February/March 2016 Vol. 38, No. 1

The Official Newspaper of the South Wedge Since 1982

Federal Home Loan Awards Housing Grant to South Wedge Planning Committee

The Federal Home Loan Bank City Homes Repair Program, will of New York (FHLB), in partner- enable SWPC to help approximate- ship with M&T Bank, has awarded ly 25 eligible homeowners with the South Wedge Planning Com- needed repairs. Artist Gloria Kreitzberg combines meditation and art at the Living Stress Free Wellness Center mittee (SWPC) a grant to fund To be eligible for this grant, home repairs for low-income home you must have owned your house -owners in the City of Rochester. for at least three years, meet in- New Businesses Open in South Wedge & Swillburg The grant, which funds the come and other requirements, take continued on pg. 3 Shop 15 Antiques Thank you First Niagara & Karla Gadley! Nancy O’Donnell SWPC recently received a donation of $5,000 from First Ni- agara Financial Group to help homeowners in need. The funds When Yvonne Jordan, an- have been used to assist several low income homeowners with tique dealer and resident expert needed repairs to their homes. We are grateful to Karla Gadley Jewelry for the new year on WXXI’s College of Collectible Inner Vision Meditation students of First Niagara for recognizing the work we do in the commu- Knowledge,” learned that the emp- nity and facilitating the donation request. Second Chic ty red brick building on Henrietta Inner Vision Street was available for rent, she Consignment jumped on it. She knew Crosman Meditation Arms, a BB gun manufacturing Rebecca Fitzgerald company, had once been located Nancy O’Donnell Owner Annie Adams is ex- there, but after she walked inside Artist Gloria Kreitzberg brings panding her Buffalo-based con- its entrance, topped by a charming an ancient practice to the South signment shop to the Flower City, brick arch, she was delighted to Wedge that pairs painting and medi- which will round out the third and discover a working fireplace. The tation and asks students to “Breathe. final commercial tenant at the Edge Crosman name reaches back to Create. Be.” She launched her of the Wedge on South Clinton 1838, when Fred Crosman formed new classes in January at the Liv- Ave. a seed company. Over time, its ing Stress Free Wellness Center of Second Chic Consignment continued on pg. 16 continued on pg. 16 specializes in contemporary cloth- ing for both men and women. There is no limit to the number of pieces to sell, but they must be in-season Shear Mutts and without pills or stains. Second After 30 years working in Founders of Champions for Change USA (l-r) Joshua, Olivia and Jeremiah West Chic differs from other consign- food service, Sarah Rice decided (Photo by Nancy O’Donnell) ment shops, such as Plato’s Closet she needed a new career. After and Clothes Mentor “because we some soul-searching, she headed to Champions for Change Collect Water for Flint continued on pg. 16 the Institute of Dog Grooming for a Nancy O’Donnell Shop 15 urns continued on pg. 16 Not many adults can claim brothers, Joshua, 8, Jeremiah, 10, the title of author, entrepreneur, and mother, Olivia, invited the Be a fool for love! Join City Love at the Historic humanitarian and founder of an or- Rochester community to become ganization whose aim is to create “change agents” and donate water a movement of giving around the filters and bottled water for Flint, German House on April 1, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. world. Joshua and Jeremiah West, Michigan. Jesse Knoth Champions of Change USA, have Flint residents, especially its managed to do it all a decade or children, face long-lasting effects On Friday, April 1, NCS Com- ture live music from the Mambo Trevett Cristo Attorneys, Holy Sep- more below adulthood. from exposure to lead after the munity Development, the South Kings, hors d’oeuvres and desserts ulchre Cemetery and Community On January 30, the West city switched its water supply from East Area Coalition and the South from local businesses, wine and Reservation Corporation; and our Lake Huron to Flint River in 2014 Wedge Planning Committee will be beverage tastings, as well as live “Fool for Love” sponsors are Path- to cut costs. While the scandal of hosting the 3rd Annual City Love and silent auctions. stone, Kevin Brezinski and Edward the state’s response continues in gala in the heart of the South Wedge Thank you to our community Jones Investment. the news, the West brothers kept it at the Historic German House, 315 partners who have already pledged Tickets are $25 and available on the human level and wanted to Gregory Street. their support for the event. through RocCityLove.com or at help. These three agencies work At time of publication, our the SWPC office at 224 Mt. Hope By the end of the morning, to revitalize Rochester neighbor- “True Love” sponsors include Avenue. We hope that you’ll come countless cars had dropped off wa- hoods through home repair work, Highland Hospital and NCS Home out and enjoy exciting evening ter at Advantage Credit Union on small business assistance, commu- Properties; our “Heart Throb” with friends and neighbors as we Mt. Hope Avenue, enough to fill nity engagement and neighborhood sponsor is Conifer Reality LLC; celebrate the wonderful neighbor- two full trucks said their mother Ol- Farmers Markets such as the South “Love Me Tender” sponsors in- hoods, business and people that continued on pg. 16 Wedge and Westside Market. clude Harter Seacrest & Emery, make us love to call the ROC home. This year, City Love will fea- South Wedge Planning Committee Planning South Wedge Avenue 224 Mt. Hope 14620 Rochester, New York 2 February/March 2016 - The Wedge

Board Members Writers SWPC Mission Statement Drew Beeman, Rebecca Berman, Nathaniel Mich, Chair Nicole deViere, Sean Hanna, SWPC builds community in Anthony Sciarabba, Treasurer Mike Henry, Rebecca Fitzgerald, the South Wedge, encourages Mark Greisberger, Co-Treasurer Jesse Knoth, Jen Lenio, Dave Halter, Business a full range of housing Dr. Michael Mancenido, Frank Logan, Neighbor opportunities and promotes a Michelle Martell, Nathaniel Mich, Rebecca Webb, Neighbor Rev. Matthew Martin Nickoloff diverse, historically significant, Nancy O’Donnell, Jeffrey K. Wahr commercially sustainable Honorary Board Members Mitchell Dannenberg, John Dennis, urban village. Joe DiDonato, Cheryl Stevens Cartoon The Wedge Newspaper, a not-for-profit Introducing the New Wedge Card Justin Hubbell newspaper, is published by the South Wedge Planning Committee, a community development Join SWPC today and you get members receive the Wedge Staff organization. Its mission is to provide accurate a Wedge Card to show your neigh- Newspaper delivered to their door. Executive Director John Page Copy Editor coverage of community news as well as local, Eilleen Thomas borhood pride and get discounts The Wedge Card also gives you Assistant Director Eilleen Thomas state and national news that affect the area. Jennifer Baldwin, Jesse Knoth, when you shop local! You can use voting rights at our Annual Meet- The Wedge is printed bimonthly (February, April, Nancy O’Donnell Photography June, August, October and December) with a the card at your favorite local busi- ing. To sign up, simply complete Nathaniel Mich, Nancy O’Donnell circulation of 5300. The newspaper is distributed ness, and the list of participating the SWPC card below, visit swpc to area businesses, retail shops and other drop Consultants off points in the Greater Rochester area. businesses keeps growing! at 224 Mt. Hope Avenue or contact Christopher Hennelly, Bookkeeper The Wedge Newspaper 585.256-1740, ext.. 105 or 978.9638. The Christopher Group Please send story suggestions or news to Using the card is simple, and Jesse Knoth, [email protected], Fax 585.256.1497 Norm Karsten, Wedge Newspaper Editor Nancy O’Donnell, E-mail staff, type first initial last 224 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, New York you can check the inside cover of 256-1740 x 104 with any ques- SBDC SUNY Geneseo [email protected] 14620 or e-mail [email protected]. The Wedge for up-to-date listings tions. Are you a business owner Advertising deadlines and rates of local business participating and interested in participating in the are available online at www.swpc.org or call Nancy O’Donnell at 978-9638. the discounts they offer. Wedge Card discount program? Wedge Newspaper Nancy O’Donnell Articles in this paper do not In addition, Wedge Card Let us know! Executive Editor & Layout necessarily reflect the view and/or ADNet Printing, opinions of the South Wedge Messenger Post Media Use your Wedge Card Planning Committee.

discounts here! South Wedge Planning Committee, 224 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, New York 14620, (585) 256-1740 Cheesy Eddies, 5% off Before recycling the Wedge, please share with others. 602 South Avenue The Christopher Group 10% off Board Members 473 South Avenue, Christine O’Connor Equal=Grounds, 10% off Mark Greisberger Tony Sciarabba 750 South Avenue Benjamin Mudrick Full Moon Vista Bike & Sport Christine O’Connor 10% off accessories & 5% off bikes David Sable 661 South Avenue Harry G’s NY Deli & Cafe - 10% 678 South Avenue HeadzUp Hats, 15% off 524 Mt. Hope Avenue Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, 10% off The South East Area 674 South Avenue Coalition Needs You! Join us in Community Building Liberty Tax, 10% off We are looking for new 686 South Avenue, Board members and want The South Wedge homes. It aided in the Little Button Craft & Press to know, are you interested? Planning Committee development of the very 10% off non-consignment items SEAC serves Rochester’s (SWPC) invites you to vibrant South Avenue 658 South Avenue southeast quadrant. Our main join with our dynamic business corridor. SWPC Natural Pet Foods purpose is to participate in non-profit organization works in myriad ways 5% off, 10% off new customers the City’s Owner-Occupant in making a difference in to build community 766 S. Clinton Avenue Rehabilitation Program. southeast Rochester. Join through its South Wedge Print Roc, Inc. Through this program, SEAC our board of directors or Farmers Market, Victory works with income-qualified 15% off for businesses, 10% off to individuals serve on a committee. We 620 South Ave home owners to address Gardens and The Wedge have a variety of ways you Purple Painted Lady major repair needs. We find Newspaper. can help. Free Color Chart with any purchase of chalk paint financial assistance to help Your time, talent and 650 South Avenue pay for the repairs, and we act Founded in 1978, passion can help us in Stuart’s Spices as project managers to ensure SWPC acts as a conduit continuing SWPC’s 10% off $10 or more that the repairs are completed for federal or state repair work. If interested, please 754 S. Clinton Avenue, properly. We also sponsor grants that help keep call 256-1740 or e-mail Swiftwater Brewing Company and support programs and people in their aging [email protected]. $1 off flight of beer events such as City Love, 378 Mt. Hope Avenue Clean Sweep, Day of Caring thread, 10% off and the Street Manager The Wedge 654 South Avenue Programs on South Clinton and Monroe Avenues. We Zak’s Avenue, 10% off do all of this and much more Newspaper 661 South Avenue with the goal of sustaining and improving the quality of The South Wedge Planning Committee, Inc. Join SWPC & Get the Wedge! our neighborhoods. Please South East Area Coalition Calendar join us in our efforts! If you February/March 2016 For over 30 years, The Wedge If you enjoy reading the Wedge, Meetings are held at 224 Mt. Hope Ave. Newspaper has chronicled the lives please consider subscribing by would like to be considered and times of our vibrant South joining SWPC. Just send a check or for a Board position, please The community is invited to attend all meetings. Wedge neighborhood and beyond. money order to the address below. contact coconnor@hselaw. SWPC Board Meeting SEAC Board Meeting com. nathaniel.mich@gmail [email protected] Tues. 2/16 & 3/15, 6 p.m. Thurs. 2/11 & 3/10, 6:30 pm Name______Community Engagement Housing & Structures (Neighbors & Block Clubs) Meets bimonthly [email protected] Wed. 2/3 & 4/6 5:30 pm Wed. 2/17 & 3/16, 5:30 pm [email protected] City______State______Zip______Call 256-1740, ext.

___ $25 SWPC membership 105 or 978-9638 Finance Team SW Victory Garden Please mail this form along with your donation to: 224 [email protected] [email protected] for rates. Wed., 12/9 & 1/13, 12:30 p.m. E-mail for dates and times. Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. Community News The Wedge - February/March 2016 3 Meet Becca Webb puter company, and her mother “My time [in the neighborhood] Calvary St. Andrews Stays Open for Now was an artist and educator. They happened at a time when my mar- Nancy O’Donnell SWPC Boardmember later returned to the States, and riage was ending. Community en- Rumors about Calvary St. Presbyterian in 2001. Currently, Becca grew up on Cape Cod, gagement was a huge gift. I’ve made Andrews Church (CSA), a South its membership stands at only 50 Mass. such great friends in the Highland Wedge landmark on Ashland Street, souls. In college, she studied lin- Park and South Wedge neighbor- have been swirling around for sev- “Calvary St. Andrews still guistics, “the study of languages, hoods.” eral weeks—the pastor’s gone, the has services on Sunday at 11 a.m. their sounds, the grammar, how it After she lived in her Nicholson church is being turned into condos, The Food Program is still operat- changes over time” at the Univer- Street house for a time, she bought a and its Food Cupboard has closed. ing during the week, at reduced sity of Queens in Kingston and in larger South Wedge home. Those rumors of CSA’s demise hours, but it’s still going strong,” Université Laval in Quebec City. It was easy for her to find a Nancy O’Donnell are premature said John Wilkinson, Wilkinson added. “Linguistics is also about how we “great tenant” because “everybody pastor of Third Presbyterian Church, Foodlink still funds CSA’s Becca Webb, one of the South talk to people, for example, the knows how cool the South Wedge who was charged in October 2015 Food Cupboard, which has pro- Wedge Planning Committee newer way we speak to a three-year-old is” but the longtime residents equally with oversight of the historic Church vided an important help to fami- board members, began her rela- niece is different than how we impressed her. “I’d never met such and heads a committee deciding its lies in need. In 2013 alone, it tionship with the neighborhood by talk to a judge.” neighborliness [on Nicholson Street]. fate. provided food to 2,410 people in gutting and fixing up an 800-square Even more important, she They’re the anchors of the commu- “Nothing is set in stone; noth- 842 households, and as its web- foot house on Nicholson Street. fell in love with the ancient nity and that’s not to be sneezed at.” ing is decided. We’re brainstorming, site noted, “the need continues to “I’ve always been a longtime walled city that felt so European. On her home front, she’s con- gathering information and talking grow.” enthusiastic member of the Land- “I loved the Québécois language, tinuing to settle into her new home. to the faith community and people In addition, the City’s South mark Society. I love old buildings the culture and the music,” said “I spent a beautiful summer on in the community,” said Wilkinson. Avenue Rec Center is temporari- and old communities,” said Becca. Becca. my porch. I have a basement full of “Nothing has been taken off the ly housed there while School #12 Becca began her South Wedge When she completed college boxes that I’m weeding out, so they table. It may stay open; it may not. is being renovated. project in 2012 during a time of with a B.A. in linguistics, Becca fit in my present life.” We’re giving it some time and space, “We have a historic building great change in her life, and she lived for a time in Toronto while She’s now exploring the pos- and looking at it quarter by quarter.” we care about a lot,” said Wilkin- spent five days a week driving over she worked in customer service sibility of buying a mixed-use com- According to the church’s web- son. “ It has mattered to us for from her 4,000 square foot home in jobs. mercial building and do some more site, CSA’s history began in 1856 a really long time. We all see it the Park Ave. area to work on it. “I worked long enough to work on sewing projects. (She’s been when Calvary Presbyterian Church has a mission and purpose [in the “The walls and the ceiling find out that I didn’t want to collecting vintage clothing from the on Hamilton Street was constituted. South Wedge].” had to come down. There was a lot work in customer service jobs,” first half of the 20th century and Seventeen years later St. Andrew's The church continues to be of work to do,” said Becca. “At the laughed Becca. would like to create modern repro- Episcopal Church opened on Ash- available for rentals for meetings same time I was falling in love with Next, she enrolled in the ductions). land Street and Averill Avenue. By and events to outside groups. For the South Wedge. I always loved grad school at the University of In January Becca was re-elected the late 1960s, the two churches had information about renting space, the Wedge Newspaper. I knew a Rochester where she studied “the to serve a second term on SWPC at joined together, with the Presbyteri- contact Pastor Wilkinson at number of the businesses. I’d look Rochester method of sign lan- its annual meeting. She’s especially an congregation selling their proper- JWilkinson@thirdpresbyterian. down the street to the St. Boniface guage.” She spent several years excited about exploring a new trend ty and relocating to the Gothic-style org. convent, look at the arched win- teaching classes before she left in small house development and at- Church. The congregation became dows and feel at home.” and decided to buy a house in the tracting more to serve on the SW- She started to attend SWPC South Wedge. PC’s board. meetings and talk to the former “I want to find a way to con- “I want to continue outreach. construction manager, George Lor- tribute to SWPC, so at first I vol- The more voices, the healthier and son to learn the tricks of the trade. unteered to be a liaison between more powerful [an organization] is. “I wanted to find out how SWPC and NBN6 meetings. I Board members don’t just have to SWPC could rehab a house for so thought it was really great orga- live in the South Wedge. Any inter- little money.” nization.” ested person can sit in on a Board Appreciation of old world ar- Next, Becca became a mem- Meeting. I’d like to see some busi- chitecture and fine workmanship ber of the Highland Hospital ness owners and new and older comes naturally to Becca. Steering Committee, a neighbor- residents and folks from the broader She was born in Milan, Italy hood group working with the southeast area and, of course, any during a time her Canadian parents hospital’s administration and the one with energy!” added Becca. were out “adventuring.” Her father architects on the project during its worked for Olivetti, an early com- expansion. Hunt Real Estate ERA Federal Home Loan 3300 Monroe Avenue, Ste 209 continued on from pg 1. a homeowner education class, and agree to live in your home for the COLUMBUS DIVISION Michael Lill next five years. Neighborhood Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Housing Services of Rochester ofc: 585-785-2000 (NeighborWorks) has agreed to C fax: 585-785-2199 provide the homeowner educa- call: 585-490-4954 tion class for households partici- I [email protected] pating in the City Homes Repair HUNTREALESTATE.COM Program. “This grant isn’t limited to T just roofs or exterior work,” said receiving more information, call SWPC Assistant Director Eilleen 256-1740 and speak with Eilleen, Y Thomas. “It allows us to address Jesse Knoth or Jennifer Baldwin. TAX TIME CAN BE ROUGH, health and safety issues, structural The City Homes Repair Pro- repairs, and repairs to various sys- gram is made possible by a grant, DON’T GO IT ALONE! tems - heating, plumbing, electri- through M&T Bank, from the Af- cal and so on.” fordable Housing Program of the L At The Christopher Group we’re here The number of applications Federal Home Loan Bank of New SWPC can accept is limited. If York. to help with your income tax needs! you are interested in applying or O V Call/Text: 585-325-7351 Support our Advertisers! 473 South Ave Tell them you saw them E Rochester, NY in The Wedge You can also send us a message on Facebook: Like us & them on Facebook! 4/1 The Christopher Group

TAX DAY Historic MONDAY German APRIL 18 House email:info@

[email protected] CHRISTOPHERGROUPNY.COM 4 February/March 2016 - The Wedge Community Builders business, the better to sample all of and a lighter hand on the mixer. Talking with My Mouth Full - Playhouse/Swillburger the major offerings. Swillburger’s But that vegan milkshake? Man, oh Nathaniel Mich meat burgers are, as one might man, was that good. Made from a hope, very good. The meat is high- coconut-milk based ice cream, that You are to be commended, quality and the condiments well- slightly tropical flavor boosted the dear reader, for your patience. The made. As an ensemble, the double mild chocolate, and the texture was Playhouse/Swillburger’s much an- cheeseburger works beautifully, spot on – rich and just thick enough ticipated and oft-delayed opening delivered in, but barely contained to make me work to get it through has teased and taunted us, burger by, a soft old-fashioned Flour City the straw. lovers and nostalgia gamers alike. Bread bun. The soft veggie burger The Playhouse/Swillburger is a Now it’s here, and the wall-to-wall is made of beets, brown rice and very young restaurant. As a result, weekend crowds (especially once black beans. Beets dominated the they had several of the issues that the liquor license was attained) color, flavor and texture of the come with the territory – the fries, suggest that The Playhouse/Swill- patty, which, while it played nice game break-downs, mistaken or- burger (just Swillburger, here on with the condiments and toppings, ders and flow issues in particular. out) has definitely tapped into some The classics - burger, fries and shake never grow old (Photo by Nathaniel Mich) was a bit one-dimensional for me. However, concerns were always pent-up demand – with or without dominate the cavernous former The fries have been the object of addressed quickly and courteously, that pesky mural. tomers order, cafeteria style, from sanctuary, with a variety of seating some controversy, earning both and they are up front on social me- It’s the building and space – a a lower-ceilinged side space, and arranged around the edges and in loud praise and criticism on the dia about where they need to im- former neighborhood church – that then must wait within shouting dis- balconies that overlook the game Swillburger Facebook page and prove. I expect that they will iron garnered Swillburger a lot of its tance for their food. floor. Acoustically, it is very lively. from my fellow diners. Both times out these issues in the next several initial attention, and they certainly So let’s talk about that food. My favorite physical feature is the I had the fries, they were lightly months, and I look forward to re- make a striking impression. While Swillburger’s menu aims to pluck backdrop of the bar (serving craft crisp, tender on the inside and turning. Maybe this time I’ll put much has been removed to make the same nostalgic heartstrings as beer and cocktails): floor-to-ceiling well-seasoned. The Vampire Fries down the burger long enough to ac- way for a spare 1950s aesthetic its video games, offering burgers, wooden boxes painted seemingly come buried in fresh garlic and tually play one of the games. that features arcade consoles as fries and milkshakes (featuring Eat at random that resolve, only when parsley, so maybe don’t order those The Playhouse/Swillburger, 820 S. the primary decoration, some of Me ice cream) in plastic letters on viewed from the ordering line, into if you’re on a date unless you’re Clinton Ave., 585-442-2442 the physical heritage of the build- a felt board. Nods to modernity Tetris pieces. The food itself steps both getting them. The dairy-based www.theplayhouseroc.com, ing – its stained and leaded glass, include vegan milkshakes, house- aside to make way for Gauntlet chocolate milkshake was too thin Tuesday-Sunday: 12 pm-10 pm most notably – has thankfully been made veggie burgers and a range of Legends, Marvel vs. Street Fighter and mild for my taste, requiring (21+ only after 9 pm). preserved. Thirty or so games house-made condiments. I visited and several flavors of pinball: cus- twice in their first couple weeks of a heavier hand on the ice cream Highland Library Opens After Renovation

Jen Lenio We’re happy to announce the All of our DVDs, CDs, books re-opening of the Highland Branch on CD and magazines have been Library. After being closed for ren- grouped together in the lounge area ovations for three months, we have to make browsing easier and more several upgrades to the site as well comfortable. Mysteries are right up as a new floor plan. New carpeting front by the study area, and the chil- was installed; the main floor was dren’s section has been organized to repainted; a new circulation desk allow for larger story time groups was built with an inside book drop; and more after school program- all new computers were brought in; ming. 971 South Ave, 428-8206 a new water fountain with bottle Jennifer Lenio is Area Coordinator filling station was added, and the for the Rochester Public Library furniture was rearranged to provide a more open feel.

The Center for Youth is proud to announce the premiere of a short film entitled: If These Walls Could Talk on February 8th, at 7 pm at the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. The film is free and open to the public. Based on and inspired by actual events and featuring local talent, this film celebrates the resiliency and determination, the talent and the creativity of young men facing homelessness and living in a transitional living center. The film will be followed by an interactive panel discussion with the actors, director and the production team.

From its earliest inception, this film was intended to portray an accurate perspective of the challenges faced by youth and families suffering from trauma and abandonment as a result of homelessness while also capturing the positive energy and dreams that can still be realized through community understanding and support.

We extendAbundanceFoodCoop-5.5x4in-color-ad.pdf our thanks to AT&T for their s ignificant 1 1/20/2016 co 11:04:46ntribution AM and to the George Eastman Museum for hosting the film.

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CY to make healthy, local, CMY organic food more affordable Coming to the K Wedge in Spring 2016. for everyone in Rochester. CHEESECAKE ●CARROT CAKE ●CHOCOLATE CAKE Visit us at our current location: AND SO MUCH MORE! 62 Marshall St. Baked from scratch using the finest ingredients… We do the ordinary, extraordinarily well… (585) 454-2667 Food Co-op 602 South Ave, Rochester●585.473.1300●Cheesyeddies.com Southeast News The Wedge - February/March 2016 5 HEAP income guidelines or are Swillburg News active or well discharged military Mike Henry members, assistance is available for heating crises. The application only takes a few minutes but needs to be done Jesse Knoth in person. Have you received a shut-off For more information, call notice from RG&E this winter? Jesse at 256-1740, ext. 104 to The South Wedge Planning Com- find out more and set up an mittee, 224 Mt. Hope Avenue, appointment. Project Share is has become an intake site for the a program of Heart Share and Project Share heating assistance is funded through RG&E and Many joyful things have trans- program. NYSERDA as well as donation pired here in Swillburg over the For residents who meet from the public. past six months. Most recently, we celebrate the return of a lost little kitty named Henrietta! Henrietta's disappearance was announced by her “Authority” (as cats often re- gard keepers) Sue, online via Next- door Swillburg. (On Nextdoor, a free private online network, neigh- bors create private groups for their neighborhoods where they can ask questions, get to know one another, and exchange local advice and post events.”) A good number of neighbors Some Facts about Gold Street Lofts responded to Sue’s call for help The Lofts at Gold Street, a space/lounge.” with best wishes, and lo, the next proposed “mixed use” develop- The apartments will be de- day, Sue posted that Henrietta has ment on Mt. Hope Ave., between signed for, and marketed to, stu- safely returned home. By all ac- Gold and Langslow Streets, is gen- dents. The current site plan provides counts of her picture, one could see erating a lot of discussion within for a total of 55 parking spaces. she's a sweet little feline of fine and the Upper Mount Hope neighbor- An informational meeting endearing features. hoods. Here are some facts about was hosted by the Upper Mt. Hope Also in Swillburg, we're look- The North Wedge the proposed development to be Neighborhood Association on Jan- ing forward to our favored “Night located just a few blocks from uary 18, at St. Anne Church. An- Out” events. Nearly each month College Town. Developers are Ken other informational meeting will neighbors gather at one of our many by Justin Hubbell Burnham and Duncan Frame, and be hosted by NBN6 on February 8, local restaurants simply to social- the parcels to be developed are 2016, at 5:30 p.m., at the Olmsted ize, enjoy good food and, of course, owned by 10 Gold Street Proper- Lodge, 171 Reservoir Ave. support our local merchants. Pa- ties LLC. The architect is CJS The project is currently un- tronizing them is the best means to Architects. dergoing the environmental review ensure we have local merchants. The project would involve phase of the Site Plan Review pro- Another exciting bit of news, demolishing two structures: a cess, which is required by the State Josh Massicott, our steering com- 2-storey building at 1176 Mt. Hope Environmental Quality Review Act mittee chairperson, has made con- Ave. (the former Empire Comics (SEQR). Comments from the pub- siderable progress in saving our store) and a 2-storey single fam- lic regarding environmental impact neighborhood's customized street ily house at 10 Gold Street. The – including on topics such as design, name signs. If you recall, here in project would erect two buildings: scale, parking, traffic, congestion, Swillburg our street signs include a 5-storey, 63,242 square foot and impact on Mt. Hope Cemetery our little pig logo that's enshrined residential/retail building on Mt. – may be directed to Peter Siegrist, with the Swillburg Neighborhood Hope Ave., and a 4-storey, 8296 Senior City Planner, at the follow- moniker. These have been dis- square foot residential building on ing e-mail address: peter.siegrist@ played proudly and served to pro- Gold St. cityofrochester.gov. According to Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson mote a positive and joyful image of The complex would contain 40 Mr. Siegrist, the deadline for public our little triangle. However, over a Serving the families of Rochester units - twenty-four 2-bedroom units comment on environmental impact year ago we learned that they fail [email protected] and 16 4-bedroom units. Total oc- is February 12, 2016. to comply with federal guidelines 585/244-5255 cupancy would be 112 persons. Plans and drawings on file and would require generic replace- The ground floor of the Mt. Hope with the City can be found at ments. Thanks to Josh and county Ave. building would contain 3,160 http://www.cityofrochester.gov/ Working with you to make ours the DOT officials, it seems realistic to square feet of retail space and 3,812 article.aspx?id=8589936657 under best community possible! hope that our replacement signs square feet of “tenant amenity “current projects of interest.” will include our customized design! And, yes, one more bit of good news, “Rochester's Swill- burg neighborhood is hot.” That Confident. Sexy. Beautiful. was the announcement made on WROC television recently, report- ing that property values in the burg appreciated more than any other city neighborhood. Now mind you, that appreciation comes with tax increases and not everyone here is thrilled. Still, I'd rather see the value of my biggest worldly in- vestment appreciate as opposed to decline. And, really, it's not that Swillburg homes have greatly been renovated or mansion-ized, though I do see mostly new roofs from my corner view. The “hot” description is simply because we Swillburg folk have attracted new neighbors who recognize our spirit of com- munity and cooperation, as evi- denced by many visible outcomes, from public art on Pembroke Street to our street signs to the beautiful flower gardens that abound. Well, there are no doubt other bits of good news to announce, but, I'll sign off now so I can get on my trike, zoom off and enjoy the cool Students And urban villages that comprise South Staff Members Get Off All Services! Wedge and Swillburg. Peace. 10% SpitaleLaserSpaSalon.com • 59 Celebration Drive • College Town • 256-3490 6 February/March 2016 - The Wedge Neiighborhood Notables

Being a “Hot Mama” Goal for 2016 for the Deaf in Rochester, Fearing lives they cared about who was gay Michele Martell decided to follow. and a couple hands would go up,” “I came to visit the first Fearing said. “Today every single Happy 2016! The festivities strengthen my mind, whether it is Thanksgiving [he was here] and I hand goes up. This happens a lot have subsided, and it’s back to re- reading, writing, focusing on my really liked what I saw,” said Fear- on college campuses. In the last ality. There’s a plethora of New work and clients. Even when done ing. “And the winters were warmer 5-10 years, homophobia has often Year’s Resolutions out there, and it on the fly, it still has a critical ef- than Minnesota.” become an issue of geography. On can be a challenge not to get sucked fect. After all, if you don’t use it, Once in Rochester, Fearing the road, there will be fewer hands into the hype of grandiose resolu- you lose it! When my babies and I contemplated a new career. “With going up in Nashville.” tions that don‘t stick. Besides being were home together, as they slept in 20 years of LGBTQ organizing The Empty Closet, the coun- an opportunity to start fresh and to my arms I would write, journal and work I was ready to do something try’s oldest continuously publish- let go of the past year, I think the read, which kept my brain sharp. else other than being a ‘profes- ing gay newspaper, has chronicled most important part of having a As moms, we are continuously in a sional homosexual,”’ Fearing said the Gay Alliances’ long battle for cheerful 2016 for any of us is do- state of transition with our children. laughing. “But then, in 2007, the LGBTQ equality. ing what makes us truly happier and We can grow constantly through economy was tanking, and I spent Fearing outlined its long his- more balanced. each of our children’s stages, which a couple years searching.” tory in the movement. For most mothers, our prima- are remarkably short. Eventually, Rochester LG- “It began as a four-page mim- ry focus is doing what is best for Scott Fearing, executive director of Doing something simple for BTQ’s siren call reached him, and eographed newsletter created on the our children. But without balance, the Gay Alliance others daily, running the gamut in 2007, he joined as education di- University of Rochester campus in there’s such a thing as “mommy from sincerely smiling to another, rector. In May 2013, he was named 1971,” said Fearing. “The UR Gay brain”--being continuously distract- opening the door for someone, con- Gay Alliance Moves executive director. Alliance offered a social scene of ed by focusing on everyone else’s veying a genuine compliment, help- Over time, Fearing helped to dances and other events. The group that can leave us feeling exhausted to College Avenue ing the helpless…all of these things develop education programs that eventually lost college funding be- and preoccupied. Yet taking time to make us Hot Moms who are full of Nancy O’Donnell have gained a national reputation. cause so many of its participants care for ourselves - body, soul, and gratitude; not to mention, sets an He now travels around the coun- came from off campus. In 1972, the mind - can only enable us to better example for our kids, because they Scott Fearing, Executive Di- try helping businesses and schools group was offered a free unheated care for our families. are always, always watching. rector of Gay Alliance, invites of all sizes to be sensitive and re- space in a building in Bull’s Head So I’ve decided to be a Hot Finally, being a Mom who everyone to stop by the Alliance’s sponsive to Trans people, to combat to run the Empty Closet.” Mom this year. I don’t mean that in wants the best for her kids and new digs on College Avenue in the bullying and help create Safe Zones Today The Empty Closet pub- a superficial way. It’s all about do- strives to do what is best for them, Neighborhood of the Arts, he’s just for LGBTQ individuals. He con- lishes a monthly 52-page tabloid. ing those things that make me feel who loves them unconditionally, that excited. The space replaces a ducts workplace education of Trans Fearing has lots more planned beautiful and fabulous on the inside telling and showing them each and secluded office in the Rochester issues that can range from a small for the College Avenue site includ- and out, which will I believe create every day that she loves them… Auditorium on E. Main St. to a business to a huge corporation (in ing adding “Gallery Q,” a space for a rippling effect for those around that is what ultimately makes a Hot 6,000 square foot, bright, big win- one the Vice President transitioned art exhibits that “speaks to the LG- me. Five minutes a day can make Mom. Because when Mom feels dowed space next to RIT’s Gallery and both employees and investors BTQ experience and hosting “Out a difference. I can be just simply happy and expresses her caring… R and half a block from Village had to be informed). and Equal” Happy Hours network- focusing on my breathing after that is what our children will em- Gate. Fearing described a recent ing nights. On April 24, a wrap-up the alarm goes off while everyone brace for the rest of their lives. Fearing emphasized that the project for a Human Resources de- celebration of Marriage Equality is still sleeping, in my car before I’ve finally recognized the im- new location allows the organiza- partment of a engineering firm that US is being planned. I drive, at the gym, on a walk, or portance of doing for me what no tion that “Champions for LGBTQ asked for his help when an employ- “This new location is very in- while petting my rescue dogs; what one else can, even if in small incre- life & culture in Rochester, NY” to ee began transitioning. vigorating,” said Fearing. “It’s fully a stupendous gift, which sets my ments. As the saying goes, if we expand its services and visibility to “They wanted to make it success- handicapped accessible. We’re vis- intention for the day. Just quieting don’t take care of ourselves, who an even greater community. ful for the employee and for their ible. The focus of my whole career the mind for a brief period helps get will? In addition to feeling more Add to that Q-Youth, a pro- company,” said Fearing. “Back in has been community building and ready for the day and lends to the internally empowered and fulfilled, gram that supports young LG- the old days, a transgender person breaking isolation.” necessary spiritual guidance and BTQ teens. (On the day the Wedge would leave work, move away. The “next big thing” on his peace we all need. It takes some visited, a chaperoned overnight Most people today don’t want to do plate is exploring the possibility of practice, but after a few times of “Lock-in” was scheduled, an event that. Why give [their lives] up?” a housing development for LGBQT merely being quiet and listening where teens dance, eat pizza, watch He outlined “carefully mapped seniors. He’s already engaged with openly -- it will become more effec- movies and end with a 7 a.m. pan- plans” needed when an individual the City of Rochester and a number tive and make a huge impact. cake breakfast.) SAGE (Services transitions. It can be something as of developers to make it happen. Exercise, for even 30 minutes, Advocacy for GLBT elders) offers minor as an ID Badge, to how to let Fearing also shared a “secret makes all of the difference in the events including euchre tourna- other employees know so they don’t desire” he’s been nursing for some world. It gets the blood flowing, ments, bingo, and chair yoga. “freak out” when Steve returns to time. “I want to get a passenger the brain in gear and the positive Michelle Martell Also on site is The Empty work as Francesca and heads for bus--a big gay van--we can paint thinking moving. As mom’s, we deciding to be a Hot Mom on the in- Closet newspaper’s office. The Gay the Ladies Room. “Bathroom use in rainbow colors to take youth on often have sleepless nights, with side and out in 2016 will make my Alliance Library circulating and is huge [concern] although many outings or to take seniors out who kids‘activities that keep us busy children happier and more proud of reference collection of over 6,000 places are moving towards family have lack of mobility. And to show throughout the day and evening. me and isn’t that a wonderful New fiction and non-fiction books, and bathrooms, single stall.” that we do exist. Yet the energy from getting in a Year’s 2016 gift that keeps on giv- 800 magazine and journal titles, “We begin in a sense as re- To learn more, visit the Gay workout, whether in a gym that pro- ing for future new years to come? as well as video and audio record- lationship consultants,” Fearing Alliance at 100 College Ave, #100, vides quality childcare, at home or ings related to gay and lesbian, bi- added. “Employees have lots of or visit their website at www.gayal- on a brisk walk -- can truly keep us sexual, trans-gendered and Queer questions. It’s curiosity. I’ve never liance.org. going. issues. The Gay Alliance archives found it to be malicious. It’s often Intellectually, I decided each house a historic collection of cop- ignorance, in the best use of the day to do something that will ies of The Empty Closet newspa- word. People have never been edu- per, as well as vital paper records cated in [LGBTQ] issues. ” and ephemera of the events, orga- Society’s response to the nizations, and people important to LGBTQ experience has changed the Rochester LGBTQ community. dramatically since Fearing began Fearing’s advocacy on behalf working in the field. of LGBTQ issues began at Out- “Twenty years ago I would ask Front Minnesota for most of the a group if they would raise their ‘90s. When his life partner took a hands if they had someone in their job at National Technical Institute Visual archives at the Gay Alliance

South Wedge Victory Gardens Accepting Applications The South Wedge Planning Committee will be accepting appli- cations for its two Victory Gardens on Hamilton and Cypress Streets. All applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. Dead- line for submission is March 1. E-mail for an application ([email protected] or stop in the office at 224 Mt. Hope Avenue, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Use it or Lose it! Shop Local! (Photo by James Papapanu) South Wedge Creatives The Wedge - February/March 2016 7 Southside Little League Readies for New Season Rochester Civic Garden Events at 5 Castle Park Sean Hanna On February 19, RCG holds native plants and Jennifer Bart- For more than 60 years South- a Dinner Lecture, “The Darwin ley, landscape architect and owner side Little League has been playing Martin House and the Story of owner of American Potager LLC, a baseball in Southeast Rochester. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Landscape,” design firm based in Ohio. More than just playing baseball, our 5:45-8:30 p.m. The Frank- Lloyd In “What Do You Mean I'm Not a league strives to strengthen the fab- Wright-designed Darwin Martin Perennial!?! – Native Shrubs and ric of our community, by bringing House is considered one of the fin- Small Trees for Perennial Com- families together with the common est examples of Wright’s Prairie panionship,” Cullina addresses the purpose of teaching sportsmanship period, and his career as a whole. mixed border – perennials, annuals, and teamwork, building confidence Seating is limited; preregistration shrubs and evergreens blended to- in our youth and becoming more (non-refundable after February 11) gether for year-round interest, physically fit while having fun. required. Deadline: February 16. Bartley uses examples from inspir- Our motto is "Building Com- $25/person, includes dinner and ing gardens in the US and France to munity Through Baseball." We re- lecture. 473-5130; rcgc.org. On illustrate how to create a seasonal ceive great support from our spon- March 12: RCGC holds its An- kitchen garden of fruits, vegetables, sors in the community. (A complete nual Spring Symposium, 9 a.m.-3 herbs, edible and non-edible flow- list of our sponsors is available p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery, ers. Ticket allows all-day access to on our website and we are always 500 University Avenue. Featured the Memorial Art Gallery exhibits. looking for new sponsors to sup- speakers are William Cullina, Di- Members $48, non-members $58. . port our program.) rector of The Coastal Maine Botan- Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 With home fields behind ical Gardens, well-known author Castle Park, Rochester 14620; 473- School #12 on South Avenue, our Nationally renowned band Joywave with the Southside Joywaves, who they and authority on North American 5130; rcgc.org. season runs from mid April through sponsored, after the 2015 City-Wide minors championship game. the end of June. Southside Little In-person registration is available 10 yrs) - $90, Majors 11-12 yrs) League's region covers the City of at the following dates and loca- - $100, Juniors (13-14 yrs) - $100, Rochester areas east of the Genesee tions: Challenger (players with special River and south of East Avenue. •Saturday, February 6th - 11 needs) - FREE. The hundreds of families in- am to 2 pm - South Avenue Recre- Southside Little League tries volved in our programs live in ation Center (999 South Avenue). very hard to keep the cost low for neighborhoods such as Park Av- •Sunday, February 7th - SPE- our families. Families who dem- enue, Swillburg, Highland Park, CIAL MOVIE EVENT at The Cin- onstrate a legitimate financial Cobbs Hill, Monroe, Upper Mon- ema (957 South Clinton Avenue). need may be eligible for financial roe, East Avenue, Pearl/Meigs, Registration and concessions start assistance and should contact the Strong, and Neighborhood of the at 11:30 am followed by a showing League. Arts. of the family baseball classic "The If you have questions or are Any children from age 4 to 14 Sandlot" at 12:30 pm that is FREE interested in becoming a sponsor, who either live or attend schools for registered families. please e-mail us at southsidelittle- in the region of Southside Little Registration is also available [email protected]. League are welcome to sign up. online at www.southsidelittlelea- Sean Hanna is President of Schools in Southside's region in- gue.com Southside Little League. To learn cluding School #1, #12, #15, #23, Registration fees are as fol- more visit (www.southsidelittlelea- #35, and Genesee Community lows: Tee-Ball (4-6 yrs) and Rook- gue.com) Charter School as well as students ies (6-8 Yrs) - $65, Minors (9- attending Monroe Middle School.

Ohh, La La! Follies in the South Wedge Rebecca Berman Get ready for a little Ooh, the Rochester Fringe Festival, La La in the South Wedge when the Little Theatre’s 2012 anni- vintage chorus girls and local versary celebration, and several jazz musicians share the stage area weddings. In fall 2014, the for “Dream of You,” the first of troupe placed 1st in the Chorus its kind dance show hosted by the Girl Competition at the Ultimate Flower City Follies on February Lindy Hop Championships in 13. New Orleans. “Dream of You” showcases “The Dream of You” show lovely dancers in a variety of jazz will be held at the Historic Ger- and chorus girl routines straight man House (315 Gregory St. The out of the 1920s and 1930s. dance show will take place from Stilla Dance Company performs 7-8 pm, followed by a free begin- and rare black and white movies ner swing dance lesson from 8-9 from the private collection of lo- pm and a social dance hosted by cal jazz era expert Mike Thibault Groove Juice Swing featuring lo- will be screened. cal favorite band The Swooners. The Flower City Follies are For more information, visit the only dedicated female vin- facebook.com/FlowerCityFol- Flower City Follies (Photo by Ryan Swift) tage jazz dance group in Roches- lies. For more information about ter. Founded in 2012, the Follies Groove Juice Swing, visit groove- have become frequent perform- juiceswing.com. ers in the community includ- To learn more call, 845-706- ing Groove Juice Swing events, 2621 or email info@flowercity- follies.com.

The Wedge Gets Read Advertise with us! Call 585.257.1740, ext. 105 for ad rates. 8 February/March 2016 - The Wedge

Life Together - Outlasting a Rochester Winter have our footing on stable ground Rev. Matthew Martin Nickoloff right now in the present time. Our told me, the only way to fail at stability is rooted in ourselves and Winter is coming. Or, most the spiritual life is to do noth- the relationship we hold with self- likely, by the time you're reading ing. Which means that in order appreciation and self-love. Love is this, it's already upon us." to become more spiritual, and deep affection and approval; it is Like a beloved character on hence, to be opened to acting in stable ground to move from. Af- Game of Thrones, it was only a the direction of connection and ter you spring forward, it is what matter of time before all goodness communion, all we need to do is you will move back to. Self-love and warmth was quashed before to start practicing. is the key for any movement. For our eyes by the icy breath of Old Now, a caveat: it’s a simple example, do you say “yes” even Man Winter whose sadism makes beginning, but it’s not an easy when you don’t have the time, en- George R.R.. Martin look like Walt journey. I think one of the rea- ergy or desire, because you are a Disney. sons so few of us really dig into people pleaser and don’t want to Winter’s arrival becomes a spiritual practice is because disappoint? Or, perhaps you think more even more unbearable be- spirituality is hard. It takes a lot your problem is that you’re not or- cause it brings an inevitable chorus of effort, and a lot of concen- ganized enough, your house isn’t of lamentation and despair--Roch- tration, and eventually, a lot of clean enough, or that there just ester’s theme song--during the first discipline. It does not instantly isn’t enough time in the day? quarter of every year. The sun’s gratify or reward us with warm Actually the case isn’t that at not coming out, we complain, and Rev. Matthew Martin Nickoloff feelings or all the answers to all. The situation is love. Unless so, dammit, neither will I. And so life’s most pressing questions you learn to love yourself, the point commences our annual affair with healthy doses of contemplative soli- and desires. In my limited ex- where it all starts, you’ll forever that all-too-familiar, never-less- tude and intentional mindfulness can perience, it generally leads us run yourself ragged and never feel painful, isolation and loneliness. be an amazing and sought-after bless- to face the truth, which often accomplished. You will always be Let’s face it: a Rochester win- ing, let’s face it: probably the only means confronting things we engaged in a what if mindset, off ter sucks. I wish there was some thing that sucks worse than winter is don’t like about ourselves. In to the next thing that will change way we could band together to the loneliness in us that winter won’t some ways, once the warm pink everything! take back our city from the dirty let us avoid confronting. cloud of our initial encounter Thinking versus knowing you salt-flecked leavings of the plows And maybe that’s why winter re- with spirituality wears off, it’s a love yourself are two very different and enjoy the beauty of the snow ally does hurt. Not just because our lot like winter. things, yielding different results. and the ice. Wish that I had the fingers are frostbitten and our RG&E And yet if you are tired Knowing that you love yourself re- personal strength to transcend the bills break our bank accounts, but be- of feeling lonely, despair and Drish Ti’s window inspires passersby to quires that you start from the cen- loneliness and help others do the cause in this challenging season, it’s longing to overcome isolation contemplate the design and yoga ter, and the center is you. Forget same. I have even given a name especially hard to avoid the feeling and separation and you are ok the what if’s of the future, and start to this dream: the Outlast Winter that gnaws at our hearts and minds. discovering, not more answers, Spring & Love is in practicing now. Reverse the equa- Campaign.(OK, actually, that’s a It’s not good to feel so separated from but different, often more frutiful tion, put yourself first. Your future lie - my real working title is the our fellow human beings. It breaks our questions-- the same old George the Air is cumulative starting with now. “F” Winter campaign, with the F hearts to feel so alone. R.R. Martin story of the prema- Nicole deViere You can solve a lot of the problems standing for a slightly stronger, Another thing people are fond of ture death of your dreams and Spring is on the horizon, and you’re experiencing in life if you less appropriate verb of affront to telling me when they find out I’m a desires and the loss of the things love is in the air right now. While just learn to accept and approve of our mutual seasonal foe. But pas- pastor is their assurance that, “I’m not that are truly good and real in nature starts shifting to the next yourself as you are right now. You tors, of course, can’t say thing like religious, but I’m spiritual.” Once in a life-- then, you might be ready season, so do we. As we approach don’t have to feel inadequate in that so Outlast Winter it is). while, it’s really true. But my general to give spirituality shot. a new time or phase it’s easy to any area of life, or wonder if you’ll As someone whose profession sense, speaking partly from my own And luckily, in this neigh- imagine change. We foresee every- ever be loved the way you deserve. it is to help create community and track record of struggle, is that it’s borhood, there are myriad thing we have imagined playing out. You just need to learn how to tap inspire hope and joy, it’s an espe- usually not so cut-and-dry. Ask any- ways of getting started that What if I got a new job, or what if I into who you really are in the pres- cially frustrating time of year. In one if they are racist, and most people help meet people at a number had more help to accomplish what I ent moment, and then accept your- spite of the intense feelings of pain say, “No, of course not or I try not to of diverse starting out points. want to? You may even slip off into self fully. Only then can you truly and need generated at this time of be.” On a similar note very few people, Maybe you’re a body person, endlessly comparing yourself with expand. year, ironically, people are even when asked if they are spiritual, will and need your spirituality to be others; what if I was more like this What if you started with what less disposed than usual to come to say no. more physical. We have some person or that person? The differ- you have, appreciating and approv- gatherings. No matter how beau- The Big Book of Alcoholics great studios like Yoga DrishTi ence between Mother Nature and us ing of it? You would have affec- tiful the liturgy on Sunday night, Anonymous offers the astounding ob- and TruYoga, as well as Tai Chi is the former always has footing in tion, you would have love. When how kick-ass the band playing on servation that “the spiritual life is not a at the South Wedge Mission both the present and future while the there is love there is a calmness, Friday or how enticing the promise theory. It has to be lived.” We are, all on Wednesdays and the Living latter jumps forward with both feet stability, and confidence. Like a of being together with warm folks of us, spiritual beings, whether we con- Stress Free Center on Gregory into the future. seed to be nurtured into a plant, in a warm place might seem, I get nect that dimension of ourselves with Street. Maybe you want to get To have spring of course there love is a practice of noticing, ac- the same line: “I’d really like to a religion or a movement or not. Our creative, so stop in Little But- has to be winter, and the more bal- knowledging and expanding. To come, but, well, it’s just too cold to winter experience of our own loneli- ton and take up a new craft. If anced winter is the more stability spring forward we must seize the come outside.” ness proves as such. We may not think service is your gig, St. Joseph’s provided for the shift into spring. By love in the air and claim it as who But even more than my sea- the hole in our hearts is God-shaped, House of Hospitality is always springing forward and letting go of we are first, so after we propel we sonal frustration is a sense of sad- but that longing for connection beyond looking for help serving meals the present time, we end up travel- settle back into stability. Where ness for those of us winter deeply ourselves is evidence that we are, at and staying overnight so that ing in our mind far away from what there is stability there are great effects. In many ways, it has a root, relational beings made for com- guests can be warm on those will really make the change. We movements, there is love. valuable lesson to teach us as it re- munion with one another. blasted winter nights. And of travel far away from ourselves, the Nicole deViere, RYT/Holistic Well- veals the true nature of our hearts’ And I think this deep and intense course, there are all sorts of great starting point, into all the things that ness Council, is the owner of Yoga greatest longing. It’s the same les- loneliness in each of us holds the key to churches like South Wedge Mis- will finally make us happy when DrishTi Community WELLness son that became painfully obvious not only outlasting winter, but also be- sion and Artisan Church, which the season changes. But the truth is Center located at 159 Caroline almost as soon as the Creator fin- ginning to overcome despair. Because teach radical hospitality and in- none of those “what ifs” will make Street in the South Wedge/High- ished making the first human in the as one of my meditation teachers, the clusion and seek to help connect us feel happy at all. The truth is that land Park neighborhood. www. story of Genesis: it’s just not good Trappist monk Thomas Keating once for people to be alone. And while continued on pg. 16 everything returns back to its shape. YogaDrishTi.com To spring forward, we must

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What being a good neighbor means to us: It’s doctors and nurses who listen and understand your needs. It’s care you can afford, and help when you can’t. It’s free parking and extended hours. It’s a bus stop out front, and working with you when that’s not enough. It’s help getting you insurance, food on the table, and temporary housing assistance. It’s a pharmacy, lab services, and day programs all in one spot. It’s caring for all of your needs, like a good neighbor should.

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259 Monroe Ave at Monroe Square 585.545.7200 | trilliumhealth.org engage: facebook.com/TrilliumHealth Now accepting new patients! 10 February/March 2016 - The Wedge Kid’s Corner -The Hidden Genius in Every Child The Wedge Newspaper loves Drew Beeman animals, both wild and domestic and welcomes any opportunity When I was a pre-teen and to immortalize them in print. It’s teen I loved skateboarding. The re- that kind of newspaper. bellion, the attitude, the tricks, all Margaret-Mary Dillio, jew- of it! Now as an adult, I appreci- eler and PR writer, would like to ate it even more, even though my introduce “Speaker” to the South board is in storage. Wedge. Rodney Mullen is considered And why is he wearing a tux- the “Godfather” of modern street edo? style skateboarding. He invented “Because I'm crazy?” an- upwards of 32 tricks, including the swered Dillio. “He's a rescue, “ollie” that is the foundation for all other street style tricks (which and I've had him about 4 years. I he also mostly invented). Without think he is 13 or 14 years old. For getting too much into his bio, I “Bartender, I’ll have a a caption..how about "Bartender, will say his father was reluctant to I'll have another meowtini." allow him to skate and made him Meowtini.” quit a few times. He went to college and studied biochemical engineer- ing, won 34 out of 35 “freestyle” Stuart’s Spices skateboarding competitions by the age of 24, went on to basically in- Free Events vent “street style” skateboarding, Sat., February 6: Pepper Demys- became an innovator and inventor tified, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No creating new skateboards, and ac- charge for this class. Pre-registra- tion required. Call Stuart's at 436- cessory designs, became a success- intelligence, musical intelligence, so there is a lot of incentive to label 9329 ful business man and a multimil- bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, nat- people. Another part of me under- It used to be that pepper was lionaire, and now gives TED talks uralistic intelligence, interpersonal stands that labels can bring more just pepper. Now, when you grab and other speaking engagements. intelligence, and intrapersonal in- awareness and hopefully compas- a jar of pepper, are you looking He overcame much to get there, telligence. According to Gardner’s sion for others and may be able to for green peppercorns,Tellicherry, search his name on youtube and analysis, only two intelligences— help people more effectively. Grains of Paradise, or something you’ll see some awesome videos. linguistic and logical mathemati- One thing I do know for sure… completely different? Come to He has amazing skill, and cal—have been valued and tested all children have a hidden genius this class and learn the difference physical mastery, dexterity and bal- for in modern secular schools; it inside of them. I am coming to be- between peppers as well as their ance! Oh by the way when he was is useful to think of that language- lieve more and more that so-called origins and culinary recommenda- young he wore special boots to bed logic combination as “academic” or “disorders” like autism are really tions. You'll taste them in a format to help correct a serious pigeon toe “scholarly intelligence.” just labels to help us understand that will allow direct comparison of condition. The other thing is that if Many educators are familiar the way someone other than our- flavors. you ever hear him speak you will selves, or the perceived majority, with his theory, but I believe that notice something different about if we really implemented it in our thinks and functions socially. I am Sat., February 20: Salt Con- him. There is a lot of speculation practice we would see every child sure there are many success stories noisseur, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on the internet that he may have be successful. Like Rodney Mul- like Mullen’s out there, and I truly No charge for this class. Pre- autism or at the very least Asperg- len, if we allow our children to believe there could be many more. registration required. Call Stuart's ers. I am not a big fan of labels, and play, experiment, and explore, find Howard Gardiner of Harvard at 436-9329 he has never said anything public their passion, and encourage them University most famously stated Specialty salts are a foodie trend about it, but many people who have to pursue their own interests we “Listen. I know you his ideas about “Multiple Intel- and Stuart's carries exotic op- had experience with others or they would also see our children suc- ligence,’ found in“The Theory of have a biscuit in your tions. Can you tell the difference themselves are “on the spectrum,” ceed. Multiple Intelligences” from Har- between white, pink and black? seem to agree he seems to have Let your children play. Let pocket. ” vard Graduate School of Educa- How do seasoned salts fit into the many of the “symptoms.” I believe them follow their own passions, tion: “The theory of multiple in- Darby Minor-Bennett was picture? Come to the class and find that if he were a generation younger interests, and dreams. Find their telligences, posits that individuals very intrigued by the statue of out. Learn where these colorful he may have had the diagnosis ear- specific intelligence and gifts. En- possess eight or more relatively Nathaniel Rochester, father of our salts come from and how they can ly on in his life. But then again so courage their pursuits. You will see autonomous intelligences. Indi- city, along with companions Paul enhance your food. And of course, would Albert Einstein. them find success and fulfillment. viduals draw on these intelligences, Minor and Judy Bennett. do a side-by-side taste comparison. A large part of me has an aver- You will have released their “Hid- individually and corporately, to The statue, created by sculp- sion to these types of labels. For den Genius”! create products and solve prob- tor Pepsy Kettavong, was unveil- Sat., February 27: Corned Beef one our society, and its schooling lems that are relevant to the soci- Drew Beeman is founder and direc- ing in Nathaniel Park in 2008. and Pastrami, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 system, wants to cram all of us tor of Progressive Early Learning. eties in which they live. The eight p.m. $5 fee for this class. Pre- uniquely shaped “pegs into round For more info about Progressive Darby wouldn’t take no for identified intelligences include registration required. Call Stuart's holes.” Second, those labels usually Early Learning, visit www.Progres- an answer for some time and will linguistic intelligence, logical- at 436-9329 come with a bunch of grant money, siveEarlyLearning check back again just in case. mathematical intelligence, spatial It's true - you don't have to buy your corned beef in a plastic bag. Learn how to make corned beef and pastrami in the comfort of your own kitchen. Watch the demo, taste samples and take home the instructions. (Think St. Patrick's Day!) care without We compromise get When looking for senior care, it’s important to find the services you need in a place you can call home. Begin—and end—your search at read! Episcopal SeniorLife Communities. Call 585. We welcome your calls to 585.546.8400 256.1740, ext. or [email protected] 105 or 585. Whether recovering from a fall, illness or joint replacement surgery, The Center for Rehabilitation 978.9638. supports a smooth transition from hospital to home.

The Episcopal Church Home, 505 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester The Wedge - February/March 2016 11 Giving a Silent Killer a Voice Dr. Michael Mancenido

If you’re not aware of a highly infectious blood borne virus that afflicts at least 4 million Ameri- cans, there is good reason. Nick- named the "silent disease," the symptoms of chronic hepatitis C often do not appear or can be quite mild for years - even decades. Most people infected with the virus de- velop chronic liver inflammation that usually goes unnoticed. Early symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. If left untreated over time cirrhosis, liver cancer and liv- er failure may result. Dr. Michael Mancenido Public health campaigns have been mounted to change this perience in justifying the reason for awareness deficit. Governor Cuo- treatment to commercial health in- mo signed Section 2171 of the Pub- surers, especially since some have Dance the Night Away Courtesy of the Mambo Kings at City Love on April lic Health Law, effective January 1, balked at paying the approximate 2014: a hepatitis C screening test 1 at the Historic German House. For more info, visit RocCitylove.com. $90,000 per three month treatment must be offered to every individual course. If the insurer denies cov- East Main Street here in Rochester. from within the New York City born between 1945 and 1965 if they erage, an application for financial Out And About In his new book, Street Smart: Department of Transportation. receive health services at a hospital assistance can be submitted to the The Rise of Cities and the Fall of Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 - (outpatient department or ED) or a News from a rejuvenated South drug manufacturer on the patient’s Cars, Sam chronicles the history 8:00 P.M., The Little Theatre freestanding health center. Treat- Clinton Merchants Association behalf. The overwhelming major- of urban transportation in America. Join the event on Facebook. ment is available for those impact- In early February they organized ity of our patients have not experi- He recounts his own personal Reserve Your Seat: -Make a dona- ed. One of the treatment programs Date Night at the cozy Rooney’s enced any side effects, and to date, experiences, from growing up in tion in any amount to Reconnect includes a single tablet regimen Restaurant, 90 Henrietta St. Cou- about 95% have been cured with Brooklyn during the 1950s, to Rochester and we'll hold the best which a patient may take for three ples received free desserts after these new medications (Sovaldi, working as a New York City cab available seat for you. Suggested months to cure their infection. dinner. March Madness begins for Harvoni, Viekirapak). driver, and then his professional donation at the door: $5-$15. If you are Baby Boomer – born SCMA on March 24, 2016 with an Trillium Health – a neighbor- career planting the seeds of change between 1945 and 1965 – know invitation to join them at the Play- hood healthcare center specializ- that you are five times more likely house/Swillburger, 820 S. Clinton ing in primary care and infectious to test positive for hepatitis C. Re- on from 6-8 pm. Food will be pro- diseases for nearly 30 years – is gardless of how you acquired it (for vided by SCMA. dedicated to caring for and cur- example dirty syringe, unregulated Also a Save the Date for the ing hepatitis C positive individuals. tattoo parlor, recipient of a blood Show on Monroe. The event will Trillium Health is located at 259 product prior to 1992), it matters take place on June 4 beginning at Monroe Avenue at Monroe Square most that you know your status by noon. Many fun things are cur- and can be found online at www. first getting tested, and if positive rently being planned. It will be trilliumhealth.org. seeking medical care. bigger and better than ever! Dr. Michael Mancenido is a Trillium Health and The Phar- Staff Physician at Trillium Health On Wednesday, February macy at Trillium Health has the ex- 24, Reconnect Rochester brings Samuel Schwartz to Rochester. Schwartz is the former traffic com- missioner for New York City, and the man who literally invented the word “Gridlock.” Gridlock Sam is one of the leading transportation experts in the United States today. He is cur- rently a columnist at the New York Daily News. And his firm, Sam Schwartz Engineering, has recently produced a plan for the redesign of

Saint Boniface Church

330 Gregory Street 585.473.4271 www.southeastrochestercatholics.org

Keeping Faith in the South Wedge for 150 Years!

Join us for our weekend Masses

Saturdays at 5:00 PM Sundays at 9:00 AM

You can also find us on Facebook! Search for Blessed Sacrament/ Saint Boniface Parishes

12 February/March 2016 - The Wedge COMMUNITY NEWS South Wedge Music Review - Mike McLaughlin Jeffrey K. Wahr

Mike McLaughlin is a serious Once inside, I was confronted this only makes the arrangement guy. with more evidence of McLaughlin’s and placement of the title track I deduced this well before seriousness. The narrative and song more vexing. My recommenda- I‘d experienced a single note of titles are thoughtful and dour. For tion would have been to stick it his 2015 release, Spare Me Some example, “Looking for Comfort,” at the end of the CD to provide Humanity, (that’s a fairly heavy “Learn to Live Right,” “Haven” and some relief from the hopelessness title right from the start, ain’t it?). the phrase “pain and suffering of life- we experience through the course I thought it would be useful to dip changing loss” from the liner notes of the other eleven songs (two in- my brain into the CD’s artwork and are nothing to be taken lightly. Inten- strumentals notwithstanding). liner notes before immersing my- sity and introspection at this level are McLaughlin’s use of the self in the sounds. generally reserved for deep thinkers bouzouki (a traditionally Greek On the front cover, McLaugh- and barroom philosophizers not gui- instrument) inflects his songs lin appears pensive, cradling his tar pickers. with a country feel that is refresh- prized guitar like a gentle parent. McLaughlin fools the listener ing in popular music. McLaughlin He gazes off wistfully, but I can tell with the opening song, “Spare Me employs it similarly to a mando- that his mind is adrift in contempla- Some Humanity.” It’s a bouncing lin, and at certain points, in “Saint tion. He scares me a little. faux-reggae tune with some slinky Lauren” for example, it becomes An examination of the back instrumentation that gives one a false reminiscent of some of the folk cover reveals a seemingly bemused sense that this is going to be a party material with which Led Zeppelin throughout combined with a de- Rock Volume 18, ‘Spare Me Some McLaughlin lounging outside a record. Think Mark Knopfler guitar experimented in their later record- lightful delivery; for a moment, you Humanity’ will not satisfy you. taxidermy shop. I became briefly with some dirty CCR keyboards and ings. may even forget that you’re listen- However, if you like your folk mu- fixated with this image. One quick Blondie’s “The Tide is High” circling Kaotic Studios has done a ing to the most desolate and desper- sic seasoned with equal parts wit, Internet check, and I found the lo- overhead and you’ll get the idea. The masterful job of layering in just ate song on the CD. McLaughlin’s intellect, pessimism and a dash cation of the taxidermy shop (Wil- marimba breaks throughout the song enough extras to elevate every voice is haunted and distant while of hope, I recommend it. Mike liamson, NY) and the adjacent tend to derail the general joviality of song well beyond rudimentary he poetically details the nature of McLaughlin has put together a businesses (The Stove Shoppe). the tune, but as a whole, it is expertly jams. They give McLaughlin his melancholy. finely tuned collection of songs and However, I was still wondering executed; some might even describe enough room to string some gui- The next handful of songs, delivers them intelligently and with WHY Mike had decided to pose it as a “happy” number. tar solos around, and they selec- however, seems to lack the cohe- conviction. I told you he was a seri- in this particular doorway? Hav- But then things take a decidedly tively insert the background vo- siveness of the first half of the CD. ous guy. ing been subjected to lengthy dis- different turn. Everything from here cals to create some tremendous They’re good songs, but they seem J.K.W. exists in sordid isolation, cussions on symbolism during my on out is fairly bleak. In a good way. atmosphere. There is also a violin to be missing the heart and detailed coaxing scabrous plaints from a co- college years, I recognize totems McLaughlin’s songs hover just floating in and out which makes construction of the first five. “Aza- terie of hoary and wizened musical of this sort are rarely unintentional. above pure desperation. Don’t let McLaughlin’s sad songs even lia” is a ghostly little dirge again, instruments. He also has a rabbit. In subsequent emails with Mike, I the pleasant arrangements fool you; sadder. featuring the talents of the back- learned that the photo was a last- there’s some dark matter lurking un- The standout track on ‘Spare ground singers. It possesses a dose minute change on his part and the derneath the surface of the skillful Me Some Humanity’ is unques- of soul and direction. Some of the To get a copy of Mike McLaugh- rationale of tempering the serious- guitar parts and amazing background tionably the beautifully grim, other closing tunes seem to be fairly lin’s CD, go to paypal for download ness of the rest of the CD with a singers. This stuff will not get you “When the Flowers Bloomed.” jam-oriented and loose. I like Mike there: http://michaelmclaughlinmu- sic.com/index.php/spare-me-some- little levity made perfect sense to up out of your seat and cause you to This is a delicately crafted and when he’s zeroed in on a melody or humanity or visit him via Facebook. me. “I thought it was funny,” he shake your moneymaker. But that’s emotionally riveting song. There depressing thought. stated succinctly. how McLaughlin wants it. For me, is some remarkable imagery If you’re looking for Jock

Curbside Find gets Purple Painted Lady Treatment Jesse Knoth

A few months ago my neigh- kitchen is a little drab, white wall, bor put a piece of furniture to the white cabinets, etc, so I wanted to curb that caught my eye. It was dark brighten it up. I chose a vibrant color out and hard to tell the exact condi- pallet reminiscent of a Southwestern tion it was in, but I had just gotten style kitchen, orange for the drawers, a fire pit so worst case it would be doors and door panels, red for the broken down for firewood. trim and legs, and graphite for the After moving it to my garage top. and giving it a thorough inspection After a return visit to the Purple in daylight, I decided it would be Painted Lady I had all of my supplies a good addition to my kitchen. But ready. Then I procrastinated for a it needed some love first, the hard- while. ware on the doors and draws were Finally with a week off for the missing or incomplete, one door holidays, I decided it was time, I had a major ‘chip’ in the veneer and cleared my dining room, put down a the countertop had seen better days. tarp and started in. My first step was I decided to take a trip to one to clean the piece. Even though sand- of the South Wedge’s newest mer- ing isn’t necessary, there was some chants, the Purple Painted Lady, gunk built up that wouldn’t come and get more details on the chalk off, so having sandpaper on hand paint they sell and what was needed was helpful. Next, I started with the Curbside find after Painted Purple Lady rehab to overhaul my new kitchen piece. orange paint. When I talked to the the color to be bright and bold but painting done, I stopped in at His- After learning about the process,-- staff at the Purple Painted Lady, they I used four coats on the red and the staff at PPL could more accu- toric House Parts to find hardware. clean, paint and wax--I got a color said it usually only needs two coats. orange part and ended up having rately estimate the amount of paint I settled on a simple black metal chart and spent some time decid- I’m not sure if it was because of the to get a second sample pot of red I needed. Not doing this caused the handle, something that wouldn’t ing on how I wanted it to look. My dark color of the wood or wanting and graphite. With most of the whole process to be a bit drawn out. detract but still complement the rest If I had had all the paint I needed of the piece. from the start, I would not have had Now that I was done painting the pauses that let me procrastinate it was time to apply the finishing more. wax. I choose the soft clear wax but The last thing I learned is that they also sell a dark wax that gives refurbishing old furniture is not for a more rustic look. Applying it was me. While I had fun with the pro- simple if you remember the Karate cess and am happy with the results, Kid. Wax on, wax off, working in at times it felt like a chore. How- small areas. I did two coats of wax ever if you are into refurbishing, I on most of the piece with an addi- would highly recommend a trip to tional coat on the top, figuring that the Purple Painted Lady. It’s easy to it will have the most wear. use, requires little prep, and has a Looking back on the proj- clean milky finish. ect now there were a few things I Purple Painted Lady, 650 South Av- would have done differently. enue. Mon – Wed 12 -6, CLOSED First, I should have spent a Thurs, Fri & Sat 12 – 6) www. little more on brushes, which might thepurplepaintedlady have resulted in needing fewer coats of paint. The second thing is that I should have measured and Curbside find before (Photos by Jesse Knoth) brought more pictures in with me so COMMUNITY NEWS The Wedge - February/March 2016 13

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The best tools for living car-free in Rochester ny.

PUSH Physical Theatre’s premiered “Jekyll & Hyde,” at Blackfriars Theatre on January 29. It continues until February 14 Push Physical Theatre Moves to South Wedge Award-winning PUSH Phys- by the energy and friendliness of The The production is based on ical Theatre moved their studio to South Wedge. Everything we need is Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 the historic Weider Hall ballroom in walking or cycling distance. We can novella, The Strange Case of Dr. on Gregory Street. It will be the grab lunch at The Open Face Sand- Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. site of their April 9 Party with wich and coffee at Equal Grounds. If The play is collaboration Push (more about that in the next rehearsal is especially difficult we can with script writer,Danny Hoskins, issue). pop over to the Tap & Mallet to lift our Artistic & Managing Director “We’re very excited to make spirits with a local brew.” of Blackfriars Theatre. To learn Weider Hall PUSH’s new home,” The world premiere of PUSH more, call (585) 415-PUSH said Darren Stevenson, CEO of Physical Theatre’s Jekyll & Hyde now (7874) or visit chitchat@pushthe- PUSH. “Working on something as playing at Blackfriars Theatre (795 E. atre.org, www.pushtheatre.org dark as Jekyll and Hyde is offset Main St.) through February 14.

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates Introduces Written in the Stars The Wedge Newspaper Introducing The Valentine’s Gets Read! Day Collection, “Written in the Stars” with designs by Joanna Walters Design and inspired by Call 585.256.1740, ext. 105 or Keith Walters Photography. Taste the Raspberry Choco- 585.978.9638 to get rates for late Truffle created in the kitchen of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates your ad in the next issue. featuring hand-lettered artwork by Joanna Walters and inspired by the photography of Keith Walters. enue) and online (hedonistchocolates. Meet Keith and Joanna and com). the Hedonist chocolatiers for this Joanna Walters Design created special event in conjunction with these lovely designs based on her hus- #FirstFridayRoc at Hedonist’s band's photography (Keith Walters shops in the heart of Rochester’s Photography) and their own relation- South Wedge neighborhood. ship. The EE Cummings quote, "You Keith’s photography and Jo- are my sun, my moon, and all my anna’s hand-lettered artwork will stars," is central to this year's collec- be on display and available for tion. Joanna says she sees Keith in ev- purchase. ery sun, moon and star. We hope that Written in the Stars are avail- you'll find any loved one -- husband, able for purchase at Hedonist Ar- wife, son, daughter, friend -- in this tisan Chocolates at 674 South Av- year's Valentine's Day collection, too.

(l-r) M. André Primus, Mia Fitzsterens, Jen Topa and Tanya Zwahlen Highland Planning joins Swillburg rejuvenation

Highland Planning, a nine- and restaurateur Jeff Ching on the re- year-old community development development of the church as a mixed- firm established by Tanya Mooza use building. Zwahlen, AICP, has relocated to An open house in January was Swillburg. a celebration of the completion of The firm’s focus is city plan- the whole building. The Playhouse/ ning, with an emphasis on public Swillburger opened on 12/22 and just engagement, urban revitalization, got its liquor license this month. The grant writing and research man- event also was an opportunity to show agement. friends, colleagues and clients the new Highland Planning moved office. Finally, it was a chance to in- Lifespan. G Information. from an Rochester Public Market troduce two new staff members to our TAKE IT ON WITH LIFESPAN. office into a rehabbed historic clients: Mary Rowlands and M. Andre Making G Guidance. church on South Clinton Avenue Primus. Rochester G And more than in April of last year. 820 South Clinton Avenue, #3, www. a great place 30 services Zwahlen worked with the highland-planning.com for older adults www.lifespanrochester.org building’s owner John Trickey to age well. and caregivers. 585-244-8400 14 February/March 2016 - The Wedge NEWS What we like: the diversity, stores, entertainment, walk/bikeability, good neighbors, Green Light Internet, gardens, Wedge Me In parks and trails. get The South Wedge Planning invited SWPC members and guests What do we want to happen: rid of zombie houses, traffic control, Committee held its annual Wedge to talk about what they liked about affordable housing for young families, Me In meeting in late January with the Wedge, what they want to see “expand the coolness,” more retail, members and members-to-be. happen and what they were willing foreclosure prevention, Wedgestock! This year SWPC board chair to do to make good things happen. What are you willing to do: plan Nathaniel Mich added a “World (Photos by Nancy O’Donnell) activities in Marie Daley Park, keep an Cafe” portion to the evening and eye out for neighborhood safety, be cheerleaders for the community

(l-r) South Wedge Victory Garden Co-Manager Felton Culbreth, Deborah Trout and Jo Cummings

Board member Frank Logan and Ashley Pallo, representative for (l-r) Anne Weisbeck and Scot Makai State Senator Joseph Robach

(l-r)South Wedge Executive Director John Page and Board president Nathaniel Mich

(l-r) Tom Kicior, Paul Minor, Gloria Kreitzberg from Inner Vision Meditation

Donna Lipari, Bivona Child Advocacy Center, and Alex White

(l-r) City Council member Carolee Conklin and Alexis

(l-r) Realtor Michael Lill and Eric Zukauskas (l-r)NateBaldo, Jim Mayer, AlexWhite, JudyBennett, Tony Sciarabba (background Marlene Henry from Peppa Pot)

Tom Silva and Kristin Hocker from Foodlink

Kim Webb from Shaggy to Chic, Diana Webb and (l-r) Tony Sciarabba, Christine O’Conner and Mark Kevin Wilson from Rochester Childfirst Network Greisberger, board members from SWPC and SEAC The Wedge Newspaper Gets Read! Call 256-1740, ext. 105 or 978.9638 to get your ad in the next issue. NEWS The Wedge - February/March 2016 15 SWPC Holiday Home Winners Bravo to the South Wedge homes who made us all happier by sharing their bright lights and deco- rations this holiday season. Sure the holidays are over, but the glow remains. Holly jolly judge Peter Mona- celli awarded $25 gift certificates to a local businesses to the winners He named them winners based on their 67 Poplar Street (Photos by Judy Bennett) appeal to children and the young in holiday spirit!! In addition, Linden Street was named the best decorated street for the sheer number of homes that got in the spirit.

150 Sanford Street Here are the winning homes: 150 Sanford St. 112 Comfort St. 177 Cypress St. 30 Alexander St. 67 Poplar St. 290 Hamilton St. 183 Linden St. 133 Averill Ave. 5 Menlo Place 84 Hickory St. 780 South Ave. 74 Ashland St. 734 Mt Hope Ave. 42 Gregory St.

84 Hickory Street

72 Ashland Street 133 Averill Avenue First Community Inter- faith Institute Hosts Sup- porters Day on Feb. 17 Minister Lawrance Lee Ev- ans, founder of the First Commu- nity Interfaith Institute invites the public to Supporters Day honoring day will “commence a year-long Charles Riley on Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. ued more than just complaining.” advocacy of encouraging the elimi- The Institute Inc., is a spiritual and The Charles Riley Tutorial nation of mis-education of our cultural organization and a teaching Program tutors elementary school, constituency and the reduction of church at 219 Hamilton Street. The as well as adult learners. Tutoring negative behaviors that threaten the event will highlight its educational hours are 4:00-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. mental health and physical safety programs: the Charles Riley Tutori- Parents/guardians and potential of our constituency.” al Program and its Ministry School adult learners are required to attend Evans created his philosophy of Doology. orientation on Sundays at 4 p.m. of “Doology” as a teenager and Supporters Day advocate for (Family Hour) and meet Minister established the Institute in 1970. the support of the Institute’s after Evans before signing up. Pastor Lawrance Lee Evans celebrates Kwanzaa with faith community “In Doology, we are taught we are school program and adult enrich- For more information, call taught that positive action in your ment program. Organizers say the 585-461-0379. ISIS Theology of Violence community or organization is val- & Counter Theology in Islam Panel on March 2

Viewing the contemporary situation in the Middle East can be difficult and understanding the educate the distinction between Islam as a religion and ISIS ideol- ogy of violence is important. A panel of speakers will dis- cuss this very current topic on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Nazareth College’s Otto Shults Community Center. Speakers will discuss the misconceptions of the Islamic faith as it relates to stereotypes, global politics, and peaceful co- existence. Speakers will include: Thomas Gibson, PhD, Profes- sor, Department of Anthropol- ogy, University of Rochester; Hakan Yesilova, Editor of Foun- tain Magazine, Clifton, NJ; and Sharon Murphy, PhD. Professor of Political Science, Expert in Middle Eastern Affairs, Nazareth College The event will be cospon- sored by Peace Islands Institute, Rochester, NY The event is free and open to the public. 16 February/March 2016 - The Wedge SWPC NEWS Advantage Credit Union had Shop 15 Champions of Change booked the brothers last October to Second Chic continued from pg. 1 continued from pg. 1 continued from pg. 1 eau de toilette by Guerlain. come to the bank for a book sign- On a busy Saturday afternoon, ivia. The trucks, donated by Cook don’t have the same rules,” Adams ing because of its message of giv- Jordan talked to the Wedge in be- Moving System, will drive the wa- said, referring to brand names and ing, saving and spending wisely. tween sales. Customers ranged ter to Flint. age of clothes. “We take what we (In the story the two boys have $8 from South Wedge hipsters look- Oliva, who homeschools her want to take.” to spend during their visit. They use ing for solid furniture (the real deal sons and a younger daughter, Jor- The new Rochester location a “10-10-80 rule” taught to them by that “doesn’t fall apart like the junk dan, said her sons wanted to help will differ from its Buffalo counter- their parents: which says to give $1, from [big box stores],” said Rich- when she talked to them about parts, as it will feature Marisa Krol save $1 and spend the rest “wisely.” ard) to interior designers and other Flint. Joshua exclaimed “how lucky and her handcrafted jewelry, sold On the day of the drive, Advantage collectors in the field. we are to live in America.” under the name Interstellar Love purchased their book so that the Interior decorator and former “I said ‘Sweetheart, this is in Craft. first 30 people who came in were VP of Harriet Thomas, Bob Rob- America. Flint is six hours from Adams ultimately sought the also given the book for free. erts, drove in from Brockport to our doorstep,” said Olivia. “He South Wedge location because she So how do two small boys be- Shop 15. He was excited to snag a suggested we donate filters and Jer- considered it a great space in a come humanitarian entrepreneurs copy of Interior Decoration A-Z, emiah said, ‘let’s donate water.” “neighborhood that fits well with before 10 years? by Betty Pepis, “the very first book They heard about Flint on the consignment store,” she said. Yvonne Jordan (Photo by Nancy “Parents have to model giving. [on design] I owned as a child.” Wednesday, went door-to-door in "It reminded me very much of Elm- O’Donnell My mother and her mother gave. Roberts, currently collecting their neighborhood in Greece and wood where I started,” she recalls. We visited nursing homes and hos- name was changed to Crosman “1960s Art Nouveau,” browsed the got donations the next day, and by A second Buffalo location is on pitals. Giving was instilled in me,” Brothers Company. In 1923, the shop. While calling himself “retired Friday had the Credit Union and Main Street in Williamsville. Olivia said. firm manufactured pellets for use in Bob of Brockport,” Roberts is still Educational Enterprise, a nonprofit Buckingham Properties decid- Next up for the boys is a 10- airguns and .22 caliber air rifles. At willing to chat about a client with based in Wisconsin supporting ed on Second Chic to fill the final day trip to Washington, D.C. where some point it moved its offices to two homes in Costa Rica, the im- them too in their water drive. commercial space at the Edge of they’ll be going to the White House Fairport. portance of “building the interior of Volunteering isn’t new to the Wedge after following market for meetings on education. Later in “I’ve lived in Swillburg for 30 the home first rather than building the boys. They’ve been building demand and “pursuing multiple ap- spring, the two will hold a birthday odd years and was always intrigued the exterior with the idea of filling networks of help since starting propriate leads for availabilities,” party for children who live in city by the building,” said Jordan. it up.” their organization, Champions of according to Buckingham Proper- shelters History and the remnants Also browsing was photogra- Change USA, two years ago. Its ties Marketing Manager Amy Olds. To learn more, visit http:// people leave behind have always pher Michael Erban, who had con- motto: “Little deeds. Huge impact.” “Many uses were considered for www.championsofchangeusa. intrigued her. signed a photo of Notre Dame and The two have also written a this space, but ultimately Second org. To donate or volunteer for “I am a third generation an- one of a chandelier in Barcelona, book, Live to Give, which recounts Chic was a great fit for the build- the Birthday party, email Olivia@ tique dealer,” Jordan said. “My and was ready to do the same to an the story of two young boys’ en- ing.” championsofchangeusa. grandmother Ida Lloyd had an an- abstract painting. counter with a homeless man while Second Chic will add more tique shop in her house in Webster. The layout of the shop invites visiting New York City. than just recycled fashion to the My mother, Ruth Shermer, bought visitors to circle the store. Avoca- neighborhood. In both of its Buffa- and old wholesale antiques and do-colored Fire-King ware share lo locations, after sellers’ contracts continued from pg. 1 specialized in glass. space with a pudgy Royal Stone tea Inner Vision Meditation end, Second Chic donates unsold Son Richard, who helps staff pot in chartreuse. On another shelf, “I’m taking the principles and clothes to Journey’s End Refugee Spot 15 with his mother and search hand-carved French textile printing bringing them to our present prac- Services, a Christian community- for finds in estates sales, becomes blocks lean against the wall near tices and lifestyle,” Kreitzberg said. based organization that supports the fourth generation of family to handmade Japanese studio plates. During the class, students paint refugees in becoming healthy, inde- make a living selling the remnants Navaho sand art hangs in the cen- on a 16”x 20” canvas using quick- pendent, contributing members of of the past. ter and around the corner a holds drying acrylic paint. In the back- society. Now that Second Chic is in “I went kicking and scream- a bright orange juicer takes center ground is calming meditative music Rochester, Adams plans on finding ing as a child [to antiques sales], stage on a Formica and chrome and the sweet scent of essential oils. a similar refugee center or another said Richard. “I liked fast cars and table. A coffee table, consigned “People get hung up on judging organization in the neighborhood themselves, looking at how good the boats.” But a love for history and to Shop 15, has two secret panels that could benefit from donated painting is. the American Industrial Revolu- that revolve to show space to hold clothes. “It’s really being totally aware tion, and the economy ultimately a liquor bottle or two. Prices can Adams said that she hopes while holding the paintbrush, study- let him to settle in the business. range between a $1 object d’ art to Gloria Kreitzberg (Photo by Lisa to open Second Chic by April at ing the colors on the canvas,” said Her new shop, Spot 15, is her $3,500 for a 1958 abstract painting Gates) the latest. Until then, Buckingham Kreitzberg. “It asks [participants] to first foray back into retail. The by “listed artist Ronni Solbert.” Properties will continue to make Rochester on Gregory Street. She stop and be present, to get out of their former owner of Old Brighton “We’re getting all the stuff renovations and then turn the space comes to Living Stress Free as a suc- heads.” Antiques, she was forced to close baby boomers are getting rid of,” cessful illustrator, brand designer and over in February to allow Adams The whole process, Kreitzberg when Wegmans expanded its store said Jordan and she’s happy to re- commercial artist for 16 years, along added, is ultimately “very healing.” and Krol to put the finishing touch- on East Avenue and demolished the port mid-century is a hot trend. with teaching private art classes for “It really carries into the rest of es on their new shop. www.inter- buildings there. Outside Spot 15, Jordan gives many years. Along with the South your life. You can be mindful drink- stellarlovecraft.com/about/ “I had storage units full of expert advice along with appraiser Wedge location, Kreitzberg has a ing your tea. I’m mindful when I’m http://secondchicbuffalo.com/ studio where she runs Artful Kids doing dishes. I don’t run to get the stuff,” said Jordan. Jack Wanderman on WXXI’s radio Expressive Arts in the Artful Fairy, a phone. I walk.” Now Spot 15 brims with mid- program, The College of Collect- A New Life century abstract painting, pottery, ible Knowledge, that airs on the shop in Victor, NY. Kreitzberg is especially mind- continued from pg. 8 Her website defines the history ful of Thich Nhat Hanh’s invitation furniture, books, vintage clothing first Thursday of every month. and many forms of “meditative art”: to “leave peace behind in every step” (Pendleton blazer, anyone?) and On this Saturday, Jordan is “It can be traced back as far as 5,000 and this can start with something as people to spiritual disciplines and jewelry including a “big chunk of too busy to talk more, but she does years ago, when Chinese Oracle simple of applying paint to canvas. community. And I’m sure there are amber that’s a million years old.” mention a hot trend in collectible Bone Script Writing (Jai Gu Wen) To learn more, call (585) many more great offerings I’m not Her next oldest piece in the shop is jewelry that she’s interested in. was used...The more well-known 310.258 or visit www.innervisionart- even aware of yet. a chipped glass “spillholder” from “It’s called Brutalist. It’s mid- forms include Mandalas and Yantras classrochester.com. But regardless of what works the 1840s. A spillholder would usu- century, chunky, pebbly, jewelry. from India, calligraphy and tradition- Living Stress Free Wellness Center of for you, let’s not wait until I figure ally be placed on a mantel to hold Think of Keith Richards,” said Jor- al paintings from China, and drawing Rochester. 131 Gregory Street. out the right thing to call it. Let’s the “spills,” or curly strings of dan. and sculpting from Tibet.” start the Outlast Winter Campaign planed wood that were used to light Stop by to welcome them to today. Get connected spiritually. fires. On the counter, a tray holds the neighborhood, and visit them Shear Mutts Start small, but start somewhere. fragrant collectibles—an unopened on Instagram. continued from pg. 1 Develop a consistent, committed, box of Tabu perfume and Shalimar 15 Henrietta Street, 585-752-4970. scalable practice, and try to do so in community with other practitio- certificate in dog grooming. ners. “I decided to switch from Next year probably will be people to dogs—less grumbling,” just as cold temperature wise, but said Rice, who grew up in Hon- Call us to learn more about our ad this year, we can start preparing eoye Falls. “I used to hang out at to be the kind of people who, no the vet’s office, and I always had an rates at 256-1740, ext. 105 or matter what life (or George R.R. inclination to be with animals. I’d Martin!) might throw at us, are pre- 978-9638 or visit us online at been thinking about the industry, pared to overcome despair, and to maybe vet technician, but the more choose the path of life together. www.swpc.org. I talked to people and considered Winter is here. So are the best the schooling and cost, I decided to days of your life if we’re willing go for grooming. Sarah Rice (Photo by Kim Webb) to acknowledge our loneliness, see After several months of learn- said Rice. “I lived on Benton Street how it binds us to others, and let ing different techniques of “scis- in my twenties and worked at The our path of spirituality open us to soring, clipping, shampooing (she Distillery. So I was happy Kim radical hospitality and new com- practiced on “Otto and Tess,” her Webb [owner of Shaggy to Chic munion with one another. two German short-haired pointers) Pet Spa] agreed to let me share her More from Rev. Nickoloff can be and pet first aid, Rice took a job at space.” found at South Wedge Mission. Petco. To book a beauty day for your mnickolo - Facebook "During the When she wanted to try solo, pet, call 295-3452 or visit 1010 World" - Blog "Steampunk Theol- Rice researched other groomers in South Clinton Avenue. ogy" - Co-Blogger/Contributor the area. “I liked the South Wedge,”