ROC, NY September 2025

Facets of Style S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5

FORGET “OFF THE RACK.” BE UNFORGETTABLE!

THE MEN DIDN’T CHANGE — THEIR TAILOR DID —

M A D E TO M E AS U R E S U I T S $ 9 9 9 F U L L C U S TO M S U I T S $ 2 , 5 0 0 B ES P O K E S U I T S $ 5 , 0 0 0

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A New Chapter Begins Please join us in welcoming Katrina M. Randall as Editor of ROC City Lifestyle. Katrina brings a wealth of experience and talent—and, more importantly, a heartfelt passion for the people and communities of Greater Rochester. With her inspired vision and deep local connection, we’re excited to see how her leadership will shape the stories, voices, and visuals that come to life in every issue.

Dear Readers, It’s hard to express how excited I am to be here as the new editor at ROC City Lifestyle. Writing, editing, and immersing myself in our greater community feels like a full-circle moment, bringing me back to when I first started my journey as a community reporter two decades ago.

Since then, I’ve explored other topics and niches, edited for national publications and digital media. But my first love is where I live and the people who live in it. I’ve had a passion for storytelling my entire life, and it’s my great honor to showcase the vibrant, colorful people living and working in the greater Rochester area—from our rich, cultural city to the outlying suburbs.

Over the years, I’ve come to truly appreciate what a beautiful and unique region we live in. But what captivates me the most is the stories unfolding around us and the lives we get to share through the glossy pages of this magazine.

While I’m new to the magazine as an editor, I’ve been contributing as a writer almost from its inception. In that time, I’ve had the privilege of putting a spotlight on an array of fascinating individuals and themes, allowing us to fully showcase different aspects of life in meaningful ways.

In this issue, we’re delving into what “style” truly means. When you think of style, you might instantly think of fashion. And while that’s an element of it, our team is committed to going deeper—whether it’s fashion, home design, learning styles, or the merging of different styles of art.

As I wrap up my first issue as editor, my hope is to help ROC City Lifestyle continue to grow into a publication that not only celebrates our region, but also connects us more deeply with our neighbors by uncovering the inspiring and ever-evolving stories of the people who call this place their home.

Thank you for reading, and most of all, being a part of our story.

Warmly, K AT R I N A M . R A N D A L L , E D I T O R @ROCCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Betty Dolce | betty.dolce@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Laura Bennett | laura.bennett@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Katrina M. Randall | katrina.randall@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Ashley Fosdick | amf00275@sjfc.edu CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Suzie Wells | suzphone@yahoo.com Lisa Barbato | lbarbato22@gmail.com

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ROC City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the ROC area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ROCNY

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in ROC City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

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Featured

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Design Rooted in Story

Behind the Style: How Designers Merge Function, Feeling, and Lifestyle Into Every Space

Threads of Expression When Art Becomes Action

When Canvas Meets Thread

A Creative Collaboration Across Mediums and Cultures

On the Cover

Departments

Featured artwork by Rochester-based sculptor Albert Paley, titled: “The Poignant Ambiance of Memory’s Lattice.” Based on a monoprint, the artwork was translated into a design by Oriental Rug Mart and then into a handwoven rug by skilled weavers in Nepal.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Expert Help PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Home Update HOME + DESIGN

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Fashion Forward ARTS + CULTURE

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Education Corner EDUCATION

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Realty Report REAL ESTATE

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Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

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Events

Photography: Hadi Sattari

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Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / R O C N Y

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SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1: The Willow Ball. Foreground - Beth & Peter Messner. Rear - Candace & Ted Messner 2: Lala of Webster “Fine Tastings” for Al Sigl Community.

Owner Lisa Schlonski with Coordinator Tammy. 3: Drinks are craft and the jazz is smooth on any given night at ...Vanni’s. (3-7) 4: Ann Marie Depoian indulges in a DREAMSICL cocktail. 5: Darryl Parker and Rev. Julius “JD” Jackson, Jr. 6: Ty Foster with Engrish Culver in truly elevated style. 7: The Victoria Moore Trio at Vanni’s Jazz Lounge.

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / R O C N Y

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SEPTEMBER 2025

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Lindsay Laine Home-The Shoppe at the Lake Opens in Canandaigua Lindsay Laine Interiors announces the launch of its newest venture, Lindsay Laine Home - The Shoppe at the Lake—a refined retail destination offering luxury furnishings, designer lighting, and curated lifestyle pieces for the home. Located at 116 S. Main Street in Canandaigua, this boutique shop brings the signature warmth and elevated style of Lindsay Laine Interiors to a permanent, shoppable space.

Scan to read more

First Playa Bowls in Upstate NY Opens in Victor Get your surf's up attitude on! Playa Bowls, New Jersey’s Original Acai Shop™ with over 300 locations nationwide is breezing into Upstate New York. Its mission is to bring superfruit bowls to the masses using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients while providing an amazing in-shop brand experience. Locally owned, Playa Bowls is serving acai bowls, pitaya bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew, and more at 400 Commerce Drive, Suite 600, in Victor. https://www.instagram.com/playabowlsvictorny

Scan to read more

Mayeu Financial Group Merger & Acquisition With Jeffrey A. Tyler The Mayeu Financial Group, ranked on the Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals list from 2022–2024, has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with and acquire Jeffrey A. Tyler CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, CASL®, RICP®. This strategic merger and acquisition enhances the Mayeu Financial Group's ability to help its clients strike the ideal balance among financial accumulation, protection, and distribution over time—and to continue to adjust their approach as clients near, enter, and live in retirement.

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / R O C N Y

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Smile, Styled Your smile completes any look, but clear aligners help it shine. Our expert explains how.

There’s one detail that completes every look— and it isn’t found on a hanger or in a handbag.

It’s your smile.

“A confident smile is effortless, timeless,” says Dr. Taylor Squires, a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Squires Orthodontics in Pittsford. “It’s often the detail people remember most.”

For many adults, subtle imperfections in their teeth can quietly undermine confidence, regardless of how put-together they appear.

That’s where today’s orthodontic options come into play. As Dr. Squires explains, “Clear aligners offer a refined, discreet, and highly personalized approach. We can often make precise, aesthetic changes in as little as three to six months.”

One of his favorite success stories? A brideto-be who walked into his office with just 12 weeks until her wedding. She hoped to align a few front teeth for her big day. “Using digital scans and a focused clear aligner plan, we created a subtle transformation that was comfortable, efficient, and perfectly timed,” he recalls. “No impressions, no braces—just a natural, confident smile for her most photographed moment.”

Using a tailored approach is foundational in his practice. “Every treatment is designed around your specific goals and schedule."

Adults don't need a full-mouth overhaul to achieve results. He encourages those who have been hesitant about orthodontic

ARTICLE BY ROC CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

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EXP E RT H E LP | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

treatment to reconsider. “People are surprised. It’s no longer an allor-nothing approach. We can make meaningful improvements that fit seamlessly into your life.”

Ultimately, no accessory rivals the power of a genuine smile.

“When your smile feels aligned with your personal style, it shows.

That kind of confidence is always in fashion."

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER CLEAR ALIGNERS?

• Misalignment: “Gaps, crowding, or rotated front teeth can often be corrected without braces.”

• Time-sensitivity: “If you have an event coming up, we can create a focused plan with fast results.”

• Subtle treatment: “If you want an esthetic solution that won’t interrupt your look or lifestyle, clear aligners are ideal.”

Dr. Taylor Squires

Retiring? Let’s talk.

Planning for retirement can be a little overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s work together to create a retirement plan that fits your needs. We’ll focus on things like electing Social Security, finding health care coverage, and ways to convert your savings into income. So, when the time is right, you can truly enjoy your retirement. Ready to get started?

Duncan I. Radcliffe, ChFC®, CLU®, AIF® Senior Financial Representative Principal Securities Registered Representative Financial Advisor Principal® Financial Network of the Northeast 1175 Pittsford Victor Road, Suite 150 Pittsford, New York 14534 585-445-5990 radcliffe.duncan@principal.com

©2025 Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Company®, and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network,Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Principal Securities, Inc.member SIPC. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Principal®, Principal Financial Group®,and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks of Principal FinancialServices, Inc.,a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc.,in various countries around the world. Duncan Radcliffe, Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Principal Securities Registered Representative, Financial Advisor and Member-Principal® Financial Network. AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®) is an educational designation only, obtained by the holder by completing the requisite coursework. The AIF Designation does not mean the holder is acting in a fiduciary capacity.

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DESIGN ROOTED

in Story

"The client shared a photo she had on her phone of a wood tone she loved, which became the cornerstone of our material selection." — Designer Kitchens

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H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

BEHIND THE STYLE: HOW DESIGNERS MERGE FUNCTION, FEELING, AND LIFESTYLE INTO EVERY SPACE

ARTICLE BY KATRINA M. RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Each space within a home tells a story about the people who live there. Design, layout, and functionality are all elements of style. Whether the inhabitants choose granite or quartz, wood or ceramic, windows allowing light in from the north versus the south, these decisions reflect their lifestyles, priorities, and personality. Even the smallest choices, like the hardware on cabinets, becomes a part of the narrative.

But personal style also needs to align with how you live your life within that space, making it essential for designers and architects to understand their clients’ needs versus their wants and how to merge them into a dream home or room.

Mark Fisher, showroom owner and designer at Designer Kitchens, explains that it’s important to understand that it’s more than just a space. “Some of the most meaningful insights come up when clients don’t realize they’re telling you something important. It’s rarely just about cabinetry and countertops. It’s about the memories people want to create—or preserve—in their homes. Once I understand that, the design becomes more than just functional and beautiful. It becomes meaningful," he says.

When he first begins working with clients, getting a sense of what they’re looking for takes observation, good listening skills, and asking the right questions. He always starts by visiting the home first to get a sense of what the kitchen “could be,” in terms of layout, function, and feel.

Considerations include whether they’re avid cooks, enjoy entertaining, daily routines, their biggest frustrations with their current kitchen, and what they love about other kitchens they’ve seen.

CONTINUED >

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By: Designer Kitchens

The goal was to make the bathrooms in the home different but cohesive. — Cedar + Deed

“One of my favorite examples of bridging aspiration and reality was a project that had two kitchens. The visible kitchen had a large island, perfect for entertaining. Behind pocket doors was a fully functional prep and cleanup kitchen.” When guests arrived, they could just close the doors to the prep kitchen while entertaining in a clean, sleek space that was specifically designed for entertaining. “It was the perfect marriage of beauty and function, aspirational style, and real-life practicality,” he says.

Getting to know the customer is a critical step in most designers’ process. Jim Kruger, owner of The Remodeling Showroom, explains that picture-focused platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can make design easier or harder, depending on what his clients are looking for.

“For example, open shelves in the kitchen always look so cool in a kitchen, but sometimes it’s not practical in real life. One time I had a customer that wanted to put in a vessel bowl in her bathroom. I suggested that she go home, put a salad bowl on her countertop, and try to brush her teeth. I suggested that the powder room may be a better place for a vessel bowl, not so much a space where you will be getting ready every morning,” he says.

Making spaces beautiful yet still practical and functional is an essential part of a designer’s job. Take Erin Eder and DeeDee DiMarco from Cedar + Deed. The residential designers recently renovated a dining space that wasn’t being used and an overly large kitchen into a first-floor primary suite. “The way we

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H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

By: Cedar + Deed

redesigned the space made sense for the family and efficiently created a beautiful new functional space out of underutilized areas of the house,” says Eder.

The duo work hard to understand their clients on a personal level and what they want the space to be, says Eder, adding, “One client asked us to furnish his very modern home in a more traditional style. When he mentioned a favorite bar in New York City, we knew he wasn’t just describing a style—he was describing a feeling. We visited the space, absorbed the textures, lighting, and atmosphere, and translated that emotional experience into the furnishings for his home.”

Although Joe O’Donnell at Greater Living Architecture deals with the entire house, from conception to individual spaces, his approach to understanding the wants and needs of his clients is similar to other home designers—it all starts with a meeting and asking the right questions.

For instance, he has a client in Canandaigua who does video recording and commercials, so she needed a space that was soundproof and had lots of natural daylight. “You start to learn that their jobs sometimes dictate what their needs are. Since the pandemic, home offices have become very popular, and so have home fitness rooms. You basically learn the lifestyle of the clients and that also helps drive the design.”

When designing an entire home, it’s also crucial to consider the unique features of the site. For a recent custom residence on

Keuka Lake, he worked with the natural slope of the land, incorporating expansive windows and moveable walls to blur the line between indoors and out. “Every project takes on its own characteristics, its own form, and its own design,” he says.

Most designers have a favorite part of the process. For O’Donnell, it’s flexing his creativity during the schematic design process. But all of the designers share a common sentiment: The greatest reward comes after the dust has settled, when clients express how much they truly love their finished home or space.

The Remodeling Showroom created a statement entryway floor mixing wood, tile, and stone.

Greece: designed with front elevation, an open common area, dedicated pet space, and a primary bath | Greater Living Architecture; Photos by Real 3D Media

Designed for pets, with custom cabinetry, a dedicated pet wash sink, and a nook for a cozy bed. | Design by Greater Living Architecture; Photos by Real 3D Media

By: Cedar + Deed

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a space that was once just an idea become a part of someone’s daily life. But what really stays with me is when I cross paths with a client a year or two later and they say, ‘'We still love it. We wouldn’t change a thing,’” Fisher says. “It means I paid attention to the details that matter most and made choices that have stood the test of time. That quiet kind of validation is what makes the whole process worth it.”

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Lilac Grove is a new, moderately priced rental community for adults ages 62 and older. Designed with comfort, convenience and community in mind, this 90-unit apartment complex opens in May 2026.

Welcome toL i lac Grove

Lilac Grove is here to meet your needs and enhance your lifestyle. As part of the Jewish Home campus, you’ll have access to a variety of amenities, engaging programs and a full spectrum of supportive services.

Let’s talk about making your move to Lilac Grove for a convenient, carefree community to call home.

Contact us today!

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

By Renée C. Veniskey

Imagine, amazing images that capture your life, your product, your family, your business…you.

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ARTICLE BY KATRINA M. RANDALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON VICK

WHEN ART BECOMES ACTION

THREADS OF EXPRESSION 20

FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CU LT U RE

The last time Chantiza Singh put on a fashion show, it wasn’t until the clothing arrived that she knew her theme—lace. For the Rochester bou-

more than just a vibrant nod to the many styles of art, it’s also a benefit for two unique organizations dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking.

“CHANTIZA HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, GIVING SPIRIT THAT SHINES FROM HER.” tique owner and fashionista, this evolution of planning is all a part of the creative process.

“I know it sounds terrible. I plan, but I also let things happen organically, to be creative during this thought process, to not be so rigid and have rules,” Singh says. “I want to do it more like an exhibit of both art, music, fashion, and poetry, and all things that I love—and bring them together in a unique experience.”

But while the theme hasn’t been set for her upcoming fashion show in October, the artists, venue, models, and entertainment are all in place, as is the event name: ‘Threads of Expression,’ which is a theme all in itself.

Featuring dancers, fashion, poetry readings, live jazz music, and art in a variety of forms, it’s what Singh calls turning “art into action.” That’s because the upcoming event will be

The idea for the event came to Singh last fall, and pieces quickly fell into place. In the early stages of planning, she contacted Mary Jo Gugino Colligan, president and CEO of Angels of Mercy, and Julie Chapus, owner and founder of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty.

“I came to know Chantiza through a fashion show hosted at the Century Club of Rochester. Immediately, I was impressed by not only her fierce talent and drive, but her heart. Chantiza has the most beautiful, giving spirit that shines from her,” Colligan says.

Angels of Mercy supports survivors of human trafficking through street outreach, relationship-building, and rehabilitation guidance. Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, a trauma-informed cosmetology program, offers survivors and at-risk individuals training, job placement, and mental health support.

CONTINUED >

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2024 Fashion Week Rochester City Lights at the Rochester Convention Center

2024 Fashion Week Rochester City Lights at the Rochester Convention Center

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FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CU LT U RE

“It’s one of those things people know about, but they don’t pay attention to it because it’s a hard topic,” Singh says.

That’s why she’s channeling her talents into something meaningful. A former producer for Fashion Week Rochester, Singh is no stranger to creating buzzworthy events—skills she now hopes will translate into real impact. The more attention the show receives, the more support she can give to the cause.

As the owner of Chantiza Boutique, Singh lives and breathes fashion. For “Threads of Expression,” she drew inspiration from major fashion weeks in New York and London—particularly London’s House of Tokyo, which struck a chord with its curated runway shows in a theatrical setting.

On Oct. 6, the event will kick off at the Century Club of Rochester with a VIP performance by international jazz singer

2024 Fashion Week Rochester City Lights at the Rochester Convention Center

“IT’S ALMOST LIKE LIVE ART IF YOU WILL.” Robin McKelle, who just so happens to be one of Singh’s customers. When the doors open to all guests, the plan is that they will be dazzled by immersive art and fashion throughout the night, including poetry readings from local poets Heidi Saller and Thomas Warfield. Most of the performers are friends or linked to Singh in some way. For instance, she likes what Saller stands for, while Warfield “is very theatrical, and he brings an audience and gives people an awareness of the topics that he talks to.”

The dance choreographer for the show, Madeline Dembowski, once served as a model during Fashion Week for Singh.

And Maya Davis, creator of Udeen Designs in Rochester, will have art on display. “So there are going to be poetry readers and staged models that are going to be posed based on the room and the space, so it’s almost like live art if you will,” Singh says.

2023 Fashion Week of Rochester at Arbor Midtown

CONTINUED >

Preparations at Chantiza Boutique for the Fashion Week of Rochester show: Elevate at The Dome S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / R O C N Y

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While this elevated event brings together many facets of art, it's the mission, and the people rallying behind it, that give the evening its true purpose and meaning. “I think the arts should be in every discussion. When you’re involved in the arts in some way, there are barriers that get broken down between people, which allows some of our humanity to come to the surface, to touch others' humanity,” says Warfield, one of the poets performing at the event. “Raising awareness of human trafficking, we all know this is happening. Probably many of us think, ‘what can I do about this?’ I think this gives you an opportunity to consciously think about it.”

By the end of the event, Singh hopes to write a substantial check to both organizations, a gesture that underscores her deep commitment to the community, one that’s appreciated by the many who know her.

2024 Fashion Week Rochester City Lights at the Rochester Convention Center

2023 Fashion Week of Rochester: Elevate at The Dome

International jazz singer Robin McKelle will put on a VIP performance at the Threads of Expression event.

“I love when an organization offers so much beauty and so much light to such a dark thing.”

Jordan Sahr, director of community mobilization at Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, puts it poignantly: “The work that we do is so hard—the things we see, the things that we face, the experiences, the stories. When you have someone like Chantiza, who says, I’m going to use my platform and bring light to this, it’s such an emotional piece to this. The support is unreal. Sometimes it can feel really lonely when you do this work. I love when an organization offers so much beauty and so much light to such a dark thing. We need more folk that are willing to shine light. It’s such a beautiful thing to partner with folks who really want to make a difference by using their platform to help us move forward.”

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FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Betty turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community.

Are you ready to be that spark?

ROC City Lifestyle Published by Betty Loved by Rochester

Your story is waiting.

Explore open markets nationwide.

L E A R NING DIF F E R E N T LY, T E AC H I N G DI F F E R E N T LY How Hope Hall Builds Success One Student at a Time ARTICLE BY SUZIE WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

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EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION

Everyone learns differently, and that’s not a flaw. Yet many traditional classrooms follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Standardized curriculums, uniform pacing, and rigid lesson plans, sometimes even verbatim instruction, leave little room for variation.

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five students has learning and attention issues, and even more need additional time, hands-on approaches, or different methods to succeed. As Sister Diana Dolce SSJ, executive director of Hope Hall School in Rochester, explains, this creates “Swiss cheese” learning—full of holes that only deepen as curriculum marches forward.

Dolce challenges the traditional definition of fairness in education. “Fair” shouldn’t mean everyone gets the same thing, she says, but rather “each student getting what they need to learn the same thing.”

She first noticed learning differences decades ago while teaching in Rochester’s parochial schools. Some students picked up lessons quickly, while others needed more time or different types of engagement. When she adapted her teaching to match students’ pace and styles, all students succeeded. Her experience led to the founding of Hope Hall in 1994, a school designed for students who learn differently, especially those unsuccessful in traditional classrooms.

Hope Hall’s curriculum uses hands-on strategies to match individual learning styles. Teachers break concepts into small chunks and incorporate multisensory instruction using concrete materials—even for abstract topics.

Lessons aren’t rushed. Teachers assess daily, and if comprehension drops below 80%, they reinforce before moving on. “Success is measured not by how quickly a lesson is completed, but by how deeply it is understood,” Dolce says. Ironically, this approach often saves time overall because students don’t need to backtrack.

Beyond instruction, Hope Hall builds a culture of care and community. Creative and cooperative lesson planning is essential, but what matters most is that, “We all care about what happens to each and every student.” For those who’ve felt invisible or misunderstood in school, this sense of belonging becomes life-changing.

One of the biggest misconceptions, Dolce explains, is that there are better students and poorer students, “A” learners and “D” learners. “There is no such thing,” she says. “If given respect and enough time in a supportive, multisensory learning environment, every student can learn. And learn well. No one should settle for less, no matter what anyone tells them.”

Looking ahead, Dolce plans to share her model more broadly through a forthcoming (Fall 2025) book and by licensing the Dolce Method. She sees it as an approach that could reshape education, especially for students who are failing or passing with grades of D or C. “If schools better understand and teach according to the diverse learning styles of their students, the education system will improve across the board.”

Dolce lights up when she describes her favorite moment each year: graduation speeches. Every student gives a speech about what they learned at Hope Hall and what they take with them into the world. “So many speak of learning values such as hospitality, perseverance, tolerance, cooperation, collaboration, and with them standing up talking to a couple hundred people about what truly matters,” she says.

In a world that increasingly values personalization in all industries, Hope Hall’s success reminds us that learning differences aren’t flaws to be corrected. They are invitations to teach more thoughtfully, more creatively, and with more compassion.

Hope Hall’s approach proves that when education adapts to the learner and not the other way around, students don’t just succeed. They thrive.

HOPE HALL Hope Hall began with 70 donors each giving $1,000. Though small class sizes weren’t “fiscally responsible,” Dolce stayed committed to her vision. Grants and private donations largely fund the school—and the outcomes speak volumes. Since adding high school grades 15 years ago, Hope Hall has maintained a 100% graduation rate.

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realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N R O C , N Y. TOWN/ZIP CODE

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

AV E R AG E D O M

Victor 14564

$560,390

$593,520

6%

6

Fairport 14450

$382,208

$461,870

21%

6

Penfield 14526

$446,550

$539,571

21.00%

6

Pittsford 14534

$514,887

$627,574

22.00%

7

City/Brighton 14618

$487,931

$574,436

16.00%

6

City/Eastside 14610

$353,631

$385,484

9%

8

West Irondequoit 14617

$321,259

$347,535

8%

7

Webster 14580

$446,332

$507,828

14.00%

7

East Irondequoit 14622

$218,000

$268,500

14.00%

9

Ontario 14519

$292,000

$370,000

25%

9

This data is a sampling of sold properties from July 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.

28

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

585-259-9896

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66 North Main St Fairport, NY 14450

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An Albert Paley sculpture with a Paul Reynard artwork-inspired rug behind it

WHEN CANVAS

Meet s Thre ad A Creative Collaboration Across Mediums and Cultures

"Before Passion's Gate"; "Burning Bones" monoprint; "The Poignant Ambiance of Memory's Lattice" beside the original monoprint by Albert Paley

ARTICLE BY KATRINA M. RANDALL | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

"The Far End of the Flat" by Charles Brian Orner

Art comes in many forms, mediums, and colors—and each artist draws inspiration in a different way. But not all art hangs on a wall or stands on a pedestal.

For instance, hand-woven rugs aren’t just floor coverings, they’re intricate textiles crafted by skilled artisans knot by knot. Reza Nejad Sattari may not be your typical artist, but he had a vision—to merge traditional rug weaving with the expressive beauty of fine art. In 2016, he set out to bring his vision to life by collaborating with artists whose work he admired, transforming their original pieces into hand-woven rugs made by skilled weavers in Nepal.

Sattari, the owner of Oriental Rug Mart and Art Interpreted in Eastview Mall in Victor with his wife Jila Kalantari, says, “The idea of Art Interpreted is to explore the connection between an artist and the craftsperson. It’s like translating poetry to a different language.

Where are the lines of art and function and how do we bring it to a practical daily life?”

According to Hadi Sattari, Sattari and Kalantari’s son, many people don’t realize that their family store isn’t just about rugs— it’s an art gallery in its own right, featuring art from a variety of artists, including four whose works have been translated into rugs. These four artists work in distinct mediums: paint, metal, glass, and digital media. One, the late French painter Paul Reynard, was an early inspiration for Sattari, who also contacted Rochester-based artist Albert Paley around the same time.

During the early stages of the project, the team chose to source their rugs from Nepal, home to highly skilled weavers and high-quality wool that's good for making durable items like rugs. To bring the artists’ visions to life, Sattari developed a system for translating digital images into patterns for the weavers. Each design was mapped onto a 12-by-12 knot-per-inch grid, communicating color, detail, and placement. The result is a collaboration across oceans and mediums, transforming original artworks into carefully crafted decor that’s functional and truly unique.

CONTINUED >

"Rapture, Retaining Wall"

by Charles Brian Orner

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"First Fire Red Brown" oriental rug by Joshua Simpson

An Albert Paley sculpture with one of his rugs behind it

ALBERT PALEY

A Joshua Simpson "Mega Planet" on a sculptured plant stand by Albert Paley

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

The value of an artwork lies in what the viewer brings to it, Paley notes. So when asked whether he has a favorite piece that’s been translated into a rug, he’s quick to deflect. “My thoughts have nothing to do with it,” he explains. “If you listen to a piece of music and you don’t like it, it doesn’t matter what the musician was thinking about.”

For the uninitiated, Paley is a metalsmith with global influence known for his metal sculptures. Among his array of awards and recognitions, he was the first metal sculptor to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects.

From the beginning, Paley was highly involved in the process of translating his works of art into rugs, from the quality of the wool and dyes, to the specific colors and final approvals.

“He’s a real student of process and doing things the right way,” Hadi says.

Of course, taking a sculpture and rendering it into a rug is easier said than done, with the design process taking years before the rugs came to fruition.

“I’ve been involved in metal and three-dimensional forms for many decades. Drawing was always fundamental to that whole process,” says Paley, noting that before he begins doing the large physical work of creating a sculpture, he typically explores the idea through drawing. Then, he takes his drawings and creates a model from cardboard, and from there, to metal. “For me, it was an exciting possibility taking what I normally do with design sense, changing from a three-dimensional vocabulary to two-dimensional.”

Aside from the large sculptures Paley creates, he also designs decorative tables, lamps, and furniture. “If anything has an intimacy in the house, it’s a rug,” he says. “It’s tactile, it's soft, it changes as you walk on it. It has all of that fidelity,” he says. “If you have a painting or a sculpture, you look at it. When it comes to a rug or furniture you actually live with it, you sit on it, you walk on it. It’s almost like clothes and fashion, you have certain sensibilities and certain character, and you create an environment that expresses your individuality.”

JOSHUA SIMPSON

To go from an image of glass to a hand-woven rug is complicated, explains Joshua Simpson, a Massachusetts resident and a fellow at Corning Museum of Glass. At Art Interpreted, it’s easy to spot his glass globes, swirling with colors and shapes that look like worlds within worlds. In fact, astronomy and cosmology are his inspiration, and each globe is indeed a world from a different galaxy, he explains.

To hone in on translating his glass sculptures into rugs, Simpson started by taking hundreds of photographs of different sections of the glass, with a small section being blown up and enlarged to become a rug. In return, Sattari’s team sent Simpson color samples of yarns. One of the challenges was pixelation, with the glass sculptures having thousands, possibly billions of pixels, while yarn is limited within the number of knots per square inch.

z Re

e aN

S jad

But Simpson was impressed with the care and detail that went into the preparation before each design was sent off to be made into a rug. “It creates a whole new different way of looking at my art in a way that I love and appreciate,” he says.

With his work displayed across the world in museums and galleries, Simpson says, “It’s amazing to think you can have some representation of my work on your wall and in your home, thanks to Reza and Hadi.”

CHARLES BRIAN ORNER

Local digital artist and photographer Charles Brian Orner quickly discovered that translating his work into rugs posed unexpected color challenges.

Unlike the digital standard of color that allows you to define color from one system to another, wool is dyed using a standard called ARS. Much like Pantone colors are delivered on a card sample, a tuft of wool is dyed and treated as the standard.

Even after translation, colors might not look right—so weavers gave input on what would or wouldn’t work. “The purpose is not and never has been to perfectly reproduce the original artwork, because that’s not possible. There are too many things that are different. The purpose was to retain the impression of the original artwork and render it in wool,” he says.

THE FINAL THREAD

According to Hadi, the weaving takes about eight to 10 months, but the initial planning and color selections took years. When the rug is complete, it needs to be cleaned, torched to singe off loose fibers, and sheared flat.

Since these rugs are unique to each artist and take a long time to make, they’re all limited editions, with each artist setting the number of rugs that can be made from their works of art.

“They’re original artwork, instead of mass produced, so they're all hand-tied and hand-knotted. It’s really quite an amazing process. It takes you away from the commercialization of the environment we create ourselves,” Paley says. “It’s not something you can get from Ikea. That kind of uniqueness and that kind of personalization is very, very rare.”

attari and Jila K ala nta ri

ORIENTAL RUG MART AND ART INTERPRETED

People don’t realize that the family store isn’t just about rugs—it’s an art gallery in its own right. The art is currently on display at the Oriental Rug Mart and Art Interpreted in Eastview Mall. View each artist’s work on the Art Interpreted website, at: https://artinterpreted.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SE PT E M BE R 1 ST

Labor Day Parade Downtown Rochester (Begins at East Ave & Alexander St.) | 11:00 AM Celebrate Rochester’s working community with a festive downtown parade featuring music, floats, and local union groups.

SE PT E M BE R 6T H- 7 T H

M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave, Rochester | 10:00 AM One of Rochester’s longest-running art festivals with over 300 artists, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities on museum grounds. Admission is $5 for adults and free to MAG members and children age 12 and under.

SE PT E M BE R 9 T H- 2 0 T H

ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Various Venues Throughout Rochester. Hub is The Spiegeltent, Corner of Main & Gibbs Streets | 5:00 PM This 12-day multidisciplinary arts festival features hundreds of performances, including theater, music, dance, comedy, and visual art.

Learn more about ticketed and free events at rochesterfringe.com.

SE PT E M BE R 1 5T H

Festival of Food Public Market, 280 N. Union St, Rochester | 6:00 PM A delicious fundraiser for Foodlink offering samples from 100-plus local restaurants, wineries, and breweries in a lively market setting.

SE PT E M BE R 2 0 T H

North Winton Village Festival Linear Park, East Main St & North Winton Rd, Rochester | 10:00 AM A local neighborhood festival filled with vendors, food, music, and family-friendly activities in a scenic park setting.

SE PT E M BE R 2 1 ST

Artist’s Row Rochester Public Market, 280 N. Union St | 10:00 AM A juried arts festival that transforms the market into a gallery space with works from local artists, live music, and interactive booths.

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