Regional Religion

Something that I think is key to having a cultured, accepting city is that multiple different faiths can practice openly. Rochester and the Finger Lakes definitely succeed on that point - between the churches of various denominations of Christianity, various synagogues, and at least one Baha'i center, mosque, Hindu temple, and Buddhist center, I'd say we're pretty darn welcoming to people of other creeds.

But did you know that a religion was actually founded in the Finger Lakes region? I sure didn't until my AP U.S. History class in high school! I am surprised it took me reading it in a textbook to actually learn this when I might have learned it if I paid closer attention to headline that gets press once a year.

In 1830, the Book of Mormon was published for the first time out of Palmyra, NY. Joseph Smith, to those who believe, found ancient tablets near his home in Manchester (pretty much a town over) under the instructions of an prophet named Moroni on a hill that is now considered a sacred place to Mormons. He garnered a following and preached what he believed to be the word of God.

Then an angry mob drove them out of the town.



But I digress.

Now, I am not a Mormon, so how do I know all this - and why do I think I should have known all this before high school? Well every year there is a show to re-enact the Book of Mormon on said holy hill: The Hill Cumorah Pageant has been performed since the 1920s and every year that I can remember, it has been mentioned on local news channels.



Last night (it is an evening performance) some friends and I decided that even though none of us are Mormon, we wanted to partake of the pageant. After all, it is a piece of local culture and history, and we had heard nothing but good reviews - oh, and did I mention it's completely free? We were not disappointed.

First off, let me tell you: This is not just a small, local festival. This is a major event that attracts Mormons from all over. As we were leaving we played license plate Bingo, seeing plates from as far away as California, Florida, Arizona, and of course, plenty of Utah. There were several tour buses parked outside, I'd estimate at least five. Literally thousands of people were in attendance last night - and yet, everything was so organized it was insane.

The organization began when we entered the parking lot. A very polite young parking attendant asked how we would be leaving the pageant in the end, and based on where we were heading he directed us accordingly to the appropriate section of the parking lot. All the other parking lot attendants directing internal traffic were a well-oiled machine - they have had a lot of practice, I suppose - and parking was just smooth as could be. Same thing when we eventually left: Sure it was time consuming for all these people to leave at the same time, but everything was directed with amazing precision.

I don't know about you, but I have heard the stereotype that Mormons are all ridiculously nice. I can't speak for all Mormons of course, but I can tell you that everyone that was working last night that my friends and I encountered completely supported that stereotype. The attendants were nice. The pageant-goers were nice. The "ushers" were nice. And I don't mean fake nice or make-you-feel-uncomfortable nice, I mean genuinely nice. Of course I know that not all people are going to fit this stereotype, but all the folks we spoke with last night were just gosh-darn nice people.

As I mentioned, my friends and I were not Mormons. I actually kind of expected the pageant-workers to be uncomfortably preachy. We were thankful to see that this was not the case. Maybe it was because we got there immediately before the pageant started, but we did not get the preaching or pamphlets we had all been expecting.

There are several rows of seats prepared for the audience, however the crowds are so large that there are more people without seats than with them. People are welcome to bring their own chairs, sit on the grass - whatever. Photography didn't seem to be frowned upon and many people took advantage of that. Even though we were way back in what might have been called "discount seats," the stage looked effing huge. It had multiple levels - maybe 10? - plus the side of the actual hill itself. The cast has over 600 people and the stage holds all of them!

The pageant itself was quite the production. The script was written by Orson Scott Card (did you know he was Mormon? I didn't!) and the effects were actually pretty darn impressive. I was surprised how much they were able to accomplish with well-placed fire jets, water/mist jets, and lighting. There is one scene where Jesus appears to descend from the heavens onto the stage (oh man, there was an absolute sea of cameras snapping away at that point), and since the play was at night, the wires were not visible and the actor truly did appear to be levitating down. That was cool. The show was only about an hour long, but it didn't seem too short - nor too long, at that.

Even though this is not my personal faith, what I like best about the pageant is that it attempts to be accessible to everybody: The pageant? Free. Parking? Free. Handicapped? Accessible. Deaf or hard of hearing? ASL interpreters available. Spanish-speaking? Spanish translation available. Before the show cast members in full costume mingle in the crowd. Sure, concessions cost money - but you are welcome to provide your own food and drinks - minus alcohol - as long as you pick up after yourself.

There were some protesters outside the parking lot calling the Mormons liars and sinners and evildoers - including kids and preteens heckling pageant-goers. We all agreed they had every right to be there, hold up their signs, and say what they were saying - and thankfully their protest was limited to the parking lot and did not disrupt the actual pageant. But at the end of the day there was a group of people who seemed like bad guys, and I'll tell you what - it wasn't the Mormons.

To be honest, before this production, with the exception of a few paragraphs in my high school history book, the extent of my knowledge of the Church of Latter Day Saints was pretty much limited to the Osmonds, the polygamists in Utah that are not recognized by the wider church, and that episode of South Park (incidentally, the version of the Book of Mormon as portrayed by South Park picks up right where the pageant leaves off). After attending the Hill Cumorah Pageant, I have more firsthand knowledge about the background of this religion. Did it change my mind and make me consider conversion? No. But I am glad to live in a place that, with the exception of the protesters, is pretty cool with people not only holding their own beliefs, but in them publicly celebrating said beliefs with the degree of showmanship, majesty - and kindness - as the Mormons did last night.

When You Don't Know Who to Call

There are times in life that we are down and out, at the end of our rope. At those times it cam be difficult to know where to turn for help. Sometimes people even think the only way they have out of their situation is to kill themselves.

There is help available to help in these dark hours. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, a program of ABVI-Goodwill has been a hotline since the 1970s (then known only as LIFE LINE) as a support for the community. From a resource for agencies in the community assisting with certain needs to support for mental health crisis, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is free and confidential and available 24/7/365. It is a non-profit agency that receives the majority of it support from United Way.

What do I mean when I say "agency referrals?" Well, for example, let's say you're having a hard time making ends meet: Money is running low and you need help getting food in the house. You can call 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, provide your zip code, and someone will look up for you the closest food pantries to your area that can assist you. Looking for a depression support group? Trying to find the phone number to that community center down the street? In need of emergency shelter? Not sure who to contact for free legal representation? 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can assist with all these needs and more.

And what exactly do I mean by "mental health crisis?" It's a time when you are overwhelmed and need to talk things out, when you don't know where to turn, maybe even feeling desperate. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is available to assist people who are feeling suicidal and looking to talk out these feelings and hopefully find something to hold on to here. But a person does not need to be suicidal to talk to the telecounselors at 2-1-1/LIFE LINE: If you're distressed, confused, upset, and need someone to talk things over with, the service is available to you.

Crises arise at all hours and sometimes your own therapist, if you have one, may not be available. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE workers are trained phone counselors, but not professional therapists/mental health counselors/other mental health professionals. Please know that despite the wonderful support this service can provide, it is not a substitute for long-term counseling. If you would like to get linked with long-term counseling (including agencies who work on a sliding scale for those for whom money is tight or those whose health insurance - if any - does not cover mental health services), 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can look up agencies that can assist you.

How do you reach 2-1-1/LIFE LINE? The good news is there are several different phone numbers to get through! Those in its service area (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, and Cayuga counties) should be able to dial 2-1-1. If for some reason the phone will not dial 2-1-1 (sometimes cell phones don't go through to it), you can also dial locally at (585)275-5151 or toll-free at 1-877-FLNY-211 (1-877-356-9211) or 1-800-310-1160. They do also have the majority of their agency referrals available on their website. Having trouble navigating the website? There is online chat available at times (the hours are not set for chat availability, but in general it is available until 11PM seven days a week).

2-1-1/LIFE LINE prides itself as being "who to call when you don't know who to call." It certainly succeeds on this front. From talking about the struggles you are having to seeking an agency that can provide assistance for free clothing, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is an integral support to the community.


*If you are in mental health crisis and/or considering suicide, and you are not located in the above New York State counties, there is help available. Please call National Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is free and confidential.*

Backtracking to an Intro

In all my excitement to start this blog, I neglecting something rather important: Introducing folks to the Rochester and Finger Lakes region!

Rochester, NY is a small/medium-sized city in western New York (though if we are talking to someone from New York City/Long Island, we may as well just say "Upstate" since it seems you folks designate any region north of Westchester County as "Upstate," amiright?). Formerly known as the Flour City for its flour mills, it is now more commonly called the Flower City for its many nurseries, and also for its famous Lilac Festival in the spring where a plethora of flowers of all kinds are featured in Highland Park. It is the county seat for Monroe County.

In 2008, Rochester had the largest state economy after New York City. Not terribly surprising when we have been birthplace to several national corporations, including Eastman Kodak (lending Rochester its nickname of "Image Capitol of the World"), Xerox (who have since moved their headquarters), Bausch and Lomb, and several others. Plenty of historical figures either started in Rochester or made it their home, and I hope to share some of these fascinating folks with you all.

Famous faces excluded, diversity abounds in Rochester, though admittedly the farther away from the city the population is generally whitewashed. There are people here every shade of the rainbow and a fairly large immigrant population from many countries (leading to many fine restaurants and nifty stores, I might add), though some neighborhoods have a larger concentration of people from certain regions. There is an active and open LGBT population, and Rochester has one of the biggest (maybe by now it is the biggest) concentrations of deaf people in one area, largely due to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, part of Rochester Institute of Technology (which, in fact, is in the suburb of Henrietta).

The crime rate for the city is not great - it's unfortunate that some of us are saddened but not surprised to hear of the latest murder downtown - but it has been improving. And as of 2004, Rochester was rated the friendliest city in America (this according to my social psychology textbook at the time)! I find that an intriguing contradiction myself.

The Finger Lakes region, as one might imagine, refers to the area surrounding the Finger Lakes (shocker, right?). This generally includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates Counties, though some do also include Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans Counties to the west, some go east to Cayuga County, and some even stretch into the Southern Tier. Having lived in Monroe County my whole life, I am more familiar with it and therefore will likely write about that region most, but don't be mistaken: places within a short drive of Monroe County will be given their fair share.

Rochester and the Finger Lakes, in my opinion, make for a wonderful study in extremes. The City of Rochester alone paints a broad spectrum, with some areas destitute and decrepit, boarded up and graffitti'd over, the sorts of places where antsy suburbanites lock their car doors, assuming you could get them out there in the first place - then other places that are restored Victorian mansions with beautifully manicured lawns with up-and-coming businesses all within walking distance. Although Rochester is relatively small - especially when compared to places like New York City, Chicago, etc - I hear people who live in Ontario and Wayne Counties, both fairly rural areas, describe it as "the big city;" while I see those areas as "the boonies," they see my neck of the woods as "scary" and "ghetto" despite the fact that it's a nicer neighborhood in the city.

In reality, we are both right. This region has a small amount of hustle-and-bustle, but nothing overwhelming. There are petite sky scrapers and not too far away are stretches of farmland. The grapevines in one sleepy town make the wine sipped by the hipsters in the swankest new place downtown. Museums to feed the mind and manure piles to feed the crops (OK, so that one isn't so poetic).

And yes, it is even lilacs and snowflakes.

Rio Tomatlan

Last night I went out with Loverman’s family to what one of his sisters called “a new Mexican place in Canandaigua.” It turns out the place, Rio Tomatlan, is not a new restaurant but instead an existing restaurant (formerly called El Rincon Mexicano Dos) under new management, though I had never gone to the old restaurant. I looked at some website reviews on a few sites (most notably on RocWiki, which is a wonderful resource for Rochester and the Finger Lakes), all of which praised the restaurant with fairly minor, if any, critiques. Thusly, I expected we would all be in for a great dining experience. I am sorry to say, this was not the case.

Things did start on a very positive note, I must say. Since I have a gluten sensitivity, I tried to look up their menu online so I could prepare myself for what “safe” options I had, however as of the time of my searching, the website was down. Still, I did find a phone number, so I called. I let them know my concerns and also that their website was not working. The woman I spoke to went through some items that she knew I should avoid, and then also checked with a waiter who was formerly kitchen staff to check if a dish made with wheat tortillas (which I cannot have) could be made with corn tortillas (which are safe). She did address the questions that I had about the sources for some of their products as well. She also let me know that the options were clearly labeled on the menu. This was greatly appreciated.

Parking is all on the street, but downtown Canandaigua is, for lack of a better word quaint, so that is not such a big deal. The restaurant looks like a hole-in-the-wall but inside it was quite pretty, decked out with saints-candles and various Mexican art pieces. We did have to make reservations just to get seated, which was a little surprising. We did arrive a little early, so we had to wait for a table, but hey, we were early – no biggie.

Once we were seated, things did start to go downhill a bit. The seats were just fine and, as mentioned, the décor quite fun. The temperature, however, was unacceptable: Winter in the Finger Lakes is frigid, and that night on the drive over we observed the temperature on the dashboard thermometer to be a bitter 2 degrees Fahrenheit. We were seated near a wall of block glass windows, and cold air was just blasting through. I was wearing a button-up shirt and a sweater with Loverman’s leather jacket over my shoulders and my scarf wrapped around me and I was still freezing. One of Loverman’s sisters had a scarf around her neck and took a serape that was draped on her bench and spread it across her lap as a blanket; his other sister used her coat as a blanket.

Our waiter was polite and friendly, and he answered my questions about food items with patience. We ordered our meal with three of our party ordering margaritas and one ordering coffee. There were several options for me, but I opted for a special of carne asada – steak tacos in corn tortillas with peppery rice and refried beans. We did order chips and salsa for an appetizer.

And then we waited. And waited and waited and waited. Eventually, the chips and salsa came, though the drink orders had not (we did, however, all have water at our places already). The salsa was a bit spicy for my tastes, but I am admittedly a wuss when it comes to spice; still, the flavor was good, and it was not just spice for spice’s sake.

And then we waited some more. And waited and waited and waited. Eventually the coffee came. And then we waited a bit more. In time, the margaritas came, each exactly as ordered.

Our reservation was at 8PM, and it was not too long after that that we ordered. Out entrees did not come out till 9:30. I do believe that good food takes time, and although I understand that the restaurant was busy and that all these meals take time to put together, to me a wait time of an hour and a half is unacceptable.

I will say that once the food arrived, it was pretty good. My main complaints are again, the spice was a bit too much for my taste (again, remember I am a spice-wuss), but also that the steak was a bit ropy – I am not against chewy meat (or, as Top Chef Las Vegas finalist Kevin would say, “toothsome”), but this was just too much. Despite this, I didn’t find these things to be so egregious that the food was unpleasant. Reviews I have read state that this food is authentic Mexican, but as I have never been to Mexico, I can hardly be the judge of authenticity; I just know that once the food finally got there, it was pretty darn good.

After having read several positive reviews, I was admittedly disappointed. Still, I would like to think that perhaps this was just an off-night for the place: after all, the place was clean and appealing (the bathrooms had mouthwash!), the staff were friendly and responsive, and even though the wait time was far too long, the waiter did continue to check in on us to let us know the status of our various items and to refill our waters. If I do find myself back in Canandaigua around meal time, I would be open to giving them another shot – though preferably once the weather warms up, to be safe.

Finger Lakes Wine Takes Top Prize

I don't know about you, but I am far from being a wine snob. I like wine, mind you, but seeing as I tend towards anything that tastes like grapey sugar-water, my tastes can hardly be called discerning.

Palettes much more refined than my own have recently named Keuka Spring Vineyard’s 2008 Gewürztraminer the white wine sweepstakes winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This is the largest contest for U.S. wines, so it's kind of a big deal!

Keuka Springs identifies this as a dry white wine, and further describes it as follows:

Very fresh, rich, floral, rose, lychee, and nutty notes with a soft finish. Off-dry. Keuka Spring "Gewurz" makes a wonderful aperitif. Or enjoy it with grilled shrimp or chicken, asparagus, strong cheeses, or Asian cuisine such as Thai curry. The character of this wine is perfect with spicy--or any-- food.

Dry wines are not my thing, but 60 wine experts from across the country tasted this, and the consensus was that this one was the best in the nation. Who am I to argue?