Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published December 13, 2018.

Where are you originally from? What brought you to Rochester at this time in your life?

I’m from Rochester—Henrietta specifically. Growing up, I always said I was going to move away as soon as I could, but I could never bring myself to do it. Rochester has so much to offer; my friends and family are here, we have great festivals, food, and community. Now that I’m getting older, I feel that window to move away has closed. I want my kids to grow up in Rochester.

What are some of your favorite/secret Rochester spots? 

The Lamberton Conservatory. I buy a season pass every year, and I go probably once a week and read a book. I even work from there sometimes. It’s my ultimate favorite spot. I go alone, or sometimes I bring my nieces and nephews. It’s especially great in wintertime, given how warm and cozy it is.

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?

Coffee Connections, Gilda’s Club, and small businesses like EvenOdd.

If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d eat a garbage plate, then go play at the arcade at either the Strong Museum or Swillburger. I love arcades. Then maybe I’d organize a giant game of laser tag at Lasertron in Henrietta. I go there every Wednesday night.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city?

Swillburg, because I lived there for awhile. The South Wedge has a lot to offer too. They have such an array of great things in a small area—coffee shops, art on the walls, bars, and everything within walking distance. I love the architecture of the buildings around there. Pink lady houses are my favorite.

What's the best place to get a garbage plate?

Probably Dogtown. When I eat there, I kind of feel like I’m eating healthy, even though I’m not. They do offer half plates though! Henrietta Hots is another good one.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

Going to the Conservatory! That’s my #1. I have chains for my boots. I bundle up really well. Taking off all your layers when you get into a building is a super nice feeling. You have to always be prepared—coat, hat, gloves, and extras for the people that aren’t local and don’t expect a random snowstorm.

What is your favorite Rochester memory? 

The Lilac Festival—we’d go every year growing up. Pretty much any festival here counts as a favorite memory. While they’re the same festivals each year, they bring something different each time, and the experience is different depending on who you go with.

The ice storm from 1992 is another one; I was little, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It brought the neighborhood all closer together. My neighbor across the street delivered coffee to his family—they had a wood burning stove so they could make coffee when no one else was able to.

What makes Rochester unique? 

It has a really great community for the arts, with art walks that they do, First Fridays, and Second Saturdays. Because I’m an artist at heart, that’s probably my favorite thing. And of course, the food here is amazing.

One of my favorite places to eat is Balsam Bagels, it’s my #1 favorite. They close at 3pm which is literally my only complaint. If I’m in the mood for savory, I’ll get a spinach bagel with bacon, egg, and, onion; if I want sweet, I’ll go with the French toast bagel with vegan raspberry chocolate cream cheese. Another great restaurant is Highland Park Diner. Their bacon peanut butter sandwiches are my favorite.

What do you think could be improved? 

Every city has something that could be improved upon, but those things are almost blinded by love here. The negatives aren’t something I dwell on.

If Rochester was a food, what would it be?

It would be a garbage plate—it’s got a little bit of something for everyone, and the beauty of it is that you can make it your own. You can get a vegan garbage plate, or a double cheeseburger plate, or anywhere in between. There’s an art scene, a music scene, entrepreneurs, and generally just something for everyone.

What would you miss most about Rochester if you moved away?

The community. When you go into a store in Rochester, everyone acts like you’re their neighbor. It’s like Mr. Rogers. You can start up conversations with strangers and they’ll engage you. Sometimes people can be more abrasive and less welcoming in other cities.

What's it like workin at a local startup like GRYT Health?

It’s fantastic! It is empowering. We’re a global company, and it’s humbling to think of how much more we could be doing locally in Rochester. It’s also inspiring to see all the other startups in the community and how well they’re doing.

Everyone is so supportive. Local companies are supportive of working with startups, and organizations like NextCorps are great at with working with startups.

Do you have any advice for people who are new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?

Get a copy of City Newspaper and go to events and restaurants and everything in there. It’s the heart of the city.