Arts + Culture

Full Circle: Music, Love, Rochester

A journey of immigration, artistry, and life coming full circle Article by Suzie Wells | Photography by Mike Bull and Keith Trammel When world-renowned pianists Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers describe Rochester, their words carry a mix of affection, gratitude, and belonging. Though their paths to the city were different, Rochester has become the home where their lives have come full circle. Born in Kiev, Ukraine “at the tail end of Brezhnev’s Stagnation and Gorbachev’s Glasnost and ...

Health + Wellness

The Science of Gratitude

What Research Reveals About a Thankful Mindset Article by Suzie Wells Thanksgiving often reminds us to make a more conscious effort to appreciate the small and large parts of life. Gratitude is more than a polite or obligatory, “Thank you.” It’s increasingly recognized as a practice with measurable benefits for mental and physical health. According to University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) researchers, consciously making time and space to appreciate the tangible and abstract parts of...

Local Services

Partners in Change

Uniting voices to strengthen youth, families, and community Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Aaron Rosario; Submitted In the 1990s, a group of civic and community leaders united around a single goal: preventing youth substance abuse. Nearly three decades later, that effort has grown into Ontario Cares (recently rebranded from the Partnership for Ontario County), a backbone organization that brings together schools, government, law enforcement, nonprofits, and neighbors to spark...

Event Planning + Services

Skyline Legacy, Modern Vision

The Metropolitan’s transformation honors history while opening new doors for the city Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Ray Sheley Since 1973, the Metropolitan Building has been a defining part of the Rochester skyline, originally built as the Lincoln First Bank headquarters. Rising 27 stories and 392 feet, it remains the city’s third-tallest building and a downtown landmark. For years, the tower functioned as commercial space, but the Gallina family of Gallina Development...

Food + Beverage

A Healthier Thanksgiving

Smart swaps and habits to enjoy the holiday without guilt Article by Shaina Zazzaro with Alexandra Buckner | Photography by Submitted Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It’s about family, gratitude, and of course food. But it can also be one of the hardest times to stay on track with health goals. The average Thanksgiving dinner runs over 3,000 calories, leaving you sluggish and guilty instead of energized and grateful. With planning and smart swaps, you can enjoy the holiday without...

Life + Culture

Life, Business, and Second Chances

After cancer, gratitude guides his work, family, and deeper purpose Article by Sarah Keeler | Photography by Submitted In early 2024, John McBride thought he was battling a routine sore throat. The 59-year-old Rochester native had no idea his world was about to turn upside down. When the lump in his throat didn’t go away, McBride, owner of ROC House Renovations in Gates, visited his doctor. Several tests and biopsies later, he received a diagnosis: tonsil cancer. “I was driving to a job site...

Life + Culture

How Families Celebrate Thanksgiving Their Way

Local voices show how traditions keep Thanksgiving meaningful Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Thanksgiving traditionally means turkey, stuffing, and many sides with recipes passed down through generations. It’s a time of gathering with family and friends—and many hours of cooking to create one large meal. But celebrations have nuances, so we asked community members to share some of their Thanksgiving traditions, but with a unique twist. From spending Thanksgiving with...

Food + Beverage

Avvino’s Holiday Flavors

Chef Tim Caschette Shares Holiday Recipes with Bold Flavors and Creative Twists Article by Staff Tim Caschette, executive chef and owner of Avvino, shares two recipes that bring bold flavors to your table this season. Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Labneh Serves 4–6 Herb Labneh: 1½ cups labneh ¼ cup each parsley, dill, chives, mint, cilantro 1 tsp garlic, chopped Salt & white pepper, to taste Instructions: Combine herbs, garlic, and labneh in a food...

Food + Beverage

Food: The Universal Language

Recipes, rituals, and the heart of family Article by Katrina M. Randall Despite differences in culture, geography, and taste, food is a universal experience. It sustains us, but it also brings people together. For this feature, we invited local residents from all walks of life to share personal reflections on how food has shaped their family. What role does food or sharing a meal play in your family life?   “It’s the way I show love. For me it's about compassion, connection, caring. I don’t...

Food + Beverage

Mocktail Mavens: Meet the Innovators Changing How Rochester Drinks

Redefining social drinking, two Rochester women are leading the sober-curious movement with taste and style. Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Roughly two-and-a-half years ago, Sandy Blair put down her glass of wine for good. Like many who choose the sober-curious path, she quickly realized that letting go of alcohol is easier said than done—especially in a world of mommy wine culture, beer bros, and endless happy hours. “I was trying to figure out how to live a sober...