, one of the ethical codes of yoga known as the yamas. Aparigraha means non-grasping, or nonhoarding. In other words: She gracefully allowed that particular goal to slip out of 158
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
her line of vision. That is, of course, when everything clicked into place. In late 2017, when a friend tipped her off that there was available rental space at an empty spot in the Kinlock Commons plaza, Zera’s interest was piqued. But she didn’t get her hopes up. After all, she had let go of her dream at that point. She decided to visit the spot — just to look. The first thing she noticed was that the place needed a lot of work. But even amidst the dust and
the scuffed (real wood!) floors, Zera could see potential. She peeked over a row of boxes and caught a glimpse of the deck and stream running behind the building. Bingo. At that same moment, her eye was drawn to a large stone fireplace. Although her dream never included that particular detail, she was incredibly moved. “My practice has always been about tending the heart fire, and that’s what Vyana is all about,” she explains, referencing Vyana Vayu, a form of prana, or energy, that moves in a circular motion, originating at
the heart. Suddenly, she remembered that the first yoga class she ever took was in the basement of that building. That same night, she began drawing up the architectural plans. You can guess what happened next. Opening a business is never simple. Major construction projects are rarely straightforward. Combine the two, and well, you’ve got the makings of a very interesting few months. Zera worked tirelessly from the moment she signed her lease, navigating bureaucratic red tape, creating a beautiful practice room complete with a Tantric Yoga swing, installing a Kurunta Great Rope Yoga Wall®, ordering and inventorying a variety of products for sale, and cultivating a knockout group of core teachers. It all adds up to a dizzying number of decisions, from the big (What will the membership pricing structure look like?) to the small (What color would the walls be?). There have also been a few big frustrations, but every issue turned into a positive. And P.S.: The walls are a peaceful shade called “Lotus White.” Zera opened the doors to the yoga studio in June of 2018, and the tea lounge was officially serving up turmeric lattes exactly one year later. There has been much growth and change as both portions of the business have evolved. Vyana now offers over 20 classes a week, with styles varying from Hatha to Vinyasa to Sivananda — even Qigong. Nationallyrenowned instructors come to teach and
{ SHIFT+CONTROL } { CNY BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT }
{ WOMEN WHO I
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
159
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
“Everything here has a story behind it. Every challenge that I went through provided a lesson I needed to learn. And I have the power to respond differently in the future.”
160
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
161
{{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS}} “Opening a business is never simple. Major construction projects are rarely straightforward. Combine the two, and well, you’ve got the makings of a very interesting few months.”
offer workshops. Local instructors and wellness practitioners are invited to share their knowledge. There has never been one predominant style of yoga offered — and that’s exactly what Zera intended. “Listening to youth is very important, because although we have wisdom in age, the younger generations have much to offer as instructors.” As a result, the studio is a welcoming space to all levels and ages of practitioners. “I envisioned our students being 20-70 years old,” she says. “Daughters, mothers, and grandmothers.” This echoes Zera’s personal attitude toward yoga: It’s not a one-size-fits-all sort of practice. There’s a class on the Vyana schedule that works for you, guaranteed. The tea lounge has become a gathering space for yogis, as well as the people of Manlius, 162
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Fayetteville, and Cazenovia. Students will often place drink orders when signing in, and finish class with a hot chai latte, golden milk, pour-over coffee, or matcha. Because Zera’s business plan included room for walkin customers, the studio has WiFi, as well as plenty of cozy seating and space for folks working from home or meeting friends. There is a sumptuousness about the space, but it was all created at low cost through bargain hunting, discount shopping, and a creative, make-it-yourself attitude. Many people audibly gasp when walking through the doors — it’s hard to believe such a serene place is tucked away so cozily in a shopping plaza. Although she originally hoped this dream would come true in her 40s or 50s, Zera, who is 61, sees now that everything is as it
should be. “If I did this when I was younger, I would have been much more aggressive and reactive, instead of responsive.” Zera is the type of woman who rarely shows ruffled feathers to the public. Thanks to her nursing background and motherhood (remember: three boys!), she is a pillar of strength. Others, including employees and friends, look to her for guidance, peace, and support. So it may be surprising to some to hear that the last few years have brought significant challenges. When asked if she would do anything differently, were she given the chance, she just smiles serenely and shakes her head. “Everything here has a story behind it. Every challenge that I went through provided a lesson I needed to learn. And I have the power to respond differently in the future.”
{ WOMEN { SHIFT+CONTROL WHO INSPIRE } }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
163
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
164
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS } } { SHIFT+CONTROL
LITTLE BLACK BUDDHA BY AHLIA KITWANA I PHOTOS BY JUANITA WALD
Little Black Buddha (LBB) is an e-learning and game design organization that helps adults figure out their next step (or leap) in their careers and life. LBB is situated to help individuals navigate transitional points in their lives, such as what to do after graduation, career shifts, career pivots, and retirement. Through cohort work or one-onone deep work, we will help you:
The courses and games are aimed at helping individuals map out their life journey using the unique gifts they already possess. Exercises, challenges and quests are issued to users to guide them in the pursuit of their ultimate desires.
• Figure out how to shift, transition, or pivot in your career. • Take your dreams and aspirations and turn them into achievable goals.
• Explore your gifts and potential ways of building a life and/or career out of them. • Determine a more meaningful and personalized definition of success.
Available workshops and webinars include: • Self Care and Mental Wellness • Own Your Next Move • Your Gifts • Your Next Chapter • What Is Holding You Back from Greatness?
AHLIA’S STORY When I decided to quit my systems engineering job in the fall of 2017, I began a quest for freedom, to live a life integrated with a career and selfdetermined mindset. Although I began this quest for myself, I want to offer that freedom to other people. I have discovered that it is possible to make more deliberate choices regarding one’s chosen vocation and career path. By being more intentional, the outcome will be more freedom and a life designed by the user that incorporates the things they love about their current life interwoven with the things they have been dreaming of.
• Learn to prioritize and make time for your goals.
Tailored and customized group programming is available. We will set up a time to discuss your needs and walk through possible solutions.
weaving fun, creativity and innovation into each module and level. Our guidance is offered with integrity and in service of the individual becoming their best self.
OUR MISSION Little Black Buddha helps people find the freedom to pursue their next steps in life. Our clients are individuals who find themselves in one of life’s inevitable transition periods without a sure idea of where to go next. LBB helps people realize personal and professional growth through e-learning and gaming. The products encourage this growth while
For me, once I decided that I could not continue to live the life others prescribed for me, I spent most of the next year looking for a job that would have made me just as miserable as I had been as an engineer. When I finally realized that the cubicle life would not do for me, I had to reexamine what I really wanted to do, and what my life would look like for me and my family. The unraveling and dissatisfying transitions life offers are very real. People turn to therapy if time and money permit, ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
165
“I have discovered that it is possible to make more deliberate choices regarding one’s chosen vocation and career path. By being more intentional, the outcome will be more freedom and a life designed by the user that incorporates the things they love about their current life interwoven with the things they have been dreaming of.�
{ { SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “LBB is situated to help individuals navigate transitional points in their lives, such as what to do after graduation, career shifts, career pivots, and retirement”.
168
which is one tool. Other resources can include life coaches, self-help books, courses, and seminars. Religious and spiritual communities are another source of support. To meet the needs of a whole individual, an in-depth examination needs to take place. Little Black Buddha was launched to aid in that examination.
individuals and cohorts through transitional periods in their lives. A transitional point in one’s life does not mean that accompanying experiences have to be destructive. They can become formative building blocks to take the individual to the next level as they discover their ideal reality and career path.
Gameplay offers tools to guide
Contact Little Black Buddha at info@
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
littleblackbuddha.com to take hold of your future with practical exercises that use your experiences, your talents, and your skills to their fullest. Contact & Credit Website: https://littleblackbuddha.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ahlia/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/lil. blackbuddha
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER New Cohort
OPENS JUNE 1ST
CONTACT INFO@LITTLEBLACKBUDDHA.COM Visualize your future self. Is she bold, bright, and in charge? Or is she tired, burnt out, and resentful? Sometimes you know it’s time to move on, but you don’t know where to start. Little Black Buddha’s guided self-discovery course is designed to help you embrace life’s challenges and write your very own success story. Join us and use the talents you already have to unlock the power within.
{ { SHE SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS} } }} SHEHUSTLES {HUSTLES SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENHERS
WELLNESS 360 BY BETH PARRY
Wellness 360 will change the way you view your overall health and wellness. We recognize that true wellness has a multidimensional meaning: physical, mental, and social. While disease prevention is the first step in living a healthy life, we recognize that sometimes a disease diagnosis may surprise you. But true wellness is NOT the absence of disease. At Wellness 360 we feel that your diagnosis does NOT define you! You have the power to create change and bring balance to your life, regardless of your diagnosis, abilities, or fitness level. We support you and your strive to enhance your quality of life through education, personal growth and lifestyle changes. We help you build physical and emotional resilience to allow you to thrive amongst life’s hardest challenges. PHYSICAL WELLNESS Physical wellness is much more than just exercise. All of our classes are written and led by healthcare professionals. Each class is designed using functional components to improve your day to day living. We are not just building muscle or cardiovascular strength. We focus on posture, balance, core strength, and functional exercises that translate into your day to day living. Studies show that regular physical activity can manage the symptoms of most diseases, even after the diagnosis. Movement has been proven to help sustain the energy and vitality needed to stay actively immersed in everyday living. Exercise has been proven to: Improve bone health Slow cognitive aging Improve mobility Make completing daily tasks easier Decreases your fall risk 170
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
When you have a new diagnosis, starting a new exercise program can feel overwhelming. What exercise is appropriate? Which exercises should I avoid? What should you expect from your diagnosis? You may be nervous to start a new exercise program because of prior injuries, pain,
others and maintain strong relationships. Healthy relationships are a vital component of health and wellness. Nurturing your social wellness can be achieved by surrounding yourself with positive people to connect with and build supportive relationships. Surrounding yourself with supportive people allows you to share your life experiences and stories with others. Having a strong social network will help you heal, keep you accountable, and significantly decrease your stress levels. Finding a group of people to share your life experience has been shown to: • Improve your immune system • Improve your cardiovascular system • Help to respond better to life’s stressors
or lack of experience. Our classes are written specifically for the participants in the program. Our clients will not only gain new strength, they can heal old injuries, and make day to day life more enjoyable. With appropriate modifications you can exercise at any fitness level. SOCIAL WELLNESS Social wellness is your ability to connect with
Having someone to confide in can have a huge impact on your overall health. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can have a positive impact on your disease progression. We have offsite events, support groups and also provide educational events to empower behavior change and actions through increased knowledge and support. No one knows your battle better than those who are battling along with you! Mental and emotional wellness We accept that stress is an everyday part of life. It is a necessary and beneficial component of your day. However, chronic stress can increase the rate your disease progression, suppress your immune system, and cause depression or anxiety. During periods of high stress, our bodies release
{ { SHE ENTREPRENHERS }} SHEHUSTLES {HUSTLES SHIFT+CONTROL ENTREPRENHERS }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
171
{{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “At Wellness 360 we feel that your diagnosis does NOT define you! You have the power to create change and bring balance to your life, regardless of your diagnosis, abilities, or fitness level.”
172
adrenaline and cortisol which can weaken your immune system. When you are living with a diagnosis there are a lot of unknown factors involved; the “what if’s,” “why me,” or “what now’s” There is also a significant amount of stress of being the caregiver of a loved one with a chronic disease. This job can be overwhelming. Either situation can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout. Learning mindfulness techniques can help you build resilience. It will provide the coping skills needed to change your perception and encourage a positive response, not a reaction to life’s difficulties. Adopting a mindfulness practice has been shown too:
• Decrease cognitive decline • Improve your ability to make decisions
• • •
At Wellness 360, we support all dimensions of wellness. Beth Parry, PTA, Life wellness coach, and Lindsay Perez, MSPT developed
Significantly decrease chronic pain Decrease anxiety and depression Improve brain health
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Living with chronic stress will negatively impact your overall health. There are many mindful techniques that you can practice, including meditation and breath work. Teaching yourself to live in the present moment brings awareness to your current situation, allowing you to notice your body, your reactions, and how you are feeling. These strategies allow you to choose the best plan of action for yourself and your health.
Wellness 360 with the same goals in mind, support full circle wellness in our clients. We offer multiple group fitness classes based on your fitness level, diagnosis, and functional health goals. With a background in physical therapy, each class is written to combine functional and evidence-based exercises to improve your overall wellness. We support our clients with exercise, social atmosphere, and mindful meditation classes to bring your health and wellness full circle. Each participant will have an evaluation to ensure that the exercises are safe and effective specific to your needs. As we move forward, we are adding new classes and services to meet the needs of our clients and our caregivers. Let Wellness 360 guide you on your journey to improved health and wellness.
WELLNESS 360
{ { SHE {HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }} SHEHUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS
ALTER EGO BOUTIQUE A dream of better only known to a chosen few started out as just that, a dream. Soon faith in that dream and the honest support of some brought it into reality and in that becoming a true testament to having trust in your vision and taking a chance on yourself.
decorative burner adding style and flare to any home. She still was not satisfied until the vision came to full fruition. To the already impressive list of items there
Evelyn Hall of Alter Ego Boutique is that faith personified. Her belief in herself has propelled her to heights before only hoped for and has paved the way for even higher soaring in the very near future. Evelyn began her now multi-faceted business with the introduction of gel candles. But she did not stop there. Before long she debuted her long, clean, and most importantly safe burning soy candles in so many wonderful fragrances it could be described as a feast for the eyes as well as your nose. The candles burn so clean with no ceiling damaging black smoke. Not only do the candles burn long but her new additions such as wax melts, fragrance oils which by the way come with a unique and beautifully 174
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
came hand bags and purses, car perfume and shoes. Evelyn wanted to make it a one stop shop for everything that caters to side of you
that deserves pampering and deserves to not be reserved when it comes to self care which by the way is the most important care. If not for self care how could one care for others? And that has been the focal point of everything Evelyn does. She has always wanted to see others taken care of and in appreciated for who they are not who they try to be to the world. Being herself coupled with products that more than speak for themselves ensures when you visit her shop or order online you are granted to a one of a kind experience that will make you a repeat customer and that is something I can not only promise but guarantee you. The road has not always been easy. There were set backs, trial and error, and truly times when she wanted to give up. But giving up is not nor has it ever been her style. Still Evelyn marched forward reinventing things at times and coming up with something new but equally as original and uniquely beautiful. That never say die attitude with
{ { SHE SHEHUSTLES HUSTLESENTREPRENHERS ENTREPRENHERS} }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
175
{{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “No matter how hard I have to work or how many late nights there are as long as I can give him the best of everything it makes every tear, every sore muscle, every obstacle I have to overcome worth it.”
intelligence and business savvy to match puts her in a league of her own. When asked what is the driving force behind her mindset and determination she replied “All I want to do is provide the best life for my son because he is my world, he is my everything. No matter how hard I have to work or how many late nights there are as long as I can give him the best of everything it makes every tear, every 178
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
sore muscle, every obstacle I have to overcome worth it”. In this writer’s humble opinion there could not be a more noble and honorable reason. Alter Ego Boutique continues to grow by leaps and bounds and with every evolution comes a renewed promise to always provide the best products, to always provide the safest products and to
always add that personal touch to make you the consumer feel appreciated and welcome. So if you are in search of a truly special experience that will be sure to stay with you until your next visit stop by 510 State Street Suite 9G. Alter Ego Boutique, the places that embraces both sides of your personality.
{ SHE HUSTLES { SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }
JOVAN SPA & BEAUTY BY TYRA BARTON
Natalya Gritsak has 23 years of experience in business management. She loves to bring our community together. She delights in planning and coordinating patient and community events for Lummier Medi Spa. Her love for the industry truly runs through her veins. She’s always known that aesthetics and customer service are her passions and Lummier Medi Spa is a perfect fit for her. She is experienced and comfortable working in all areas of the industry. From day to day staff management, to working with treatment providers, Natalya Gritsak is an integral part of the Lummier Medi Spa team. Lummier Med Spa offers traditional services that have long been proven to gain the results our guests have come to expect from a boutique med spa. However, our service offerings do not stop there. Lummier Medi Spa’s vision is to be the innovative leader in the medical spa industry by offering the latest cutting-edge technologies and therapies offered in the wellness and aesthetics industry. Lummier Medi Spa is purpose driven; helping women and men of all ages to look beautiful and feel confident in their own skin. We are also driven to help our guests meet their personal beautification and wellness goals. Our highly educated expert team of medical professionals and practitioners 180
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: EMPOWERMENT EDITION 2020
focus on meeting the needs of our guest by recommending products and services that are sure to get the results they want for themselves. We understand that everyone’s needs are different. Therefore, we create individualized health and beauty plans that are designed to meet their
Medi Spa offers the full spectrum of innovative, age-reversing treatments geared to rejuvenate your complexion and replenish lost stores of collagen and elastin, restoring youthfulness and joie de vivre in the process! While these compounds have become increasingly well-known in the past ten years, it’s important to remember that only a team of highly trained and vetted aestheticians will have the skill, education and artistry to accurately inject your skin and ensure a pain-free, seamless outcome that appears natural and spontaneous. Practitioners without the proper experience and credentials can wreak havoc on your skin, in some cases causing permanent damage. Our nurses and aestheticians are distinguished healthcare providers who have performed thousands of successful lummiér Medical spa BOTOX and other injections. We are frequently sought out by our upstate New York aria clientele and by those from all around the country and abroad for our commitment to excellence.
specific needs. Lummier Medi Spa’s commitment to providing results oriented products and services to our guests is nothing like you’ve ever experienced from a medical spa before. At the Lummier Medi Spa, glowing skin is no longer a luxury, but your new everyday reality. Our top Lummier
BOTOX and other injectable clients will find that treatment is tailored to their individual anatomy. There is simply no such thing as one-injectionfits-all at The lummiér MEDI spa. Our work is subtle, nuanced and geared to exploit the patient’s attributes at every turn. Lummiermedispa.com
{ SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: EMPOWERMENT EDITION 2020
181
{{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } SHIFT+CONTROL “No matter how hard I have to work or how many late nights there are as long as I can give him the best of everything it makes every tear, every sore muscle, every obstacle I have to overcome worth it.”
intelligence and business savvy to match puts her in a league of her own. When asked what is the driving force behind her mindset and determination she replied “All I want to do is provide the best life for my son because he is my world, he is my everything. No matter how hard I have to work or how many late nights there are as long as I can give him the best of everything it makes every tear, every 182
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
sore muscle, every obstacle I have to overcome worth it”. In this writer’s humble opinion there could not be a more noble and honorable reason. Alter Ego Boutique continues to grow by leaps and bounds and with every evolution comes a renewed promise to always provide the best products, to always provide the safest products and to
always add that personal touch to make you the consumer feel appreciated and welcome. So if you are in search of a truly special experience that will be sure to stay with you until your next visit stop by 510 State Street Suite 9G. Alter Ego Boutique, the places that embraces both sides of your personality.
Revive yourself in our beauty bar with a refreshing cocktail before or after a spa treatment. Let us treat your skin and body with a gentle and noninvasive skin treatments that are custom to your skin type. We offer skin rejuvenating facials, custom facials, detoxifying mud wraps, salt glows, microdermabrasion, spa parties and more. Visit our website for more information about Jovan Spa and Beauty Bar. www.jovanspaandbeauty.skincaretherapy.net Click on the square appointment link to book us today! First time clients receive $10 off first service and a complimentary 2 oz body butter.
All natural beauty products made by hand in small batches. • Visit www.monamoonnaturals.com and save 20% when you join our mailing list •
{ SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
186
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHE{HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }
CBDepot BY JODI TUNISON
My name is Jodi Tunison and I am the enormously proud owner of CBDepot. This month of May we will have been open and operating for two years. To understand the store, what we do, and why, I have to go back in time, It was the summer of 2016. This is when I got the phone call that has changed my life and put me on a profound journey. It was an amazing sunny warm morning, the breeze gentle, the birds singing, and I was outside having coffee when the phone rang. It was my mother’s doctor giving me the results of some tests she had had done a few days prior. This was the morning I found out my Mom had cancer. When the doctor said the words, the phone dropped from my hands, I could not feel my legs as I stood, I do not even think I could move, I was frozen where I stood. Lung cancer, that had metastasized to both her brain and bone. At the time, my mom was still working, that day she was at work. That was her last day of work, June 23rd. It was now time to tell her, I made the difficult choice to tell her myself, I was her everything, she was my best friend, and her hearing it from me was what I feel she dissevered. From there it just got worse, Stage 4 with weeks to a few months to live. They offered chemo and radiation as palliative care, with no hope of cure, but to lessen her symptoms. She said no. I went on a information gathering mission, I was on the phone and computer for days, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat, I was on a quest to find something that would help her and not make her sick at the same time.
I came across cannabis, I found studies and testimonials, this just might be it! But I had to present it to her, I imagined it was going to be the hardest sell of my life. To my surprise she said yes! I went to work, at the time any type of Cannabis was not legal in New York, I had an extremely hard time even finding someone that would communicate with me over the phone. I knew that Colorado was the place I needed to be. I jumped on a plane and flew to Denver.
While in Denver I walked into a clinic, I had all her medical records and scans in hand, I talked to a doctor there who no longer practiced conventional medicine and dealt with only Cannabis now. That is where I was introduced to an exceedingly high grade of CBD. I had what I needed and was time to go home and get started. I am not going to tell you that the next year of my life was easy, not for either of us. This was the greatest challenge I had ever faced, I was scared, while powerless, and I was losing my mom, and I was not ready to. When she took her very first dose
of CBD, it helped within a few minutes. Taking CBD, She grew hungry, she was sleeping again, the pain had dulled, and the headaches, not so severe. She was living a more quality life, and that is all I was hoping for. While my mom lay sleeping, I would research and learn all I could about CBD. What else could it do, how does it work, where did it come from, and I was thankful for how much it helped. My mom passed away July 9, 2017. What they said would be weeks to a couple of months, turned out to be just short of one year. She had the strength and determination of a superhuman. After she passed, I was left with an enormous amount of time on my hands, because I made taking care of her my 24 hour job, my days now were empty. Slowly I stopped wanting anything, I did not want to even get out of bed. I could not even get up to get my daughter to school. I did not know how to navigate my life without my mother in it. One day my husband approached me, handed me a bottle, and said “I need my wife back, the kids need their mom back, maybe you should try this.” It was a bottle of CBD oil my mom had left over, I started taking it and within a few days I was out of bed, showered, and eating. I was slowly becoming a person again. I still felt the pain of the loss, but I was not wallowing in it any longer. As time went on I was bothered that everyone was getting back to normal life, the phone calls had slowed down and people where moving beyond her death. This was a struggle ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
187
SHIFT+CONTROL {{ SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } “To understand the store, what we do, and why, I have to go back in time, It was the summer of 2016. This is when I got the phone call that has changed my life and put me on a profound journey.”
for me, I wanted her to be remembered, to be celebrated, and to be cherished forever. I wanted to find away to keep her memory present. I decided the way to do this was to open a CBD store. There I could share our story; I could help people in honor of her. I was met with many challenges, cannabis or hemp was not legal in New York State, and a CBD only store had not been done yet in the county. I was not giving up. I found a town that allowed my business and had my mind set to Open in the mouth of May, being the month, my mother was born in, I had a ton of work to do. I wanted the store to be comfortable and appropriate for all ages, I painted in her favorite colors. While she was staying in my home and we were dealing with the ugly that comes with cancer we decided that we would find a positive quoit, write it on a 3 by 5 card and hang it on the refrigerator daily, so I lined the walls of the store with positive quoits. I wanted to bring back old school customer service, and for every customer that walked into the store to know that we genuinely appreciated them being there. The quality of the products that I choose to carry in the store was of the highest standards with rigorous testing. Each product is grown and processed in the United States. I wanted to educate those who needed and provide a safe place to purchase trusted products. I wanted the store to be a perfect reflection of who she was. We opened the doors of CBDepot on May 1, 2018. We are family owned and operated. My mother would love that I get to work side by side with my grown children every day. The support and interest from the community was overwhelming. At the end of our first day, after locking the door, I was flooding with emotions. I remember crying tears of joy all the way home, all the while wishing my mom could have been there. We are two years strong with two 188
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
stores now, but what I have realized is we do not have just a business, we have a huge extended family. The customers, many of them true warriors are the heart and soul of what we do every day. We greet each one of them with a cheerful smile, we laugh with them, we cry with them, we take the time to listen and to guide them. CBD has become my passion, I love educating those who are unfamiliar with what CBD is, I love hearing the stories from those it has helped. I have seen the magic within my own home with my own family. Even with my dog. I had always dreamed of doing something for work that I loved, and it took the largest tragedy of my life to realize what exactly that was for me, and it is this! The day I rented the space we are in, I walked out to the road turned to look at the store, then to the sky with my arms out and said out loud “ you have the wings, I have the heart, together let’s fly!” from that day on this journey has been unbelievably wonderful. Cbdepot is so much more to us then a business or a store, to us it is an honor, it is a way to keep the most amazing, incredible women’s memory alive. We see people daily that suffer, they are in pain, have anxiety, are sick, or injured and dealing with addiction. We offer a large array of products. CBD helps with so many of the symptoms that people deal with. We take pride in the knowledge we have, and we can help fit you with a product that suits you in your lifestyle. We will answer any questions that you might have. We will never sell you a product that you do not need and will continue to guide, and answer questions and concerns you might have. We honor Americas heroes. When you purchase from one of our stores you can find comfort in knowing you are receiving quality products and exceptional customer
service. CBD has become a movement of sorts and so many products you find online, at corner store and smoke shops are not trusted quality brands in most cases. It is important when you make the choice to do CBD you know it is a product you can trust, and from someone that can help you with dosage and product knowledge. Being the First only CBD store in the upstate area, I lead the way for all the stores that followed. But Being a woman in the forefront of this industry, in Rochester has become very humbling. It is my hope that if you take anything away from reading my story, it is that you can turn something tragic and ugly into something beautiful and rewarding. I would love if you came in to experience what it is we do and offer. Let me and my family help you and yours. Just Imagine where you could be with the help of CBD.
LOCATIONS: CBDepot - Greece NY 2300 West Ridge Road Suite 103 Rochester, NY 14626 585-623-8776 CBDepot - Penfield NY 2150 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd Suite B Fairport, NY 14450 585-598-3372 Visit us online at cbdepotboutique. com
CBDepot - Greece NY 2300 West Ridge Road CBDepot - Penfield NY 2150 Fairport Nine Mile P CBDEPOTB
RECEIVE
10% OFF
WHEN YOU MENTION RWO
d Suite 103 Rochester, NY 14626 585-623-8776 Point Rd Suite B Fairport, NY 14450 585-598-3372 OUTIQUE.COM
SHE HUSTLES TALKS } { SHE{ HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
192
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHIFT+CONTROL { SHE{{HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS}} }
CREATIVES SOCIAL AGENCY BY HANNAH COSTELLO I JACKIE MCGRIFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Hannah Costello, the name behind the Rochester based Social Media Marketing Agency, Creatives Social Agency. Hannah created her business on the foundation of helping small and medium sized local businesses feel confident and empowered in their social media presence. What started as a Party Planning business, eventually evolved into something much more meaningful to her.,, sharing her passion and enthusiasm for all things marketing & branding.
And thus she created, Creatives Social Agency with a very specific niche in mind: 35+ year old small business owners who felt confused, intimidated, overwhelmed and inexperienced with social media and provide them with specific, unique social media services catered to their professional goals. Today, Hannah has connected with so many Rochester, NY and surrounding
The initial business concept came to her in early 2019, when she realized she was living her life for others dreams, instead of her own. She came to question, WHY NOT ME? And thus the concept of a business centered around community and local support emerged.
She realized she would be doing a disservice to herself and her community if she kept hiding her love, passion, experience and expertise in social media marketing.. Besides, that was her favorite part about launching a business, the graphics, website, social media posts and more…
This is what makes Creatives Social Agency so unique, by catering to clients needs and giving them the option to be as involved as little or as much as they want in their social media presence, while trusting that Hannah is providing premium services to give them peace of mind. On her social media sites, you will find tips, tricks, hacks, how to’s, local love, behind the scenes and so much more. Hannah values community and local support over everything and knows how important it is (especially during a global pandemic) to help others through her services while also providing value for those trying to navigate a new normal and the uprising of a virtual centric world.
It was 6 months into the party planning business when Hannah realized, she wasn’t feeling as fulfilled and excited as she thought she would.. So she asked the deeper question, Who do I want to help and Why? That is when her lightbulb moment happened. The idea that brought her into the entrepreneurial world is what helped her create a business she was truly passionate about nurturing, growing, and promoting.
the platforms best for her client’s ideal target audience and lifers. Another service included is total platform management, for the small business owners who want to be on social media, but have a desire to focus on the things most important to them.
small business owners, creating lifelong friendships, a loyal clientele and continued connections with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. Her purpose and passion is to help business owners conquer social media like a champ by providing an array of services from social media beginners training, to social media audits, website designs, to graphics and more. She also offers services to help business expand their social media presence by finding
It is her mission in life to help small business owners create a digital footprint that expresses their passion and their niche while inspiring and impacting their ideal clients in a way that is unique to them. You can contact Hannah via email: info@ creativesagency.org, follow her on Instagram: @creatives_social_agency or friend her on Facebook, fb.com/creativessocialagency She loves helping her community, connecting with locals and collaborating with other business owners and looks forward to chatting with you soon.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
193
{ SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS} } } {{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL
FITBALANZ WELLNESS STUDIO BY MARIBEL TORRES
My name is Maribel Torres Founder and Owner of Fitbalanz Wellness Studio in Rochester, NY. I am a mother of 3, a wife, and a grandmother who loves to encourage and motivates and inspires other women to be healthy and fit. I am originally from the Island of Puerto Rico. When I came to the United States, I was 20 years old with a dream of study in English and graduating from college. I dreamed of having my Business someday and helping others to do the same.
employees and staff. There are many Gym facilities where Nutrition is not a primary factor to improve clients’ health. My Business offers a variety of services, and Nutrition is the number one factor in my facility. We ensure that clients learn how to combine Fitness and Nutrition to
194 194
ROCHESTER EDITION 2020 ROCHESTERWOMAN WOMANONLINE ONLINE::::EMPOWERMENT MAY EDITION 2020
Fitness and Nutrition are my passion, and I love what I do. Providing encouragement to my clients and seeing how they achieve their goals, it’s so rewarding. Vastly most of my clients are interested in nourishment, how to relinquish, increase, or keep their weight. My Nutritional Programs provide an increase in their energy level and enhancement of their overall health. Our Coaching methods include protocols on cardiovascular, muscles, and accountability to keep their motivation on working toward a healthier lifestyle. We provide various programs, such as one-onone with a coach and small groups. Our programs also include; Zumba, Zumba Kids, Strong Nation Class, Yoga, Turbo Kick, and Senior Classes.
When I came to Rochester, NY, I became a Social Worker, thinking that was the only way I could help others and encouraged them to be successful in anything they put their mind into. Later on, I realized that in the field I worked was not the only way to support or help others to reach specified goals. So, with that in mind, I pursue my purpose to support others with their goals, and in the process, I opened my business. My passion for Fitness and Nutrition has helped me to provide an effective routine for the everyday person. I also offer Virtual fitness services to the entire family, from toddlers to seniors that are looking to be healthy and active. Our services are mobile, and we bring our fitness programs and nutrition workshops to agencies, companies, and workplaces that are looking to enhance the well-being of their
eating healthy well and exercising and maintain good health.
enhance their health. Being active helps with weight management, reduces stress, increases heart rates to normal ranges, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure, among many other benefits. If my clients learn how to eat healthily and keep fit, their bodies will be healthy, and it will help them cope with stress and fight illness by
We accomplish results, and we customize our fitness programs to support our clients to achieve their results they are looking for. We design our services to be affordable for all members to enroll in. This helps individuals to reach their health goals, being involved in the group exercises, and have a positive attitude while becoming healthier and active. I have a positive attitude, a passion for what I do, and love creating a positive work environment.
{ SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS } { SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: EMPOWERMENT WOMAN ONLINE :: MAYEDITION EDITION2020 2020 195 195
COME ENJOY THE BEAUT SUITE#1
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE SHE HUSTLES TALKS ROCHESTER WOMAN’S BOUTIQUE STUDIOS
SUITE#3
NAILS BY PRESHAY
SUITE#4
INDIGO FLOW MUSIC STUDIOS
SUITE#5
FAMILY FIRST HAIR STUDIO
301 EXCHANGE BLVD LL1 I ROCHESTE
UTIFUL SUITE LIFE WITH US! SUITE#6
PERFECT 10 NAILS
SUITE#7
PCK SALON
SUITE#8
CAPELLI SALON
SUITE#9
ELIZABETH LEMMER HAIR DESIGN
ER, NEW YORK 14608 I (585) 278-0314
SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }} { SHE{{HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
198
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHIFT+CONTROL { SHE{{HUSTLES SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS}} }
ALL CLEAN POWER WASH
So a little bit about our business. All Clean Power Washstarted this business the summer of 2017, at first it started out as a hobby but our passion for serving the community quickly turned this business into a full scale operation. We now currently employ two service techs along with myself as owner operator. We specialize in softwashing exterior surfaces. Everything from houses, roofs, concrete, trex decks, wood decks, gutter whitening and gutter cleaning. We take our service seriously and pride ourselves in our work. What’s nice about this season is my wife Candace has
taken on more of a role with all clean, she has been working in the field as owner operator proving that pressure washing is not just a man’s profession!
shower so there is no damage to the varied surfaces. We offer start-to-finish solutions for any cleaning need.
All Clean Power Wash is very proud to be family-owned, family-operated and community focused within the Upstate New York area. With nearly 10 years of experience, we offer Residential & Commercial services in the FInger Lakes, Rochester New York area.
All Clean Power Wash using a process called softwashing. This process is superior to cleaning your homes exterior as it uses low pressure (around 300 psi) compared to traditional pressure washing (using upwards to 4,000 psi which can potentially damage your siding and other surfaces)
All Clean Power Wash uses a gentle soft wash for all exterior cleaning using biodegradable products. Soft wash uses pressure no greater than a gentle rain
842 County Road 28, Shortsville, New York 14548, United States (585) 703-8491 allcleanny.com ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
199
{{ IN {WOMEN SHIFT+CONTROL HER OWN WHO WORDS ROC} }}
202
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ {{WOMEN SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES WHOTALKS ROC}} }
WELL TRAIL BY KELLI LAPAGE, MS, ATC
“Strength can be found in the deepest corners and the darkest places. Sometimes it helps to have someone with a flashlight to guide you back to your path….” In 2008, following a near-tragic accident, Kelli LaPage was forced to make a decision – continue down a career path that was harming her physical and mental health – or follow her heart, her intuition and her passion and begin a new journey on her own terms. That decision led to the creation of WellTrail, Inc, a uniquely personal and customizable occupational health and injury management platform that now supports employee well-being for organizations that include over 3000 lives in 6 states, including in CNY. Kelli LaPage’s initial aspirations to help others began by pursuing pre-med at Washington University in St Louis. Following several of her own substantial athletic injuries, her interests were initially focused on orthopedics and she worked through college as both a student athletic trainer and as an intern at Barnes Hospital and with the Wash U team physician. “Having the opportunity to see both sides of the field I loved was crucial to my ultimate career path. I loved everything about the work I observed in the orthopedics office and in surgeries. But what I quickly realized was that my gift and my passion resided in being with those injured athletes in their moments of need. Being the person that was there when they needed an explanation, encouragement, a kick in the you know what, or just someone to hold space for them while they experienced their pain – physically and mentally… that was what made ME whole.”
At the end of her senior year, having completed all of her pre-med requirements and earning majors in Biology and Psychology, Kelli completed the prerequisite classes to sit for the national athletic training certification exam and subsequently, as a certified athletic trainer, accepted a coveted graduate student athletic training position at Syracuse University in 1995. The program was rigorous. In addition to pursuing a masters in Exercise Physiology with a Nutrition and Athletic Training focus, Kelli
worked alongside and learned from some of the greatest mentors in athletic training, and the local medical community. Upon graduating with her Masters Degree, she was offered a full time position with the Sports Medicine team where she stayed until 2002. She worked with all varsity athletes, but specifically oversaw coverage and rehabs for many of the non-revenue sports. She helped run the daily physicians clinics, and helped initiate and run the nutrition and eating disorders support team for the sports
medicine department. “The experience I gained at Syracuse, under Don Lowe and Tim Neal, was priceless. We were exposed to so many learning opportunities, and we learned and worked alongside of the best medical professionals in our area”. In particular, Kelli recalls how two physicians really shaped her career – even more than she could have realized at the time. “While I was at SU, my philosophy for patient care and “bed side manner” was most shaped by our two team physicians, Dr. Irving Rapheal (team orthopedist) and Dr. James Tucker. I remember early in my career we were all working together with one especially challenging athlete situation. I was frustrated because we had not been able to find a solution to the athlete’s pain and inability to functionally recover. Dr. Raphael and Dr. Tucker sat with me after her doctor’s visit and asked me what I thought was going on. I remember I hemmed and hawed and said something like, “Well, it’s probably not important, but…”. They both stopped me before I could finish the sentence and told me that being able to see your patient as a human being, with fears and flaws and a whole separate set of variables outside of that one injury (or condition) you are treating them for… that therein lies the true magic in medicine. And I remember Irv winked at me and said, ‘You already have that part of it down’. From that moment on I fully embraced the power of compassion and I never again second guessed my instincts to inquire beyond what medical condition was obviously presenting in front of me”. Kelli continued at SU, mentoring student athletes and incoming GA’s while fulfilling her coverage responsibilities within the department until 2002 when she gave birth to her daughter, Taylor in April of that year. ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
203
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
204
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
205
Kelli describes the choice to leave the career she loved so much as “one of the hardest choices” she ever had to make. She loved her career, she loved the people, she loved the incredible opportunities for growth and learning she experienced daily. But stronger than that pull was the need to be a part of her daughter’s life. She knew 70+ hour work weeks and overnight travel several nights most weeks was not what her daughter deserved, and at the time, there was not another option for the position. She stayed on through the summer and then left to take a part time athletic training job at a local high school. “I was so torn during that time. I knew I had made the right choice for my family, but something was missing for me. I loved the kids, I loved my co-workers, but I wasn’t challenged and I couldn’t grow. And I was still facing a harsh reality that once my daughter started her own school and sports – I would be forced to miss most of that. So, I was still torn between trying to hold on to the profession I had envisioned myself growing old in, and the life that I wanted to share with Taylor”.
206
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
As fate would have it, a local heavy equipment dealership was looking for an athletic trainer through an out of state wellness company. Kelli saw the ad and was interviewed for the position. At the end of the interview, the part time position had become an offer for coverage of NYS CAT facilities, along with a regional sales and operation manager position for the wellness company – tasked to grow the then 6 person company throughout the NE. Less than five years later Kelli had hired over 20 employees and was managing locations from NY to CA. The company grew to one of the leading onsite health coaching companies in the Northeast, but with growth came a lot of changes and challenges that did not align with her values and goals. She found herself struggling with being on the road at 3-4 days a week, with a toddler at home, and professionally wearing so many hats for her company that it was increasingly difficult to find anymore hours in the day to support all of those responsibilities. She was back to working more than 60 hours a week, and was putting an average of 65,000 miles a
year on her car. Business was booming, but in that growth came a lot of concerns and conflicts with Kelli’s own strong beliefs – professionally and personally. And then, as it had done once before – fate intervened to open her eyes… On November 1, 2007, Kelli had just said good bye to her daughter (then 5) for the weekend when her neighbors’ daughter called her and said one of the horses was out at their barn, where Kelli’s horse was boarded. While trying to contain the situation to prevent the rest of the horses escaping, she was double barrel kicked in the pelvis (by the loose horse which was actually from a barn over a mile away). It was not known at the time, but the force of the kick had caused subluxations and significant damage to her hip, pelvis and back. She was rushed to the hospital, unable to feel or move her leg. “There were so many things going through my mind – but the worst was, what if I can’t teach Taylor how to ride a bike. What if I can’t coach her soccer team. What if I can’t walk her down the aisle. I was overcome with a
{{{WOMEN SHE { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER HUSTLES WHO STORY TALKS ROC } }} } “Being the person that was there when they needed an explanation, encouragement, a kick in the you know what, or just someone to hold space for them while they experienced their pain – physically and mentally… that was what made ME whole.”
sense of loss that hadn’t even happened yet. But I could see it and feel it so distinctly. I’m not sure I recognized it at that moment, but looking back that was the pivotal moment to me finally embracing where I was supposed to be.” Months of rehab led to only more frustrations. Pain was constant but the worst part was the lack of function. “I couldn’t sit, and if I did, I couldn’t walk or stand upright for quite some time after. Imaging was saying there was nothing wrong so I just kept trying to rehab and push myself, but I just got worse. I had been forced to reduce my travel routine for the short term and this created a number of conflicts for my position. It was really at a breaking point. I thankfully had a number of colleagues and existing clients around me who with unyielding support, told me I could do this on my own – I should do this on my own. So, I gave my notice and started the ground work for my own business.” That decision was the scariest decision Kelli remembers making. “I was a single mother, with a 5 year old at home. I was physically limited and I had no family within 6 hours of me to help. But I knew this was what I was supposed to do. I knew I had something to offer others. I knew that I could build a company that could offer support for people’s health, no matter how challenging their circumstances. I recognized how lucky I was to have knowledge and support from amazing people around me – and I knew I could pay that forward. I was the perfect example that strength can be found in the deepest corners and the darkest places. Sometimes it helps to have someone – or something- shine a flashlight to guide you back to your path… “ So with an incredible amount of encouragement from colleagues, friends and family, she took the jump. Kelli officially founded WellTrail on July
17, 2008. Several months were spent developing the platform and resources that would support the vision for her onsite health and injury management delivery model. “I was so incredibly blessed to have the support of my brother, Brad Cronk who gave me an early injection of ”angel funding” to bridge the gap for Taylor and I during those first few months where there was no income. Looking back at the chance he took, and the belief he had not only in me, but my vision, was exactly what gave me the strength to take that leap.” By the end of 2008 Kelli had signed her first client, a local manufacturer with 200+ employees, a client she personally delivers service to every week to this day. In early 2009 WellTrail was looking poised for rapid growth. They were working with three local Syracuse clients and had already hired its first employee to help with service delivery. They had formed an internship program with Syracuse University’s Public Health and Wellness department with several onsite interns. Kelli was booked for speaking engagements and consulting at local and regional organizations of all sizes. Drawing on connections made at both the University level and her previous work with Caterpillar, the young company had almost a million dollars in late stage proposals that were in the final planning stages, when the 2008 recession hit. All of the WellTrail’s large national prospects were forced to put all spending on hold. And with that, the rapid growth model Kelli had projected shifted back to a local focus. What makes WellTrail’s story so unique is that all of the challenges it was faced with as a young company, and all of the challenges Kelli herself was facing simultaneously, were exactly what made the company successful, and what shaped its platform so clients that were able to stay on board during the financial crisis. “All of my local clients
told me during that time that they were so grateful to have us onsite because it was in exactly those moments of uncertainty and fear and anxiety that they knew their people needed our support the most”. Their belief and valuation of the service I was providing, alongside the everchanging landscape for a small business like mine, allowed me to reshape WellTrail to emulate the values I held so dear. I realized (half through fate and half through the support and loyalty of my clients) that rapid growth was NOT the best option. Then and there WellTrail decided to commit to 100% servicing of existing clients and grow only as opportunities made logistical and moral sense to the vision of the company, the support of its clients, and the well-being of its own employees. This decision also allowed space for Kelli’s own journey. She endured 3 arthroscopic hip procedures leading to a hip replacement in 2011 – something she says would have been impossible for her to make time for if her original growth plan had come to fruition. 3 months before the hip surgery she was also faced with a frightening health scare and in those moments of uncertainty she realized the full breadth of her gratitude for being in the place she found herself: A career she loved and was passionate about every day, the ability to create space and time for her own healing, and most importantly, the ability to be present and available to her daughter. “In a weird way, my ability to help others was really the best therapy for me. It was my constant reminder, as I was telling others to prioritize their health, that I had to do the same – as an example to them AND an example to my daughter. I knew when I was being a hypocrite and not taking care of MYSELF – and that helped me keep a balance through those challenging times.” And perhaps as rewarding, she found she had been able to create a career path for other athletic trainers and medical professionals who had also been struggling ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
207
{{{WOMEN SHE { SHIFT+CONTROL COVER HUSTLES WHO STORY TALKS ROC } }} } “What makes the WellTrail platform so unique in the world of corporate wellness and occupational health is that it is fluid and completely customizable.�
with the same work-life balance challenges. In 2010, WellTrail signed with one of the largest CATERPILLAR dealerships in the country, (who was part of WellTrail’s original prospect group back in 2009) and a new version of the WellTrail delivery model emerged. “Because this site had almost 2000 employees, with locations in 5 states, all of varying sizes and most more than 2 hours apart, we had to find a method of delivery that blended the personal support that differentiated us from other wellness companies, and the ability to be available to people remotely. We started small, with myself and local staff travelling out to several of their locations monthly. As interest and participation ramped up, we hired our first WellGuide in that territory and a year later added two more to service the various demographic regions.â€? As of 2020, WellTrail is serving over 3000 employee lives in 6 states. THE WELLTRAIL DIFFERENCE What makes the WellTrail platform so unique in the world of corporate wellness and occupational health is that it is fluid and completely customizable. “Health is personalâ€?, says Kelli, â€?so the solutions have to be personal as well. You cannot look at just a person’s injury or their illness – you have to look at them as a whole person (Wholistically ( with a Wđ&#x;˜Š). Each person has their own challenges, restrictions, likes and dislikes. They each have different things that drive them, and different things that are important to them. And they have their own goals. Just because someone should do something for their health doesn’t mean that, in that moment, they are ready, able or willing to do so.â€? WellTrail’s philosophy believes that you have to meet people where they are, encourage and support small steps in areas that they are ready to make change, and be constantly available for when they decide they are ready to work on something 208
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
else. WellTrail provides this support for their clients through the placement of WellGuides assigned to their client locations. Most WellGuides are athletic trainers because the training of that medical profession is incredibly diverse. They are trained in both health and injury management and are unique in the medical field in that they are used to working alongside of their clients – not sitting in an office waiting for someone to report a problem. “Our WellGuides are uniquely trained in their previous lives as athletic trainers, to be right alongside of their “athletes�, observing their movements, proactively looking for areas of risk and constantly communicating with them in order to understand where they would like support. They spend time with employees right out in the workspaces. It is a completely proactive process that encourages regular contact for everyone in the workforce.� By building these relationships, WellGuides become a trusted resource within the organization. Clients report a visible shift in “wellness culture� that include people sharing their health and injury management successes freely, encouraging others to utilize WellTrail resources and incredible participation rates, both in individual consultations but also in larger health challenges and training opportunities. While the foundation for WellTrail’s service model is the one on one consultations with the WellGuides (onsite or remotely) they also offer a wide variety of additional support resources for their clients. WellTrail developed its own proprietary Health Risk Assessment which is used by most employees annually as a comparison of how their health and behavior choices have changed during past 12 months. The WellTrail HRA is unique in that it allows year over year comparison as well as point of time assessment when creating its aggregate reporting for employers, thus
allowing assessment of more relevant data to determine health improvements and areas of need within the workforce. Their HRA also addresses pain and injury concerns, existing behavioral investments and areas in which people want to begin investing. “Our HRA really allows both the individual AND The company to look at where the low hanging fruit are. We need to align interest and willingness to make change alongside of areas of risk in order to present the most effective workplace strategies and program offerings while always supporting the individual through their one on one time with their WellGuide,� states Kelli. WellTrail offers a wide array of onsite and remote learning opportunities including, exercise training, ergonomics, nutrition, injury prevention, disease state management and much more. They customize training sessions for their clients and can create online platforms for on demand learning opportunities. They also offer unique challenges and group activities. These include the proprietary Healthy Change Challenge, and fun events like the Seedling Swap, Know Your Numbers initiatives, Activity Challenges and their WHOLE U and QUIT IT Challenges. WellTrail will also customize and manage WellCredit programs which support reductions in health insurance premiums through employee involvement in healthy behaviors and goal setting. And as always, these group opportunities are supported by individual follow up opportunities with the onsite (or remote WellGuides) WellTrail operates with full confidentiality extended to participants, sharing only aggregate data and anonymous success stories to its clients leadership teams. Ironically, Kelli shares that many employees openly share their success stories with management and leadership and often grant permission
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
209
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
to use their names in the reported success stories. “I have found that when sitting with our leadership teams to give the Annual Reports, most of them immediately flip to the back pages where we have all of the success stories – and they just start reading those. Its truly a testament not only to the positive change WellTrail is able to affect, but also a true testament to the dedication of our clients to the people in their workforce. They are truly proud and excited for these positive changes their employees report. And I am so grateful for their partnership and support.” As Kelli looks forward to 2020, there are obvious challenges on the horizon again. The emergence of the novel coronavirus and the subsequent restrictions on workforces of all sizes has certainly had affect on WellTrail’s business and plans as well. “It is another challenge for us for sure. My focus for 210
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
now is to keep all of my employees whole and provide them with the support that they need during this time of uncertainty, and to continue supporting our client’s employees. The degree of anxiety and fear is pervasive throughout the workforces we visit – but it’s important to realize that it is different for each person. We have been truly blessed that our clients have seen the value in continuing our support for their workforces because they know that now – more than ever – people need to invest in their own health.” While WellTrail will continue to adjust to the everchanging landscape businesses are facing right now, and will offer increased remote support and extended hours to be accessible to their clientele, they will also continue to look forward. Kelli has come to embrace these challenges along the way. “I have truly learned to lean in to what I
used to see as difficulties. I know that I have learned from every bump in the road, and I have been able to apply that not only in my personal life, but to the model for WellTrail that can then support others. I believe we can better serve others when you have true empathy for their challenges as well – even if those challenges are not the same as your own. I don’t know what will happen during the upcoming months, but I know we will continue to learn and grow and add value to our clients, and always be here to support the thousands of lives we are so blessed to work with every day. “ WellTrail is working on an upgraded HRA and WellCredit platform that it hopes to role out in 2021, and they continue to seek expansion opportunities across the country. To contact Kelli email: klapage@welltrail.com
WellTrail has been proudly serving our Western, Upstate and Central NY communities since 2008, providing health and injury consulting services, programming and training opportunities to companies and organizations throughout the region. Now more than ever, supporting our local community and the amazing individuals who call this their home is our number one commitment. If we can support you or your organization during this difficult time, or beyond, please let us know. Our doors and hearts are open and we stand ready to assist now or whenever your doors may reopen for business. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep pursuing your Healthy U. Kelli LaPage, Founder and CEO
“MAKE EACH DAY YOUR MASTERPIECE” - JOHN WOODEN
SALON BELLA VITA I 32 S MAIN ST I PITTSFORD
{{ SHE { SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS } }} SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS
BLISSFUL BALANCE BY CINDY DECAROLIS
S TA RT I N G OV E R : LO S T JOB, CRUSHED SPIRIT, AND BLISSFUL BALANCE In my development career I had been laid off twice due to budget cuts, but I had never been flat out fired, until I was. At the end of a September day in 2011 I received an e-mail from my boss requesting that we move our regularly scheduled meeting to 8:00 a.m. the following morning. I arrived in my boss’ office at the appointed time with an agenda. I was a little bewildered when she paused to call in the human resources director. Then she told me I was fired – not let go, not laid off, FIRED! I was shocked and devastated. I loved the nonprofit where I was Director of Development, I loved my job, I worked hard, and I thought I was doing a good job. I had secured new grants and sponsorships and we had just completed a successful gala. I went home in a fog. Not knowing what else to do I cleaned my house. Later in the day I drove to Syracuse for my dad’s birthday dinner. During 214
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
that dinner as I talked and laughed with my family, I had an epiphany – I don’t have to do this anymore! By the time we finished dinner I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I had allowed that job to take over my life and it was the most stressful job I ever had. Thus, my journey to Blissful Balance began.
And I am so very grateful to my boss for firing me. I have always been passionate about exercise, nutrition, yoga, and natural health and wellness. I started teaching indoor cycling. I became a yoga teacher with specialized training in Yoga4Arthritis and prenatal yoga.
I bought a biofeedback machine and completed biofeedback therapy training through The College of International Holistic Studies in Ontario, Canada. I received certifications as a Health Coach and Natural Health Professional from Trinity School of Natural Health in Indiana. In September 2012, I established Blissful Balance LLC. The business has evolved over the past eight years. Today, the mission of Blissful Balance is to help you to live life healthier. I focus on educating the community with group workshops, individual health coaching, and essential oils. My approach is holistic, addressing body, mind, and spirit, as well as the consistent daily habits that lead to good health. When I coach individuals, I meet them where they are, help them to set goals, and act as their mentor and coach. In 2014, I was introduced to doTerra Essential Oils. First, I fell in love with the oils, then I fell in love with the company. I added doTerra Essential Oils to my business in 2015 because I was impressed with their desire to improve lives. Philanthropy is defined
{{ SHE SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS ENTREPRENHERS }}
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
215
SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES TALKS TALKS }} {{ SHE “Today, the mission of Blissful Balance is to help you to live life healthier. I focus on educating the community with group workshops, individual health coaching, and essential oils.”
as love of humankind. The leaders of doTerra embody that definition and that is in alignment with what I have sought in both my career in the nonprofit sector and Blissful Balance LLC. If you know that you need to make lifestyle changes, but don’t know where 216
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
to start, I would love to talk with you. The initial consultation is always complimentary. Please contact me at 585-532-6060 or cindydecarolis62@ gmail.com. You can follow me on Facebook @blissfullbalanceroc and Instagram blissfull_balance Testimonial:
Kate W. – Cindy is a vibrant resource with a true passion for her wellness practice and helping those around her. I highly recommend working with her; she will listen carefully to help you make informed changes for a healthier lifestyle. Cindy, thanks for being you!
“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.� - Buddha At Blissful Balance our mission is to help you to live life healthier. Let us help you to author your own health. Offering wellness workshops, individual health coaching and essential oils.
Please contact us for a complimentary consultation 585-532-6060 or cindydecarolis62@gmail.com www.blissfullbalanceroc.com Facebook @blissfullbalanceroc Instagram blissfull_balance
{ SHE {HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS } SHIFT+CONTROL }
218
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHE HUSTLES TALKS} } { SHE {{HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS } SHIFT+CONTROL
B. MOR CONSULTING BY BRE MORRIS
The question that changed everything: What’s holding you back? Picture this… it was the summer of 2018, I was 28, my first child was about 6 months old, post-partem hormones were at an all-time high and I was at a crossroads in my career. I remember having my phone on speaker as I changed my fifteenth diaper of the day on my bedroom floor when my mentor and business coach, Scott, asked me the question… “What’s holding you back?” I let out my infamous nervous laugh and paused, taking a deep breath before replying with… “Myself.” I was my own worst enemy and every time I had convinced myself of all the reasons I should just march down to the Monroe County Clerk’s office and get my DBA, I’d talk myself right back out of it. Maybe it was the lack of sleep talking, but, it was a real road block and I knew that I HAD to overcome it. Well, a lot of prayer, self-reflection and piles of crinkled up lists later (undeniable type-A personality), I made the decision to just do it and in the fall of 2018, I opened my own marketing firm.
That was the start of this incredible journey—a journey I had really only dreamed of. You see, I grew up in my family’s construction business and I always knew I was a natural-born entrepreneur, I could feel it in my blood—the constant pull to do more, be more and help others while
pursuing my passion. Now, that was all coming to fruition. I remember feeling empowered and overwhelmed as I walked back to my car on that crisp fall day, with my official paperwork in hand. In typical Bre fashion, I got started right away, reaching out to all of my contacts in the Rochester community and setting up meetings. Fast forward to now, the spring of 2020, and B. Mor Marketing &
Consulting has had the privilege of serving more than 25 clients in a variety of industries. However, even with the passing of time, we remain committed to what B. Mor was founded upon: Collaborating with our clients to share their unique story in an engaging manner, providing measurable results. We help small to medium sized business owners b.mor successful through offering brand and marketing strategy, marketing/ public relations management, as well as social media and content creation. My team and I a re c o m m i t t e d to working hard to protect the reputations and client relationships that business owners have taken years to build. To say that we take our client brands personal is an understatement—we care about yours as if it’s our own. We also pride ourselves on working closely with each client to formulate an individualized marketing strategy that works cohesively with their overall business plan. To ensure this happens, we take each new client through a discovery process where we take a deep dive into their business and determine exactly who they are and what they offer. We believe this ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
219
SHIFT+CONTROL SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS}}} {{ SHE HUSTLES “Collaborating with our clients to share their unique story in an engaging manner, providing measurable results.”
piece of the puzzle is crucial to the future success of a campaign. Looking ahead to the future of B. Mor, we hope YOU are a part of it. We’d love to meet you and help your business b.mor successful! We plan to remain committed to providing great work for our current clients and their friends! We also love to give 222
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
back, so, we will continue to remain involved in the community supporting local not-for-profits and pursuing our passion of raising awareness for organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association. What challenges are you facing that we could help with? We’d love to hear from you! Please visit BMorMarketing.
com, shoot me an email at: bre@ bmormarketing.com or connect with me on social @b.mormarketing. Bre Morris Owner and Founder of B. Mor Marketing & Consulting
{ SHE{HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS } SHE HUSTLES TALKS }
224
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHEHUSTLES HUSTLES TALKS}} { SHE{{HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS } SHE TALKS
BEDROOM KANDI BY VIALMA RAMOS
Bedroom Kandi Boutique was founded in 2011 by award-winning singer/ songwriter, Real Housewife of Atlanta star and entrepreneur- Kandi Burruss. She started this business in conjunction with intimate toy developers Brian and Suki Dunham. At the time of inception, the line launched with only five products. Now, it features hundreds of items including intimate toys, hair/skin care products, candles & cosmetics.
care. Alternatively, if you host a Kandi Koated Cosmetics party, you have the opportunity to get beautified with all your friends! Currently, there are only three consultants in Rochester, NY- Vialma Ramos, Whitney Council and LaSarah Reynolds. They all strive to spread education, empowerment and self-love in our
In 2012, Bedroom Kandi Consultants began conducting home demonstrations with a mission to empower people, both sexually and financially. Since then, Bedroom Kandi Boutique Parties has grown with thousands of consultants from all across the country. The business continues to grow and expand into not just an intimate toy line, but an entire lifestyle company.
became a consultant after attending a home party at her friend’s house. At the time, there weren’t any BK consultants in Rochester so a Consultant from Buffalo facilitated the demonstration. Vialma, considered this a great opportunity join the company and serve the needs of her community herself. This was also appealing to her as it seemed to be a fun way to generate income with very minimal effort. Since then, she has conducted numerous home parties and participated in various vending opportunities in the community. She also hosts games nights and Ladies’ Night events. Her most popular activity is the Naughty Bingo game that she hosts every other week. At this event, Bingo is played virtually. The prizes are the Bedroom Kandi products. Vialma’s daughter, Whitney Council, is self-employed as a licensed cosmetologist. Prior to the outbreak of the Corona Virus, she had done pretty well sustaining herself financially. Once the Stay at Home Order was mandated, her income was severely affected. Her savings was dwindling. She knew that she needed to create another funding source to make ends meet until she was able to resume her job as a hair stylist.
Bedroom Kandi Boutique Consultants, have the important role of educating both men and women about sexual wellness, empowering them to take control of their sexual health and playing an important role in the discussion of sexuality and well-being. BK Consultants bring fun and luxury back into the bedroom. They have full support from the company in becoming successful. They get paid to party and throw the best parties on the block!
communities. They are dedicated to elevating others, improving relationships and fostering successful careers.
When you become a Bedroom Kandi Hostess, you have the opportunity to earn free and discounted products! During this get together, you’ll also learn about sexual health, wellness and self-
Meet the Consultants: Vialma Ramos, is a single mom who works two challenging jobs in the Human Service field. She has been a Bedroom Kandi Consultant since 2014. She
That is when she considered joining her mother’s Bedroom Kandi team as a consultant as well. She felt fairly comfortable with this decision as she had often accompanied her mother to the parties and vending events. She is familiar with the products since she helped her mother set up and demonstrate the products at these events. Her decision ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
225
SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES TALKS TALKS }} {{ SHE “At the time of inception, the line launched with only five products. Now, it features hundreds of items including intimate toys, hair/skin care products, candles & cosmetics.”
was further validated when the joining fee became $35. She quickly signed up to join the company. At present, she is planning on hosting her Virtual Launch Party within the next couple of weeks. LaSarah Reynolds, had been interested in becoming a consultant of an intimate toy line for a couple years but the timing was not right. She began conducting research on toy companies available in the community. She settled on trying out Bedroom Kandi. She reached out 226
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
to Vialma to host a “Flip Flops & Jello Shots” themed party. She had a packed house with her family and friends in attendance. After the party, she discussed her interest in becoming a Bedroom Kandi consultant but she wasn’t ready at that time. A year or so passed and Vialma stayed in touch with LaSarah inviting her to join a couple times. She was still interested but wasn’t ready just yet. On the last attempt, Vialma shared with LaSarah
that the joining fee was available at $35. LaSarah jumped at the opportunity and became a Consultant as well. She has hit the ground running generating sales and building her clientele. She is anxiously awaiting the Stay at Home Order to be lifted so that she can host her launch party. If you’re interested in hosting a party, participating in an event or joining the company, please contact: Vialma Ramos at 585-285-8696.
{ SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
228
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
SHE HUSTLES TALKS } { SHE {HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
L. CRECCO MANAGEMENT CORP. BY LISA CRECCO
The past thirty-six years, I’ve worked in the Real Estate Management/Development field in one aspect or another. My father, grandfather and uncle were masons by trade and started as home builders and eventually moved on to build multi-family housing, shopping centers and office buildings. Never intending to enter the family business, I graduated from St. John Fisher College with a BA in Communications/Journalism and English. While deciding on a graduate school, I worked part time in my father’s business and never looked back. My part time job turned into eighteen years as a principal partner in Crecco Properties, Inc. At the time, I remember asking my father what I could expect from the business. His answer intrigued me and sealed the deal, “No two days will ever be the same. The unexpected always will happen.” This prophecy proved to be true and exciting most of the time, as well as, aggravating and challenging on occasion. Through the years, we oversaw the management of several existing properties and the development of new ones. My Dad and brother were partners when I came on the scene and managed Oakwood Manor Apartments and Jefferson Manor Townhomes in Fairport, New York. Shortly after, we bought Suburban Mini Storage and built an additional building doubling the available units to one hundred and twenty. A few years later we purchased Empire Plaza in Rochester, New York, our only New York property not in Fairport. Years before, while my brother and I were still in high school, my dad was disillusioned with New York’s business environment and tax laws and sought to expand the business to another state. He settled on Florida. By the time the three of us were partners, the Florida holdings included additional mini storage, strip shopping malls and vacant land for future development. Initially, my dad ran the operation down South; he’d
also become disenchanted with the winters. But slowly, we spent more time down there learning the rules and regulations of Florida real estate. It was amazing to see how smoothly and efficiently approvals could be obtained and projects could proceed to completion without the layers of bureaucracy and red tape New York attached to every step. Admittedly, as difficult as New York makes building and development, there is satisfaction in hometown achievement.
The next phase of development occurred over a five-year span. Two new buildings were added to Oakwood Manor bringing the total number of apartments to ninetysix. Two duplex townhomes and Ashwood Industrial Storage were constructed in the Fairport area. Until this point, I worked on the day to day management of the existing properties, working almost exclusively with sub-contractors my father and family had known and hired for years. I was treated with respect and consideration. During construction of the new projects I worked with new contractors and skilled tradesmen
who rarely saw a woman on the job and were very unwilling to take direction from one. I primarily worked from the office as project coordinator while my dad and brother were in the field as general contractors. Construction is not my forte and I never pretended it was. But I learned quickly and certainly knew what was to be done that day. If someone was late or a shipment of materials was delayed a project could be stalled for weeks. It was my job to make sure suppliers and contractors stayed on schedule and followed through on their commitments. I received push back, rude remarks and behavior and blank stares from many men when I exerted authority. It took some time for me to strike the correct balance of fortitude, perseverance and grit to gain respect and worth in a male dominated field. It also took many instances of my father and brother running interference in my defense. These men who gave me a hard time eventually accepted me as capable and competent and a few even became friends. All of those lessons still serve me today. After eighteen years with Crecco Properties, Inc. and my dad’s passing a few years earlier, my brother and I split the company’s holdings and I established L. Crecco Management Corp. I still own and operate Suburban Mini Storage and the duplexes in Fairport. I have since sold all the vacant land I owned in New York and Florida. When I started Crecco Management I had just become a single mom. The past eighteen years the business has afforded me a livelihood and the opportunity to raise my son, a gift I truly cherish. My mom has lived with us the last eight years giving us the benefits and challenges of a multi-generational household. The experience has given us all a compassion for others and a generosity of spirit we hold dear. As my son heads to college, I’m contemplating my chapter two. Or is it three? We’ll see! ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
229
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
230
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ { SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES TALKS }}
OAKS WELLNESS SOLUTIONS BY KENDALL SLATER
Life as we knew it a few months ago has been turned upside down and the world has been knocked down and kicked around. When we get on the other side of this pandemic, we can choose to create what our new normal is going to look like. The person in control of those choices comes in a beautifully wrapped package that you see in the mirror every day. This can be done by implementing lifestyle changes that ultimately set yourself up for a life of resiliency. That no matter what curve balls are thrown at you (and let us be real it’s life we are talking about so there are going to be quite a few) you can tackle it head on with strength and grit. I am going to share with you five wellness tips that can jumpstart you into the life you want. The first step is making sure you get movement in throughout the day. I am not asking you to sign up for a CrossFit gym tomorrow because number one you cannot that is a restricted zone right now and second, I am not talking about getting extreme here. Getting out and going for a walk, or a bike ride or turning your favorite music on and starting to dance like there is no one watching. Probably your whole family is watching but you have been coupe up with them for over a month now, so you all have seen everything in areas of good and bad. You might as well let it loose and get them to join in. Also, another option is that there are several free workouts online right now because many people in the fitness space want you to stay healthy
during this time, so they are offering their programs free of charge. The second tip is making sure you are fueling your body right, because when you eat like garbage you feel like garbage. Making sure your getting some real whole foods in will not only make you feel better, but you will have more energy and you will be happier. Also, another thing is making sure you get your hydration in is a very crucial step. If your feelings towards water is that you’ve both decided to see other people, I urge the two of you give each other a second chance and start slow. If your looking to spice things up, try infusing your water with yummy fruits and veggies to add some delicious flavor and extra intake of nutrients. The third tip is to learn and grow. This is the perfect time that if you are stuck at home you can start figuring out if you want to see improvement in an area of your life. Maybe it is a change in career, a healthier body or better relationships. Where do you want to be in the next 6 months? How can you start moving the needle daily to improve in that area? There are tons of free resources online right now and anything from hiring a personal trainer, coach, therapist or seeing your doctor can now be done over a video call. The 4th tip is to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Go for a hike, take the dog for a walk, get some sunshine on the beautiful face. Literally stop and smell the roses. You will feel better
in no time by getting that fresh air into your lungs and getting back in touch with nature. My fifth and final tip is to set some boundaries in your life. Figure out what is most important to you, and protect the time spent on those things. Maybe it is time to get healthier so schedule your workout and stick to it as if it were as important as your work meeting. Maybe it is time to get serious about a new career and instead of binge watching yet another season you start looking at courses to advance your education. Also, it is important to protect your energy and mental health by limiting the time spent with negative people. You cannot go far carrying the weight of everyone else’s negativity. The statistics show that most people that have been affected by the pandemic are people with at least one or more previous health condition. When we get on the other side of this pandemic those health conditions are still very much going to be impacting people’s lives and will still be around. Heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune, the list goes on and on of very real conditions that people have to deal with on a daily basis and I think now is more of a crucial time then ever to stop putting ourselves on the back burner and start making ourselves a priority. I know you have what it takes inside of you to start getting the life you want. It will not be easy. It will not happen overnight, and it will take work, and as I always say to my clients “You’re worth the work.” ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
231
{{ SHE { SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS TALKS} } }} {HUSTLES SHIFT+CONTROL SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS
CRISTINA VANAUKER “I’ve had the honor of meeting hundreds of people through-out the years that have sat in my chair. Most of these people, I see regularly, it’s like they’re no longer clients, they truly become family.” Education is the foundation and the heart of Cristina’s career.
hair extensions. She’s the first hair stylist to bring NBR in the area. NBR is the #1 secret to the most natural looking hair. The best part about them is they create no damage and no one will know that you have them, unless you tell them! There is no tape or glue involved and your
Countless classes, all over the US as well as leading classes to share her knowledge with others is something she prides her self of.
Cristina recently got married to her Husband, Vincent at the beautiful Arbor Venues, Arbor at the Port in the monumental Port of Rochester building. They love being a part of the Upstate New York community and look forward to their journey together and building a family here in Rochester.
“NEVER stop learning”, Cristina shares. Social Media has been a large fuel source for her. She was a junior in High School and in her first year of Cosmetology once social media started to explode. She saw it as an opportunity. And now, it’s the number one marketing and branding source, world wide. When you have balance and an understanding of it, it really is a beautiful thing. Cristina is an artist located in Rochester, NY specializing in colour and Natural Beaded Rows 232
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
inspire hair stylists throughout the world; whilst continuing her own education to constantly grow and evolve as a personal + professional. The opportunity to be on stage in front of thousands, magazine features (American Salon, Modern Salon and Behind the Chair), learn from and get to know some of the most talented people in the industry and make life-long friends from all over the US.
in/out of the salon within 3 hours! Cristina is a member of the TIGI Professional hair care brand and plays the role as a ‘Technical Collective Artist’. Being a part of the TIGI team has given her so many opportunities for one of her age. The opportunity to educate, support and
To have the hair of your dreams with Natural Beaded Rows or simply follow Cristina’s journey, you can find her on instagram @cristinavanauker or visit her website, www.cristinavanauker.com
{{ SHE ENTREPRENHERS }} {HUSTLES SHIFT+CONTROL } SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS
OAKS WELLNESS SOLUTIONS
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
233
SHE HUSTLES TALKS TALKS}}} {{ SHE SHIFT+CONTROL HUSTLES “I’ve had the honor of meeting hundreds of people through-out the years that have sat in my chair. Most of these people, I see regularly, it’s like they’re no longer clients, they truly become family.”
234
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
CRISTINA VANAUKER Cristina is an artist located in Rochester, NY specializing in colour and Natural Beaded Rows hair extensions. She’s the first hair stylist to bring NBR in the area. NBR is the #1 secret to the most natural looking hair and the perfect touch for Brides, looking to achieve the hair of their dreams. NBR creates NO damage and no one will know that you have them, unless you tell them! There is no tape or glue involved and your in/out of the salon within 3 hours! Cristina utilizes TIGI Copyright Colour in the salon and is a member of the TIGI Professional hair care brand. Being a part of the TIGI team has given her so many opportunities for one of her age. The opportunity to educate, support and inspire hair stylists throughout the world; whilst continuing her own education to constantly grow and evolve as a personal + professional. The opportunity to be on stage in front of thousands, magazine features (American Salon, Modern Salon and Behind the Chair), learn from and get to know some of the most talented people in the industry and make life-long friends from all over the US. She prides her self on education and shares, "NEVER stop learning". To experience the hair of your dreams with Natural Beaded Rows or simply follow Cristina’s journey, you can find her on instagram @cristinavanauker or visit her website, www.cristinavanauker.com
@CRISTINAVANAUKER | 27
ROCHESTERS LEADING HAIR STYLIST SPECIALIZING IN COLOUR AND EXTENSIONS
www.AllAcc
WE WILL SH TINCTURES • HEMP FLOWER • PET PRODUCTS • LIP BALM CARTRIDGES • RECOVERY CREAM • FREEZE ROLL ON GUMMIES • BATH BOMBS • PRE-ROLLED HEMP FLOWER
...AND MORE!!
ALL PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN THE USA!
Follow us:
/ allaccesscbd
A
cessCBD.com
HIP TO YOU!!
Our products are made on-site, in an ISO 6 medical grade lab.
All Access
CBD
Wellness. Done well.
240
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE }
BALANCING LIFE & JUSTICE BY KATIE WAGNER
For over 20 years, I got the chance to do the kind of work that television dramas and news shows often revolve around. It had not been my childhood dream to become a career prosecutor, or even an attorney. But life sometimes evolves like that and guides you to where you need to go. Growing up in the Bronx in the 70s and 80s, I was surrounded by the kind of social and occupational diversity that few neighborhoods have today. My father was a senior administrator in the New York State Department of Health. My mother had been a biologist and worked on cancer research at the Sloan Kettering Institute before staying at home to raise her four kids. Some of our neighbors were certainly in the mold of my parents: familyoriented professionals who sent their kids to Catholic schools. But our neighborhood also included some fathers that were career criminals, and teenagers that were drawn to drugs and danger. When I was young, my brother found a dead body near our street. Another time, a neighbor was shot execution-style for somehow disappointing his mob bosses. Those were surprising events, yet it did not seem unusual then to have decency and deviancy residing so closely side-by-side.
After twelve years of Catholic school, I began attending Fordham University. I had vague ideas that I wanted to do something helpful and maybe creative. After being intellectually drawn in by a class called Law & Ancient Societies, and then getting encouragement from my ever-supportive father, I decided to continue at Fordham and attend
law school. After graduation, I joined the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. On my first day of work, I met my future husband, though it did not seem so noteworthy at the time. Those first months of work were often thrilling and frightening. There was the need to quickly learn new legal skills, to do
justice for the parties involved, and to navigate a new social hierarchy. But what stood out most from my nearly five years as a Bronx prosecutor are the people I came into contact with on a daily basis. There were the criminals themselves, who ranged from the irredeemable to the largely sympathetic. There were the crime victims, for whom your heart broke, but who would sometimes also break your heart. There were the police officers, often pillars of strength yet mixed with jadedness. And there was the parade of eccentric judges, reluctant witnesses, theatrical defense lawyers, stoic stenographers and eager young prosecutors that made each day an adventure. Then, of course, there was the courtroom drama. I generally prosecuted violent crimes, including gun crimes, gang assaults and homicides. And while I wouldn’t have predicted it about myself, I began to really embrace the intellectual challenge and competitive excitement of doing jury trials. I thrived on finding ways to convince the jury of my case and fulfilling the cause of justice. On those days, it very much felt like I was living ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
241
‘I sense that a new opportunity wil know it will enrich my li
ll soon be upon me. I am still not sure what it is, but I ife, as all my past experiences have also done.�
{ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE }
“By the following year I was married, living in Rochester and working at the Monroe County D The work was challenging a
out a television drama but mixed with the thrilling tension that a successful resolution rested on my efforts. As I turned 30, my personal life took a different direction. I had begun to date my future husband, but he left for Rochester in 2000 to pursue a job opportunity. We had been dating long-distance for over a year when 9/11 struck. Within a few days, he took the first available flight into New York City and proposed. Tragedy has a way of revealing what truly matters to each of us.
For a period, I became an attorney at the New York State Department of Education. Then I joined the New York State Office of Attorney General. Both were a welcome change that enabled me to develop new skills.
244
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Last year, after 21 years as a prosecutor across multiple agencies, I decided to resign. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I just knew I wanted time. Time to spend with my tooquickly growing children. My daughter Marina is now 16, and my son Max is 13. Time to spend with my brave and funny husband, Alex. Time to pursue hobbies and to play with our adorable border collie, Waldo. Time to be creative again. Even time to be bored. Later this year I will turn 50. It is odd to type those words, though I don’t fear the milestone. I sense that a new opportunity will soon be upon me. I am still not sure what it is, but I know it will enrich my life, as all my past experiences have also done.
By the following year I was married, living in Rochester and working at the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. I soon joined the bureau in charge of domestic violence and sex crimes. The work was challenging and emotionally exhausting. Abusers can be particularly good at choosing victims that will lack the resolve, the resources or the family support to stand up for themselves and pursue justice. I worked on domestic violence homicides and rapes. Though the most difficult cases involved child sex abuse. After I had my own second baby in three years, it became more challenging to spend my workdays dealing with crimes against children. I wanted to make a change, and one which involved work that I could more easily leave at the office.
also tasked with prosecuting abuses against the elderly and the vulnerable who reside in the many institutions that receive Medicaid funds.
Through much work I rose to the position of Chief of Criminal Investigations, overseeing all Medicaid-related prosecutions in our Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Albany offices. The work often dealt with patterns of fraud and white-collar crimes, though we were
Whatever it turns out to be, I just know that I want it to involve memorable characters, to be something that makes a difference, and to leave some time for my loving family.
{ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE }
District Attorney’s Office. I soon joined the bureau in charge of domestic violence and sex crimes. and emotionally exhausting.”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
245
DREAMING ABOUT HOT SUMMER DAYS STAY SAFE AND BE WELL! HOPING TO SEE EVERYONE SOON.
{ CNY INSPIRING WOMAN }
JAMIE MORGAN BY TAMMY REESE
Hello everybody who is reading this in Central NY Woman Online Magazine, I am Jamie Ann Morgan, a 34 year old actress in the Central New York area.
someone pulled the rug out from under you. The first one I did landed me right on my butt. Of course the trainer let me know “It is a back bump not a butt bump.”
I have lost more matches than I have won, but I will always feel like a winner with every single time I got in there, did the damn thing, did not hurt myself or my opponent.
I say actress, but I really want to do stunts. I would love to be known as a phenomenal stunt woman. If we can all be known for one thing and one thing only that is what I would want, I think.
So, I did it probably around 6 more times, until I had a resemblance of the right way. I will never forget those memories because that was the start of a wrestling career that
From wrestling I started wanting to do stunts in indie films. Thought there were so many similarities in wrestling and stunt work. To start I answered ads on Craigslist. Soon realized that many were great and legit, I got some experience with music videos, commercials, bit parts in local jobs. Many great people I met, worked with, became friends with and really loved.
In my opinion there are certain attributes that we all bring to a project that could be any project of life. Work or personal. For me it is my enjoyment of physical activity. I tend to say working out and listening to music is my favorite pastime. That is what I believe at least. About 17 years ago I was with a friend of mine on her trampoline, she says to me “Would you be interested in getting into wrestling?” I have been a fan of WWE since I was maybe 9 years old. I remember the first training session I went to, it was a Tuesday night 6pm at a warehouse off Midler Ave in Syracuse. The trainer was a tall, long brown-haired man of athletic build and when he spoke he commanded the room. I was intimidated for sure. He said, “Get in the ring.” And I did. Then he had his assistant, who he called Little D, show me how to do a back bump. A back bump is basically throwing your body backwards onto the mat, kind of like 248
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
Then of course there were the scammers, the fakes, few were not on the up and up. One day I went to a man’s apartment and he locked the doora behind him. What is wrong with some people? God only knows. Lesson learned. Always ask for details. If they can’t give you them, then they are not “real” and try to keep your distance. I can’t say I would change the way I did anything. I didn’t know any other way and it got me here writing this
kind of changed my life.
to all of you.
I worked for 5 years on and off as Dee Licious, a good girl who turned bad and was so much better at being bad. I worked for organizations such as Ultimate Wrestling, Old School Pro Wrestling, East Coast Pro Wrestling and NWA Capital.
I have had so much luck in my outings and I know some people don’t believe in luck, but I do. How else can I explain the chances that I have been given? I am just a foolish girl who wants adventure. I just enjoy entertaining when I can and I think it has something to do with the feeling of
{ CNY INSPIRING WOMAN }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
249
being someone else. Of trying to be bigger and better than I actually am. I have been in 30 films, both feature length and short. My favorite film that I have been in is a film I have not seen yet. I loved everything about it. The filming process, the cast, the concept and Writer/Director. The film is called Radiant Dark, the film company is Mad Angel Films. It is about 4 unlikely people who come together to save their land from the darkness that threatens it. It is an action adventure. I played a bad.. 252
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
I don’t believe you can even call me a girl, my character is more of a creature, so fun to be bad and the fight scenes are on point. I for sure got to put my stunt skills to the test in that one. I have not been told much about post production. Thinking next year it may come out. One of my favs no doubt about it. If you are looking for something you can see me in that is out now I will say Amityville Island by Wild Eye Releasing,
I am second to lead in that one, so that is what I recommend to see a bit of me. And if you want to see a “bit” of me then I will say Bloody Island by A Shadow In The Dark Productions and Revolt Of The Planet Of The Apes by Polonia Bros. Entertainment. Thank you so much for caring about my words. Well, that seems to be my story. Stop reading this and go out and write your story. If you love yourself the rest will follow. To steal a line from Ellen Degeneres… “Be kind to one another.”
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
254
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ WOMEN IN POLITICS }
JAMIE ROMEO BY TERRY DANIELE
Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo is very accomplished, a review of her resume will tell you that. However, what is most striking about her is how approachable, thoughtful and genuine she is. When I asked to do an article about her several weeks ago, she agreed wholeheartedly. Initially, the article was to be about her, personally and professionally. A mention would have been made of how entirely devoted she is to her son. The fact that she feels it is a blessing to live in a multi-generational home. How the support from her family has been so positive for she and her son. Instead, when I reached out for the interview, she felt it more important to keep the people of Monroe County informed about the why, how and when of the coronavirus virus; the impact it has had on Monroe County; how the Clerk’s office has been handling it and hopes to continue to handle it. Believe it or not, we were lucky. The virus was slow moving into our area, which allowed time to develop the crucial planning needed to keep
our community as safe as possible. Reportedly, one reason our hospitals were so prepared for the virus was our own local government knew it was coming and started to prepare. March rolled in like any other March, the only notable difference was the impending possibility of the Coronavirus locally. It appeared to be
a downstate issue, but what the Clerk’s office and County administration knew, and had been working on, was not whether the virus was going to hit Rochester, but when. The best it can be traced, an individual flew into New York City after having been in Italy and drove into Rochester on Tuesday March 10th. The individual felt symptomatic and contacted the
Department of Health. After he tested positive, the public was informed within 8 hours, on the 11th. The Clerk’s office spent the next several days working tirelessly with the County Executive’s office, the Department of Health, directives from the Governor’s office and Rochester city officials to employ the plan for our community. County Clerk R o m e o : “ We went from 0-60 when the crisis hit Rochester, so many decisions had to be made quickly. How t o k e e p our staff and our community safe was (the) priority. We knew it would be imperative to keep the public trust as well.” She knew that people would need to continue with their affairs; including anything related to vehicles to legally keep them on the road, permits, licensing, the court filing system, the list goes on and on. The office was kept open on reduced staff and social distancing was employed. When a state of emergency was declared, the Clerk’s offices were closed to the public. The County Clerk and her staff continued working to keep us going. Romeo: “Our staff never ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
255
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
256
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
257
SHIFT+CONTROL { {WOMEN IN POLITICS} } “ Believe it or not, we were lucky. The virus was slow moving into our area, which allowed time to develop the crucial planning needed to keep our community as safe as possible.”
stopped working, and continues to work relentlessly to keep the system moving. Some people are reporting to the office while others are working from home like many of the institutions. We have an incredible team”. Jaime knows the future could very probably look different. What that means is uncertain right now. Will we have to make appointments for face to face meetings, likely. According to County Clerk Romeo, “There are things that you have to do that require a set of eyes and hands at the clerk’s office.” Will they be able to streamline that type of paperwork? It feels like that is an unknown at this point. But when talking to County Clerk Romeo, it is clear that all of our local governmental agencies are working in unison and they 258
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
are working for us! County Clerk Romeo talked about the continued need for social distancing, washing your hands, wearing a mask…… and the responsibility each of us has to keep everyone safe. The virus has affected so many of us including the County Clerk herself. She told me how she had been Ted O’Brien’s Chief of Staff. Ted was then a New York State Senator in District 55 (2013-2014). She and his family have become very close over the years. Ted has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and has been in the hospital on a ventilator for several weeks, he is improving. We will get through this but it is going to take working together and staying separate.
She left me with a story about World War II and today. She said during the war the United States came together, women went to work, factories changed over to wartime manufacturing, men and some women went to the front lines. However, the home front had very little impact on what the outcome was going to be. Today, might seem to some people a little similar but, this time we as citizens can control the result. We can keep the people working on the front lines safe. We can make the difference in getting our county open. Again, let us work together by staying apart. Use social distancing, wash your hands, when you go out, wear a mask. These few simple things will save lives. That is what our County Clerk Jamie Romeo wants you to know!!!
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
259
{{ SHIFT+CONTROL KARMA SPEAKS }}
WE DON’T TALK POLITICS BY DENISE “KARMA” CLIFFORD
My mom taught me a lot about life. But one thing lately I keep hearing in my head. We don’t talk about religion, and we don’t talk politics. She told me this for as long as I can remember. I can still feel how confused I was as a child to think, “we just leave these topics out?”. I didn’t really know what politics meant, all I knew was sometimes on the three channels we had to choose from a presidential debate or big news would cut out the most important sitcom or cartoon I was watching.
next, without falling in. If I fell into the swamp, I’d lose. Lose the game I played with myself. I must balance on this one, and assess that one over there. Is it sturdy? Is it going to fall into the water under my weight? Will it break? Is this the path I take? Oh wait I hear a bullfrog. I need to make eye contact, but don’t fall into the swamp. I forgot about the TV. My feet are muddy and soaked, my pants are plastered in specks of mud or muck or
My mom would mutter some things I didn’t understand and I would question her as to how long would this be on? She didn’t know. As long as they want to, she would claim, as she would be washing dishes or cleaning the kitchen. I’d then decide to go find better things to do with my time. You see, I figured out that I didn’t enjoy it, it disturbed my mom, my step dad would rather go out and work on a car or fix a fence post. I enjoyed the long walks in the woods where the rustling of last year’s dead leaves beneath my feet hid all the centipedes and slugs. Where I found solitude on a rock, next to a Brooke where I enjoyed my thoughts. And I was left to feel the sun peeking through the tree branches, that if I closed my eyes were somewhat like a disco ball. Because as the trees danced with the natural sway of the world, the sun would seem to flicker off and on. Like a child who just learned that the light switch was a toy. I’d listen to the earth and be entranced for hours within the land I called my playground. I forgot about the spewing I left back on the black and white box with three channels and found peace upon downed trees hanging over the swamp. My life was how to cross from this side to the 260
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
manure. One never knew when you set off to not listen to the politics you should never talk to others about anyway. There’s that bullfrog again. I need to see where he is. The swamp turns into a graveyard for old cars With trees growing through them. How they got here was a story I made up each time I visited. A Bonnie and Clyde shootout on a road no longer visible in the growth? Nature plays out whether cars are left to rot or not. And a little girl gets to sit among the trees growing through old fashioned cars and take the wheel and dream about the places she will go. The smell of
the rotting seats, along with the wet shoes on my feet and a pasture just spread with fresh manure upwind were the familiar scents of my childhood. It was freedom. Freedoms to sit hands on the worn out wheel of a car from years gone by. I drove to cities and towns in those cars, all in the world I narrated within my head. While listening to the sounds of bullfrogs, cows mooing in the distant and somewhere far away a train whistles and I decide my car ride is done. I wonder why the cows are mooing, I’ll make my way back to the barn and check. I need to gather the eggs from the chickens anyway. I’m on the other side of the field and the woods where my rock is, and here is where long ago someone used this part of the woods as a dump. There’s old washing machines and tons of old bottles. Beer bottles medicine bottles. It’s where I practice shooting, I wish I brought the pellet gun. I didn’t though, because when I walked outside I didn’t have a plan. I just wandered to get away from the box that talked politics and used words that made my mom agitated. No gun, but I can find good bottles and set them up strategically for when I come back. I’ll have them set up and ready to shoot. I had great aim, and hardly ever missed. I sometimes acted out an old western shootout where the bottles were my enemy. That’s a reference I could write about for days., but that’s another topic for another time. My stomach growls, I Haven’t eaten lunch. The cows are still mooing. Well one in particular. I walk through the field coming up to the backside of the barn. There’s a cow giving birth. My moms outside, and my step dad too, and as I come into the field I hear the pain in the cows call, as she heaves and I witness the slippery wet being launched out onto the
{{ SHIFT+CONTROL KARMA SPEAKS }}
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
261
KARMA SPEAKS }} {{ SHIFT+CONTROL “ I remind myself how little influence the media had, when I sat amongst the trees and wandered through life shooting bottles and catching frogs.”
ground in front of me. It was gross and amazing all at the same time. The mother cow does her duty and within an hour there’s a cute clean calf stumbling around with its proud mom. This was normal, my normal. Grab the eggs, lay fresh straw, head inside and tame my growling stomach with a sandwich. The tv is off, the sandwich makes my taste buds celebrate. It’s just a sandwich tho. My feet are waterlogged, my jeans are a nice shade of mud. “ We don’t talk politics” as I ventured further and further away from my childhood and away from the comforts of the bullfrogs and rusty cars, a rock next to a Brooke I came to understand. I have listened to politics and religion. I may have skirted around the beliefs and views I have chosen to take here and there. You see I’ve never committed to one solid truth. Because the truth lies within what is relevant to you. I’ve learned mine aren’t always the same as the majority, and so I 262
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
listen. I smile and nod, and I don’t talk politics. I watch and I see, yet I don’t talk politics. I see hatred from individuals who claim love. Because they don’t like this person, or they don’t believe that one. The box now has more channels, it’s in color and a lot of the times the verbiage is accompanied by banners with more words, more propaganda . Much like the techniques I’ve seen in shock therapy from the asylums. I wish my mom would have taught everyone to not talk politics or her other lessons in life. I have listened and seen opinions and views that are much different than my own, and my silence may have led individuals to believe we have the same thought process. To the point of the hate I see being stated, is actually a personal attack on my own beliefs. Ones I kept to myself because as you scream at the top of your lungs how wrong mine are and the hatred toward anyone who has beliefs such as mine, I wonder then. How
do you preach kindness and love? When just because you think the silent ones like me, think that way too. I’ve seen so called friends unfriend me now. Because I don’t agree. I’ve been questioned as to when did you change your views? Yet I haven’t. I just may say something now that gos against your grain. I would never wish you harm, or your children harm, just because you support someone or something that I do not. Yet I’ve read posts and heard people with hateful doings to others and even children, because they don’t agree. I remind myself how little influence the media had, when I sat amongst the trees and wandered through life shooting bottles and catching frogs. How the wind would change and my mind would turn to a new thought. A new experience. How I learned to balance life upon the dead trees in a swamp where if I fell in, I’d lose. The media is the swamp, our decisions are the trees. Is this the one I jump to? Am I going to fall in?
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
263
QUEEN OF ARTS }} {{ SHIFT+CONTROL
ZAHYIA ROLLE BY TIANNA MAÑÓN
Zahyia Rolle has always loved music. From the time she was a child, she was drawn to singing, songwriting and even theater. What sets her apart, however, is her ability to use her music to make direct change within the community. Before coronavirus shut down the nation, Rolle was in the middle of a monthlong residency at Three Heads Brewing. Every Thursday, she put on a dynamic and incredibly different concert, spotlighting musical icons. The first focused on divas in music history and she belted out hits by Tina Turner and Nina Simone. By the end of her Tina Turner set everyone was singing along and dancing. Yet she somehow managed to top this the next week with her benefit concert, the Vagina Musiclogs, a fundraiser with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Willow Foundation. Her last two shows, a tribute to Lizzo and a look at the history of Rap music were postponed but she said she’s excited for what’s next and how she can continue working with musicians both during the national lockdown and when it’s over. 266
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
“Any time I can be a coworker with musicians, I strive to do that,” she explained. “There needs to be less of an environment of competition and more collaboration and encouragement.” Competition in the music industry
Heads Brewing during his residency featured other musicians and artists. They were allowed a full set and merchandise. She said not putting any boundaries on that shared platform is how people know that her work is genuine. Simply put, she’s not trying to profit from their brand, but simply unite their causes…. and audiences. Rolle said she hopes this collaborative nature becomes the norm in Rochester and said both fans and artists play a role: “Listen to new stuff and support what you can. There is a lot of talent in Rochester but many don’t get the chance they deserve. If you enjoy music, it takes nothing to listen to a song on Spotify and if you’re an artist, see how you can collaborate.”
makes it tough for artists to book new gigs or expand their audience. However, she said by working together, musicians can grow much faster and it’s worth the effort it’ll take to collaborate. In fact, every single show at Three
A n d w h e n s h e’s not fighting for collaboration, she’s working to diminish the income gap that exists between artists of different backgrounds. Income in the music industry has long been a tough road. Whether artists are underpaid or outright cheated, many struggle to even eke out a livable income. In fact, a 2014 study found that just 1 percent of artists make roughly 77
{ QUEEN OF ARTS } { CNY INSPIRING WOMAN }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
267
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
269
percent of recorded music income. She said it’s a major issue because musicians struggle to book big shows or get as much money. Sometimes they have to pay a manager a lot of money, eating into their profit. Through her work at Silver Arrow, she helps musicians get bigger gigs and keep more of the profit. “It’s really tough to pursue music as a career but for, many, it’s also more than a hobby. How do you get the career you envision?” She added, explaining that Black musicians are 270
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
often more likely to be discriminated against or typecast. “There’s this idea that because you’re Black, you play certain types of music and that’s just not true but the truth is that sometimes when you play other kinds of music, the support is less likely to be there.” Long-term, Rolle wants to break these barriers down. By working with artists and venues, she’s able to connect different parts of her network, all while performing and having fun herself.
“I always have these ideas in my head and it can be difficult to just turn them off,” she laughed. “I’m used to going a million miles per hour. “To be honest, I don’t sleep a lot. There are trade-offs but I know what’s important to me: my family, my music, my emotional and spiritual well-being and so that’s what I put my energy behind.” To learn more about Zahyia, you can visit her on Instagram at @zahyia.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
271
{ THE CREATIVE CURVE }
GET CREATIVE ABOUT FEAR BY TAMARA MACDUFF
GOT FEAR? GET A PLAN This pandemic has brought about many things for many people. Fear. Anxiety. Time. Grief. Loss. That is just the bad stuff. As Motley Crue once sang on “Somkin’ In the Boys Room”: “I used to spend all of my time there … but I found a way to get out of it!” So – let me tell you about … getting creative with fear. Fear can mean different things to different people. For some it means, Forget Everything and Run and they freeze, or they fake being brave. They forget they have control. They forget they have power. For others, Fear means Face Everything and Rise. These people KNOW they have control over something; even if it is not over the circumstance, like this pandemic. They also know they have power, even if their life has gone haywire and they have lost things like income, business or worse, a friend or loved one to Corona Virus (COVID-19). It is not that they do not feel any fear. They are not oblivious; they have anxiety about the future. They do not know if their business or job will be there when this is all over. So, what is different for the second group? They got creative about their fear. They are acknowledging their fear & anxiety, giving those things a proper place, however, they are running their fears, and not allowing their fears to run them. GET A PLAN The first thing you can do is start a plan. I was on a webinar with my tribe in the 272
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
National Speakers Association and a speaker colleague, Barry Banther, said this, “When the plan appears, the fear is satiated.” When fear is roaring in your ear and making you cower, that is when you act by taking a pen to paper and creating a plan. Control Your TIME. Create a new routine in this new normal. You cannot go to work, maybe. What CAN you do? You can do laundry. You can learn a new skill. You can delete old emails and clear out that email inbox. You can clear out a box in the attic, basement or garage. You can decide to put YOU first. What does that mean? It means you make the coffee before you feed the animals. You eat breakfast before your pets or kids. I need time to myself in this craziness. So, I get up early. Control Your THOUGHTS. These times call for different actions. So, start where you are. Do you always wear blue? Find a new color in your closet and choose to wear it. Do you always (or mostly) eat something for breakfast, like always eat an egg? Eat oatmeal or have toast. Need protein? Eat peanut butter and an apple. Never exercise? Make yourself go for a walk – even if it is to the end of the street. If you never make your bed. Make it – or make your side of it. Instead of saying “I HAVE to” Say “I GET to Do …”
ACTION NOT FEAR Act and fear will take a hike. Seriously. Trust me. Action makes things better because you can’t stay stuck if you move. Here are some action steps for you 1) Begin each day and End each day with Gratitude. Find 3 – 5 things to be grateful for. And, by the way, it is absolutely OK to say, “I’m grateful for the Sun.” Start where you are. 2) Reach out to one person per day – just to say HI. 3) Each morning, say, “I GET TO ____________” For me, some days, it’s “I GET TO write an article for Rochester Woman Online.” Or “I GET TO host Zoom Meetings today.” Sometimes it is just “I GET TO have coffee in my favorite coffee mug.” I hope these ideas have helped you to get creative with your fear. We all are afraid, especially now. Trust me, get creative, create a plan and your fear will disappear. I love meeting new people – find me on LinkedIn or Facebook as Tamara MacDuff. Reach out and let’s schedule some to grab a virtual coffee, do not be shy – say HI! If I can help you in any way, please let me know. About the author: Tamara MacDuff is a digital strategist specializing in social media and content strategy for businesses who want to do something different. She is the current President of Rochester Professional Consultant’s Network & she owns her own digital marketing firm, NOW Digital Marketing and loves being in the trenches and showing people how to stand out and be different on Social Media. Say HI at tamara@nowdigitalmarketing.us
{ UNSTOPPABLE { SHIFT+CONTROL WOMEN } }
274
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN }
SUPERPOWER HER MIND BY DR. PAM DENTON
5 WAY S W O M E N C A N SUPERPOWER HER MIND DURING THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGING TIMES We are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s rapidly shifting world with the crisis of Covid19. The pressures of global economic and social change are causing physical, emotional, and mental blockages accompanied by distress.
at our lives from the positive and not sink into the darkness of fear, panic, anxiety, worry, and doubt. For a long time, mental health seemed to be an undercover operation for women, but now in the midst of crisis, we have more
You can begin healing right now and support your mental health with these 5 practices:
The shift into and potentially out of quarantine can lead to feelings of loneliness or separation from “normal” life. And with the daunting pressure of the questions: “when will this be over?” and “what is the new normal?” our minds are feeling an extreme amount of conflict from the unknown. We can come back from this change mentally stronger, but it will take awareness and focus. We need a safe space to feel and heal all the emotions that are arising in this critical time. A judgment-free zone to feel secure in discovering and expressing the authentic feelings and concerns. Especially when you have been struggling in the darkness and isolation of mental struggle, the compassionate support and understanding of community can make all of the difference in the world. In the presence of extreme challenges, women need to address the troubles that are in the mind and start practices of calming the nervous system for improved function and productivity. It is possible to cultivate a calm mind, and mental health needs to be our focus moving forward so we can look
Many women, when we think about real self-expression to people, it rattles us. But, once you start revealing your true self you will discover calm in being real and honest with your feelings. This is a great time to begin a practice of transparency. Begin to practice being open and honest with your feelings and apply these steps to begin to heal from the impact of the massive crisis on your mental health.
1. Breathe into your body and mind for optimal mental health, the oxygen will make immediate changes in mental status. Take a breath, slow down before you have to speed up again. Although the demands on your sanity may be at an all-time high, this is a great time to breathe long and deep and begin a practice of conscious breathing. Breathe in and out, consciously connect with your life force to renew your body, mind, and spirit. Learning how to move energy through your body using awareness and breathing exercises will help you shift your focus and mental state in the moment of peace and calm. As you place the oxygen mask on yourself, your worries, anxiety, and fears will begin to subside.
of a space to be real with our feelings and come out of hiding. Although this may be the hardest step to take, start with transparency. Transparency is revealing your true self in front of people and showing up with your real and raw emotions, sharing what you feel instead of hiding your feelings.
2. Remember that your body and mind have the innate ability to achieve superpowered health and optimal function. Your body’s natural state is healthy and balanced. Your mind’s natural state is expanded and open. Take time out to visualize your body as healthy and whole. Breathe into the vision of being healthy and calm. Create a vision board of your natural state of health and remind yourself to stay calm. As you create a powerful vision of ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
275
“We can come back from this change mentally stronger, but it will take awareness and focus.�
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
health you will begin to erase the struggle. 3. Connect with people and ask how they are doing or seek support for your feelings. One of the best ways to create mental calm is to have real and authentic conversations with people you know and trust Take the time to schedule a video call with someone you know and ask how they are doing. Make sure to have real and transparent conversations. Receive support for your mind from a friend or colleague by connecting with people regularly and break out of isolation. 4. Build an online community and lead. There are ways you can renew through the virtual community. By leading and building a community you will begin to feel connected again. Build a support 278
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
group or business community online that is focused on serving women. Focusing on a community can help alleviate the stress and tension in your mind. Through community we are unstoppable. 5. Turn on your creative power. Women are naturally creative and resourceful. Find ways to believe in your ability to create. Ask yourself what do I want to create? And begin to create so you can feel calm. Create a project you have always wanted to start, organize closets and rooms, or redesign your business. Taking time to create will free you of anxiety and tension. As you release the stress and tension of the challenges your mind will awaken to a natural flow state - an overall sense of well-being and alignment with calm. You can achieve
a strong mind filled with positive thoughts. Author, speaker and coach Dr. Pam Denton is the founder of the groundbreaking Superpowered Leadership program. Dr. Pam works with business leaders to activate high-performance heart-centered leadership by employing her powerful strategy of Superpower Upgrades. Her intensively researched mind-body approach to empowerment has helped thousands of leaders plug into their innate power and activate the law of attraction for unstoppable success. Dr. Pam, author of She Means Business, speaks globally about Superpower Upgrades and teaches business leaders and teams how to harness the power of the mind-body to facilitate immediate creative action. For more information, visit www. youhavesuperpower.com.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
279
{ THE ANIMAL CARE SACTUARY CORNER }
JOLENE THE SUPERMOM BY ANN LEWIS
280
As we get ready to celebrate all the awesome mothers all over the world, Animal Care Sanctuary recently discovered its own super mom that embodied the power of motherly love. Jolene was found near Waverly, N.Y. – about 15 miles from the sanctuary – by the Stray Haven Animal Shelter. She was discovered on an abandoned farm eating the remains of a cow to stay alive. What’s more – she was pregnant and suffering from cancerous tumors.
prior living and current health conditions.
Animal Care Sanctuary accepted Jolene for treatment at our clinic, and she had her puppies one week later. Out of the seven puppies to which she gave birth, six survived – an amazing feat considering her
Jolene, who is about nine years old, was then fostered by a licensed vet tech Kaitlyn Howard – a great friend of Animal Care Sanctuary – for eight weeks while she raised her puppies – all of which have already
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
“She was definitely not a first-time mother,” Veterinary Technician Jill Elston said. “She’s been a great mom. We were concerned that, due to her age and her mammary tumors, she may have a difficult delivery or trouble producing milk, and so both her foster and our staff were prepared to bottle feed the puppies, if necessary. Luckily, Jolene was a champ and nursed the puppies with no problem.”
been adopted. The pups did fall ill after one week, but Howard’s experience and expertise saw that they received quick care. Once her latest term as a mother was complete, Jolene was ready for some selfcare, and returned to the clinic for spay surgery and tumor removal. “She’s ready to retire from motherhood,” Elston said. “We’re going to get her taken care of and, hopefully, she’ll soon be ready adoption. She’s sweet, laid-back and ready to relax. She doesn’t seem to mind cats, but would probably prefer to not hang out with younger, rowdy dogs.”
{ THE ANIMAL CARE SACTUARY CORNER } “We’re going to get her taken care of and, hopefully, she’ll soon be ready adoption. She’s sweet, laid-back and ready to relax.”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
281
www.AnimalCareSa
anctuary.org
THE COVER HEROINSTORY EPIDEMIC } } }} { {FINANCIALLY SPEAKING { { SHIFT+CONTROL
284
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{{ HEALTHY PUPPERS } SHIFT+CONTROL
SAFE SNACKING FOR YOUR DOG BY JULIE VILINSKY I PHOTOS BY CHARLENE MANN PHOTOGRAPHY
We all love to snack, maybe it’s a healthy choice like fruits and veggies, or its chips and dip. For my husband and I, we have been a huge fan of kettle corn as of late. Our fur babies love to snack too. While their snacking is not grazing as we humans do (they would probably if we let them), they still have that basic need to chew. That would be why you will find your socks, shoes, and other random things lying around your house and possibly destroyed. Chewing on toys and other “fun” items for our dogs is like snacking for us. If you are anything like me, it would not have occurred to you that dogs “snack” like humans snack. I mean, why would it? The things they chew on often aren’t even food. We tend not to think of this constant need for chewing as fulfilling anything other than playing or to reduce boredom. If you stop and think about your snacking, you start to see the connection. So what do you give your dog to “snack” on? Do you just provide toys and inedible items to chew on? Is it treats and handfuls of kibble? (or some of your fresh popcorn as you watch a movie?) Maybe it’s a combination of all the above. No matter how you allow your dog to snack, the most important thing is to know if it is safe for them or not. When considering healthy and safe snacks for your four-legged friend, think about the snacks you would offer to a child. Prepackaged treats, such as chews and biscuits, should be regarded as candy for
dogs as they are often high in empty calories with little nutritional benefits. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are low in calories, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and nutrients. When Webster hears the bags of fruits and veggies being pulled out of the freezer, or the vegetable drawer being opened, he is immediately at my side waiting for his favorite snacks. He loves when I fill his Snoop, treat toy, with frozen green beans or unsweetened applesauce (fill and freeze). This provides him an opportunity to have
a delicious snack while engaging his brain by trying to spill out the beans or lick out the tasty treat. Strawberries are an excellent snack for dogs as they have an irresistible sweet flavor and are packed with vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese, and flavonoids, all which support a healthy immune system and help reduce inflammation. Blueberries contain all the same nutrients as strawberries, but also are an excellent source of vitamin K for your dog. Other natural snacks for your fur baby include: apples (without seeds and core),
bananas, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes (cooked), pineapple, cucumbers, broccoli, peas, peppers, pumpkin, and watermelon. To ensure your pet is getting all the health benefits of nature’s snacks, only offer fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Canned options contain preservatives and high levels of sodium. While fruits and vegetables are the healthiest snack options for your pets, excessive amounts can contribute to weight gain. Best practice is to limit snacks to 10% of your dog’s diet. You should avoid giving your fur baby grapes, raisins, onions, avocado, garlic, mushrooms, and raw potatoes, because these are toxic for dogs. To address the constant chewing, or the need to stay busy, many pet owners opt for chew treats. For years, it was thought that rawhide bones and sticks were safe for dogs to chew on. This is simply not the case. Many veterinarians actually warn dog owners to stay away from these due to the dangers associated with the process in manufacturing, as well as the hazards for choking. Rawhide chews are made from the inner layer of cow and horse hides. Once removed from the carcass, these hides are put through an extensive “chemical-laden process used for preserving and cleaning the hides” (Bennett, 2020). To separate the layers of hide, sodium sulfide liming is used. Next, bleach and hydrogen peroxide are used to clean and preserve the rawhide chew. After artificial color and flavoring are added to the rawhide, they are cut, rolled, ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
285
SHIFT+CONTROL {{ HEALTHY PUPPERS } } “ So what do you give your dog to “snack” on? Do you just provide toys and inedible items to chew on?”
twisted, and glued to maintain the desired shape. Not only do these chews expose your dog to toxic chemicals, but when wet they swell and expand. Now, if you have ever sat and watched your dog chew on their favorite toy for hours on end, you see how they roll on their back and run around like a lunatic. I mean, Webster does this daily with his favorite toys. Imagine your furbaby lying on his back, chewing on a small piece of rawhide… wait… stop… please take it out of his mouth. This small soggy expanding piece of hide can get lodged in your dog’s throat, or gut, causing a severe blockage. Sounds pretty scary, right? There are reasons veterinarians no longer recommend these bones and chews. When your pet is chewing on a rawhide chew or bone, their saliva reconstitutes the hide and reverses the dehydration process. When something that has been dehydrated is exposed to water or saliva, it grows and expands. Small pieces of the rawhide can be swallowed and cause your fur baby’s esophagus to be blocked and choke your four-legged friend, causing permanent damage or death. Rawhide products should be avoided at all costs! The risk far outweighs the reward. Now let’s talk about some more “natural” chews you may have heard about… Bully Sticks. They have been promoted as being a safe alternative to the rawhide bones and that they are all-natural. Yes, they are all-natural. Yes, they are an alternative to rawhides and do not swell up in the same way as rawhide does. Bully sticks are a natural chew for dogs, made from “uncooked, raw, strips of beef penis, or pizzles” (Arnold, 2013) that are harvested from the carcass, cleaned, braided/twisted, and laid out in the sun to dry. Being made from 100% beef tendons, they are highly palatable and 288
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
easily digestible. Bully Sticks do contain an excellent source of protein and amino acid. Bully Sticks, while they offer hours of chewing for your fur baby, are high in calories, between 9 and 22 calories per inch, and can contribute to canine obesity. Much more severe than the potential for obesity is the possibility of contamination from dangerous bacteria for your pet and family. Since Bully Sticks are uncooked animal by-products, they are known to harbor bacteria like Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. These bacterias can be harmful, and proper handling and storage of these chews should be maintained at all times. “The very young, elderly, pregnant, immuno-compromised, and other highrisk individuals should avoid all contact with these treats” (Arnold, 2013). Lastly, I’ll be honest here, I would have thought dehydrated bull penis tendons while sounding gross would be ok for dogs to chew. Recently I have learned otherwise. A fellow dog lover recently spent hours in the emergency room with her furbaby after a piece of a Bully Stick got lodged in his intestine. Not only does something like this cost you thousands of dollars in emergency vet bills and countless hours waiting to make sure your pet is ok, but it causes unnecessary stress to your dog. Thankfully, their pup is recovering nicely, but this is not always the case. Take the time to educate yourself on the benefits and risks associated with the things you give your canine companion to chew on. Look for items that you would eat yourself, that are human-grade products. Do your research and keep your fourlegged buddy safe and save you both from the pain and stress these chews can cause. References:
Negron, V. (2018, January 31). Healthy Snack Ideas for Dogs and Cats. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_ multi_healthy_snacks Xu, E. (2017, August 17). 6 Healthy Treat Ideas for Dogs. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www. petmd.com/dog/nutrition/6-healthy-treat-ideas-dogs Dog, : T. F. (2020, April 20). Top 14 Fresh Snacks for Dogs. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www. thefarmersdog.com/digest/top-14-dog-friendly-snacks/ Redfearn, S., & Flowers, A. (2014, May 26). Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://pets.webmd. com/dogs/guide/healthy-dog-treats#2 Bennett, J. (2020, April 12). The Potentially Deadly Treat You’re Probably Giving Your Dog. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.rover.com/blog/ rawhide-dangerous-dogs/ Arnold, B. (2013, June 3). Bully Stick Treats: Delicious and Dangerous.. Retrieved May 1, 2020, from https://www.dogingtonpost.com/bully-sticktreats-delicious-and-dangerous/2/
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
289
THE { COVER HEROINSTORY EPIDEMIC } }} { {FINANCIALLY SPEAKING
{ LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT }
OPTIMUM PEST PROS BY JEFF BUTLER
Optimum Pest Pros is a local, family owned business with over 10 years experience in pest control, specialty pest control, wildlife, bioremediation, and vegetation management.
We cover any pests that are causing you issues. Eco-friendly options are also available.
We currently cover a seven-county radius amongst the Finger LakesRochester-Syracuse area. We offer corrective and maintenance services for both residential and commercial needs.
We offer a variety of services for bedbug control including heat treatments. We also offer bioremediation services for your commercial drains/grease traps, and vegetation management for your fence lines and gravel areas. We protect your home, and we stand behind it.
From bees/wasps, stink bugs, ants to rodents, bedbugs, and more‌
Always being respectful of foraging pollinators, please refer to our website
www.optimumpestpros.com or call us at 585-506-2786 to get in contact with local honeybee keepers for swarms and hive removal. C all us today to set up your free inspection, we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
THE { COVER HEROINSTORY EPIDEMIC } }} { {FINANCIALLY SPEAKING
296
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ LIVING CONFIDENTLY }
FINANCIAL FIXES: BY ANGELA VAHUE
THE MOST EXPENSIVE CHEAP VACATION
For Renee, a travel-loving millennial bracing for a cold winter, the opportunity was too good to pass up. A five-day getaway to Australia — where it was summer! — for under $2,000. True, she didn’t have enough cash to swing it, but she did have a credit card and it was made for moments like this. Her travel would be covered, and she’d earn rewards. Win-win. Book the flight, pack the swimsuit and go.
can comfortably affordable, twice the minimum payment or, if you’re in dire straits, $10-$20 above the minimum. Give the plastic a time-out. Retiring a credit card till the balance is gone is a practical way to dig out from debt. Renee will want to stash it in a safe place so it’s available in an emergency, but not temptingly at hand. Prepare for pop-up opportunities. You
A month later, the credit card bill arrived. Not just for the airfare and hotel, but all the meals, sightseeing, clothes and gifts, too. Now Renee was $3,500 in debt, plus her regular expenses. Not to mention an upcoming tuition payment. Renee is not alone. Millennials love traveling, and that passion can occasionally override their instincts toward frugality and saving.i Plus, they tend to go all out, spending more on getaways than any other age group.ii How can Renee recover from that “bargain” trip that pushed her debt sky-high and reset her financial habits so travel breaks don’t break her budget? Don’t throw good money after bad. Taking a trip wasn’t “bad,” but spending any more money on it than necessary would be. Renee needs to: Absolutely, positively pay her credit card bill on time each month to avoid late fees. Pay more than the minimum, whenever possible. Otherwise, her liability will last for years and she will end up paying nearly as much in interest as her original debt. Experts suggest paying as much as you
important elements (hiring a top guide for the mountain climb) and skimping on the meh-stuff (stay in a hostel, not a hotel). In other words: Put your money where it matters most. Be a disciplined traveler. When you’re on vacation, the initial expense is compounded by the nearly limitless opportunities for frivolous spending during your stay. Gift shops. Expensive side trips. Pricey restaurants. By setting a daily spending limit — and sticking to it — Renee will still be able to take her dream cruise, for example, without going overboard on expenses. Consider consolidation. If Renee financed her trip with multiple credit cards, she might consider a loan that rolls all her debt into a single payment at a lower interest rate. She needs to do some homework first though and find a reputable resource, such as a well-known non-profit credit counseling organization, bank or credit union.
can’t anticipate the unexpected, but you can plan for it. Renee needs to honor her passion for exploring the world by creating a savings fund earmarked for traveling. By contributing a little each month, she’s more likely to have cash on hand to afford a last-minute weekend getaway or a long-anticipated vacation. GPS the economics. Before vacationing, map out the likely costs. Calculate the “big number” on your trip and work back from there, prioritizing the most
For millennials, travel is part of what makes life worth living. And that’s likely to continue as they grow older. Working with a financial planner can help Renee integrate her travel goals with other emerging priorities, such as going back to school to further her career or buying a home, so she can truly have — and afford — it all. (And check out these additional tips for vacationing without the guilt trip.) SOURCES: i From Smartphones to Smart Planning, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, 2018. ii Millennials traveling and spending more than any other age group this summer, Travel Weekly, May 18, 2018. ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
297
{ CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS }
VERONICA BLACK TURNER BY LAURIE MCKNIGHT
C H I L D R E N AWAITING PARENTS SPOTLIGHTS ITS ADOPTION SPECIALIST/ PROGRAM MANAGER, VERONICA BLACK TURNER COVID-19 has altered all our lives as we knew them to be. One of the pandemic’s major impacts has been felt by the great number of children in foster care either waiting to be placed with their forever families, or having their adoption finalization date forestalled due to court closures. CAP has found a way to move forward in new and creative ways. During this time of social distancing and the halt of in-person family services, Children Awaiting Parents Program Manager and longtime Adoption Specialist Veronica Black approached me—as executive director—to develop strategies to stay connected with her CAP families. With an intense passion for youth
and families, Veronica wanted to establish new ways to retain her critical connections with her families, continuing to monitor already-placed youth, and enticing new families to continue to enroll in training. Concerns were numerous. How would her families manage without regular services for their placed youth? How would children feel when their
adoptions were put on hold? How would youth—ready to be placed— manage their emotions when visits with their potential forever family ceased? Veronica shifted into action. With a team approach, an immediate program shift occurred. Veronica set up trainers to conduct online certification classes for families who expressed interest in foster/adoptive
training, and scheduled sessions of certification classes for several families. She scheduled online zoom sessions with her families for monitoring, skill building, family counseling, and fun activities, as well as providing home visits with physical distancing to comply with regulations. Thanks to Veronica’s efforts, families and youth have been reassured through the strains and anxiety of the pandemic. Veronica has been with CAP for 22 years and is devoted to the cause, having adopted three of her four sons from the foster care system. Throughout her tenure at CAP, she has advocated for hundreds of children and families. For years, Veronica has given to the community on behalf of youth and is well-known to many community organizations for her important work. She has been the recipient of multiple community awards and, as an adoptive parent, she and her sons were the chosen family for the national television program, Home for the Holidays. Veronica has been a major part of the advocacy and placements for CAP.
{ CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS } “Veronica has been a major part of the advocacy and placements for CAP. Her mantra is that no family will fail under her watch.�
300
Her mantra is that no family will fail under her watch. Her dedication to families and CAP has been a great part of the success of adoptions in our Rochester region.
online certification classes, telehealth counseling services with CAP LMSW -CFFT, and, most of all, the knowledge that they are not going through this health crisis alone.
Families now have the options of
Families looking for support or
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
interested in training to be foster or adoptive parents can email veronica@ capbook.org.
Finding Families for Waiting Kids. For more information contact: 888-835-8802 or 585-232-5110 info@capbook.org ChildrenAwaitingParents.org
Spring2020-CAP-RW-ad.indd 1
2/28/20 8:17 AM
{ GLENNA’S { IN HER OWN CBDWORDS CORNER} }
302
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ ASK ROBIN HERTZ }
TAKING CARE OF YOU! BY ROBIN HERTZ I PHOTO BY MICHELLE DIBERNARDO
During our worldwide epidemic and quarantine many of us have had to either stay home or be forced to work through this tough time! I think staying at home with kids has proven to be work as well! I found it hard to take better care of myself and easier all at the same time! Emotionally, I quickly realized not to plop myself down and watch the news. This would prove to be detrimental to my body, mind and Psyche! My emotional state depended on me being aware of making good solid happier choices during this darker time. I didn’t watch much news at all! I didn’t talk much about the drama of it all or get caught up in the terrible tragic way the pandemic was scouring through states and countries. I didn’t get caught up in drinking like so many people. I worked in a positive attitude, slept when I was tired, drank more water and was more aware of what went into my eye site, hearing, mind and body! I plan on keeping it this way as this virus continues and changes occur to reopen! I decided to use this time to clean out closets, drawers, the garage, weeds from the garden, negative FB people. Fixing house project, doing things I always said I needed to do. Make a list so you stay on task! Taking better care of my spirit soul and body. Doing a parasite, heavy metal and Candida cleanse since my Explant surgery.
This is the perfect time to truly take care of you. Here are some soothing tools!
*Light candles
Pick 2 a day.
*Talk with a therapist if you need to
*Take an epsom salt bath!
*Do your own nails
*Allow yourself to take a nap and not feel guilty! *Do a face scrub and mask!
*Lay down, close your eyes and thank every part of your body starting at your toes! Send strength, healing, and gratitude to your beautiful self!
*Do your favorite hair mask!
*Take a walk and enjoy nature
*Sit and have a hot tea and your favorite treat and just breath!
*Make your favorite healthy food
*Take a rolling pin and roll your body to get blood and lymph flowing! *Do some sit ups or your favorite exterior routine. Or try the sun salutation! *Stretch! *Put on some music and Dance or sing! *Rub an ice cube on your face! Even under your eyes or do a face plunge in a bowl of ice water!
*Make quiet time for yourself
*Learn something new *Start a new healthy eating program. *Take a bath and do a scrub, massage and moisturize your skin! *Watch a show that makes your laugh These are a few examples of ideas to take care of your body mind and spirit! Wishing all of you so much love and light. Stay healthy and use your smart brain when going out or social distancing!
*Snuggle up with someone you love! *Write down what’s swirling in your brain to get it out! *Work out *Jump in place to move your lymph system. ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
303
MAKE A STATEMENT
1823 Penfield Rd I Penfield, New York 14526
T...GO INCOGNITO!
(
585) 586-7846 I www.incognitomenswear.com
306
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ CNY POINT OF VIEW }
LIFE DURING COVID19 BY SONIA CONLIN
And just like this the world stood still or did it? Seemingly overnight the economic titan took a deep breath and stopped, along with many other countries. Americans sit in front of their TV, but not as they used to. They count deaths, they compare them, alarmed by those numbers. They are binging forgotten, or maybe never noticed before, tv series like “Contained” or movies like “Contagion”. Hunting for the news, the reassurance, the hope that all this is just an overreaction and the update pertains to “others”: the other countries, the other states, the “others”. Meanwhile, reality gradually settles and crawls silently and relentlessly in our dayto-day lives.
to get to know once again their kin; making time to rediscover each other’s fears and strengths; reviving the joy
Gradually we realize the nation (and the world) did not stop. It is alive and breathing something it had neglected for a long time. We are watching the new heroes, who are not gifted with uncommon or impossible powers, but people with the Power to live every day, resilient, unstoppable, tenacious. Our new heroes have the powers of determination, persistency, relentlessness. They never give up, because they believe in each other and they have rediscovered the true power of the people, We all.
We try to push it away, as something belonging in a sci-fi movie. We gaze outside our windows at roads, once buzzing with traffic, that same space now left to the occasional passerby. These lone strollers try to forget this entrapment by rediscovering the simple joy of a short walk, inhaling the still crisp air of a northern NY spring. Parents are suddenly realizing they always have been “teachers” of their children. They are now using this time
“comfort” food, that, We the people, had ignored how much better it tastes when prepared together.
of a meal consumed together, and savoring, in these previously sporadic moments of cooking together, some
The new heroes we see on the screen don’t wear a cape, they wear a mask, not to hide their identity, but to hopefully save one more life today. They wear the scars of long and frustrating hours, which makes them sick, not only in the body, but especially in the soul. They too often come to realize of how powerless We all are in front of this microscopic organism that is claiming the life of those, that more and more we recognize as members of our family, as members of our community, as members of our institutions. Suddenly those folks don’t belong anymore to “another” reality. In this moment of darkness, we find ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
307
{ CNY POINT OF VIEW } “During this “social distancing” we have uncovered the power of “social”. We understand that being together doesn’t mean being in the same room, it means being close to each other.”
new strength we didn’t notice was there, and we fight back, becoming conscious we can do it only if we truly are united in our actions, in our support. Thus, we find ourselves sewing homemade masks for our heroes, cooking meals for our neighbors, donating money we are not going to earn again because our country needs them more. In this reality, that to the naked eyes seem to have stopped, we are working relentlessly around the clock to build hope and 308
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
to elevate each other. During this “social distancing” we have uncovered the power of “social”. We understand that being together doesn’t mean being in the same room, it means being close to each other. Even our grandparents, whose resistance to technology was like the Berlin wall, are now learning to Facetime, to Zoom, to Google meet. And just like this, as a new normality, we spend much more time “together” across
the ocean and lands, and “reunited” in ways we never thought possible, reconnecting with friends and family we had not talked to in years. We learned to work “together” from our home and broadcast “together” from our basement. We, The People, have turned and once more rediscovered the power of people.
FROM WEIGHT LOSS AND ANTI-AGING THERAPY TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT AND HAIR RESTORATION TREATMENTS, VITALIZE MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF MEDICAL REVITALIZATION SERVICES TO HELP RESTORE A MORE HEALTHY, VIBRANT AND INVIGORATED YOU! OUR FACILITY UTILIZES THE MOST LEADING-EDGE EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THOSE LOOKING TO REDISCOVER THE YOUTHFUL SIDE THAT INEVITABLY FADES WITH TIME. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME, OUR EXPERTS ARE READY TO HELP.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
*DERMAL FILLERS * VAMPIRE FACIAL * VAMPIRE FACELIFT * O-SHOT * P-SHOT * MICRONEEDLING/COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY * PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA) * VITAMIN THERAPY * ANTI-AGING * HCG WEIGHT LOSS * COOLSCULPTING * BOTOX/XEOMIN * MALE & FEMALE HORMONE REPLACEMENT *HYDRAFACIALS * STEM CELLS *IV HYDRATION SERVICES * CHEMICAL PEELS * WAXING
980 WESTFALL RD #110, I ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14618 (585) 287-5299 I WWW.VITALIZEMEDICALCENTER.COM
{ THE { COVER HEROINSTORY EPIDEMIC } }
312
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ GET VITALIZED }
HYDRAFACIAL BY ALICIA HICKS
HydraFacial uses medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that carries out a patented three-part regimen — cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with intensive serums. The hydradermabrasion gives a gentler approach by vacuuming out pores while simultaneously pushing in potent actives, which moisturizes, brightens, plumps, and protects. HydraFacial helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores, clean up oily and congested skin. It also helps to improve the elasticity and firmness, texture, tone and vibrancy of the skin to leave your skin glowing.
It appeals to nearly all ages, complexions, and concerns so it is nice for teenagers with acne; adults with pimples, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation; and for older patients with sun damage and even flaky pre-cancerous spots. HydraFacial has instant gratification in 30 minutes with zero downtime. It’s one of the most popular procedures in our office, not only because it combines elements of treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, but also because it truly is a relaxing, feel-good experience. It’s never painful and in fact, clients generally compare the sensation to a getting a facial massage.
With the combination of pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the handheld device extracts all the impurfections from your pores — no squeezing or pressing required — and, at the end, you can actually see all that was removed! Contact Jessica Lahr at Vitalize Medical Center and book your Hydrafacial today you won’t regret how your skin will look and feel after.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
313
{{ HEALTHY WOMAN}} SHIFT+CONTROL
WELLNESS GLOW BY BRADLEY HURST
I have sought to live a life of health and fitness since my teenage years. I have shared with others what I have learned for the past three decades. Wellness is something that I view as living, versus doing. The overall well being of the “bodymind,” being the key. This has led me , despite developing asthma as a child and meeting other life challenges, to having and living a pretty healthy life. Not herculean by any means , but pretty healthy. It is a surprise to me when I am told by others how healthy I seem to live. Humbling quite frankly. I strength train, raise my heart rate , meditate, practice yoga and eat nutritiously daily, among other things. Again, it’s simply just about one’s
lifestyle. It is the reason that I chose many years ago to become a Personal Trainer, the owner of a fitness practice, and now a Wellness Coach. It is the many joys that come from good health, and the great satisfaction that is felt through discovery. I have served individuals and groups of all ages over the years. There has been a ebb and flow to it all. Research and development are daily practices that I do and enjoy. Great pleasure comes from sharing and applying various applications and practices with those that have sought my input. Devising a healthy plan together in order to create a different life path is always the goal. My thoughts and feelings in terms of this goal have evolved over the years . What came
to me one day many years ago was this, “ There are different ways to do something successfully”. I have watched, researched , listened to and practiced with many great teachers over the years. The message would be that this way or that way is the way to wellness. They’re right. It’s just that different people may need different things. And that is what I strive to do with each individual or group. To utilize the greatest resources and tools that best apply to them. It is my pleasure. Wellness Glow Bradley Hurst bradleyhurst@yahoo.com ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
315
{{ SHE { THEENTREPRENHERS PAIN RN } }} SHE HUSTLES HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS
LIVING IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 BY MEREDITH DAWES
Over the past month we have watched the world come to its knees and face Covid-19. I have never lived through a pandemic. I never thought I would. From social distancing to bare shelves at the grocery store to record unemployment. Staying mentally healthy has become challenging to all of us at some point in the age of Covid-19. We will get through this, I am sharing some of my key strategies to manage stress and anxiety. First and foremost we need to accept a new normal, until there is a vaccine. Don’t dwell on worse case scenario, my advice to you is to tune out the worse case scenarios and take everything one day at a time. Getting yourself into a new routine, Set times for getting up, meals and bedtime. This is not the time for a never ending WHEN THE WORLD STAYED APART, THIS WAS MY FAVORITE PLACE TO BE. Netflix binge or to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Get dressed in the morning like you’re going somewhere, fill your days with projects and end them with pleasant rituals (yoga,reading). Developing a new routine will help you get through this time at home. How long will this last, When will I go back to work and will I ever get through to unemployment? These are uncertain times. That alone causes fear and anxiety. You can’t control how this virus will hit your hometown, But you can take steps to limit your exposure and reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19. When your life feels out of control focus on what you can control. - Pr a c t i c i n g So c i a l Di s t a n c i n g -staying home as much as possible -avoiding unnecessary shopping and travel 316
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
-Keeping 6 feet from others -Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet (supports your immune system) If you can, get outside. You would be surprised how a walk around the block can make you feel. Staying active will help release some stress and anxiety that seems to be all around us in the age of Covid-19. You tube has thousands of exercise videos for free as well as guided meditation and yoga. (my favorite) For the kids Booster-Thon is a free app that has character fitness videos. Monday-Friday at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 Playworks is live on Facebook streaming free virtual games, yoga and virtual recess to get the family up and moving. Everyone in your home will benefit from physical activity. Research has shown that it boosts immunity, improves sleep as well as reduces stress and anxiety. Before Covid-19 I don’t recall ever hearing the words social distancing. Staying home is now the new norm, so how do we stay connected? It is easier than you think. With all of the technology we have staying connected is a FaceTime or Zoom call away. From sharing virtual meals to trivia nights, it’s all at the palm of your hand. There is no better time than the present to reach out to our elderly neighbors and family members. Staying connected is that easy. To all the Mothers and Fathers working from home and navigating homeschool try to remember, this is temporary. Find the joy of being home with your family because chances are we will never get this time again. For instance, I have had some wonderful talks with my son while walking the dogs. Our daughter learned to ride her bike without training wheels. Now it is something we do regularly as a family. Before Covid-19
life was so busy that these little things got forgotten. Homeschooling can be downright challenging. What helped me the most is WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, KEEP HOPE ALIVE having honest conversations with my kids about what’s going on and a schedule. Having a weekly schedule takes the uncertainty way. Try not to compare yourselves to other families, do what works for yours. Right now we are all living through a moment in history that our kids will remember for the rest of their lives. So go easy on yourselves, teach them how to follow a recipe or read a great book together. Look for the silver linings because they are everywhere. Don’t believe everything read or see. Seek out the facts. Anything other than factual information just fuels anxiety. Reference CDC.gov for updates on the facts pertaining to Covid-19. Limit how often you check for updates, this is unproductive and can cause you more anxiety. Getting information from a credible and reliable source will make you feel more in control in these unprecedented times. The Patient Advocate is still seeing clients. I am an RN who specializes in pain management, anxiety and depression. I help my clients to start their journey of self-wellness and create CBD regimens that are specifically made for you. I have seen tremendous success with the clients I work with and it is truly my passion to help you feel your best.
{ SHE HUSTLES ENTREPRENHERS }
FLEET FEET
{ MENTALLY THINKING }
COVID-19 AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS BY BONNIE FLOYD
We’re all currently dealing with the mass uncertainty imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we’re bombarded with information regarding the medical aspects of this pandemic, it appears that more attention needs to be paid to the emotional aspects of coping with this rampant virus. Dealing with this virus has ushered in a wide variety of changes in our everyday lives, ranging from the trivial, to those that are more significant in nature.
period of denial for any significant loss that we encounter, we lose the precious resource of time. I’ve already witnessed friends and family members engage in spirited discussions about the true nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as about the most appropriate medical and political means to address it. Others are contending with the anger phase of adjusting to loss. We’re intensely irritated that our everyday routines have
It strongly appears that many of us are experiencing the typical stages of grief and loss as we attempt to cope with this pandemic. When we encounter losses, we typically go through the following stages: denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. Losses not only include the death of a loved one. There may be symbolic losses with which we are dealing, too. Perhaps your high school senior is prevented from attending his/her prom, a cherished rite of passage. Consequently, he or she is dealing with the loss of an important event that never was allowed to take place. Some of us are still dealing with denial, as manifested by attempts to downplay the seriousness of this pandemic. In addition, we may minimize the importance of continuing to engage in social distancing as a means of flattening the curve. When we choose to remain in an extended 320
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
been so powerfully disrupted. We find ourselves agitated by the quotas that have been placed on the purchase of everyday items that we need to us. Perhaps we feel frustrated by having to find novel ways to perform our workrelated activities. Personally, I’ve found myself very challenged by the process of converting the college class that I’ve been teaching to an online one. I’ve also experienced frustration with attempting
to set up teletherapy sessions for my nursing home residents. Maybe we find ourselves in the bargaining phase of grieving, assuming that engaging in extended weeks of isolation will attenuate the ultimate impact of COVID-19. We promise to adhere to a limited period of altering our lifestyle, expecting that our reward will be that our lives return to normal. The sheer uncertainty of this novel pandemic makes it much so more difficult with which to cope. We don’t honestly know how much longer, after all, that our everyday lives will be so radically altered. We all struggle, to a certain degree, with adjusting to our new normal. It’s very important to be patient with ourselves as we navigate this novel territory; having unrealistic expectations for our degree of adjustment will only compound our level of emotional distress. Hopefully, most of us will eventually come to accept the new way of life that has been recently imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll learn to be human “beings,” as opposed to human “doings.” We’ll learn to purchase adequate resources for our immediate family’s needs, as opposed to hoarding resources that are also truly needed by others. Optimally, we’ll learn to cherish increased
{ MENTALLY THINKING } “Hopefully, most of us will eventually come to accept the new way of life that has been recently imposed on us by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
321
{ {RWO’S MENTALLY MENTAL THINKING HEALTH} }
“We’ll survive this pandemic, after all. We’ll survive together.”
time with our family members, as opposed to being irritated by one another’s flaws and imperfections. We’ll value our friendships to a greater degree and make scheduling lunch with a friend an actual priority, as opposed to a mere option. Hopefully, we’ll realize that our priorities were previously very distorted. We will learn to be more grateful for our everyday blessings, as opposed to always waiting for something positive to happen to us. We’ll avoid placing our happiness on hold. Basically, we’ll 322
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
learn to live in the present, as opposed to residing in future possibilities. We will find ourselves less defined by our accomplishments, as well as by our possessions. Every crisis presents an opportunity for us. We can actively choose to focus on what we have lost, versus deciding to focus on what remains. In novel situations, it’s critically important to focus on what we can continue to control. Maybe this involves making a daily schedule of things to do, as well as setting modest
everyday goals to accomplish. Doing so will undoubtedly assist us with feeling more in control of our day-to-day life. We’re all in this together, after all. Maybe you can leave a bag on groceries on your elderly neighbor’s porch, just to make their lives a little easier. Perhaps you’ll choose to phone a friend that you may have lost touch with, for whatever reason. We’ll survive this pandemic, after all. We’ll survive together.
Order Your Copy NOW On Amazon
{ YOU MATTER }
STOP. LOOK. LISTEN BY JUDI SWANSON
These past weeks I had lots of conversations with people in my life who typically are grounded and positive people. These individuals have stability and lots of good stuff in their lives. What all of these conversations had in common was is in some way, shape, or form every person I talked with was sounding and feeling frantic. Decisions that could be and should be delayed felt like immediate resolution was needed, meetings and plans that could be put off for weeks felt like they should happen NOW. Everyone was having difficulty with setting boundaries and using that beautiful word “no”, self-care was not happening. Family needs were daunting, overwhelming, too much. The wear and tear of what we need to be doing during COVID19 for everyone’s safety felt piled on in one fell swoop so that all decisions and actions were of an immediate, critical nature. I could feel people imploding. It is understandable why people are scared and frazzled. This pandemic is massive. We all have varying degrees of impact. Yet if you thing about it, our futures have always been uncertain. That has not changed. What has changed is our perception of our futures. We used to feel like we were in control of our future. In realty what we controlled was our actions, decisions, responses, and reactions. Our realty of what we control during COVID19 is our actions, decisions, responses, and reactions. Albert Einstein said “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking”. The life changes going on during COVID19 are going to be here for a while. How you cope and deal with what is happening will 324
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
have an impact on you. The potential and possibility exists that you could become a better version of person you are. There is a quote, I am not sure who wrote it, that says “when life puts you in tough situations don’t say “Why me”, say “Try me”. How do you want to approach your life? Do you want to approach it from a victim standpoint or an empowered warrior? We all have a warrior inside of us ready to come out and take on the world. One way to tap into your inner warrior is
to stop, look, and listen. STOP Stop means what is says. STOP! Take a stop in your life. Pause what is going on. Take stock of where you are physically and mentally. Breathe, be still, listen to your breathing, listen to the sounds around you. If you can go outside for a walk, go outside and breathe the air. Be at one with yourself. If you are feeling frazzled and rushed with decisions, stop to determine if these decisions HAVE TO BE MADE RIGHT AWAY or if there can be a pause. Say no to
anything and everything you can say no to. Take time to fill up your personal energy. Use facts and information from reliable, trusted sources for decisions. Knowledge is power. Every day take technology breaks. Stopping serves a purpose at intersections when we are driving. It also serves a purpose in our daily life. LOOK Take a look at who you are and what you are doing with your life. Are you happy and proud of the choices you are making? Does your living space, body, self-care reflect that you are a priority in your life? Are you eating pretty healthy, getting decent sleep, getting some activity and movement? Is your living space mostly orderly or messy? How about your car? In an article by WebMD talks about “Mess equals stress” and how clutter can negatively affect your health. The other end of the spectrum is perfection. Does everything in your life need to be perfect? If something is messy or not in place you get tense and stressed? Do you feel you need to look a certain way, wear a particular brand of clothing? Do you feel people around you need to be perfect? An article in CNN dated 2/5/2020 stated “”The reasons why perfectionists are usually low in mindfulness include focusing on the past or the future excessively and not the here and now,” along with “having difficulties with being authentic and genuine due to the need to project an image of being perfect.” Taking stock of how you are living your life can be an eye opening experience in a positive way. Use it as a way to move towards feeling more satisfied and happy in your life. If you look around you might
{ YOU MATTER } “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking”. - Albert Einstein
find something you have been looking for in yourself. LISTEN Listen to yourself. Listen to that inner voice, intuition, gut instinct that sometimes can be mighty quiet and mighty persistent with guiding you to make choices that are right for you. If you are not happy with how you are living your life begin by making a change here and a change there. Be consistent with your changes. Studies have shown it takes about 66 days for a new behavior to become more of an automatic habit. Make tweaks where you want to make tweaks. Feelings do not lie. Our personal intuition does not lead us astray. Listen to that voice telling you to do this or do that. You will be the better for it. You do not need to make lots of changes all at once. Pick one that you want to work on. Take 326
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
it day by day. Be kind and gentle with your inner voice. Remember every day you are doing to best you can with what you have and who you are. “To Thine Own Self Be True” Shakespeare When you stop, look, and listen to yourself it creates a powerful force of positive warrior in you. Because you are calmer, happier, healthier there will be a ripple of calm touching those around you. Have a cooking mishap, create a fancy new name for the dish you created. Kids playing in the kitchen sink while you are trying to do fitness and water gets spilled look at it as a way to clean the kitchen floor. Feeling like you need to take one minute to breathe? Breathe away. If you have people in your life you are caring for, have them join you in a one minute mindful breathing moment. Add
boundaries and structure to how you are living your life. Show kindness to others. Show kindness to yourself. There are only a few things in life that requires urgent, this moment, true life or death decisions. The rest of life we can find balance, calm, joy, and happiness ever during a pandemic. So most amazing, spectacular person be good to yourself. Take the time to pause and be you in your life. You so matter and so deserve to treat yourself wonderfully! This world needs all the mighty, powerful warrior you bring to it. May your STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. be with you.
{ LIFE IN BALANCE }
OVERCOMING THE SUNDAY SCARIES WITH MINDFULNESS BY KAITLYN VITTOZZI
While New York State was on PAUSE I was taking a socially distanced walk with a family member. It was a chilly April Sunday evening, but the fresh air was a needed contrast from being in the house all the time. Being recently laid off from her job, she said “Wow, Sunday is the best night of the week now, I have nothing to worry about tomorrow.” I had to work the next morning, but on that Sunday night, I looked around the street we were walking down, and felt at peace. At the same time, I felt where she was coming from - I have spent many a Sunday evening dreading the next day. A quick google search on the Sunday scaries and one article reported over 68% of Americans experience anxiety on Sunday nights. Did I have heavy responsibilities waiting for me Monday morning that week? Of course. Every Monday there is an inbox of no less than 200 emails waiting for me. Some wanting answers on Saturday. Several two weeks overdue. And I know some of you reading this have much more than that to deal with. So why was I able to overcome that and find peace on our walk? This is not an article about how you should quit your job and travel, throw financial security aside and follow your passion. There are a lot of people out there who are braver than I am with untamed souls who gain a lot of life experience by quitting their jobs and they write really great stories about that. This article is about yoga for the householders – those of us who hold jobs and careers that produce anxiety (even if we really like them) – and cannot just simply get up and leave. What is a householder? In Ancient India there were people who could become renunciates in the woods or move to monasteries to become monks to study spirituality. If you are living in the woods 328
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
you don’t have the fear of “Oh God what mood is my boss going to be in tomorrow morning?” They might have had to worry about getting eaten by tigers but we’ve probably all sat through a meeting so painful that that death by tiger feels like the easiest way to go. Here are some mindfulness tools I’ve pulled from my studies which allow me find peace on Sunday nights. These Sunday night insights come from a variety of sources - yoga, Buddhism, meditation teachers, mental health professionals and self-help books.
make Sunday less terrifying. It doesn’t usually work. What if I took those hours and said “Kaitlyn, you are doing your best of juggling three jobs right now. You are a wonderful person who deserves rest and joy and to read a good book without feeling guilty? You are smart, you bring in a lot of money for that company, they should be appreciative of all your effort. Nobody is perfect, nobody has ever perfectly pleased any manager. It is not your job to please everyone.” Try it on. Saying this out loud for the first time, I was nearly in tears.
• Concentrating on the present moment. Stop letting Monday steal from Sunday. Dharana means concentration or onepointedness in yoga. What if we practiced gratitude for Sunday evening the way we do Friday night? You may have heard the Lao Tzu quote “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” The next time Sunday night blues start to swell up in your stomach, look around. Make a list of all you have be grateful for right here. It could be, wow I really had a good laugh with soand-so, this couch is so comfortable, this cup of tea is so delicious. So often, I channel my anxiety into mindlessly scrolling through social media, but I’ve just dulled my concentration and let the mind wander. Feel more right now and less what’s next.
• Moderation. As Krishna told Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, “…those who eat too much or eat too little, who sleep too much or sleep too little, will not succeed in meditation. But those who are temperate in eating and sleeping, work and recreation, will come to the end of sorrow...” Are you taking care of yourself over the weekend, so you are ready to take on the week in your healthiest possible state? In the summers I teach on the lake, which means I work seven days per week. It is some of my most enjoyable work, I count down the days as soon as the weather in Upstate New York starts to show a glimmer of spring. But I don’t get much rest all summer, which makes Mondays a little bit foggier. Where can you carve out time for rest? Be cognizant of where you are spending your energy. Maybe it means two mimosas at brunch, not six. In Buddhism it’s called the middle way – not self-indulgence or self-deprivation. It is not doing the most or avoiding all work. What does your middle-way weekend look like?
• Practicing self-compassion and enoughness. Paraphrasing, Stephen Levine says we all have a sense of unworthiness society gives us that we are trying to overcome. Our ego tries to over-do and overachieve to try to play catch-up for that sense of self-doubt. Many Sundays, with my laptop at home, I’ve logged on and put in a few extra hours to try to
• Take note: journaling. What conditions are arising that make you hate your Mondays? What specifically about tomorrow is really going to be that
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
329
{ SHIFT+CONTROL { MIND, BODY & SPIRIT } “Wow, Sunday is the best night of the week now, I have nothing to worry about tomorrow. I had to work the next morning, but on that Sunday night, I looked around the street we were walking down, and felt at peace.”
bad? Write it down. Some weeks will be worse than others, but do you have anything to legitimately be afraid of or are you in a habit of prejudging it? If you can name it, you can tame it. • Move! On any day of the week, I can accumulate worries like those tiny weights they use in barre class. At first they don’t feel like anything but all of a sudden I can barely breathe. Another yoga therapy student and I had to give online sessions to one another a few weeks ago online. I had a small list of things I was trying work through at the start of the 60-minute session: the wants, the worries, worrying about why I want 330
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
those things. Halfway through some stretches I laughed at myself because I had no worries at all. My physical body had just felt stuck from not exercising three days in a row. Exercise is a proven mood booster, there is science to back that. It improves anxiety and depression, so give it a try the next time you start to let your wheels spin. “Don’t give up your own welfare for the sake of others’ welfare For the sake of others’ welfare, however great. Clearly know your own welfare . And be intent on the highest good.” – The Dhammapada Kaitlyn Vittozzi is an RYT-500 Yoga
Instructor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist in training. You can find her on the schedule at Balance Webster and teaching paddleboard yoga in Canandaigua with Finger Lakes Yogascapes. To schedule a personalized online yoga therapy session, email Kaitlyn@tozziyoga.com.
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
331
{ MIND, BODY, SPIRIT }
BALANCE AMID A GLOBAL PANDEMIC BY ALANA CAHOON
Balance during a global pandemic. Sounds impossible doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. It certainly may be more challenging than if life was moving along at a normal pace. But what is normal? Today’s world is the new normal. And there are a lot of good things about it. Don’t get me wrong. It’s been a very difficult transition. But let’s look at the positive. Our planet is doing better. Why do we care? Because we live on it! I know it’s hard to think of anything outside our own four walls right now. But the earth is healing. And that’s good for us.
deer to fawn over; no snakes to make us jump back. It would be a lonely, quiet world. 3. WATER Our water is purifying! There are less contaminants being drained into our water supply. Fewer boats such as cruise ships make a significant impact. And it’s quieter. The marine life are able to swim about more freely. Now let’s talk about home life. Of course there are challenges we are all facing. Like being in the same house 24/7
1. POLLUTION There’s no pollution. Although we may be facing a disease that harms our lungs, the air is actually cleaner than it was before the pandemic. There are fewer cars being driven emitting less carbon dioxide into the air. There are fewer planes flying. There is an over all shift in travel. This is good for the air we breathe. It also slows down the effects of global warming.
332
This is an opportunity to bring that family bond to the forefront. Whether there are only two of you or ten. I’m noticing another shift, where adult children are returning home. Again, it offers challenges and gifts. As adults, they may not want to be told what to do. They have developed their own routine or lack thereof. As much as they may challenge us with their independence, they may fall back into a comfortable routine of wanting to be taken care of. It’s a balance we are all teetering on. This new normal. When the challenges seem overwhelming, consider the gifts. Career. Work. Business. How’s that going for you?
There’s even a bright side to the economic shift. With fewer manufacturing plants in operation, nitrogen dioxide is less profuse. The overall quality of our air is improving.
with the same people. It can be annoying. Maybe a desire to have your own space. But it also offers a new opportunity to reconnect on a deeper more personal level.
2. ANIMALS I’m talking about wild animals here. There’s a new freedom for them to come out of hiding. Perhaps populate again more freely. Why is this good for our planet? And why is this good for us? Evolution. The animal kingdom is vital to the balance of humanity. What would it be like if there were no squirrels running up trees, collecting nuts; no birds waking us up with their song; no
The demands of our lives pre-pandemic nearly consumed us. We spent more time in the busyness of our lives versus with family and loved ones. The stress of full-time jobs didn’t necessarily give way to quiet attentive time spent at home.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
time that was, perhaps more wholesome. When priorities were focused not as much on how much money we earned, rather on how healthy our family was.
Many of us are now working out of home offices. Our children are being schooled from the home. It’s taking us back to a
Anxiety is at its worst in this realm. Business owners are closing shop; laying off good employees; and wondering what’s next. Property owners are wondering how their tenants will keep up with rent; banks wondering the same regarding mortgages. The economy is in shambles. This is ample time to be creative! There’s really no choice. Roll up your sleeves, pull up your socks, and come up with a solution. We are Americans. Born and raised with the motto of freedom and democracy. With that comes responsibility to make things happen. Shake things up! Entrepreneurs are doing just that. They
{ MIND, BODY & SPIRIT } “In times of transition, stay open to seeing both the gifts and the challenges being offered. Receive the gifts with grace. Tackle the challenges with boldness!”
are scribbling at their desks, erasing and re-creating ideas on their whiteboards. They are brainstorming how to move to the next level in this new seismic shift called the global pandemic. EXERCISE Take out a piece paper and colored pens if you have them. Draw three columns with the following headings: Nature Family Career Under the first column, jot down anything you notice about mother earth. Are you noticing the trees blossoming? The sweet scent of flowers? The green grass? 334
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
At night, can you see the stars more vividly? Hear the croaking of the frogs? Or the chirping of crickets? Have you noticed more wildlife? Spotted an eagle? Held eye contact with a wAndering deer? Under the second column, write down five things that are annoying you. Let it all out! You’re welcome to throw this out afterwards to avoid offending anyone. Then list five things you’re grateful for. For instance, your 26-year-old daughter may have returned home after being away for a year. You may be getting that extra sleep you have been desperate for. You’re spending quality time with your partner.
Note whatever comes to mind. Now begin listing all and any of the issues you are facing around career life, work and money. List these until you’ve exhausted the subject. Then begin a new list with everything that’s going right. It may be that you’ve been thinking about switching jobs and now have the perfect excuse. There may be a business Idea you’ve wanted to launch but never had the time. Write down everything that’s going right for you. In times of transition, stay open to seeing both the gifts and the challenges being offered. Receive the gifts with grace. Tackle the challenges with boldness!
KAINOS
GREEK RESTAURANT · BAR · ITALIAN RESTAURANT
284 EXCHANGE BLVD ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14608 (585) 319-3579 KAINOSRESTAURANT.COM
*CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR TAKEOUT & DELIVERY
{ VISIONARY MINDS }
CARONA DIOP BY TAMMY REESE
WOMEN IN FILM
Carona: Horror.
Central NY Woman Online Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing with Filmmaker Carona Diop- CEO/ Executive Producer of Diop Productions LLC
CNYWO: Why this particular genre?
CNYWO: Would you consider that being raised in one of the world’s most exciting and innovating cities as having something to do with your choice of starting a production company?
Carona: It gets us… CNYWO: What do you mean by “It gets us?”
CNYWO: Tell us about “The Opening” project? Carona:The Opening is my heart. She is my very first book, script and film. She’s still in post-production and will be out for screening this year.
CNYWO: How long has Diop Productions been up and running?
CNYWO: Does your production company specialize in specific projects? 338
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
CNYWO: What points or direction are you trying to give to your viewers and readers through your books, films, etc? Carona: I want to motivate and inspire. I am to the core someone who wants to assist others in their mental and spiritual growth. I’ve always been surrounded and supported by beautiful, strong, accomplished women and I want to share that gift.
Carona: I would say most definitely! Don’t get me wrong, I was always a really imaginative child but, New York City has a way of bringing out one’s strengths and talents. I grew up around actors, singers, dancers, musicians. I was raised in a place where seeing a famous actor on the street and your friends on television was the norm.
Carona: We are now going on our third year of production and will also be adding a magazine, sports, and publishing department as well as some other filming and writing projects in the works.
fear? Many of our daily activities are accomplished around worry and fear so as you can see it’s a powerful emotion that can either strengthen you at your core or cease everything creative inside of you and that can go for whatever you do in life.
Carona: You have romance, drama, experimental etc, but what gets to most people if not all is fear and we have witnessed this in the past couple of months alone. Personally I see fear as one of the best tools for us to look within ourselves. Why are we afraid? Is this necessary fear? Will I survive this
CNYWO: So, it’s a book as well as a film? Where can we find it? Carona: Yes. I wrote the book 6 years ago when I was living in Georgia working as a chef in a school. CNYWO: From chef, to boutique owner to film producer, author, writer and director. Why the sudden shift in
{ SHIFT+CONTROL }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
339
340
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ VISIONARY MINDS } “ There are ups and downs to owning any business but, I welcome the good and the bad because they both bring experience.”
Carona: Honestly, even at an older age I was still trying to find myself and fit into my family’s schedule. This took me through a couple of different career choices. Believe it or not the entire time I knew that I wanted to be writing and filming during this entire course but it didn’t seem conducive to taking care of my family.
to yourself to change that, I did. CNYWO:Is there a downside to owning your own production company? What is the upside of being a part of Diop Productions?
I have heard so many horror stories about the film industry yet, I am constantly running into individuals whose passions, ideas and love for the art is just as fueled as mine. I can not say enough about written contracts. Please write out a contract if you decide to work with anyone, even family.
CNYWO: Seem? Carona: Yes. I knew what I really wanted to do but I was too afraid to move on so I tried everything else to fill that void but nothing did. So the older I got the more tired I became of talking myself out of things because of the kids or we couldn’t afford… I was basically lying to myself, led by fear. CNYWO: What advice would you give women of your caliber in concerns with following their dreams and being more self reliable? CNYWO: My advice. Be true to yourself and what you desire in your life because time is precious. When your children grow up and leave the nest what do you have set up for yourself as an individual? For many of us nothing. Make a promise
at the hip since. Not only do I look for actors to film but I also want my staff and crew to be multi-experienced so I will do this by staying in the background at times while they shine by allowing them to direct, write and produce their own films in way of Diop Productions.
Carona: There are ups and downs to owning any business but, I welcome the good and the bad because they both bring experience. Diop Productions is a family first. We look out for each other as a person before anything else. If a business does this for its employees everything else will fall into place. Most of us met 3 years ago for the production of The Opening and have been stuck
Verbal agreements are nice and easy but very painful in the end. One decision can have you in court for years with your project flapping in the wind… and yes I speak from experience. Also, there is way too much technology out here to have any excuses. I learned the hard way and try to teach others before they make the same mistakes that I did. To contact Carona email: diopproductions@aol.com
342
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
344
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ HER EDGE }
COMFORT ZONE BY ROBIN DEWIND
I have this refrigerator magnet I bought impulsively seven years ago while standing in the checkout line at Barnes and Noble. It says “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” God let’s hope so. My current comfort zone is under my comfort-er. I am one of the lucky ones. I’m home, I’m healthy and so are the people I love most in the world. I write this from the perspective of someone who has not lost a loved one, worked in a hospital, coughed through the night, or lost their livelihood. This is my small shallow window to the 2020 Pandemic in the suburbs and no one will stand and clap for my heroics. The clock has stopped and there’s nothing to do and nowhere to go. I’m Bill Murray, and it’s Groundhog’s day 44. Frankly I don’t even know what day it is. I won’t bore you. Tights, sweatshirts, gray hair, needless baking, and the chip eating have all taken a toll. It’s a universal state for many of us. I am drinking wine like its fruit juice and don’t even make excuses anymore. I tell myself everyday that I’m not going to have any wine. It’s a full conversation I have with myself throughout the day. By the time my daughter has disappeared to her room for the night I have caved. Only the garbage crew really knows my truth.
this is suburban hell, so why not drink, eat and start all over with coffee in the morning. While we are on topic, the dog walking has reached epic levels. I never even knew our neighborhood had so many dogs. I think there are even new dogs since this all began. Even the dogs have to be a little sick of all the exercise they are getting. Morning noon and night people are out in all weather ‘walking the dog’. Ted is exhausted. When I’m not out walking I’m checking my email for any outside professional contact that resembles work. I run my own business from home and since we really can’t really go anywhere, or do anything, I’m home, not working. At this point I’d love one of those Zoom meetings everyone complains about. I end up sorting through the emails that have arrived. The stores seem to know I’m bored and vulnerable. The relentless offers at 40, 50, 60-percent off and free shipping never stop. The emails are like crack samples. I load up my cart with items I’m never going to buy but want to.
I’m not alone either.
When I’m not pretending to shop, I’m watching YouTube. I’ve moved on from ‘Angie Hot and Flashy’ who used to guide me through skin care after age 50, to ‘JJ the CPA’ who sits in his office and explains why unemployment is a volcanic pit that burns you every time you call. Who needs hair and makeup tips when you can lean new Coronoavirus acronyms like; PPP, EIDL, PUI, SBA, WTF?
When I walk Ted around the neighborhood on recycling day you see that we are all living the same life; empty red and white bottles along with the frozen pizza boxes and empty creamer cartons. Pretty much
After my daughter and I have had the “what are we having for dinner” conversation, (that goes nowhere) I retreat to the investment I’m most thankful for my TV apps. I’ve existed on a diet of Tiger
King, Ozark, Homeland, and Little Fires Everywhere. I’ll occasional throw in 90 Day Fiancé, or the three-hour version (with commercials even though it’s on Netflix) of The Notebook just to pass the time. If I can’t sleep, I finish the night with episodes of Sex and the City. I miss people. I miss hugs I miss how my mom’s hairspray smells when I hug her. I want to go out to dinner. I want to get dressed for dinner. I miss my exercise class, and seeing my daughter come downstairs in the morning for real school. I miss faces, and handshakes and offices and full parking lots. I miss the mall and I miss my freedom. We have all been given the ultimate comfort zone to live in. If you were told three months ago you could live in sweatpants, not shower, sleep in and binge watch whatever you wanted, wouldn’t you have signed up? We were stressed, busy, overworked, and the idea of just staying home seemed like a fantasy. The novel Corona virus is providing a novel lesson for those of us who have just been inconvenienced by all of this. We can survive without a haircut, going to the gym or going out to dinner. But we can we survive without purpose or connection? I hope when this is over, I don’t keep choosing the same safe repetitive decisions that keep me small. I want to appreciate people and places and opportunities that will help me grow again, because being comfortable, just isn’t so comfortable anymore.
CONTACT ROBIN DE WIND TODAY! I ROBINDEWIND@GMAIL.COM
{ WOMEN WHO INSPIRE }
350
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: EMPOWERMENT EDITION 2020
{ THE FITNESS DIVA }
ANY ACTIVITY IS BETTER THEN NONE BY LAY’LAH
I can imagine its been rough on alot of us during COVID-19 pandemic, people are staying home, quarantining, and practicing social distancing as an effort to slow — and hopefully stop — the spread of this horrible coronavirus. Though staying home is totally necessary right now, as it keps us very safe. It means many of us have found ourselves with a lot of time on our hands. If you’re struggling to figure out how to keep yourself occupied you’re not alone. I am going to share with you many of the things i have done that hopefully will help you!
about what your next move will be once covid-19 is over, organizing, budgeting, setting new goals for a new business, thinking of multiple ways of making new income which is important during this situation. I had wrote out a list of my goals that i would like to accomplish during and after the covid 19. Try setting some of yourself you may be amazed at what comes to your mind. By Not having a gym you can still
Any activity is better than none at all. More activity provides more physical and mental health benefits. Take breaks from sitting in front of your television, phone, laptop..etc instead do something more productive and read a book, plan goals for yourself, think
Dancing is also a great way of aerobic activity that’ll help tone and condition your body create a playlist of your top 10 songs and dance like nobody’s watching. Using stairs is an extremely time-efficient way to maintain fitness. If you have stairs at do a drill of running up and down your stairs for 1 minute. You can also do lunges up the stairs or even squats. Make a shopping list—and use it! You’ll be less like to forget items or buy those naughty things you don’t need such as chips, candy, or soda!
A lot of people have been stressed out about not being able to go to gym and stay active that they’ve been eating horribly and gaining weight. You are also able to be active at home. At-home workouts are just as good as at gym workouts its important for our bodies and minds to function well, prevent weight gain and keep the spirits up during these challenging times. Exercise can help keep our immune system strong, less risk to infections.
the movement and the length of time to your liking.
maintain strength using your own body weight. exercises such as planks, push-ups, squats, are effective! Try doing a high intense tabata style workout by doing 30 seconds of exercise 20 second rest. Example: Round 1 squats :30sec rest : 20sec Jumping Jack: 30 sec Rest: 20sec Burpee: 30 sec Rest:20 sec Pushups: 30 sec Rest: 20sec Repeat cycle 3 times.. you can change
Stock up on nutrition-packed foods that will stay fresh for a week or longer. Very important for us to ingest healthier foods to help fight infection try your best to eat 4 to five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Purchasing less meat will save more money! I hope that everyone stays safe and healthy during this rough time just always remember stay positive, stay active, and stay healthy! I am doing online training where you can work out with me in your own home! If you’re interested send me an email Laylahbunnyfitness@gmail.com
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
351
{ TRACY TALKS }
LET’S TALK ABOUT THESE MEN BY TRACY SIMONE
I honestly believe that some of the most interesting and beautiful creatures on the planet are men. I also genuinely believe that if I live to be one thousand, I will never figure these people out.
were raking the BACK yard when he proceeded to tell me how I should be doing my section. Mind you, I have been raking this same yard for over 20 years. Work is USUALLY
We all know that men and women are wired completely differently. What some women think is so plain and simple is completely crazy in the eyes of men, and vice versa. The relationship between male and female is probably the most complicated on Earth. This is true whether the person of your opposite sex is a family member, a love interest, your boss, or someone else. I do completely realize that I am one of those ‘independent women’, and quite nontraditional. I have the nerve to behave, think, and demonstrate that I am fully capable of handling most things. What I cannot handle though, is people telling me how to do things that I have mastered and have been doing for years. For some reason, some of the men around me have acted as if I have been walking into walls for my entire life and could not possibly function without them giving me step by step instructions or ‘correcting’ things for me. Geez. For instance, one day while I was still married, my husband and I 354
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
get under my skin to the point that I put my rake down, jumped in the car and drove to Home Depot. I returned with a new leaf blower and proceeded to remove the leaves from the FRONT yard! There’s nothing like a little Black and Decker and two separate yards to keep the peace. Years ago, when I bought my first house, my best friend gave me a cutlery set as a housewarming gift. She picked out this very nice set of knives, forks, and spoons that I really liked and used every day. A few years later, I was dating this guy. I liked him too and we were together for a long time…. long enough that he had a key. Oops. The ensuing conversation went a little something like this: Me: “What happened to my silverware?” Him: “I didn’t like it, so I replaced it”. Me: “BUT, YOU DON’T LIVE HERE!”
easier and more fun when you share it with someone else. Not this day. I really do not know why he couldn’t just leave me alone to do my part of the yard. Why man, why? I let him
Some time after that, yet a different boyfriend came along. Another seemingly normal and nice guy. We spent a lot of time at each other’s places. One day, he was at my house and I had to be gone for a while. When I returned, he had rearranged all the food in my cabinets and even the freezer! Me: “Why did you move all the food in my kitchen?” Him: “It looks a lot neater this way”. Me: “YOU DON’T LIVE HERE! YOU DON’T EVEN COOK!”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
355
{ TRACY TALKS }
“Men, I love you. Really, I do. Maybe it’s me. No, I think it’s you.”
Even with these incidents, I know that I am actually the lucky one. I have a girlfriend who went to work one day and was out of the house for several hours. During that time, her boyfriend decided that a particular wall in HER house should not be there….and removed it. Again, this guy did not live with her. His name was not on the deed or mortgage, but for some reason, he 358
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
felt that it was ok to remove a wall in her house! That did it! Relationship over. We never know how we would react in a given situation, but I am pretty sure that if that had been me, I would still be in prison right now. These are true stories. I cannot make this stuff up!
So please men, if I ever date you, please understand the Rules of Tracy. DO NOT change out my silverware without my permission. DO NOT rearrange the food in my cabinets or freezer and whatever you do, N
The Longest Day® is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. And it’s the day the Alzheimer’s Association® calls on everyone to fight Alzheimer’s disease by raising funds and awareness for care, support and research. On June 20, stand up to the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Together, we can get closer to our ultimate goal: Alzheimer’s first survivor.
START NOW. SELECT YOUR ACTIVITY AT ALZ.ORG/THELONGESTDAY.
{ A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE }
BLACK AND WHITE -BUSINESS BY GIOVANNA WALTON
Sometimes, we are so engulfed in our own world and our own surroundings, that we forget there are issues outside of our regular daily lives, that we don’t even think about. Why don’t we think about them? It’s because it doesn’t pertain to us or perhaps we just don’t think black and white. That’s me. My conscious self doesn’t think like that. It’s people that I see, NOT their color. To me, color doesn’t matter. We are all God’s children and He created us in His image. Someone told me once that he wished I did see color. Why? What does that have to do with the person themselves? Their character? Their integrity? Their ethics? The answer? It doesn’t. I don’t want to see color because that’s what has separated us all these years and is STILL continuing to separate us as a people. Now, I am NOT ignorant of the racism that goes on in this country and believe it or not, other races can be racist even against whites and other races. It is a specious way of thinking. Now, this column isn’t going to be about racism. That’s for a whole other day! I wanted to pave the way for what I really want to talk about and that is BOB or, Black Owned Businesses!!! DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION YET? đ&#x;˜Š. I hope so because this will be informative!!!! I saw a question asking, ‘ Why don’t black people support each other in business?’ This sparked my interest 360
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
to see the comments. I didn’t even know black people didn’t nor did I know this was an issue. The person who asked the question said white people have more money and that’s why they can sell things cheaper. I was taken aback by this comment. It was something that had never crossed my mind to think about the ratio of black and white millionaires. It didn’t cross my mind because I think about the Michael Jordan’s, Deion Sanders Sr. Who played baseball and then football, A-Rod, and actors like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, music icons like Jay-Z and the list goes on. Surely people in those positions are in the ‘aire’ category. So I had to look into it myself. Out of 607 Billionaires in the United States, 8 of them are black. I researched the number of black millionaires as opposed to ‘white’ but wasn’t able to find anything on it. I don’t know why only some made it to the billionaire status. I’m sure part of it is because it is harder for a black person to get the same advantages that a white person that needs to change, especially when we talk about diversity. Do I believe it’s fair? Absolutely not!!! Yet, it has AND can be done. So let’s talk about the locally owned BLACK businesses we have right here in Rochester. Back to the question of why there isn’t support amongst the black people when it comes to frequenting black owned businesses. Now, these aren’t my opinions. The black owned businesses I deal with KNOW how to do business. As a matter of fact, both of my bosses that I work for and have their own
cleaning business are black and run a tight ship. I have been with one of them for almost 8 years. Out of 72 comments, 23 said they supported BOB, 22 said they didn’t and the rest of the 27 either just made a comment or supported both. The reasons as to why they didn’t support their own was surprising. Well, not totally surprising when I think of how many times I’ve gone into Walmart and the customer service was not only disrespectful, non-available and lacking. The complaints they had were, customer service, jacked up prices, quality, communication, never on time, different prices for different people, product availability, location and one said that society has programmed them not to trust each other, jealousy, entitled as business owners. CUSTOMER SERVICE was the biggest complaint in BOB!! When you’re the owner, is hound this even be an issue? NO!!!! Many of those complaints had to do with attitude, the unwillingness to help as if you, as a customer, are inconveniencing them, AND closing early! One woman went into a black owned beauty supply store and the women there didn’t help her and pretend they didn’t see her. They never asked her if she needed help. After three times, she stopped going. Another woman ordered a pantsuit from a black owned boutique and went to pick it up at the time they told her to. When she got there, no one was there. No explanation and no call to the customer for the inconvenience. One person is still waiting for the
{ A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE } “ I don’t want to see color because that’s what has separated us all these years and is STILL continuing to separate us as a people.”
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
361
{ A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE } { SHIFT+CONTROL } “Sometimes, we are so engulfed in our own world and our own surroundings, that we forget there are issues outside of our regular daily lives, that we don’t even think about.”
t-shirt she ordered 2 months ago. No communication on the part of the business owner even thought the customer reached out. OVERPRICING. A guy threw some work over to black contractors and was quoted a price for half the work that another non-black contractor quoted for the whole job. A woman ordered three face masks. Now normally unless they are uniquely made (these weren’t) they average about $7.00. When it came to pay, those three face masks came to almost $50!!!!!! You can get N95 masks for $15.47 for five masks at Home Depot! She realized afterward she should have asked how much. Who knew???? Other big things that were talked about was jealousy amongst each other and that black people don’t want to see other black people succeed. I 362
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
believe that because I see the violence that happens with their own people against each other and for senseless things. One man said its because society programmed them not to trust each other. I’m not sure I believe that totally. I believe if they aren’t trusting it’s because of each other and their actions and dealings with each other. Another asked why the emphasis on basing their business with their blackness alone? Money is green. Good point. Yet the person who asked the question was trying to get the point across that white people have had black business way too long. It’s time for black people to support each other. On my end, I don’t care what color you are. If your customer service is excellent and communication is above and beyond, I’ll buy. If the quality of the merchandise is great, I’ll spend the
extra. Here’s another BIG thing for me, KNOWING AND BELIEVING in your product and what you’re selling. Don’t sell just to make money, sell with integrity to keep customers who will end up, more times than not, loyal customers. They will, in turn, tell their friends and so on. I hope this helps in some way. Just an FYI, there are 895 plus, black owned businesses right here in Rochester, NY ranging from Accounting to Wines and Spirits. So, with that said, I wanted to touch up on the most important aspects so it will help BOB’s who are already on shakey ground and also for future entrepreneurs. Ignorance is NOT bliss. Knowing what and how to improve is half the battle. As always, I wish you the best and blessings!
WELCOME TO TH
STRIVING TO BRING TASTES OF OUR REG WORLD FLAVORS AND PRESENTED I BEAUTIFUL WAY
HAPPY HOUR I WEEKEND BRUNC SATURDAY A
274 N GOODMAN ST SUITE B116 (585) 473-2090 I WWW.TH
HE GATEHOUSE...
G OUR GUESTS THE GION, INFUSED WITH S, AND PREPARED IN A HEALTHY AND Y. PLEASE ENJOY.
MON-FRI, 3-6PM CH, NOW SERVED AND SUNDAY
I ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14607 HEGATEHOUSECAFE.COM
{ MANIFESTING YOUR TRUE PURPOSE }
PIVOTING CREATIVELY BY LISA WAGNER
Pivoting Creatively During Challenging Times...How to Keep Momentum & Motivation There was a time in our lives that challenged us in every way humanly possible. We thought we were about to lose everything. All the hard work and self-sacrifice we had put into our business seemed to be washing away with the tide of local unemployment creeping into our backyard. We felt frozen with fear and many sleepless, tear-filled nights left us shaken. How would we take care of our kids, our bills and our employees? How did this happen? We were going like gangbusters with what seemed like clear sailing ahead. It was like a cruel joke that cut to the core. Are you feeling this way right now? I’m sure many folks are over a random virus that caught us all by surprise. You are not alone! When the things around you that you have absolutely no control over begin to dictate your own life, it can be hard if not gut-wrenching to see your life’s work dissipating before your eyes. Your only choice if you are to survive is pivoting your life by any means available. The only way we were able to stay afloat was through creative brainstorming and trusting that whatever we felt in our guts was the right move. We had owned a construction business that we started when we were just 21 years old. At the time, we had about $30 a week for groceries and lived in a tiny house. We were married a year later and decided to 366
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
really make a go of this business that was becoming more and more in demand. My husband, Paul has always been a go-getter and loves a challenge. He communicates and understands what a business needs to succeed innately. If you hired Paul, you knew you could trust him, the quality and timeliness of his work and that he would always be available to you. Something not so common in the construction industry. Paul had earned a reputation around the area as an incredible talent and the reliable guy every property management and
homeowner had been seeking but thought it was a far-fetched fantasy person. His reputation afforded him the ability to grow our business by hiring and training our employees to emulate his values and quality of work. Soon we had a thriving business that had customers willing to wait for the best company in town. I couldn’t have been more proud. We became able to afford a beautiful life that we had only dreamt of before but believed we could one day achieve. We were also beginning to
help others with the extra we had earned. It was joyous! Then Kodak, Xerox and Bausch and Lomb all had their bottoms drop out. Employees were being let go in droves, scrambling for ways to earn a living. It seemed everyone knew how to be a handyman and do it for a lot cheaper than we were able to. It was devastating. We could no longer be competitive and our timelines weren’t quick enough for customers. Property management companies asked us to slash our prices to the point where we were losing money on every job. We had to think fast and find new ways to pivot our business or we would lose everything. Looking back, it seems like we somehow managed this almost seamlessly. Then we remember it was hardly that. Paul and I knew that we had to quickly find a niche; something that other oneman shows weren’t going to be able to do overnight. We had to corner the market and dominate it in short order. That’s when we realized that we had been doing that all along with a smaller part of our business. It had been sitting under our noses the entire time! Had we not been forced to pivot, we may never have had the opportunity to grow this new venture and turn it into a seven figure business; one we recently just sold. Life’s challenges somehow made the new road we were forced to take the one we loved and grew exponentially in personally and professionally. Gabby Bernstein phrases this beautifully: “Obstacles are detours in the right direction.”
{ TRAVELING WITH ROCHESTER WOMAN }
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
367
{ MANIFESTING YOUR TRUE PURPOSE } . Ask yourself, “What am I good at?” “What does everyone tell me I excel at or call me for advice about?” “Where do I feel my most confident?”
When we trust what the Universe has presented us as a way in which to redirect our lives into ones that are of greater service to ourselves and others, it suddenly becomes one of our greatest gifts. That inner guidance system that is always beckoning us to see what it is we are meant to do and be never stops showing up for us. Every one of us has this innate ability to tap into our greatness and find what it is we’re are being asked to follow. It is a path that truly leads us in the right direction.
in you to make it something worth diving into. Building a business doesn’t require you have all the details worked out on day one. It just requires you showing up and doing the work; having a passion for what it is you’re offering, even if it’s just to bridge the gap of the down times. Creatively design ways to take your talent and make it all your own. No one has the same vision as you do. No one! There’s a reason why you were chosen to have strengths in whatever
When your life or business is in the midst of turmoil, especially during this challenging time, you are going to be more than just nudged. You are going to be jarringly awakened. Yes, it’s painful. Yes, it seems cruel. Yes, it’s unsettling and filled with unbearable anxiety. It is also filled with a strange promise of better things because this too shall pass. It is the way in which you choose to respond to the stress and looming feelings of failure or not being able to pay the bills. This is where Mr. Rogers and I would tell you to “look for the helpers.” Thinking about what you should do next isn’t easy, but it is essential for your financial and sometimes physical survival. Ask yourself, “What am I good at?” “What does everyone tell me I excel at or call me for advice about?” “Where do I feel my most confident?” There are areas in your life that you truly are an expert. No one is going to know your expertise or have the same experiences as you have. Your unique way of solving problems in the arena you are the bomb in is all you! The only catch? You have to believe in yourself and what you have to offer the world. You are being called to be of service to others. This doesn’t mean you need to do it perfectly at first. You just need one person to believe 368
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
area they lie. Ask your friends and family, those you trust, what it is that they need. How can you help them? It can be totally unconventional. Heck, ours was mold removal. No one grows up thinking, “I’m so good at removing mold. I hope I get to be that when I grow up!” When you find that thing, it will light your creative fires and drive you towards better days. The motivation comes naturally. It’s fun to get out of bed every day to see what it is you are about to accomplish. It was for Paul and I with mold. Who knew?! Detours are unnerving but survivable. Just
what if your bridge becomes your main income highway? You never would have come upon it without your current life circumstances. What if that detour opens you up to a new way of making your current business recession-proof? It’s something we all need to be striving for. Financial safety not only alleviates stress, it also allows for abundance in every area of your life. Selflimiting beliefs will choke your creativity and joy at every turn. You’re worth more than that! It’s what will bring your mindset back to one of full alignment with abundance and love. Every one of us is entitled to that. When you tap creative solutions for your life, you can be ever expansive. It’s a wealth of knowledge just waiting to be tapped into. We all need your talents and your joy. The world sorely craves it. Let this be your finest moment. Believe that all is possible when we let go and ride our beautiful waves. Ask others who have weathered life’s storms how they made it to shore intact. They are your helpers. They want you to succeed as they have because they’re the ones who understand that there’s more than enough to go around. Life’s circumstances are deeply challenging in ways we never thought possible. Making this your finest moment will take fortitude and a belief that all is well because you are being taken care of. That you are perfectly enough. There are greater plans out there for the taking and need your expertise. Not sure you can? Then may I leave you with a beautiful affirmation from Louise Hay that I use when I’m feeling overwhelmed? It helps me to create a soft place for me to fall into and rise up from. “I am incredibly capable. Whenever I encounter a challenge in my life, I use the experience to learn and grow. I rejoice in my creative energy.”
{ THRIVING THERAPY }
DEPRESSION PART 3 BY JENNIFER FRARY
IT HURTS
Depression, as you’ve repeatedly heard in TV ads for medication, hurts. The ad asks, “where does it hurt,” “who does it hurt,” and so on. Depression, hurts everywhere and everyone, when left unmanaged and untreated. But there is hope and healing for depression pain. Psychologytoday.com shared 6 common reasons that this happens: 1. COMMON BRAIN AREAS. “Multiple studies have shown that psychological pain and physical pain activate some of the same brain regions.” 2.COMMON NEUROTRANSMITTERS. “In addition to common brain areas, physical and emotional pain appear to involve similar neurotransmitters, including serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine.” 3. INFLAMMATION. “Inflammation is closely connected to physical pain.” 4. GREATER PAIN SENSITIVITY. “When we’re depressed, we tend to be more sensitive to pain... The common factor in depression and pain sensitivity may be chronic stress.” 5. EVERYTHING IS HARD. “The intense exertion it takes just to keep going makes everything feel like a painful, uphill battle.” 6. GETTING OUR ATTENTION. “Physical pain is hard to ignore.” Ok, so now what? Do I just take more Ibuprofen and hope for the best? Do I add more antidepressant medications and keep my fingers crossed? I am here to free you from complete reliance on pharmaceuticals! Pain can be effectively managed with talk therapy and the traditional remedies of ancient cultures.
First let’s talk about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a first line approach to treating depression, and it also shows significant benefit for chronic pain. That makes it a great approach for depression related pain, too! (see beckinstitute.org) CBT helps you to identify the thoughts that are resulting in uncomfortable feelings and potentially unhealthy behavioral responses, then to challenge the thought for more pleasant emotional and behavioral outcomes. In a depressed client with symptoms of physical pain, a therapy exercise might look like this:
with depression because, frankly, we just don’t have the energy to care. However, the food we eat plays a major role in the level of inflammation in our bodies. Foods that don’t create inflammation, and/or reduce inflammation in the body are whole plants like dark leafy greens, legumes, berries, and nuts. The Standard American Diet (ironically abbreviated to SAD) is highly inflammatory. Reducing (preferably eliminating over time) the amount of processed foods we eat is a big deal. Start by reading labels and menus and avoiding any product that lists more than 5 ingredients.
Client: “I have so much lower back pain that I just can’t get out of bed. I know I should be getting up and helping my kid get ready for school, but I just can’t. I’m a terrible mom.”
Exercise, as you know, is good for the body and the brain. Many joint pains can be benefited from moving. Sweating releases “gunk” from the body and makes us feel strong. Before you use pain medication, try seeing a physical therapist.
You can see that the client is experiencing real pain. In response to the pain she thinks “I can’t...” Which results in shame “I am...” The result is a choice to stay in bed and not help, perpetuating and reinforcing the cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help to challenge the “I can’t...” and the “I should…” so that the feelings are more realistic and the behavioral choices more adaptive. CBT helps us change the way we think about the depression and the pain. Client using CBT: “When I am experiencing depression, I experience lower back pain and I stay in bed. When I get up and help my kid get ready I feel productive and accomplished. Sometimes depression prevents that. I’m doing the best I can. In addition to CBT, there are self-care practices and alternative therapies that show much promise for managing depression and pain: 1. NUTRITION AND EXERCISE. This is really difficult for many dealing
2. ENERGY WORK. Integrated Energy Therapy “gets the issues out of your tissues.” Moving energy through 9 Integration Points to release negative energy and imprint healing. (see learniet.com and angelsanywhere.com) 3. YOGA. Spiritually based yoga, in particular, is about connecting with the breath, stretching the body, and empowering the self. Each of these components can reduce our level of physical pain. 4. ACUPUNCTURE. Another way of removing blocks in your body’s energy flow to reduce illness and disease in the body. 5. MASSAGE THERAPY. Sounds amazing just based on the word “massage,” right? It is. I recommend using these therapies in combination and adding other strategies that work for you. Depression and the related pain can be treated and managed.
{ { COMMUNITY ASK THE DOCTOR ROCS } }
372
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ ASK THE DOCTOR }
YOUR HIP MUSCLES BY DR. LARRY PESHKIN
The typical American diet is high in foods that cause increased tissue acidity and have high levels of free radicals which may initiate and/or amplify pain and many other conditions, including cancer, heart disease, decreased immunity, diabetes and arthritis. The foods we eat have a dramatic impact on how we feel and our bodies will perform best with quality foods. THE SUGAR CYCLE: Routinely eating products that contain sugar leads to a vicious sugar-craving cycle. - Sugars are absorbed into our blood and travel to the brain. - Sugar in the brain releases a chemical called serotonin that produces a sense of happiness and well-being. - As our sugar blood levels fall due to insulin production and sugar absorption, we move from a hyperactive state to more of a tired, irritable and weak state. - Concentration levels fall, and our cells begin to become acidic. - Our brain then once again sends a message that we need more sugar, and the cycle begins again Decrease consumption of red meat & refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour - These are easily converted to fat and the byproduct of this breakdown is arachidonic acid - Arachidonic acid and prostaglandins (formed when animal fats and proteins are broken down in the body) are highly pro-inflammatory and intensify pain and
initiate disease throughout the body. - When possible, substitute darker whole grains for refined white grains. Examples include: 100% whole grain bread made without hydrogenated oil, brown rice, whole grain pastas, couscous and others. - Red meat should be limited and may be replaced by fish, especially the cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna or herring. These fish also contain a chemical called DHA, which has been shown to increase brain circulation and function. Choose “healthy” oils like avocado, olive, coconut, or canola - Choose your oils carefully. Omega 6 oils are bad- these include the “warm weather Southern oils” of corn, sunflower, peanut and most others. This would also include oils from red meat, dairy products, and shellfish. - Omega 3 oils or “cold weather Northern oils” are better. These would include flax, soy, wheat germ, canola and fish oils. - Olive oil is classified as an Omega 9 and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have numerous other biological benefits including the reduction of harmful free radicals. - Avocado oil is primarily an Omega 9 oil and is an exceptional health choice with numerous health benefits including antiinflammatory properties and reduction of harmful free radicals. As a bonus, Avocado oil has higher smoke/flash points than olive oil - making it a better alternative for searing or frying.
- When possible, choose organic, extra virgin oils. “Organic” means that it was grown in pure soil without the use of pesticides, and extra virgin means that it was pressed without the use of heat or chemicals. INCREASE CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS The average American diet contains one and-a-half servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit per day. The minimum recommended daily allowance is five servings of fruits and vegetables. Optimally, we should eat 9+ servings of fruits and vegetables. - High fiber intake improves gastrointestinal function and decreases our risk of colon cancer. - We should ingest 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Good sources of fiber include beans, lentils, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. - Fruits and vegetables neutralize acids. - Fruits and vegetables are also high in vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health. - Fresh fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, which are known as the “guardians of health.” - Phytonutrients have been shown to protect us from several chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
373
GENTLE & HEALING CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Achieve the healthy, active life that you have been missing
2164 HUDSON AVE., ROCHESTER, NY 14617 585-467-7070 I WWW.IRONDEQUOITCHIROPRACTIC.COM
SHIFT+CONTROL { {{COMMUNITY ASK THE DOCTOR ROCS}} }
376
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
{ {SHIFT+CONTROL BEAUTY TALKS } }
COOLSCULPTING - DOES IT REALLY WORK? BY CHRISTINA MCDONALD
CoolSculpting was first was approved in 2010, and since that time has been FDA cleared for more sites with improved treatment and adaptors. CoolSculpting works through a process called cryolipolysis. Essentially freezing method to destroy fat cells. This then allows the body to excrete them just like other waste in the body. This technology is designed to get rid of stubborn fat that remains even with diet and exercise. This is not a weightless technology and not meant for very large areas or pockets of fat. When treating clients, we are clear to state that their weight must remain within 2-3lbs of treatment day weight. Most people are unaware that we have nearly all of our fat cells by early childhood. Meaning, as we gain and lose weight, it is actually the enlargement or shrinking of the fat cells that are present in our body. The only way shown to reduce the number of fat cells is with CoolSculpting or liposuction. These two modalities either freeze the fat cells to destruction, or by removing the fat cells with a cannula. When treated with CoolSculpting, the overall number of fat cells in the treated areas go down by 20-25% with one treatment. Areas can be treated more than one time, and often times that is recommended depending on each individuals frame and fat deposits. Everyone’s body is different and may have different areas of stubborn fat. CoolSculpting is customizable to the areas that are of concern to each individual.
CoolSculpting is FDA cleared to treat the submental area (chin), the submandibular area (jawline), inner thighs, outer thighs, flanks, abdomen, bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (banana roll), and the underarms. I want to be clear to express‌ THIS IS NOT A WEIGHTLOSS TREATMENT. Often you will hear someone say it was ineffective, which in most cases, they were either not the right candidate, did not have sufficient amount of treatments, or the provider did not adequately address their concerns or expectations of the procedure and the results that would be achieved. For the provider to best suit your needs, they must know if you have had any recent surgeries, your ideal weight and what other avenues or treatments you have had prior to CoolSculpting. Four contraindications which are rare are, Cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.
studies. Numbness and mild swelling can be expected in the first two to four weeks, with bruising and redness being rare, but typically not lasting more than two weeks. We have had many successful treatments done in our office with all the clients being highly satisfied. This allows patients the ability to do a treatment with proven results without taking time off of work and the need to go under anesthesia. This is the treatment everyone needs after we get over COVID-19 pandemic. Treat yourself! I am offering telemedicine visits. Free consultations so that you are ready to get started when all our restrictions are lifted!! 1050 Pittsford-Victor Road, Building B Pittsford, NY 14534 vegaplasticsurgery.com/med-spa
Why is CoolSculpting the number one fat reduction treatment? It is because there is no downtime, most applications can be done within 35 minutes. If you are able to go to a location such as Vega MedSpa where we have two machines, multiple body areas can be treated at one time. Results can be seen in as little as three weeks, with the most dramatic results seen in 2 months and continue to progress over 4-6 months. This is offered in more than 80 countries and there are over 100 peer reviewed ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY EDITION 2020
377
COMING BACK WITH A BRAND NEW LOOK JUNE 2020!
ESTATE & FINE JEWELRY
WE DON’T JUST SELL BEAUTIFUL ESTATE JEWELRY, WE COLLECT IT TOO! ESTATE & FINE JEWELRY BY HARRY KRIKORIAN 3025 MONROE AVENUE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14618 (585) 453-2860 WWW.KRIKORIANJEWELERS.COM
696 RIDGE RD (NEXT TO THE GARLIC PIT) WEBSTER, NEW YORK 14580 (585) 347-4950 WWW.COMPUTERWORKSPRO.COM