Professional Services

Smile, Styled

Your smile completes any look, but clear aligners help it shine. Our expert explains how. Article by ROC City Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Submitted There’s one detail that completes every look—and it isn’t found on a hanger or in a handbag. It’s your smile. “A confident smile is effortless, timeless,” says Dr. Taylor Squires, a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Squires Orthodontics in Pittsford. “It’s often the detail people remember most.” For many adults, subtle...

Home + Design

Design Rooted in Story

Behind the Style: How Designers Merge Function, Feeling, and Lifestyle Into Every Space Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Each space within a home tells a story about the people who live there. Design, layout, and functionality are all elements of style. Whether the inhabitants choose granite or quartz, wood or ceramic, windows allowing light in from the north versus the south, these decisions reflect their lifestyles, priorities, and personality. Even the smallest...

Arts + Culture

Threads of Expression

When Art Becomes Action Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Brandon Vick The last time Chantiza Singh put on a fashion show, it wasn’t until the clothing arrived that she knew her theme—lace. For the Rochester boutique owner and fashionista, this evolution of planning is all a part of the creative process.  “I know it sounds terrible. I plan, but I also let things happen organically, to be creative during this thought process, to not be so rigid and have rules,” Singh says. “I want...

Education

Learning Differently, Teaching Differently

How Hope Hall Builds Success One Student at a Time Article by Suzie Wells | Photography by Submitted Everyone learns differently, and that’s not a flaw. Yet many traditional classrooms follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Standardized curriculums, uniform pacing, and rigid lesson plans, sometimes even verbatim instruction, leave little room for variation. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five students has learning and attention issues, and even more need...

Arts + Culture

When Canvas Meets Thread

A Creative Collaboration Across Mediums and Cultures Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Art comes in many forms, mediums, and colors—and each artist draws inspiration in a different way. But not all art hangs on a wall or stands on a pedestal. For instance, hand-woven rugs aren’t just floor coverings, they’re intricate textiles crafted by skilled artisans knot by knot. Reza Nejad Sattari may not be your typical artist, but he had a vision—to merge traditional rug weaving...

Life + Culture

Where the Story Begins

A Boy, a Puppy and the Origin of Cleft Rescue Unit Article by Katrina M. Randall Just like every story has a beginning, every bond has an origin story—and so does every mission. For one nonprofit, it began with a puppy and a boy, both born with cleft issues.  When Lindsay Weisman first began fostering a French bulldog puppy named Wrigley, a bond began to grow as she cared for him. So when a friend told her they knew someone in Brighton who was interested in meeting the pup, she was resistant...

Life + Culture

Beyond The Playground

Hidden Gems for Kids Around Rochester Article by Katrina M. Randall From beach days to amusement parks and museum explorations, Rochester offers a diverse range of activities to keep kids engaged. But as August kicks into full gear and the back-to-school countdown begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover some of the area’s hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. With four distinct seasons and all sorts of weather in between, remember to plan accordingly. ROC City Circus Location...

Education

Start Early, Think Long-Term

Teaching Kids the Value of Money Article by ROC City Lifestyle Staff According to a study done by  annuity.org , 75% of American teens lack confidence in their personal finance knowledge. Couple this with only 22.7% of high school students in the U.S. having guaranteed access to personal finance courses, (Next Gen Personal Finance) and it’s no surprise that many young adults find themselves unprepared for real-world financial decisions. With the average household carrying more than $6,000 in...

Entertainment

Class of 2025 Tails

A Whimsical Look at the Graduating Dogs of Paws & Claws Pet Care Article by ROC City Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Paws & Claws Pet Care For this issue of ROC City Lifestyle with half of its theme focused on pets, we went to Paws and Claws Pet Care on Linden Park in Rochester, where wagging tails, playful zoomies, and the occasional side-eye made for a highly entertaining visit. But this time, instead of just observing the daily hustle of fetch, naps, and treat breaks, we asked ourselves...

Education

From Shop Class to Smart Tech

How Industry 4.0 Is Reshaping Career Paths for Teens Article by Mary Stone Career options for teens today are broader and more dynamic than they were 25 years ago. Then, students often pursued traditional paths—medicine, teaching, law or skilled trades—and a four-year degree was considered essential to success. Now, technology has opened doors to high-demand jobs that don’t demand a college degree but do require a blend of communication, analytical and technical skills. At Monroe Community...