55 Plus of Rochester, #30: November – December 2014 by 55 Plus: For Active Adults in Rochester

Savvy Senior: How to Check Up On Your Hospital Financial Planning: Diversifying Your Nest Egg

55 PLUS Issue 30 November / December 2014

For Active Adults in the Rochester Area

Second Acts How one lawyer broke out of the mold mid-life to create her own happiness

Sports Spencerport Booster Club making a big difference

Giving Holiday Outreach: Local nonprofit makes holiday giving fulfilling

HIGH STANDARD Barbara Risser, 62, raises the bar at Finger Lakes Community College. She talks about her college, health, exercise and her 42-year marriage

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CONTENTS

55 PLUS

November / December 2014

years and still has a blast doing it

14 My Turn 18 GIVING Addyman’s Corner 24

• Holiday Outreach: Local nonprofit makes holiday giving fulfilling

Long-term Care 46 20 SECOND ACTS

LAST PAGE Don Riley of vice president of Mark IV Enterprises, has worn many hats in Rochester community 4

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

• How one lawyer broke out of the mold mid-life to create her own happiness

26 SPORTS • Spencerport Booster Club making a big difference

28 COVER

Savvy Senior 6 10 HO! HO! HO! Financial Health 8 • Bob Carey has played Santa for 23 Trends 16

roc55.com

• Barbara Risser raises the bar at Finger Lakes Community College

34 CRAFTS

• An East Rochester woman tries to keep the art of tatting alive

36 PROFILE

• Financial planner Jim Terwilliger finds great deal of success after Kodak

40 OUTREACH

• Henrietta couple helps kids in impoverished northeastern Peru

44 CREATIVE

• Rochester artist, qigong therapist harnesses healthy energy

48 LEGACY

U of R alum Alan Hilfiker leaves lasting legacy

CDC: Americans Living Longer

ife expectancy at birth among the US population — defined as “the average number of years that a group of infants would live if the group was to experience throughout life the age-specific death rates present in the year of birth” — increased from 78.7 years in 2011 to 78.8 years in 2012. This is the longest life expectancy ever recorded. The report authors, from the National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), say this increase can be attributed to a reduction in many major causes of death, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke. To reach their findings, the authors compared final mortality data on deaths and death rates from 2012 with that of 2011. Although life expectancy has increased over the total US population, women are still expected to live longer than men. The report reveals that in 2012, the life expectancy for females stood at 81.2 years, while the life expectancy for men was 76.4 years. This difference of 4.8 years is the same as reported in 2011. At the age of 65 years, life expectancy for the total population also saw an increase, from 19.2 years in 2011 to 19.3 years in 2012. Again, women aged 65 had a longer life expectancy than men of the same age, at 20.5 years in 2011 and 17.9 years in 2012. The authors say the life expectancy difference between men and women aged 65 increased by 0.1 years in 2011-12, from 2.5 years to 2.6 years. The authors say that the 10 leading causes of death - which account for 73.8% of all deaths in the US - were the same as reported in 2011. The report reveals significant declines in age-adjusted death rates for eight of the leading causes of death in the US. They are: heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, unintentional injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease and suicide.

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55PLUS LOCAL Stories and Articles About LOCAL People, Events and Locations by LOCAL Writers

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savvy senior By Jim Miller

How to Check Up on Your Hospital

hile you may not always have the opportunity to choose your hospital, especially in the case of an emergency, having a planned procedure can offer you a variety of choices. When shopping for a hospital, the most important criterion is to find one that has a strong department in your area of need. A facility that excels in coronary bypass surgery, for example, may not be the best choice for a knee replacement. Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they’re treated in hospitals that have extensive experience with their specific condition. In order to choose a hospital that’s best for you, it is important to discuss your concerns and alternatives with the doctor who is treating you. Some doctors may be affiliated with several hospitals from which you can choose. Or, if you’ve yet to select a doctor, finding a top hospital that has expertise with your condition can help you determine which physician to actually choose. Another important reason to do some research is the all too frequent occurrence of hospital infections, which kill around 75,000 people in the U.S. each year. So checking your hospital’s infection rates and cleanliness procedures is also a wise move. Researching Tools Today, there are a number of online resources that provide hospital safety and performance data to help you research and compare facilities. Because hospitals are such complex places, it’s wise to get information from a variety of sources. Here is a summary of some top guides. • Hospital Compare (medicare. gov/hospitalcompare): Operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, this free tool lets you compare general quality of care, as

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

well as care for many medical conditions and surgical procedures in more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals. • Consumer Reports Hospital Rankings (consumerreports.org/ hospitalratings): If you don’t mind spending a few dollars ($7 for one month or $30 per year), Consumer Reports ranks 4,500 hospitals in all 50 states. The reliable resource provides information on up to 34 performance and safety measures. • U.S. News & World Report (usnews.com/best-hospitals): This online publishing resource identifies the best hospitals for 16 specialties, and provides rankings by metro area and by specialty for free. • Healthgrades (healthgrades. com): A private, for-profit organization, they provide free hospital ratings on patient safety and medical procedures, and scores hospitals using a 5-star scale. • The Commonwealth Fund (whynotthebest.org): This is a private foundation that provides free performance data on all U.S. hospitals. • The Joint Commission (qualitycheck.org): This is a not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the U.S. Hospitals receive a checkmark for each set of measures they have met. • Hospital Inspections (hospitalinspections.org): Established by the Association of Health Care Journalist, this focuses on violations and inspection reports. • The Leapfrog Group (hospitalsafetyscore.org): This national, notfor-profit organization grades hospitals on their overall performance in keeping patients safe. Use your city, state or ZIP code to search more than 2,500 hospitals. • VA Hospital Compare (www. hospitalcompare.va.gov): If you’re a veteran, you can research and compare VA medical centers here.

55PLUS Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto

Associate Editor Lou Sorendo

Contributing Writers

Deborah J. Sergeant, Ernst Lamothe Jr., Jessica Gaspar Renee Rischenole, John Addyman Deborah Blackwell, Colleen Farrell

Columnists

Jim Terwilliger, Susan Suben Jim Miller, Bruce Frassinelli Laura Thompson

Advertising

Donna Kimbrell, Marsha Preston H. Mat Adams

Office Manager

Laura J. Beckwith

Layout and Design Chris Crocker

Cover Photo

Chuck Wainwright 55 PLUS –A Magazine for Active Adults in the Rochester Area is published six times a year by Local News, Inc., which also publishes In Good Health–Rochester–Genesee Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper.

Health in good

Rochester–Genesee Valley’s Healthcare Newspaper

Mailing Address PO Box 525 Victor, NY 14564 Subscription: $15 a year © 2014 by 55 PLUS – A Magazine for Active Adults in the Rochester Area. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher. Third class postage paid at Syracuse, NY. Permit Number: 3071

How to Reach Us P.O. Box 525 Victor, NY 14564 Voice: 585-421-8109 Fax: 585-421-8129 Editor@roc55.com

Social Security

Q&A

Q: I’m retired and the only income I have is from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Are my IRA withdrawals considered “earnings?” Could they reduce my monthly Social Security benefits? A: No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by a government pension from work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Q: Can I conduct my Social Security business online in the event of a hurricane or other disaster that keeps me from visiting an office? A: Yes, you can conduct most of your business with Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov, where you’ll find a wealth of information and services. For example, you can create or access your own “my Social Security” account, apply online for Social Security benefits or Medicare and check the status of your pending application. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you can change your address, phone number, or your direct deposit information, get a replacement Medicare card, or get an instant proof of income letter. You also can get your Social Security statement online. Your statement lets you check and verify your earnings record and see estimates of your future benefits. . Also, make sure you receive your benefits electronically. While the mail can be disrupted during severe weather or other emergencies, electronic payments arrive in your account on time, all the time, no matter what.

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November / December - 55 PLUS

financial health By Jim Terwilliger

Diversifying Your Nest Egg Account Types

n past columns, we have emphasized the importance of investment diversification. Such diversification refers to your overall investment portfolio and is important at two levels: • Macro allocation: Choosing a ratio of stock-related investments to bond or cash-related investments that is appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and investment time horizon. • Asset class allocation: Ensuring that holdings are properly allocated among common domestic and foreign investment asset classes within the broad stock and bond categories. Diversification does not mean having similar accounts spread out over multiple financial institutions. Doing so generally results in substantial duplication and normally does not achieve the desired allocation benefits. There is another diversification factor of high importance that is often neglected — diversifying across account types: pre-tax, after-tax, and tax free. Pre-tax accounts typically consist of 401(k) / 403(b) / 457 employer plans and various forms of IRAs. Contributions generally are tax-deductible and earnings and growth are tax-deferred. Income taxes are paid when distributions are made. After-tax accounts include savings and checking accounts, non-IRA CDs and investment accounts. Here, income taxes have already been paid on the principal, but taxes are then paid annually on the interest and dividend earnings and on gains realized from sales of securities. Finally, tax-free accounts are represented by one of the greatest gifts ever given to the American taxpayer by Congress — the Roth IRA and Roth 401(k). For assets held in such accounts, none of the generated in8

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

come or capital gains on securities sales is taxable, as long as some simple timing and age rules are followed. Note that I am ignoring, for the sake of keeping this discussion simple, deferred annuities and tax-free municipal bonds, which are variations on this general theme. Except in unusual circumstances, I typically encourage clients to approach retirement with a mix of all three types of accounts. To appreciate the value in doing so, it is important to understand some of the pros and cons of each type. • Pre-Tax Pros: immediate tax deduction for contributions; tax-deferred income and growth; easy, disciplined way to save for retirement; employers often offer match contributions for employer plans; first $20K/year of distributions not taxed in NYS; can be left to heirs. • Pre-Tax Cons: distributions

taxed at ordinary rates; required annual distributions starting at age 70-1/2; 10 percent penalty for distributions prior to age 59-1/2, with a few exceptions; required distributions can have negative income tax consequences — taxability of Social Security at lower income levels and phase-out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions at higher levels; can also trigger additional 3.8 percent Medicare tax at higher levels; annual contributions limited by ceiling dollar amount; no step-up in basis at death; non-spouse heirs required to take annual distributions. • After-Tax Pros: always under the owner’s control; highly-flexible; favorable federal tax rates for longterm capital gains and qualified dividends; can be gifted to spouse, family, charity; no annual contribution ceiling; can be left to heirs; full step-up in basis at death.

• After-Tax Cons: contributions not tax-deductible; annual interest/ dividend income taxable; income taxes also generated by regular account rebalancing and changes in the investments including securities sales; • Tax-Free Pros: no income taxes ever, if simple rules are followed; reasonably flexible; no required annual distributions; easy, disciplined way to save for retirement; no tax or penalty associated with removing principal, regardless of age or timeframe; can be left to heirs; heirs can continue accounts tax-free. • Tax-Free Cons: contributions not tax-deductible; dollar ceiling on annual contributions; non-spouse heirs required to take annual distributions. When a client is accumulating assets, I usually suggest the following order of priority in setting money aside for retirement: • First, max out a traditional 401(k) up to the company match, if any. • Second, max out a Roth IRA (2014 - $5,500 plus $1,000 if age 50 or older) or contribute like amount to a Roth 401(k) if available. Note there are income limits to making Roth IRA, but not Roth 401(k), contributions. • Third, allocate additional savings dollars among pre-tax, traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k), if available, accounts. What is an appropriate allocation for the third step? It depends on individual circumstances. There is no standard rule of thumb. The idea is to have a reasonable mix to take advantage of the “pros” and not be disadvantaged by a preponderance of the “cons.” For example, it is not unusual to find a retiree with most of his/her assets in a pretax form — not a particularly good situation. As we always advise, be sure to partner with a trusted financial planner to determine the account-type allocation strategy best for you. James Terwilliger, CFP®, is a senior vice president, financial planning manager with Wealth Strategies Group, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Company. He can be reached at 585-419-0670 ext. 50630 or by email at jterwilliger@cnbank.com.

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November / December - 55 PLUS

55+

ho! ho! ho!

Not Your Typical Mall Santa Bob Carey began playing Santa 23 years ago after his first grandchild was born. He keeps on going, in local diners, stores, country clubs and even private homes By Renee Rischenole

Bob Carey as Santa.

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

anta Claus is an American icon fixed into the holiday celebration. He is visited by children all over the nation who travel to malls to take pictures with him and tell him their Christmas wish lists in hopes that he will deliver presents to them on Christmas Eve. But we all know that Santa isn’t real, or is he? Bob Carey, a 74-year-old gentleman from Brockport, is also known as “Santa.” He is recognized all around town for his compassion and generosity to children and adults. This man isn’t like the typical Santa hired for the local mall at Christmastime where children stand in assembly-line fashion waiting to sit on his lap. Carey travels around to local diners, stores, country clubs and even private homes where he often mingles and eats meals with guests. “I’ve been going to Abe’s in Spencerport around the second or third week in December yearly for 20 years now and the owners are such good people,” said Carey. “I really enjoy going there.” Abe’s Restaurant in Spencerport had only been open about a year when the owners heard about Carey playing Santa. He was a frequent customer to the restaurant and during a conversation, Carey told them what he does. The owners then decided to hire him for the Christmas season. “Bob to me is the real Santa,” said Dave Porteus, owner of Abe’s Restaurant. “He totally embodies the true spirit of Santa and I can’t say enough good things about him.” Carey began playing Santa 23 years ago after his first grandchild was born. He was asked by his family to buy a Santa suit for the baby. The

idea took off from there when he then dressed up for family, friends and eventually the public. Nowadays, it’s hard for people to acquire business without a website or email, but all Carey is armed with is his business card and he is never short of requests. Carey’s wife Geri schedules all his engagements for the holidays. “Openings fill up fast and far in advance,” said Geri. “The closer we get to December, all that is left are times in the middle of the week.” Geri fully supports her husband playing Santa and every year tags along on Christmas Eve when Carey entertains his regular families while she sits in the car and reads her book waiting for him. It’s a tradition she enjoys as well. “Although playing Santa is what he would like to continue doing, lately I’ve been thinking about him getting older and whether he is capable of carrying it on,” Geri said. Carey remains active tending to his meticulously maintained seven-acre landscape adorned with flowers in the warmer months and hand-painted sculptures created by his wife. A large pond with a gazebo that the couple’s son built sits out back and Carey proudly praises his son for his creative abilities. Tradition of family Indeed, Carey is a family man. He has been married for 54 years and has two sons and six grandchildren. Every Wednesday is family night where they gather at the couple’s home and sit around the dining table talking and spending time with one another. Year round, their home has Christmas written all over it. Santa plates and mugs are visibly displayed in and on the curio cabinet, pictures of Carey in his Santa suit hang on the wall, a holiday village sits above the kitchen cabinets and a Christmas tree with Santa characters are decorated downstairs in Carey’s man cave. Christmas for Carey growing up wasn’t lavish by any means. Carey had six siblings and all their presents came from the Salvation Army. He explained his mother did all that she could for them. “Mom used to say, ‘Bobby, you could feel sorry for the kid without shoes but there are kids with no feet,’” Carey said.

When Carey is not playing Santa Claus, he spends time tending to his meticulously maintained seven-acre landscape adorned with flowers. The large pond includes a gazebo that the couple’s son built sits out. Even though playing Santa began as a family affair, it had almost immediately felt right for him to bring Santa out into the community. “Everybody knows him around town as Santa,” Geri said. Carey had no idea what he would gain from playing Santa but he certainly has a lot of cherished moments and stories to share. He hears about divorces and deaths with some children asking to bring their parents back together or their loved ones back from the dead. Some children ask for simple presents and others ask for more expensive items like cell phones. “I know what it feels like to give a child a Teddy bear and to see them

hug it,” said Carey. “Those are the children I know don’t have much.” Every year, Carey shops at Kohl’s where he purchases stuffed animals. People in the community also donate toys and other various items that Carey hands out to the children he visits throughout December. Step aside, mall Santas Carey enjoys playing Santa as a guest rather than at the mall because it gives each child time to talk and not be rushed. “He is so much better than the mall Santa. He sits with people for as long as they like, allows them to take pictures with their own cameras and is an extremely generous man. He November / December - 55 PLUS

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55 PLUS - November / December 2014

gives all the money he makes here to charity,” Porteus said. Carey enjoys the bonding experience. Some local places he frequents include Dunn’s furniture, Walmart, the Brook-Lea Country Club, Jimmy Z’s Texas Hots, the Brockport Lions Club. “Jimmy from Jimmy Z’s is so generous. Every year he gives a free turkey dinner for Thanksgiving to every person that comes through his doors,” Carey said. One of Carey’s most enjoyable moments was when he held Jacqueline, a premature baby. Growing up, she was an only child and, having two sets of grandparents and one set of great-grandparents, she received more than enough presents. Over the years, she began to donate them in their original packaging to Carey for his Santa bag. Fairly recently, Jacqueline wanted to meet up with Carey at Abe’s Restaurant where they first met so that she could have Santa’s approval about her new boyfriend. “That made me feel good to know that this girl thought so highly of me and needed Santa’s OK,” Carey said. Carey credits his wife for her contributions as well and explains how her generosity rubs off on him. One year while she was shopping at the local Walmart during the holiday season, she couldn’t help but notice the family in front of her who was waiting in line. It was a mother with five children. “I could tell the family wasn’t well off and I was impressed by how well behaved the children were,” Geri said. She explained how the children were commenting about a Christmas movie they saw on the shelf in the checkout line that they wished they

could watch. She also observed the items that were in their shopping cart and all appeared as necessities and nothing more. “I immediately left the line to find Bob outside and told him that there was a family inside who deserves to have presents under the tree on Christmas,” Geri said. Carey then brought a bag full of toys inside the store and gave them to the mother for her children. The mother began to cry in gratitude but then asked how she would leave the store without personnel thinking she stole the items. “Tell them Santa gave them to you,” Carey replied. Not everybody can pull off playing Santa. In his early years, he wore a store-bought suit and a fake beard. Nowadays, he begins the season early by growing his beard in August and he dresses in a custom-made suit by a tailor from Italy. “When I put on my suit, I feel like a king,” Carey said with a glowing smile. He said when the suit goes on, he doesn’t care if visitors are 1 month old or 100 years old, something tremendous happens inside him. He is overcome with joy. “Christmas to me means I hope the elderly get taken care of, I pray there are no more senseless killings and that all the service men and women make it safely back home,” Carey said. During the holiday season, he stays busy with other people’s families besides his own. Although the couple is given plenty of invites to friend’s homes on Christmas Day, they keep the tradition with their own family. The Careys celebrate Christmas Day spending quality time together. They go to their son’s house for breakfast in the morning and open presents. Everyone then makes their way to the couple’s home later in the day for dessert and to sit around and watch Christmas movies together. “You don’t need drugs to get high, you can be high on life. That’s not corny, it’s true,” Carey said. Now who said there’s no such thing as Santa? For more information about Bob Carey and his work as Santa Claus, call 585-637-8854.

5 Lifestyle Factors Can Help Prevent Stroke Risk in Women

omen who follow five healthy habits can cut their stroke risk in half, new research suggests. After being followed an average of 10 years, women who ate a healthy diet, drank alcohol moderately, never smoked, remained physically active and had a healthy body weight were 54 percent less likely to have a stroke than women with none of these factors, said study author Susanna Larsson, a researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. “We observed that the risk of stroke decreased steadily with an increasing number of healthy lifestyle habits,” Larsson said. The study is published in the Oct. 8 online edition of the journal Neurology. Larsson’s team followed nearly 32,000 Swedish women, average age 60, as they reported on their diet and lifestyle. For the study, a healthy diet was considered one within the top 50 percent of a food score that measured how often the women ate fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and other healthy fare. Moderate alcohol intake was termed three to nine drinks a week. Women were classified as physically active if they walked or biked at least 40 minutes a day, along with doing more vigorous exercise at least an hour once a week. Healthy weight was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) below 25. For example, a person who is 5 foot, 4 inches and weighs 140 pounds has a BMI of 24. About 1,500 women reported none of the healthy habits, but 589 had all five. Most women had two or three. During the follow up, 1,554 strokes occurred. The more healthy habits a woman practiced, the less likely she was to have a stroke, the study authors found. “It is never too late to start to be more healthy,” Larsson said. So, if women have reached midlife and need to get healthier, she encourages them to do so.

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November / December - 55 PLUS

55+

giving

Holiday Outreach Local nonprofit makes holiday giving fulfilling By Renee Rischenole

iving, sharing and compassion are a part of our human instincts and although this doesn’t always seem evident in our everyday lives, there are still many good people surrounding us. We tend to see more of these traits in individuals around the holidays, a time when not everybody has the means to give and provide for loved ones. One day back in 1993, Tom Foster was overcome with the feeling of wanting to reach out and help those who were in need during the holiday season. He was quick to tell his family about his idea and soon after Holiday Outreach was formed. Holiday Outreach is a nonprofit organization that raises funds from various events held throughout the year. The proceeds are used to provide food and supplies to area food pantries and soup kitchens and gifts are donated to children and families living in the city of Rochester and its surrounding areas. Foster began the program while he was teaching at Thomas Jefferson High School in Rochester. The idea came to mind when the students at the school were collecting perishable goods for migrant workers. “I thought to myself that I had never done anything like this for anyone and it was something I felt the need to do,” Foster said. After Foster told his family, they were quick to jump on board with him and have been completely supportive since. “My mom and dad have been a big part of this program since the beginning,” Foster said. 14

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

The items gathered by Holiday Outreach were distributed in the past during Black Friday. The organization sponsors several events during the year to raise funds to buy gifts for those in need. Foster’s father, Dick Foster, recently passed away at the age of 79. He was a longtime volunteer and supporter of Holiday Outreach. He enjoyed the fundraising events and also loved delivering food and presents to children and families. Besides his late father and his mother helping out, Holiday Outreach consists of board members and volunteers that include his brother, sister-in-law, nephew and many friends. All of them have dedicated time, money and labor toward help-

ing the program continue. “It always seems to amaze me the amount of time and effort they all give,” Foster said. Board members and other volunteers gather together on separate occasions to shop for gifts, wrap them and then distribute them directly to the family’s homes. Going a step above Each year the organization sets its goal higher than the previous one. In its first year, members raised $400 to

years. Once, they had to wait for roadside assistance for a lock out on a running vehicle. Another time, they couldn’t find a family and one year, they ran to a toy store on Christmas Eve because there was only one referral for a family but two children had answered the door. “It is rewarding for everyone and it really is the best two days of the year,” said Foster. “Sometimes we hear the families yell out in excitement as we drive away.” Although a big part of funds comes from events and private donations, gifts are also gathered from a party held by friends. Every year, Foster and his friends throw their own holiday get-together where each person is required to bring a toy to be donated. “There are of lot of people Holiday Outreach is a local nonprofit organization created in 1993 by Tom Foster in need and the families are (far right) who felt the need help those in need. Shown are the members of the gracious to receive,” Foster organization’s board of directors, from left, Chris Campbell, Kim Verstringhe, Mark said. Crance and Foster. Photo courtesy of Tom Foster. Besides food and toys, Holiday Outreach accepts help supply food pantries and soup chase and to whom it is going to, Fos- blankets, clothing, gloves, hats and kitchens. That amount has since in- ter checks the referrals where each batteries. Each year, Foster writes a creased to $10,000 last year with over gift is matched with a child. letter to several battery companies $150,000 raised since its inception. “We average about 460 to 475 asking for donations but he never reSeveral fundraising events are children and 130-plus families every ceives a reply. held throughout the year, including year that we deliver to. One year, we “We always need batteries — a mini golf-a-thon, a pancake break- had 524 kids and 161 families,” Foster double A, triple A and 9V, which we fast, a bowl-a-thon, and the Brewer’s said. never get,” Foster said. Festival held at the Rochester Public Foster started this organization Foster is a teacher who is on speMarket put on by John Urlaub and his before he met his wife and she has cial assignment at the Center for Inteam from Rorhbach’s. been supportive since the beginning struction, Technology and Innovation. Proceeds from the events are of their relationship. Foster said he es- He works with area counselors from used for food and supplies as well as pecially enjoys delivery day. various schools and with the Mary “Black Friday” shopping. Every Dec. 23 and 24, volunteers Cariola Children’s Center where he This event consists of a small gather up and head out to deliver gifts receives his referrals for children and group of volunteers that ventures out to children and families. In the first families in need. in the early morning hours the day several years, volunteers used their A lot of work goes into the orgaafter Thanksgiving. They spend be- own vehicles and packed them full nization and it takes a tremendous tween $6,000-$7,000 on toys, games of gifts. For the past six or so years, amount of dedicated hours, sleepless and clothing. U-Haul has donated two to three vans nights and physical labor to make it Black Friday is noted as the first to the organization while Van Bor- all happen. day of traditional Christmas shop- tel Ford has donated two trucks for “We have a board and volunteers; ping. Special offers by retailers draw transport services. not just one person gets it done. I droves of bargain-conscious custom“Even my nephew Zach goes couldn’t do it without them,” Foster ers in. with us,” said Foster. “He’s been de- said. However, volunteering efforts do livering since he was 4 or 5 and he is For more information about Holnot end with this shopping day alone. now 20.” iday Outreach including contacts, There is food shopping day, toy asevents and how you can make a difDelivering adventures signment day, “big buying” day, gift ference by donating, visit www.holiFoster shared a couple stories dayoutreach.org. sorting and then wrapping day. In order to know what to pur- of incidents that happened over the November / December - 55 PLUS

55+

trends

? s t r u H Love ‘Love: We may have said it less, but we meant it more.’ If what you’re showing me is love, why do I feel so awful?

By Laura Thompson

am surrounded by declarations of love — by friends and family. Yet the truth is, they’re killing me with all this “love” they’re showing me, if that’s what it actually is. L-O-V-E used to mean something, and it didn’t have anything to do with bad feelings and rude words. Has love finally lost all meaning? We are all guilty of the occasional casual misuse of the word. When, for example, we say that we love pistachio ice cream, we are not planning an intimate relationship with that cone. When I tell a friend, “I love that dress on you,” I’m expressing huge approval of her clothing choices. We all do this, and it’s usually understood. I’m having a problem with another use of the word love in a context that’s far too casual and meaningless. I’m not sure what’s driving the misuse of a word intended to express the deepest devotion and level of care, but I do know the people in my life who insist on using this word in reference to me are the same people I am going out of my way to avoid. 16

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

Because hand-in-hand with their declarations of “love” for me are a cruel and inappropriate disrespect for me, a genuine carelessness with me that’s baffling in light of their statements of “love.” Here’s an example: My mother. Now your mother is supposed to love you no matter what and, truthfully, that might be too much to expect. And if it is, please simply refrain from saying otherwise. My mother, my primary relationship on this planet, says she loves me. But, if she really did, would she have found it necessary to tell me 16 times during my father’s dying days that a neighbor who was both my age and good friends with my father was “like the son we never had, and if we’d had him, we wouldn’t have had you!” Sixteen times the woman said this, I kid you not. Apparently, I am the default prize in children, and while there’s a not-so-subtle message there, it doesn’t have much to do with “love.” Then there’s my daughter, my

only child. My daughter loves me, yes she does, but only when she thinks I’m dying, having a nervous breakdown or, hey, it must be Christmas. Aside from these oh so special moments and incidents, she treats me as an old contemptible and terribly stupid woman who somehow turned up in her life intent on ruining it. She never has time for a conversation with me, never mind an occasional visit. She throws random gobs of money at me, but never when I really need it and always in lieu of real relationship. She’s also very good at buying me terribly expensive gifts that I never wanted and have no use for. Is that love? My older sister loves me when I’m letting her take credit for all the things she never did — or when I’m available to take an ailing parent to the doctor. When the chips are down in my life, she’s at least the second person in line to kick me, if not the first. She can’t wait to point out everything wrong with me, and express great glee over my misfortune, pointing to it as evidence that she’s the bet-

ter person. Now I know this is commonly called sibling rivalry, but since when did it start masquerading as love? Likewise, the last man in my life “loved” me — or at least he loved the money and material goods that accompanied me into the relationship. (It’s not hard to love a complete new wardrobe from LL Bean, for example, if you’re an outdoorsy roughhewn guy. It’s also very convenient if someone else always pays the bills.) But aside from his specious declarations, I have no evidence he actually cared for my well-being, that I mattered to him beyond the convenience and creature comforts I provided him. Isn’t real love a two-way street, involving more than hand sewn moccasins for one? Finally, I had a friend and roommate who daily stated she “loved” me, that we were “family.” Yet at the first opportunity, she stole from me, and while this did in some respects actually remind me of my family, I began to doubt the veracity of her “love.” So in light of all these sadly true examples, I am asking you to stop. Please, please please: Stop “loving” me. Because you are killing me with all this dysfunctional, malformed love. Let’s admit that we use this word too freely, too loosely, that we toss “love” around like a well-played Frisbee. We are far too careless with this word, which is supposed to denote deep caring, much affection, something endless and unconditional. There was a time when the word love meant something, something more than convenience, more than an empty manipulative gesture. Something beyond duty, something more meaningful than material acquisition. We may have said it less, but we meant it more. I’ll make a deal with you. You don’t have to love me. In return, I’ll release you from all those previous piecrust promises you made to me about the “love” between us because they were easily made and easily broken. And when all this “love” dust finally clears, maybe we can settle on strongly liking one another. Or not. But please! Enough of all that “love” stuff, already.

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my turn

By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bruce@cny55.com

My Interview with God I don’t know about most journalists, but I have been pretty open and vocal about the fact that if I had my choice of a dream, exclusive interview, it would be with God. It is not that I am a holy person — far from it — but when you think of the mystery surrounding this enigma wrapped in a conundrum, who wouldn’t want to get a one-on-one (or, more correctly, a one-on-three) interview with the Big Guy Himself and his two alter-egos? You can imagine my shock several weeks ago: I was sitting on the lounge recliner in my man-cave waiting for sleep to overtake me — my customary mid-afternoon nap. When I opened my eyes, I saw a winged man standing in front of me. Startled, I demanded to know who this intruder was. He told me he was God’s publicist, and he had come to transport me for the long-sought-after interview with God. Of course, I figured I was dreaming, but it felt so real. “Oh, right,” I said in a cynical tone. “After all these millennia, God finally decides to go public, and He is going to give the exclusive interview to an obscure former publisher of a newspaper in Oswego, N.Y.” Why, I wanted to know, would He not seek time on one or all of the major TV or cable news networks and ask to be interviewed by the likes of a Barbara Walters or Brian Williams? “They never wanted this interview badly enough; you did,” the publicist said. “Jesus, especially, was amused by the column you wrote questioning what the hereafter might be like; even God the Father smiled once or twice, which is very unusual; the Holy Spirit was not amused, at least we don’t think so, but it’s pretty difficult to see any emotion there through that flickering flame.” 18

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

The publicist said they took a vote about having me interview them, and by a 2-1 margin, they decided he should come and get me. The Holy Spirit thought it was a ghastly idea and chose not to appear. Pointing to the publicist’s wings, I asked whether we were going to fly to our destination. Yes…and…no, the publicist said. “Just touch my robe,” he said. Still trying to piece this together, I grabbed my Reporter’s Notebook and a pen, just in case. I did as the publicist instructed. This blur of intense, hot light and rustle of wind engulfed us, and in what seemed to be less than an instant, I was inside a darkened room, alone. In a few moments, a bright light shone into the room. Instinctively, I snapped to attention, sensing that I was in the presence of greatness. Through the light, I saw two chairs appear in the middle of the room, one slightly larger and more ornate than the other. It was clear to me that God the Father ruled the roost in this kingdom, and Jesus, who was sitting at his right hand, had status, but was subservient to His father. I was perhaps 10 feet from them, when I was telepathically ordered to sit down in a plain, straight-back chair, which had suddenly appeared behind me. As if to prove this was no hoax, Jesus recited some background information about me then mentioned about a half-dozen indiscretions I had committed over my lifetime — highly personal embarrassments that only I knew. Not even my wife was aware of them. I was convinced: This was the real deal. The winged publicist came into the room to start the interview. “Are there any ground rules?” I asked. “Anything off limits?” The publicist smiled. “Do you think anyone is go-

ing to believe that you really had this interview?” the publicist asked. “Oh, my God (whoops, sorry),” I exclaimed. Of course, he was right. When (and if) I get this published, readers will think I’m either delusional, ready for mental care or some kind of a charlatan with a hidden agenda. The publicist walked over to me and whispered in my ear: “There is one thing — Both are sensitive about Their age, so I would steer clear of questions about how old They are.” Both God the Father (GTF) and God the Son (GTS) shot the publicist dirty looks. B.F.: “Why are there so many religions, and how do we know which one is the true religion?” GTF: “I thought long and hard about giving humans the power of free will. I finally decided that if I controlled everything, this would get pretty boring pretty fast. Eternity is a long time. I’ll tell you, though, there are exasperating times when I’m tempted to get rid of free will. Some of the stuff that goes on is absolutely disgusting. I guess it’s true: Humans will be humans.” B.F.: “Do you rule Heaven like a dictator or king?” GTF: “Well, we do vote on important issues, but I want to make it perfectly clear that I have absolute veto power when I choose to use it. On less important matters, such as this interview, majority rules.” B.F.: “Do you ever challenge your father the way human sons do?” GTS: “I’m tempted from time to time, but I generally think better of it. The one time I really came close was when I was on the cross, but I decided to temper My language even then and merely said, `Why have You forsaken me?’” B.F.: “What is it like having two fathers and neither of them truly bi-

ological? GTS: “It’s challenging on occasion, although Joseph understands his place in the pecking order. He really has a great sense of humor about all of this, though. When we were discussing celibacy one time, he blurted out, `Why me, God?’” B.F.: How about your mother, Mary? Do you get to see her often? GTS: “I do. Although I am frequently about doing my Father’s work, Mom often drops by to visit. Her apple pie is to die for.” B.F.: “What’s your relationship with Mary?” GTF: “She is a really great woman who has certainly had her share of crosses to bear. One in a million, for sure.” B.F.: “There’s been a lot of speculation about when the Second Coming will occur. I know this is supposed to be a deep, dark secret, but I thought maybe you can give me a hint to pass along to mankind. GTF:“Nice try, but can you imagine the panic and chaos that would occur if the date and time were known? Only I know, and my lips are sealed.” The publicist intervened. “That’s all the time we have for now,” he said. “I want to thank all of you for this unique opportunity,” I said. “Now the fun begins,” Jesus said. “Trying to get humans to believe that you — at best an occasional churchgoer — were singled out for this singular honor. You probably won’t even believe it yourself.” In an instant, I found myself back in the lounge recliner in my mancave, my Reporter’s Notebook on my lap with lots of scribbled notes. I blinked several times trying to shake the cobwebs and taxing my mind to understand what may or may not have just happened. Was I dreaming or did this fantasy actually occur? My wife walked into the room. “Where were you?” she demanded to know. “I’ve been calling you for the last half-hour. I need you to take these laundry baskets to the basement.” Should I tell her? If I told her such a fantastic story, she would become instantly suspicious that I was up to no good, so I took the path of least resistance — I lied, sort of. “It was such a heavenly day, I decided to go outside for a breath of fresh air and take in the clear blue sky.”

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November / December - 55 PLUS

55+

second acts A Big Midlife Career Move

How one lawyer broke out of the mold mid-life to create her own happiness By Deborah Blackwell

hen Dorothy Ferguson could not stop thinking of ways to leave her law firm, she knew she needed to make a huge change in her life. A partner in her firm, her talent was not diminished and her salary was lucrative, but her spirit was broken. So well into her 50s, she gathered her intact reputation, her self-respect and her courage, and she took action. Ferguson embarked on one of her most challenging, yet most rewarding ventures of her life — a solo law practice. “Your business life should reflect your values,” says Ferguson, of

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

Brighton. “After practicing law in a large law firm for many years, I was burned out and wanted to practice law on my own terms.” Ferguson spent years feeling marginalized in what she refers to as the “good old boy network.” She did not feel part of the group due to her gender, carrying what she says was a debilitating work load. She lost much of her energy and her health suffered. Migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, even back aches prevailed in her life until she broke through her feelings of isolation, she says, not only to survive, but to thrive. “There are many options for law-

Dorothy Ferguson, of Brighton, is the author of a book for women lawyers who want to transition from a large practice to a solo firm. She signs copies of “Flying Solo, a guide for women lawyers who want to cut loose,” at a reception in the garden at Richard’s Canal House in Pittsford, marking the 10th anniversary of her solo firm, in 2012. Ferguson practices real estate law in Pittsford. yers in addition to a large firm or solo practice — small firms, in-house positions, clerkships, opportunities in academia or government agencies,” says Ferguson. “And remember that your first change need not be your

last.” It was through trial and error that Ferguson came to fully appreciate that concept. Prior to becoming a lawyer, she spent many years working through decisions she made about her life that she opted to change when they did not prove fulfilling. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Ferguson said career choices for women were limited to secretary, nurse or teacher. She became a teacher, because her mother was a teacher, and for many years taught music in the Rochester area after moving here in 1968. But she was not happy, and tried to convince herself that she should continue teaching because of the job security and retirement package. “I tried to make the job as interesting as I could, but it was not fulfilling. I was struggling to be the person I was meant to be,” says Ferguson. After much exploration, she learned that her teaching degree would not be a deterrent to a legal career. She talked with many women who attended law school later in life, and at age 40, Ferguson went to law school. “These women were generous with their time and encouraging, and that was the impetus I needed to make the change,” says Ferguson.

“When I finally went to law school, I truly found myself.” While law school was the perfect transition for her, Ferguson stayed in tune to what she needed for herself in many aspects of her life. She left an unsuccessful marriage behind, and continued to find people and activities to support her throughout her ongoing mid-life changes. “Habitual patterns that are not conducive to health and well-being can wreak havoc in a person’s life,” says Ferguson. “Take some action, don’t wallow in misery. If you are unhappy but don’t know how to proceed, draw in support — a counselor, coach or trusted friend.” Ferguson has what she refers to as her “inside team,” and her “outside team,” a concept with a practical application. These are the people she utilizes to help provide positive support and encouragement. Her outside team consists of her husband, her mentor, and her paralegals. Her inside team consists of people or images she admires, who provide inspiration — a butterfly, a raging bull, and even Joan Rivers. “I am incredibly grateful to my former colleague and mentor, the late John Blyth, who was a national real estate attorney, and an extremely well-loved professor at Cornell Law School,” says Ferguson. “He recently

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Dorothy Ferguson and her husband Stephen Rains enjoy s stroll along the Tiber River in Rome, Italy. Ferguson and her husband live in Brighton, and enjoy traveling to Italy where they visit their daughter and her family.

Story Idea for 55 PLUS? editor@roc55.com November / December - 55 PLUS

passed away and I keep his lessons close at hand. The most important thing he taught me was that practicing law can be fun, it does not have to be drudgery.” Blyth and Ferguson worked together in the same firm, and later when each subsequently left the firm, they shared office space although they were not partners. Both also shared their talents with music, finding a similar creativity between that and the practice of law. The same goes for tennis, which Ferguson says is a lot like practicing law. “Often, the practice of law is a game. For example, negotiating is fun, like hitting the ball across the net. It’s especially enjoyable if you have a fair, reasonable and competent opponent. It can be a win-win,” says Ferguson. “Life is a game as well. Put a lot in, and you get a lot back. You just go for it.” This approach fuels her daily motivation. She says past experiences do pave the way for where we are now in our lives, and self-motivation is the key to her success. She also stays physically active, and finds the right balance between work and relaxation.

“Age plus accumulated wisdom equals success at any age,” says Ferguson. “My life plan is to continue to grow and learn. This is how I stay fulfilled.” Ferguson wants all women to allow themselves the opportunity to be fulfilled, so she shares her story and her advice in a recently published book titled, “Flying Solo — a Guide for Women Lawyers Wanting to Cut Loose.” She says her book is a practical, step-by-step guide to help identify symptoms, debunk myths and cultivate a law practice that reflects your authentic self. A quick and simple read, “Flying Solo” provides women the opportunity to ask themselves questions that may then help them determine their own course. “Dorothy is an inspiration to women, validating that you can continually aspire to reach your goals,” says Kristi Cain, a paralegal with D.H. Ferguson Law, Pittsford. “She is always encouraging women to keep searching for who it is they want to be.” Ferguson continues to remind women that the degree to which they

At a Glance

Dorothy Ferguson is a solo attorney practicing commercial and residential real estate in Pittsford. She is happily married her husband of 25 years, Stephen Rains, has five step-daughters and 14 grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys entertaining in her second home on Canandaigua Lake, cooking and playing the piano. Her book, “Flying Solo, a guide for women lawyers wanting to cut loose,” is available on www.dorothyferguson. com. (courtesy of Dream Your Book, Rochester, NY www. dreamyourbook.com). enjoy their work is proportionate to their well being. “Be enthusiastic, believe in yourself, be willing to work very hard, and do outstanding work,” says Ferguson. “Life, and the practice of law, can simultaneously be fun and fulfilling, if you are willing to work hard at all the changes it may take to get there.”

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addyman’s corner By John Addyman

Belly Button Blues

Hernia repair requires navel attack

ome years before, I’d had a trifecta of hernia fixing — one inguinal, one abdominal and one umbilical. My Connecticut doctor gave me the fleet rate. An umbilical hernia really leaves you with a strange feeling. The first doctor who treated me asked if it gave me any discomfort. I told him I’d seen a “Ziggy” cartoon years back where Ziggy takes a big screwdriver to his navel, unscrews it, and his butt falls off. “My navel feels loose,” I told the doctor. I had that trifecta repair surgery in 2006. Last winter, during some heavy

snow removal, my navel started to feel loose again. “Oh, no,” I said to myself. Sure enough, there were small bulges around my navel. Another tear. The worst thing that can happen with a hernia is that some of your innards can bulge through your abdominal wall and get stuck, like crimping a garden hose. That requires immediate surgery. You want to get the repair done before that happens. My new doctor, a pretty laidback guy at Clifton Springs Hospital, pressed me about how much of a problem I was having. I explained about Ziggy.

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The doctor gave me some choices: an incision, laparoscopy, or laparoscopy using the da Vinci robotic system. The first choice sounded messy and painful. I’d been there and done that with the second choice, plus he was going to use little “tacks” to stick my innards back together. That sounded medieval. The third choice was the robot and using sutures inside my body, not outside. The doctor said my recovery time would be much more rapid, too. We went with the robot. ‘Piece of cake’ The Friday morning of surgery was apt: cold, wet, miserable. I was pretty chipper. Hey, this is outpatient surgery — so is liposuction, isn’t it? Piece of cake. My wife and I waited a total of four minutes in the lobby. I was ushered into a room, the IV was put in, I was dressed for success in the O.R., and before I could think pleasant thoughts, they were rolling me in. Is it just me or do they always

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pick the shortest nurse to push the beds into the O.R.? We banged into the door. We banged into the wall. We banged into the O.R. doors, like Norse heroes demanding entry into Valhalla. The operating room was bright and crowded. My little nurse and I had to plow through a flash mob to get to where “my table was waiting.” Someone connected me to an oxygen mask, and about three breaths later, I felt my hands and feet start to disappear and float. Time passed; I sure didn’t know it. I was back in my room. My mouth felt like someone had lined it with Kleenex and stuck a hot curling iron down my throat. “You were snoring,” my wife said. Gradually, I figured out where I was. The Good Drugs were making me feel like my body was a couple of parsecs away, drifting. The Bad Drugs were making me feel like I could give a new definition to “projectile vomit.” I was given things to drink. After awhile, it was clear that, at least for now, what was on my stomach was

going to stay. The nurses promised they would call later to check on me. I was reassured. Pipeline pandemonium By the time I got home, the swamp was rising in my throat. “You’d better get me something to throw up in,” I told my sweet wife. “I’m going to hurl.” Magically, she produced a small basin and got it in front of me just as what little was in my stomach made a rapid exit. My aim was true, but I was learning Lesson No. 1: Do not make rapid movements while your head is still spinning from the anesthesia. I went one way, the basin went another, and hit the floor. My poor wife. Four or five hours later I wanted to pee like crazy, but something wasn’t cooperating in the pipeline. It wasn’t until 10 hours after the surgery that things were close to normal. In the meantime, I was in embarrassing misery every 30 minutes or so. That was just the first chapter. As days passed, I found that my bowels were singularly disinclined to perform their function.

And no nurses called to do the follow-up they promised. Monday morning dawned, and I sent my sweet wife to the store to get me some liquid plumber for my intestines. But miracles happen. Not 10 minutes after she left the house, the dam broke and I was seriously pooping my way to normalcy. The doctor told me not to drive a car for 96 hours. That was another adventure. My 102,000-mile Escape is, in essence, an old truck, and it wobbles and bounces. I got tossed around in my seat. When I got home, I made a beeline for the nearest painkiller. The final blow came 10 days after the operation. My wife decided I wasn’t tender anymore and stopped doing my chores. Next time I have surgery, the doctor and I have to make a complete list of all the things I don’t like to do around the house and state that I can’t do them for at least a month. But now, well, it’s too late. I have to empty the garbage.

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Boosting Team Spirit Spencerport Booster Club anchored by those who care By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

Charles Butch Pennica and Keith Rich are two of the people behind the Spencerport Booster Club, which was formed in the 1980s. The club helps funds a variety of sports activities in the area. 26

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harles Butch Pennica was attending the Spencerport varsity soccer game of his only daughter, Melissa, in 1992. It was her senior year when someone walked up to him and asked him if he could help work the ticket booth for some of the home games since he would be there anyway. “I said OK why not? They needed help and when the season was over, I figured I would just go on my way,” said Pennica, 69, of Ogden. “She was a senior anyway.” Then he was asked to be part of the Spencerport Booster Club the next year, which requires a two-year commitment. He was sure it would be his last real association with the organization. However, for the past two decades, Pennica has been not only part of the booster club, but worked concession and tickets for thousands of Spencerport soccer, football, wrestling, lacrosse and basketball games. He is the third-longest serving booster club member, behind Barb Strine, the treasurer, and Keith Rich, the president. It is only the rare occasions that you won’t see his smiling face and steady hands working at a Spencerport sports event. “I know I won’t be able to go to one game later this year because I will be attending my daughter’s wed-

ding,” said Pennica in reference to the same daughter who helped start the two-decade streak of him helping out in Spencerport. Pennica grew up in the east side of Rochester, first attending St. Ambrose School and then graduating from East High School in 1963. He said he was a shy kid back then who had trouble making friends because of his introverted personality. Sometimes it takes being pushed to the forefront to change that. “It forced me to be social and open myself up. When you have to speak to strangers at a ticket booth or concession stand constantly, you can’t afford to be too shy,” said Pennica. Now those same strangers have become friends. He has been doing it so long that some of the kids he cheered for are now in their 30’s with families of their own. He is now the director of concessions, overseeing much of the operations. As concessions director, Pennica orders all the food, drinks and supplies such as plates, napkins, plastic ware and condiments needed to feed the crowds at the sporting events. He helps stock the supplies, cooks, and cleans up, too. It’s a title he has held for the past 15 years. In addition as head concessionaire, Pennica takes a class every three years dealing with health issues related to food preparation. Bird’s eye view Although he roots just as hard for every sport, soccer is his favorite for many reasons. “In soccer, I have the best view from the concession stands. I can see all the action,” he said. “Basketball and wrestling are indoors so the action is apart from where people get their tickets and food.” When he looks back, he is so happy that person asked him to work the ticket booth for that first season. “I don’t know what I would do without it. It has become something that is so part of my life,” said Pennica. “It keeps me busy, energized and it keeps me young.” In his spare time, he enjoys his bowling league every Tuesday. “There are people in that league who are over 90 so I am considered the young one I guess,” joked Pennica. “When I am not doing that, I make sure to play golf on Thursdays and

Sundays when the weather is good in the spring, summer and fall.” Pennica retired in 2000 from a career working for Monroe County as a maintenance mechanic. To this day, he has been delivering copies of the Democrat and Chronicle since 1988. Getting the ball rolling When it comes to Keith Rich, the president of the organization, his story began with his oldest son, Jason, who was in eighth grade. Back in 1989, the school district didn’t have a hockey team and his son and some of his friends wanted to play. While some parents might have shrugged their shoulders because the program didn’t exist, Rich made a way out of no way. Along with other dedicated parents, they held fundraisers, raffles and anything to support the cause. In less than a year, they raised $35,000 to start the program. “It was just something that needed to be done,” said Rich, of Spencerport. “We had a number of dedicated parents who wanted the same things for their children and we worked together to make it happen.” After that endeavor, he became part of the booster club. They worked to raise more than $100,000 to create a football program five years later and also raised funds for a lacrosse program five years after that. Slowly, he eventually became head of the organization, which represents all 26 total boys’ and girls’ varsity sports. The committee does its best to spread the funds evenly throughout the sports, even the ones that are not high profile. “There was quite a fan base of people who wanted these things done and we couldn’t have done it without them,” said Rich. “It is so important to have a good youth sports program because not only does it keep them out of trouble, but it develops skills like leadership, discipline, character, and teaches them teamwork and work ethic. Those are all skills that are helpful not only in sports, but can serve you well in life.” Those skills served his son Jason well as he went full circle from a boy just wanting a hockey program to head coach of the Spencerport High School hockey program. “All this may have never happened if we didn’t get the ball rolling back in the 1980s,” added Rich.

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A Higher Standard

Barbara Risser raises the bar at Finger Lakes Community College By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

arbara Risser lined up her dolls and she expected them to be on time for class. When she put them in their proper place, she took attendance just to make sure they were all present. When you are a young girl and that is how you spend your free time, chances are you are destined to be in the educational field. It is a rare feat to find your passion before you finish elementary school, but that was the beginning of the road that led to Risser’s rise to president of Finger Lakes Community College. “I have never thought about how lucky I am to have found what I want to do in life so early. It has just been something that has been part of my life,” said Risser, 62, of Canandaigua. “I never found anything that gave me the excitement that being in education gave me when I started and continues to give me today. It is a wonderful profession and has served me well in some incredible ways.” Her first teaching job was as an English teacher in a junior high in the West Genesee School District in Onondaga County. Interacting with seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders and feeling a connection with students early reinforced that she made the right choice.

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“I felt grounded very soon as I started teaching. There was a sense this was the right place for me to be,” said Risser. “I knew then that I would be in this career for some time.” Before Risser arrived on the FLCC campus in 2007, she was at Onondaga Community College where she served as vice president of student and academic services. She also taught English and study skills for more than 20 years previously, and served as associate vice president for arts and sciences along with being a professor of English and reading. As president, she is chief executive officer of the college and responsible for providing leadership to all operations along with overseeing the institution’s growth, development and responsiveness to community needs. She constantly has to handle various projects all running at the same time. It makes for a busy and different day every day. But it also gives her a chance to make a substantial impact. “With community colleges, you can really change the lives of people,” said Risser, the college’s fourth president ever and its first female president. “I walk in and talk to so many people who have so many interesting stories. This is a place where you have moms who are coming back after rais-

ing their children. You have young kids who went into the workforce after high school for a few years and now want to come back and bring an interesting perspective. Then you just hear stories of people who overcame so many obstacles in their lives to get where they are now. It truly is inspiring.” The ability to teach and mentor were two strengths she had when developing her career. Her work as an executive committee member of the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board allowed her to connect with local manufacturers and discuss what skills incoming students would need to meet high-tech expectations. Working in many capacities also helped shape her views on life. “Education is the foundation that will serve you well in life,” said Risser. “That is something that I have always felt. A student can gain many positive aspects in life coming here and our college has continued to grow.” Established in 1965, FLCC enrolled its first class of 210 students in 1968. Today, the college has grown considerably, enrolling almost 6,400 students. The college offers classes in Canandaigua, Geneva, Newark and Victor. There have been new degree and

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certification programs at the college including viticulture, instrumentation and control technologies, paralegal, EMT paramedic, culinary arts and new media and game programming. Preparing today’s youth “We try to give students as many

unique, yet still viable career choices and classes as we can. It was our goal to expand the classes we offer,” said Risser. “People who come here leave a different person because they are able to experience so much and push themselves whether that is with interesting classes or interesting interac-

Barbara Risser and her husband, Fred.

ne of the joys of Barbara Risser’s life has been her 42-year marriage. Her husband, Fred, has not only been her biggest supporter and her best friend, but they actually grew up together. They met the summer after she graduated from high school; Barbara was 17 and he was 20. Their mothers worked in the same law office. “It’s hard to believe that we were introduced through our mothers and it actually worked out,” joked Risser. “The first time we went out together I felt like I had known him my whole life”. They got married after she finished her coursework for her bachelor’s degree when she turned 20. “At the time, I felt like that was plenty old enough to get married, but I look back on it and it seems like we were impossibly young,” she added. “ We’ve been married

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tions with fellow students, professors and staff. “We want to give our students a complete experience in their time here and we think we do an incredible job.” Being in one profession over more than three decades allows you to see all the shifts in philosophies and trends, she said. “Education is no different. Look no further than the common core, which weren’t words used together just a few years ago,” she said. “There has been a seismic shift in the viewpoint of community colleges. It went from decades ago when community college was considered a place where people who were not good enough to get into ‘real college’ could attend to now when those same institutions are winning national awards for education.” Students from more than 400 different high schools in New York state and across the United States enrolled at FLCC, Risser noted. “Also, the focus back then was just getting into the door of a commu-

A Husband’s Love for 42 years now and have been through the ups and downs of two children, two careers, six houses and a lifetime of everyday drama.” When she was toying with the idea of applying for the presidency of FLCC, her husband told her she should definitely do it because she had been preparing for this job her whole life. “I was really surprised to hear him say that since I honestly had never been one of those people who plots out a career path and makes strategic job changes,” said Risser. “My career path was a lot more about serendipity than strategy. He said that all of my years in the classroom and as an academic administrator and through it all balancing a family had more than prepared me to be a college president. He knew I was ready before I did.”

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nity college. Now, the shift is if you work hard and become diligent, you will receive a degree and skills that can open several doors for you in the future,” she said. Back in the early 1980s, community colleges were a quiet, local resource that some people knew about, but a lot of people didn’t, added Risser. “Now community colleges have arrived. They are significant players in the local region. They are no longer the best kept secret and that is a good thing,” she said Praise from peers Carol Urbaitis, vice president of enrollment management at FLCC, said Risser has always had a strong vision for the institution. She targeted several areas of improvement for the college, Urbaitis said. The opening of the student center was a high priority for Risser upon her arrival, to provide relief to the increasingly crowded facilities at FLCC. Officials say the 78,000-square-foot student center has really brought the college and community together as local organizations have begun holding major events in the new auditorium and café there. The expansion was part of a college-wide effort that included the creation of the Victor Campus Center, which opened in 2010, and the redevelopment of the Geneva Campus Center, which is under way. “She made it her mission to bring attention to some areas that needed improvement, whether that was strategic planning, facilities development or enhancing our academic programs and services,” said Urbaitis. “She identified where we needed to go and what could create a large impact and set us forth on the right path.” Urbaitis said environment is key to students’ feeling comfortable and learning in a healthy atmosphere. Another key to a successful environment is having quality people around you. Urbaitis said having a strong staff is paramount. “What Barbara has done well is surround herself with a very quality administrative staff. Nobody can do it alone and she has done an incred-

Barbara Risser, president of Finger Lakes Community College, shares a laugh with student Owen Colegrove during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the FLCC Student Center in May 2012. It was the largest addition to the main campus since it opened in 1975. ible job having great people to support her,” added Urbaitis. “But what makes Barbara great is that when you do have a very clear list of expectations and high standards for yourself and others, it brings everyone up to a higher level. That is why so many wonderful things have happened here since she came on board.” Joan Geise, chairwoman of the FLCC board of trustees, said Risser has really helped the college develop an even stronger connection to the community. She said through the leadership and guidance of the president, FLCC has gained national recognition in science education and has been awarded more than $3.5 million in National Science Foundation grants. “Dr. Risser has really helped us develop an even stronger connection to the community. The college has grown so much under her leadership, in terms of the number of students, the number of programs and the expansion and improvement to college buildings,” said Geise. “She has

championed new initiatives, such as the viticulture program and the new viticulture center now under construction in Geneva. The board has been pleased with the positive momentum she has brought to education in this community.” Awards and honors Three years ago, Barbara Risser was honored as an ATHENA award recipient. Named for the Greek goddess, the ATHENA is an international program founded in 1982 to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders. “Receiving that award was such an honor to me,” said Risser. “When you look at all the women who have received that award, you are in tremendous company. I can’t understate that it really meant a lot to me, and I so appreciated just being there, let alone being honored.” In addition, Risser has been honored with several awards and distinctions, including the Onondaga Community College Trustees Award, November / December - 55 PLUS

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cover Barbara Risser, president of Finger Lakes Community College, holds up a logo for the 625 Strong campaign at FLCC during the annual Constellation Brands Honors Dinner on Sept. 16. The 625 represents the number of full- and part-time employees on campus this semester and the impact that individuals taking an interest in students’ lives can have on student success.

National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award, and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. She also is an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges. Risser’s strong connection to the Finger Lakes area, SUNY schools and more than three decades of educational experience were some of the reasons her name rose to the top when she was considered for the presidency. When she was announced as the first woman president of FLCC, it actually took her aback. Not because of the surprise of being the first, but more because it hadn’t really crossed her mind. “I never thought about it. Women have made so many advances in so many professions, including education, that I didn’t think it was something noteworthy,” said Risser. “It 32

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was maybe something that came up during the first few months, and after that, it just subsided. Outside interests A native of Central New York, Risser enjoys many outdoor experiences. A year ago, she and her husband, Fred, decided to purchase a cottage on Keuka Lake. For years, the couple had visited many of the featured Finger Lakes. Sometimes they would partake in the wine trails, sipping some of the region’s finest reds and whites. Other times, they would hike around the area’s landscape. After a while, they figured it might be a good time to get a cottage and kick back to enjoy what nature has to offer. “From time to time, you just want a nice, quiet place to get away from it all. You want a place that you don’t have to drive too far but still feels far

enough away from home to have a little vacation away from home,” said Risser. “We love the cottage and it gives us everything we need.” She also enjoyed attending Canandaigua’s various events. Whether it is the Arts and Music Festival, the Waterfront Arts Festival or events at the Sonnenberg Gardens, there is a lot to do during the weekends. “Canandaigua is just a beautiful area for anyone who has ever been,” she added. Risser also previously walked five miles a day. Risser believes Up On Your H is the key to not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mind. It’s something she sees as a necessity that should be in everyone’s life. “You know it is a great stress reliever,” said Risser. “When you walk, you can clear your head in a way that is difficult if you don’t have some physical activity in your life.”

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November / December - 55 PLUS

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crafts The

Lost Art of Tatting

An East Rochester woman tries to keep the art alive By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you tat, you belong to a rare group, compared with the crowds of knitters or crochet enthusiasts. Few people practice the art of tatting anymore. Though a common means of producing dainty doilies, lace collars, lace trim and lace ornaments a generation ago, tatting has largely lost interest in the arts and

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crafts world. Barb Wainright teaches tatting at the Weaving & Fiber Arts Center in East Rochester. “I want to pass tatting on to those who are interested,” she said, though she confessed that she’s not currently an active tatter. “I believe all forms of handwork deserve preservation,” Wainright

said. “One of the wonderful aspects of handwork is that there are so many types, everyone can find at least one to enjoy. Tatting is a relatively modern form that did not gain momentum until the Industrial Revolution made strong, fine cotton thread widely available.” Since it’s difficult to remove er-

rors from the knotted designs, quality thread makes it easier to tat instead of using thread that frays easily. “Some are attracted to it because it is still in its youth, with new techniques still being developed,” Wainwright said. “Others appreciate its durability, or its portability; it requires only a few small tools and good light.” Tatters use either tatting shuttles or needles for their tools, depending upon which type of tatting they do. Many people express interest in tatting by watching a tatter fashion a project. “So often I hear, ‘Oh, my grandmother did that!’ Or aunt, or other cherished relative,” Wainright said. “The problem is to keep students interested long enough to gain the necessary dexterity. Tatting is a clever application of larks head knots, also known as half-hitches.” Many people need time to achieve mastery of tatting. Diane, a 50-yearold in Rochester who asked that her last name be omitted, said that she attempted to learn tatting on her own without success. It was only after she had attended a workshop that she

caught the knack. She likes making small motifs that can be used as Christmas ornaments for decorations and gifts. “I’m always on the lookout for interesting beads, charms or buttons that I can add to my tatting to make it sparkle and/or add some glitz,” Diane said. If you know how to tat, why not share your knowledge with someone else to pass on your skill? And if you have always wanted to learn, a few groups in the area can help you get started. Tatting photos courtesy of Barbara Wainright. Photo credit for all five images: Lincoln F. Wainright.

Tatting pieces on these pages were made by Barb Wainright, who teaches tatting at the Weaving & Fiber Arts Center in East Rochester. “I want to pass tatting on to those who are interested.” she said.

Ready to Tat? Want to learn more? Check out these tatting groups near and far. • The Genesee Country Lace Guild meets in Pittsford on the third Monday of each month (www. GeneseeCountryLaceGuild.org). This group welcomes everyone interested in any form of lace. • Weaving and Fiber Arts Center (www.WeaversGuildofRochester.org/ center) offers tatting classes. • Finger Lakes Tatting Group hosts a local tatting convention each spring in Lodi. For information, email organizer Karey Solomon at threads@empacc.net or visit www. fingerlakestatting.com. • The Fringe Element Tatters in Ontario, Canada (www.FringeTatters. ca) and Palmetto Tatters in South Carolina (www.PalmettoTatters.org) also host conferences, exchanges, contests and other opportunities to interact. • Visit the Ring of Tatters online at www.ringoftatters.org.uk.

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The Consummate Community Man Financial planner Jim Terwilliger finds great deal of success after long career at Kodak By John Addyman

e’s the uncle you wish you had. Full of advice that is gently given. Knowledgeable about many things. A man whose promise is like gold. A friend who will listen to all the background, all the details and all the fluff — and cut to the chase when he sums things up. Someone you respect when you work for him, a person you admire when you work with him, and someone you cherish when his efforts make you a better person. “And he loves this community,” said Mayor Ellen Polimeni. Jim Terwilliger, 71, born and educated in Canandaigua and a fourth-generation resident, has had four careers in his life — father and family man; PhD Kodak chemical engineer, senior research scientist and division manager; certified financial planner and banking senior vice president; consummate civic member with elected and appointed titles and accolades going back 30 years. Dedicated jogger, enjoyer of local activities, and living embodiment of what Ontario County offers in quality of life, he is someone who almost off-handedly finds ways to help other people quietly, professionally and significantly. A case in point — he was the chairman of the finance committee for his First United Methodist Church of Canandaigua. He did such an accomplished job there that he became

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chairman of the finance team for the North Central New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, in a position to help 500 church congregations. When Kodak offered early retirement, Terwilliger did what he has done thousands of times — sat down, thought things through, crunched the numbers, and came up with a bottom line — and was gone. As a new and pretty young retiree, he wanted to know more about handling his personal finances — he was managing them himself now, and taxes — he’d always done his own, but now they were more complex. He became a certified financial planner, and took not only the H&R Tax-Prep courses, but got to the “graduate-level” classes as well. When he found out there was no financial planner at Canandaigua National Bank, he offered his services and was hired on the spot — now he’s involved in the management of those services and has set up a program to bring in and mentor other financial planners. To help people come to grips with some of the intricacies of financial planning, Terwilliger started writing short articles for the bank — and also for 55 Plus — in a simple, user-friendly and engaging prose style that has won him a readership of financially-savvy seniors (and those who will be senior some day). Noble Prize Laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer wrote, “A good writer should try his best to be clear.” Terwilliger follows the principle.

A Special Kid People in the Gibson and Park streets neighborhood of the 1950s knew that the growing-like-a-weed Terwilliger kid was special. He was a dedicated, punctual and seriously efficient paperboy. When Donald Campbell brought his Bluebird hydroplane to set a world speed record on Canandaigua Lake in 1957, The Daily Messenger sponsored a contest to design a city flag that would debut during the week of the speed trials. When the contest’s winning entry was announced, it was 14-yearold Jim Terwilliger’s winning design, sewn by his mom, Ruth, his grandmother and a friend. That flag not only flew while Campbell’s circus was in town, it became the city’s official flag. Campbell, with the cooperation of thousands of boaters who kept their craft out of the water while he and Bluebird were flitting across the lake, edged his boat just shy of 300 mph, but could not sustain a speed exceeding 250 mph to break the world record again. Still growing, Terwilliger made the valedictory speech at Canandaigua Academy, then set off for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where the first assignment for every incoming freshman was to learn how to spell “Rensselaer.” He got his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, then a master’s degree, and finally his PhD. Kodak was waiting with open arms. He registered patents, shortened process times that had stood unchallenged for decades, and provided newfound efficiencies that helped the films and paper divisions stay ahead of competition that was rising in Europe and Asia. He rose from senior research scientist to division manager. And when early retirement was offered, he was managing 250 people after 30 years in Rochester. “They came out with a package,” Terwilliger said. “It was voluntary for me: it wasn’t forced. I looked at it, ran the numbers, and it made sense to leave. The company had been going through substantial downsizing. As a manager, I had to go through two waves of laying off people. By the 1990s, there was no one left who wasn’t directly involved in produc-

Jim Terwilliger discussing some legislation in August with Canandaigua Mayor Ellen Polimeni (left) and City Council Member Cindy Wade. tion. I had to lay off good people.” He had made a name for himself as someone whose teams could improve reliability and quality and reduce costs at the same time. He loved the problem-solving and the creative energy of engineering solution-discovery. But laying good people off…that was something else. “I had a responsibility to meet production deadlines and come within cost goals,” he said. “I had to take care of people, looking after them and their careers, making sure people were growing and contributing.” And now he was letting them go. Another Career Terwilliger had a month to decide whether to take the package or not. “I visited Canandaigua National Bank and sought their investment and trust accountant for help in making my decision. There was no financial planner there. I got some ballpark guidance,” he said. He retired in May of 1999 and took the summer off. By September, he had decided to do some learning. He started taking certified financial planner courses at Medaille College, and enrolled n the H&R Block tax course. “Most of the people taking the

CFP courses were in their 30s and 40s,” he said. “They were already investment advisers who wanted to broaden their scope. Most of them were 20-25 years younger than me, but that didn’t strike me as being unusual. I didn’t feel out of place.” And at this point, Terwilliger was simply in learning mode, for his own benefit. “I wasn’t planning to go back to work,” he said. But the tax course, once he completed it, led to an offer to prepare people’s taxes, which he did for a couple of years. In 2001, he finished his last CFP course and took the oneand-a-half-day exam and passed. “That was as tough an exam as any graduate engineering exam I took at RPI,” he said. “I came back to the bank and talked to [CEO] George Hamlin. I told him I had gotten my financial-planner certification, and I knew the bank didn’t have any financial planners. “’You’re hired,’ George told me.” Now Terwilliger had a new challenge. “I had to figure out how to bring financial planning into the bank.” The rest is history. Canandaigua National Bank now has seven CFPs in the Wealth Strategies Group and four more in the November / December - 55 PLUS

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branch networks. Two of them were hired from the outside; Terwilliger and the bank have developed the others from within. “This is how we will continue to develop and grow,” he said. “It’s a great addition to the bank and a career path that was not in place 10 years ago. All the financial planners in the Wealth Strategies Group report to me, and I mentor all the other financial planners in the branches.” What drives him is “doing the work and doing it well,” he says. “Improving and enhancing the organization so that everyone has the ability to do get satisfaction doing the work.” “I’m enjoying myself,” Terwilliger said. “We’re a community bank,” said his boss, Scott Trumbower. “We were a good match for Jim: he gives his time and contributes financially to the community. He grew up here. This community is important to him. And in his role with us, he’s mentoring our employees, and mentoring and helping clients with their financial situations. I think that makes him feel good. He has his own clients, but he’s also helping to mentor the next generation of employees we have.” As Terwilliger started work at CNB and began working with Trumbower, it was clear that Terwilliger has a special way about him. “There are lots of words to describe him,” Trumbower said. “He’s thoughtful, energetic, almost grandfatherly, and just a great human being. I’m blessed to work with him.” A Community Man Jim Terwilliger has two daughters from his first marriage — Cheryl, a Princeton and Eastman School of Music grad who is a teacher and fine arts department chairwoman at the Bullis School in Maryland, and Catherine, a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and Boston College, and a math textbook editor for Pearson Inc. He has two granddaughters, Rose and Madelyn. His second marriage, to Ellen Coyne of Avon, came in 1996 after they had dated for quite some time. “She’s a nurse — I met her in my doc38

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tor’s office,” he said. They are together at many CMAC concerts, Finger Lakes events, and can be seen zooming around on pleasant days with the top down on his BMW hot rod Z-car. The Terwilligers have a cottage on the lake, south of Bristol Harbor, overlooking the water, on a cliff. “I spend as much time there as I can,” Terwilliger said. “It’s a great place to unwind. I spend my time there puttering around.” “People who are involved in their community are caring,” said Canandaigua City Supervisor Richard Russell. “Jim is one of those people. He is pretty low-key. There are people involved in their communities who have big personalities, but if you saw Jim at Wegmans, you wouldn’t know he’s as involved as he is in Canandaigua, that he’s really a pillar of the community.” When Terwilliger made the turn in his life into financial planning, he had almost simultaneously gotten himself elected to Canandaigua City Council, where his professorial attentiveness to financial matters soon became legend. “He’s a very thoughtful person,” said Mayor Ellen Polimeni. “He takes time to make his decisions. He listens. Many times he isn’t being terribly verbal in a discussion, but at the end, he will make very significant contributions and often sort of outline the true issue.” She confided that Terwilliger’s presentation of the financial committee report is something council wants to get through first so the rest of the night looks shorter. “We chide him about the length of it, but that’s not a negative. The others say, ‘Let Jim go first, then we can move on.” Terwilliger’s election to city council happened fast. He approached Polimeni a dozen years ago. “I was unhappy with the way city council was conducting itself,” he told her. “’Come join my team,’ she told me. I told her I wasn’t registered with any party. She said it didn’t matter. ‘We just need good people.’ So, I ran, and got elected the first time.” City Supervisor Richard Russell has seen Terwilliger’s leadership and

talent for financial matters up close. ”In terms of his work with me on city council, he’s one of the few people who truly understands municipal finance and how to craft a municipal budget — that’s pretty obvious because Canandaigua is a very financially healthy community. When you have that, you have a lot of the economical vibrancy that goes with it,” Russell said. Russell has one more compliment: “If the world were filled with more Jim Terwilligers, it would be friendlier, more peaceful and a better-run place. We would always be able to know we could pay our bills, no matter what the next two of three levels of government threw at us.” Wood Library, Granger Homestead Ask Terwilliger what he’s proud of, beyond his family and the people he’s mentored to success, and it’s his involvement with the Wood Library, the Granger Homestead, and the Canandaigua Lake Pure Waters organization. “I try to do one board at a time,” he said. “That’s it. My time is not unlimited. I want to make sure whatever board I’m on, I can contribute.” As a member of the library board he spearheaded the move to get it supported by tax dollars in 2012. “It was very clear to me when I joined the board in 2007 that we had an unsustainable funding source for the library. There was no way it could continue serving the community without significant changes in its funding.” To get out the vote, Terwilliger and a lot of others worked very hard and the measure passed by a 60–40 margin. “That’s such a positive change for that organization,” he said. “Having the funding in place for perpetuity has made all the difference in the world.” There were those that opposed the move to a tax-based funding system and Terwilliger clearly understood their points. “It was a very challenging project to work on,” he said. He’s done a similar job at Granger Homestead. Board member Caroline Delevan sees Terwilliger as a “perfectly wonderful man.” Her hus-

band, Byron, had a Sea Scout adventure with young Jim many years ago. The two were piloting an old cruiser the scouts were going to restore — a ship that only turned in one direction — and Jim fell overboard. “Byron kept throwing things to him, and tried to get to him, but the boat would only turn in one direction. He finally got Jim back on board,” Delevan said. Her husband was upset and embarrassed about that day but to Terwilliger, “as far as he was concerned, it never happened.” “Jim has a fine mind for finance and he’s very conservative,” she said, “but he doesn’t jump on people when they want to spend money and he doesn’t feel like it’s a good idea. Somehow, he’ll work it out with them. He’s very even-tempered.” Delevan said when she has asked Terwilliger for a contribution to something, “there are no arguments. He says, ‘Yes, of course, it’s a worthy cause or you wouldn’t be working on it.’” Others have certainly noted Terwilliger’s community spirit. He earned the Arthur S. Hamlin Award at CNB in 2006, was the Canandaigua Academy Graduate of Distinction award-winner in 2008, a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International in 2003, and received the Annual “Friend of the Lake” Award in 1988. Terwilliger himself is also proud of his contributions to Kodak, “and in management, for the care and feeding of the people reporting to me. “Now, and for the last several years, pretty much my entire focus is on helping others. It’s interesting that on city council — there is no politics. Every one of us, all of us are there to do what we can to better the city and its quality of life. We’re focused on the well-being of our residents and being good financial stewards. “I’m trying to make a difference in other people’s lives. That’s why what I do is so satisfying. “When you can do that every day, what’s better than that?”

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outreach

Passion for Peru

Henrietta couple helps kids in impoverished northeastern Peru

By Jessica Gaspar

magine living in a city where children drop out of school in the third grade, where prepubescent girls become mothers and where most kids are expected to work for a living — sometimes falling unexpectedly into prostitution or drugs. While this is uncommon for the average American, it is stark reality for children and families of Iquitos, Peru. Poverty is rampant in the northeastern section of Peru. Most of Iquitos’ 422,000 residents live in homes built on stilts to help prevent damage due to flooding of the Amazon River. A view of the streets of Iquitos is grim — they are littered with trash and graffiti decorates the boarded-up buildings. There’s one American couple trying to make a world of difference right from their Rochester home. Bob Owens, 66, joined the Peace Corps along with about 80 other young adults in June 1969 as part of a college program through SUNY Brockport. “We all were majoring in either science or math,” he said. “We were trained to be teachers, and we were also trained in Spanish.” In September 1970, his training sent him to Iquitos, Peru. He met the family of Luisa Elena Ríos Zegarra. Though he was an American, they 40

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Luisa Rios-Owens and Bob Owens. In June 2007 — after Bob’s retirement from the Rush-Henrietta Central School District — they founded the Peruvian Project Inc., a nonprofit designed to help kids in Peru. welcomed him. At the time, Peru was going through a social revolution and its government did not have friendly relations with the United States, according to Luisa Rios-Owens. He developed a relationship with Luisa and eventually married her in 1973. At the time, they were consid-

ered outcasts. She was viewed as a traitor — having married an American — and he was told to go home. The newlyweds had only one option. “The government was not friendly with the U.S., so it was not a place to stay,” Luisa, 63, said. The couple moved back to Henri-

etta, where Bob taught science at the Rush-Henrietta Central School District until his retirement in 2007. Luisa and Bob have two children, 38-yearold identical twins Kristina and Wendy. Through the years, the couple had a strong love for Peru, and they did not want to forget their roots. In June 2007, they founded the Peruvian Project Inc. The couple describes the 501(c)3 as a mom-and-pop charity. Based out of their home office, they have an annual operating budget of about $32,000 per year. An all-volunteer board of directors runs the organization. Private sources fund project All of the money raised comes through private donations. Other organizations have donated notebooks, pens, pencils and other supplies. The dollars raised fund teacher salaries, school supplies, new classrooms and other needs. It is important to the Owenses that every dollar has a positive impact on the children of Peru. “We don’t like charities that take such a huge chunk of the donors’ money [for administrative fees],” Luisa said. In addition to private donations, the couple hosts a garage sale each summer, the proceeds of which benefit the Peruvian Project. On average, they net $800 to $1,000 over the course of the weekend. The Peruvian Project employs three teachers in Peru who are paid hourly. They work about four hours a day and tutor two groups of kids — one in the morning and another group in the afternoon. There are 120 kids going through the program. Eighty are from Moyobamba, and the remaining 40 are from Iquitos. “The majority stay in the Peruvian Project until they graduate high school,” Bob said. “They are all getting good grades.” The children’s commitment is twofold. They have to go to school and to the tutoring program offered through the Peruvian Project. Otherwise, “they would work the streets instead of going to school,” Bob said. While many of the children are unable to read by the time they reach third grade, the tutors’ commitment to the kids and the program is im-

Children of the Peruvian Project display their Christmas gifts.

Rosa, left, an art teacher, instructs the Iquitos Peruvian Project children to recycle magazines by creating their own unique art. pressive. “They are willing to stay and help even when they aren’t being paid,” Bob added. The Owenses don’t stop with education. Each December, the couple tries to have Christmas gifts for each child. One year, a neighbor donated

800 Beanie Babies to the Peruvian Project to give as gifts. “Anyone who goes to the Christmas celebration gets a gift,” Luisa said. They are looking for donations of any kind that could be used for November / December - 55 PLUS

Christmas presents. The gifts could be anything suitable for children and teens. Parents provide inspiration It’s not just general goodwill that fuels the passion in this couple. It’s a tribute to Luisa’s parents. Her mother, Teresa Zegarra, grew up in Iquitos and her father, Oseas Ríos, was raised in Moyobamba. Both municipalities sit in the northeastern third of the country, though both have stark differences. Iquitos is one of the largest cities along

Pictured here are children from Iquitos, Peru, who are taking part in a reading exercise as part of instruction led by the Peruvian Project. Submitted photo.

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the Amazon River and Moyobamba is considered high jungle, meaning it is high up in the mountains and is mostly rural. Moyobamba is rich in vegetation, but the children are still malnourished. In fact, one project the Owenses are working on is construction of a kitchen in Moyobamba where the children and families will be able to cook nutrient-rich meals, Bob said. In addition, they have also provided money for construction of a sanitary bathroom as well. As if to add insult to injury, Moyobamba and Iquitos reportedly have higher incidences of adolescent pregnancies than any other areas of Peru, according to the United Nations Population Fund. In fact, Iquitos has the highest rate of pregnancies among elementary-aged schoolgirls in all of Peru. Luisa grew up in Iquitos. “My parents came from the same area as those children,” Luisa said. “They were so poor. They were so hard-working and determined to get out of the hole.” Though poor, her family was better off than most families in Peru, which is home to about 30 million people. While Iquitos and Moyobamba are in the northeastern portion of the country, the bulk of residents live in the western section close to the Pacific Ocean where the country’s capital Lima sits. Neither of Luisa’s parents finished high school — it’s just not the custom in Peru. Finishing high school there holds the same honor as finishing college here in the U.S. “I see a lot of kids like [my parents],” Luisa said. “So, let’s give them

an opportunity my parents did not have. They are the inspiration.” The couple travels to Peru four or five times a year on their own dime. There is a sense of pride when they stop in to check on the children there. “The kids recognize us and we recognize them,” Bob said. “We develop relationships with them as well.” You could say the Owenses have been an inspiration themselves. Success story The Peruvian Project has helped many children over the years. Perhaps the most notable is the story of Anita T. Lumba of Moyobamba — a story the couple tells as a parental-like pride swells in their eyes. Lumba, who was expected to stay home and help her functionally illiterate mother run the home and help raise her younger siblings, decided to break the proverbial Peruvian glass ceiling. She was signed up for the Peruvian Project tutoring as a girl. She finished secondary school as valedictorian of her class and was awarded a college scholarship. To further help, the Peruvian Project also aided her financially. They gave Lumba a $600 per semester stipend, which was funded by a private donor who was sought by the Peruvian Project’s board of directors. At the end of each semester, the board of directors was given Lumba’s grades. “As long as [the student] is doing well and passing, we ask the donor for more money,” Bob said. If the students’ grades slip, the aid is cut off until the student turns his or her grades around, the couple said. At that point, the board will reconsider asking for funding. As for Lumba, she did exceptionally well and is now an engineer, an honor remarkable for any Peruvian resident. While the Owenses are pleased with what they’ve done in Peru, they have no plans to expand the project a great deal. “We try to make it manageable,” Luisa said. “We can devote more time to the kids.” For more information on the Peruvian Project Inc., visit Peruvianpinc. org or facebook.com/PeruvianProject. All donations to the organization are tax-deductible.

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creative

Mind, Body Merge

McCormack works on a sculpture made from wood pulp in her studio in Rochester’s Public Market.

Rochester artist, qigong therapist harnesses healthy energy By Colleen Farrell

aphaela McCormack comes from a family of doctors. Her father was a heart surgeon and her grandmother was one of Ireland’s first female physicians. McCormack liked putting her imagination to work and creating things. She took an art class as a child and loved it and studied interior design in college. “My dad would say, ‘You know, if you ever want to become a nurse, you can always change your career.’ But it wasn’t for me, and he knew it,” McCormack said. Instead, the American transplant found another way to provide healing — a few ways, in fact. “I think medicine and art kind of go together in some ways,” she said. “There’s something about them.”

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McCormack grew up on the west coast of Ireland and the setting has stayed with her despite living for the last three decades in Rochester. She often walks near the lakeshore, collecting branches and twigs to use in a future project. She uses her findings to make wood pulp and form sculptures, mainly of boats. “I’ve always loved boats,” she said. “Even when I was little I was painting them.” Art has always been a mainstay in McCormack’s life. After high school, McCormack studied interior design and went to Finland for one year where she studied metal and woodworking. She loved it. She also spent time working as a chambermaid, a typist at The Irish Times, peeled potatoes in Greece and was an usher in London. She and

15 other artists were invited to visit Brooklyn to display their crafts in a show. She connected with a friend from Ireland who was studying in Rochester and ended up marrying one of his friends and moving here. Keeping her hands busy remained a constant even while raising two children. “I was a weaver, too. Oh God, I forgot about that,” she said with a laugh. In her spare time, she is a qigong therapist. The practice combines exercises, meditation and focused breathing to guide the body’s energy, or chi, to any part of the body. Qigong is thought to help with health, stress and anxiety. ‘Slow everything down’ Through acupuncture, McCor-

mack, 60, learned about qigong. She spent three years studying the practice. “This really taught me how to go that extra step,” she said. “It’s just, ‘Relax, slow everything down. Get your mind out of the way.’” She beat breast cancer seven years ago, practicing qigong when she felt up to it, and studied with another master before becoming qualified to teach. “I kind of fell into teaching,” she said. A friend asked her to take over a class about 10 years ago. Now, she teaches a dozen around the area, including at several senior homes and to employees of Wegmans Food Markets. “It’s good for me, and everybody loves it,” she said. “Teaching has given me more confidence in myself.” Brenda Lind, McCormack’s supervisor at the Westside YMCA in Gates, said McCormack has been an asset to the branch. “She does such a great job connecting with our members. She is one of the most caring and open and

Many of McCormack’s creations are of boats. She draws on inspiration from her childhood on the west coast of Ireland.

friendly individuals and she has such a love for tai chi and qigong and eastern medicine and she just wants to share it with people.” Some of her students are aged in their 90s. McCormack modifies the movements depending on a student’s

Irish native Raphaela McCormack, 60, has called Rochester home for more than 30 years.

needs and abilities. “She makes a great connection with folks,” Lind said. McCormack said it’s been gratifying to have a client tell her the benefits he or she has experienced since practicing qigong. It’s “empowering” to see people understand their bodies better, she said. “You can’t see that energy, but it’s there. What’s making you breathe? What’s making you move? It’s energy,” McCormack said. And art remains a priority. “Quite often, I think I’ve got to give up the art. It’s too much time and not enough money,” she said. But it calls her back, as evidenced by the inside of her studio. The city of Rochester dweller occupies a space in Rochester’s Public Market. It’s been the home of her studio for three years. Neat and bright, every inch is devoted to art — the tools she needs, the projects she’s finished or the ones that are half-finished, just begging to be completed. “I don’t seem to be able to give it up,” McCormack said. She recently started taking drawing classes after feeling the need to try something new. That zest for living — and learning — is something she hopes to impart onto others. “I think when you grow your whole life is different,” she said. “I think life is about growing and appreciating and when you do that, you don’t feel tired.” November / December - 55 PLUS

long-term care By Susan Suben

What If … A Couple’s Long-term Care Story

t’s probably still hard for many of you to understand the importance of planning for the future when you are young, healthy and active. It’s probably even harder to relate to caring for someone who you view as young, healthy and active unless you have experienced a longterm care illness with your family or friends. I would like to tell you a story about one of my clients. Maybe it will help you think more proactively about your future and not take anything in your life for granted. Carol and Steve were a couple in their late 50s. They met in high school in their senior year and were together ever since. Carol was a retired high school health teacher and Steve was a retired school administrator. They had a beautiful home in in the region. Upon retiring, they traveled extensively to Europe and South America and took great joy in visiting their two daughters and four grandchildren who live in Baltimore and Denver. Carol and Steve had a large circle of friends and loved entertaining. They played tennis together every day, took dance lessons and developed new hobbies. They had everything going for them. Everything they dreamed about doing in retirement was becoming a reality. They never imagined that Steve would be diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. How could this happen to them… to Steve? They both sensed something was wrong when Steve started showing signs of confusion and forgetfulness. Sometimes he would have difficulty taking the right route home. Other times, he would miss an appointment or forget to return phone calls to a friend. They attributed these lapses to an overly booked calendar of aceditor@cny55.com tivities. But they eventually couldn’t 46

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ignore what was happening when Steve didn’t remember his daughter’s name when she came to visit. An appointment with their primary care physician and subsequent screenings confirmed that Steve did indeed suffer from a cognitive impairment. They were told the progression of the disease would be an unknown factor but they needed to address the financial, legal, emotional and social implications of Steve’s diagnosis. Fortunately, they had a will, power of attorney and health care proxies in place. Unfortunately, they had not done any long-term care planning. They thought they were too young to have to address this issue and they certainly had too many other priorities such as traveling and contributing to their grandchildren’s college funds. Carol’s first step was to purchase a long-term care policy for herself. Steve was now uninsurable. Over the course of many years, Steve’s memory and his ability to take care of himself deteriorated. They no longer had friends over. They could not travel or play tennis together. They were confined to their home, which now had to be “child-proofed.” Steve needed supervision with his activities of daily living. His once pleasant personality sometimes became abrasive toward Carol, the love of his life. He didn’t remember his children or grandchildren. He was living in his own reality that excluded those people and things that were once so dear to him. During this time, Carol never once waivered taking care of Steve. She kept him home and never contemplated the idea of placing him in a facility. She helped him dress, eat and go to the bathroom. When he became frustrated or depressed she calmed him and shared memories of happier times with him. She didn’t take it

personally when he lashed out at her. But caring for Steve did take its toll on her. She lost 20 pounds, developed high blood pressure and felt isolated and alone. She rarely went out and she cried often. Initially, Carol had a home health aide come in four hours a day so that she could do errands. As Steve’s condition worsened, she needed an aide at night so that she could get some sleep. Steve took to wandering and she was afraid he would find some way to leave the house. Because family was far away, she could not rely upon them for day to day assistance but they did provide compassion and love. The cost of caring for Steve ran into thousands of dollars in addition to the emotional and social consequences felt by Carol and her family. Ten years after his diagnosis, Steve passed away. Who would have known their life would turn out the way it did? When you look ahead 10 or 20 years from now, how do you envision your life? Is it possible that what happened to Carol and Steve could happen to you? Do you feel confident and secure that you properly planned for a long-term care situation? Who will you turn to for care? Have you communicated your wishes to them? These are tough questions that need to be properly addressed. The future you are working hard toward in order to enjoy can sometimes send you a curveball and you can wind up traveling down a different road. What if you don’t prepare for the future? Susan Suben, MS, CSA, is President of Long Term Care Associates, Inc. and a consultant for Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Company. She can be reached at 800-422-2655 or by email at susansuben@31greenbush.com.

Several well-known drugs to become available in generic form

o start, brand-name medications are not better, safer or more effective than their generic alternative because they’re virtually the same. To gain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generic drugs are required to the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and route of administration as their brand-name counterpart. The generic manufacturer must also demonstrate that people absorb the drug at the same rate. The only difference between a brand-name drug and its generic is the name (generics are usually called by their chemical name), shape and color of the drug (U.S. trademark laws don’t allow generics to look exactly like the their brand-name counterparts) and price. Generic drugs are often 10 to 30 percent cheaper when they first become available, but by the end of the first year the price

New Generics Hitting the Market

can drop in half. And by the second and third year it can drop 70 to 90 percent. The reason generic drugs are so much cheaper is because their manufacturers don’t have the hefty startup costs that the original creators of the drug do. When a pharmaceutical company creates a new drug, it spends millions of dollars on the

research, development and clinical testing phase. Then, if it gets FDA approval, it has to turn around and spend even more money to market the drug to the health care industry and the public. The total cost can rise into the hundreds of millions by the time the drug is in the hands of consumers. In an effort to recoup their investment, the brand-name drug makers charge a premium price, and are given a 20-year patent protection, which means that no other company can make or sell the drug during that period of time.

Hurlbut™ Care Communities are owned and operated by the Hurlbut family – a family passionately committed to caring for the elderly and well respected for their service and dedication to the Rochester region. For over 50 years, our communities have provided the highest level of care, comfort and compassion that has helped to establish us as a leader in long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitative care.

You should also know that in 2014 and 2015, patents on a wide variety of popular brand-name drugs will expire and become available in generic. Some of them include: • Lunesta • Avodart • Abilify • Evista • Maxalt, • Micardis

For a more information, Community Catalyst, a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization provides a list on their website of the top 50 brand-name drugs and the dates they should become available as generics. Go to communitycatalyst.org, and type “Drugs Going Generic 2014 – 2015” in their search bar to find it. You can also find out if a brand-name drug has a generic alternative by simply asking your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information, to arrange a personal tour or for immediate admissions assistance, call the Hurlbut Care Community near you or visit HurlbutCare.com. AVON

NEWARK

BOCA RATON, FL 561-395-7510

Penfield Place

Avon Nursing Facility 585-226-2225 The Fountains

BRIGHTON

The Brightonian Woodside Manor

CANANDAIGUA

Elm Manor

585-271-8700 585-461-0370

HENRIETTA

The Hurlbut

HORNELL

Hornell Gardens

PENFIELD ROCHESTER

The Shore Winds

315-331-4690 585-586-7433 585-663-0930

SPENCERPORT

585-394-3883

Wedgewood Nursing Facility

585-346-3001

Seneca Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility 315-539-9202

585-352-4810

WATERLOO

CONESUS

Conesus Lake Nursing Facility

Newark Manor

585-424-4770 607-324-7740

General Information

585-222-CARE HurlbutCare.com November / December - 55 PLUS

• Celebrex • Copaxone • Actonel • Nexium • Exforge • Cymbalta

55+

legacy

U of R Alum Leaves Lasting Legacy By Deborah Blackwell

Hilfiker 48

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lan Hilfiker knew the day he graduated from the University of Rochester that he wanted to do something for the esteemed institution. That was in 1960. For the next decade he put a lot of thought into it, and it finally came to him. He wanted to endow a chair in the English department, and set up a scholarship fund for first-generation college students who plan to study English or the humanities. Four decades later, the Alan F. Hilfiker Distinguished Professorship in English, and the Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Graduate Scholarship Fund, and the Alan F. Hilfiker Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, are dreams realized for Hilfiker, and for the recipients. “I wanted to do something substantial, lasting, and significant for the University of Rochester, and I felt very strongly about it,” says Hilfiker, 76, of Naples, Fla. “I didn’t know what it was at first, it took me basically 10 years to figure it out, it was on my bucket list.” Hilfiker’s story is intriguing. A humble man, he grew up modestly on the east side of Rochester, and graduated from East High School in 1956. The first in his family to go to college, he spent the next four years at the University of Rochester, where he engrossed himself in the experience. He attended classes, was the president of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, enjoyed athletics, and he was the editor of his senior yearbook. He also met his wife, Carol, there — they have been married 52 years. But it were his English classes that shaped his future, and the future of those who benefit from his generous scholarships. “I had a wonderful experience at the U of R. It was really enriching, I just loved it,” says Hilfiker. “I studied history, but English was the one that really turned me on. It was the most stimulating and long-lasting experience I had at the university.” His love of English offered three different paths for Hilfiker. He could pursue a career in teaching, work toward a PhD, or go to law school. He decided on law school, and graduated from Cornell Law School in 1963. “I knew I wanted to do something involving people and a service-related situation or profession, so I chose the law, although I did not know what I wanted to specialize in,” says Hilfiker. “So I took a variety of courses in a variety of areas, and specialized in trusts and estates.” After he graduated from Cornell, Hilfiker and his wife settled in his hometown of Rochester, where over the years they raised three children and he practiced law as a partner in the local firm Harter, Secrest and Emery. In

Hilfiker is publishing a book of short stories, which are only part of his literary repertoire. His love of writing short stories, poetry and essays grew from a longstanding love of English, which he discovered while attending the University of Rochester from 1952-1956.

1984, he relocated to a branch of that firm in Naples, Fla. In 2009, instead of retiring, Hilfiker formed a new general practice law firm in Naples, and his partners at Garlick, Hilfiker & Swift are, coincidentally he says, also from Rochester. Although his law career was his primary focus through the years, Hilfiker’s love of English and his desire to make a contribution to his alma mater continued to beckon him. So he developed a plan. “I wanted a professorship in English, and it was easy for me to gravitate towards the English department because of my experience there,” says Hilfiker. “The arts also, generally speaking, do not receive the kind of financial support and donations that science, medicine, and research receive.” Closely related to the professorship was Hilfiker’s idea for a scholarship fund for children who are the first in their families to go to college, and for minorities. “I was the first one in my family to have the privilege of going to college. The university was generous to me with respect to scholarship funds, and I wanted to set up a scholarship fund for first-generation college students and minorities,” says Hilfiker. “It’s a real problem, getting our minority kids educated to bring them into the mainstream, that’s one of the things I hope this fund will do.”

Hilfiker says he has been making contributions each year to develop the funds. “Alan’s gift is exemplary and illustrative to those who would like to leave a charitable legacy, but don’t know where to start,” says Jack Kreckel, senior associate vice president of advancement, University of Rochester. “He found a charitable partner in the University of Rochester’s English department, and together they developed a plan involving a variety of giving methods.” Through the years Hilfiker said he worked with the university, on what he refers to as “this project.” They impressed to him what their needs were, which included funding for graduate fellowships in English. “Alan is an especially thoughtful planner and appreciates the importance of starting early in life to structure a charitable legacy,” says Kreckel. “The end result will enable students to pursue their studies, and the university the ability to recruit world-class talent to Rochester.” Kreckel says the University of Rochester could not be more grateful. “I’m not a wealthy person by any means, [but] I am able to make contributions,” says Hilfiker. “If setting up modest scholarship funds is a goal, through insurance and creative planning you can do some wonderful things. I’m fortunate I have been able to do that.” But his story does not end there. Hilfiker keeps his love of English at the forefront, both in generosity and in spirit. Hilfiker’s love of great literature, poetry, and writing became, he says, “a bit more than a hobby.” In his spare time, Hilfiker has written a number of stories, poems, essays, a play, five children’s stories and writings he calls “story-poems.” These stories are

very short and are followed by something in the poetry genre. Attracted to the cinquain form of poetry after discovering the work of Rochester poet Adelaide Crapsey, Hilfiker studied and practiced the structural aspect of this form. For years he kept an index card in his shirt pocket to jot down words and ideas he could use to write in this challenging style — made up of five lines, utilizing a specific rhyming scheme, with contrasting elements. “I enjoy its brevity. It’s a very demanding form to write. You can’t have any surplus words, and I think there is very significant potential related to Haiku,” says Hilfiker. “You are contrasting something which is temporal with something that is eternal or long lasting. I can bear in mind a situation, something I have seen, something in nature, or something I read about, it is very practical.” Some of Hilfiker’s short stories and poems are found in the Wilderness House Literary Review and BellaOnline. He is currently working on the publication of a book of short stories. He says everybody has free time to do something they enjoy, and should utilize the resources that are available to them at the time. “I met Alan last year when he wanted to have an editor look at his poems and short stories. One of his collections of particular interest are poems and an essay on the cinquain form,” says Nina Alvarez, owner, Dream Your Book Author Services, Rochester. “But what’s interesting to me about Alan is the extremely generous legacy he is leaving to English majors and academics, even though he didn’t take the same career path.” For Hilfiker, sometimes it’s simply about doing what you enjoy, and believing in where that can lead you. He says he thinks of people he sees out at parks with their easels painting or drawing. He says while they may not be a Picasso or Monet, they are doing something they enjoy, with dedication, perseverance, and purpose. “If you really want to do something you ought to do it. Don’t suppress it, if there are things you want to do, like the bucket list, for heaven’s sake do it,” says Hilfiker. “Don’t hold yourself back. You only go around once you might as well let it fly.” November / December - 55 PLUS

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By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

Don Riley, 68 Vice president of Mark IV Enterprises has worn many hats in Rochester community Q. You served as town supervisor in Greece, was the CEO of the Regional Transit Authority and has been the vice president at Mark IV Enterprises. What are the lessons you have learned from your many jobs? A. The different jobs taught me humility, good listening skills and courage to be a leader. Q. Can you talk about your career as Greece town supervisor? A. I had the privilege of being elected eight times to the position of supervisor of the town of Greece [between 1973 and 1989]. With a wonderful group of employees during that 17-year history we built many athletic fields, many parks, expanded the police force from 22 to 89 and purchased the land for the new town hall campus. Along the way we established five libraries and did several master plans. I also had the opportunity to work with Eastman Kodak and many of our areas major developers, including my current boss, Anthony DiMarzo. Just think how much fun it was for me to work with Jim Wilmot Sr., Max Farash, Bob Wegman, Tony Comparato, Frank DiMino and many others who built the beautiful town of Greece. Q. What made you decide to enter your current career and what do you enjoy about it? A. Having served in government for the first 20 years of my life, I had a strong desire to learn what the private sector was all about. Anthony DiMarzo offered me that opportunity in 1989 and I have enjoyed every minute of it. In the private sector you do not eat, unless you work. The public sector does not have that kind of incentive. In the private sector, in order 50

55 PLUS - November / December 2014

to meet a payroll you have to turn a profit. The public sector by definition does not concentrate on profit but rather service. Learning from both perspectives has enriched my life and given me a deep understanding of what drives our economy. Development and housing are the critical centerpiece of the American economy and I have learned many lessons during my time in the private sector. Q. Why do you think senior living communities that Mark IV Enterprises has built have become so popular? A. Mark IV CEO Anthony DiMarzo was way ahead to the curve in recognizing the need for senior living communities. Those communities would allow seniors to make the transition from their homes to a new style of living with all the conveniences available and none of the burdensome obligations to taking care of a home. Q. Was there a turning point either years or decades ago when these senior living communities began to become more popular and why? A. As the Greatest Generation moved out of their homes in the 1990s, the need and the popularity of senior living took off. We at Mark IV were already opening our first community in Penfield followed shortly by Greece, Irondequoit, Brighton, Victor, Henrietta and Chili. Q. Can you talk about some of the highlights in your career, first for the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. A. As CEO of the Regional Transit Authority, I inherited a bankrupt and outdated public transportation system. The highlight for me was to

leave the system eight years later with several years of balanced budgets, a robust fleet of the most modern buses with GPS and cameras, a thriving and wonderful work force, master plans for all our regional systems and the beginning of the development of the downtown transit center. Q. What advice would you have for someone who wanted to enter into local politics? A. Enter politics for the right reasons. I think those could include public service, ambition to use your talents and skills and a real sense that you can make a difference. Q. What kinds of things do you do with your spare time? A. I have too many hobbies. I have become a prodigious reader of American history and have read at least one biography of virtually all of our presidents. I enjoy golf, kayaking, hiking, sporting clays shooting and hunting. I also am blessed with a wife, Reva, who participates in most of these hobbies with me. Reva is a world-class cross word puzzle solver and every night we watch Jeopardy and she regularly beats me. We are also blessed with four children and eight soon to be nine grandchildren spread from Brooklyn to California.

From Our Hearts To Yours. Introducing the HeartMatters Cardiac Rehab Program.

St. Ann’s Community is proud to introduce HeartMatters, a new evidence based program that was developed in collaboration with Cardiologists and Cardiothoracic surgeons including Rochester General Hospital Chief of Cardiology, Gerald Gacioch, M.D. and St. Ann’s Chief Medical Officer, Diane Kane, M.D. HeartMatters provides the region’s best program for patients with cardiac conditions such as heart failure, myocardial infarction and post cardiac surgery (i.e., CABG, valve replacement). We recognize the uniqueness of each individual and will work with you to develop a plan of care that will improve your quality of life and reduce the likelihood of readmission back to the hospital. You and your family will receive the knowledge necessary to better manage your condition after returning home.

For more information or to learn how to preplan a rehab stay, please call 585-697-6311 or visit stannscommunity.com. The HeartMatters cardiac rehab program is available at: St. Ann’s Community, Irondequoit and St. Ann’s Care Center, Cherry Ridge Campus in Webster.

Caring forThe Most Important People on Earth

HeartMatters Cardiac Medical Director, Gerald Gacioch, M.D. and St. Ann’s Chief Medical Officer, Diane Kane, M.D.

Supported by a grant from Greater Rochester Health Foundation

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