Rochester's Mayor a Future Lieutenant Governor?

I had intended to write an entirely different post today, however as I turned on my local news, my next post just about wrote itself! Funny how things work out.

I confess, I am one of "those people" so often lamented in our society. I tend to be somewhat oblivious when it comes to politics - at least locally. Oh sure, I can tell you the concerns the region has, but when it comes to which politicians are saying what, I can seldom tell you. Admittedly, not a great thing.

Recently, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that he would be running for governor. Today the announcement came that he was selecting Rochester Mayor Robert (Bob) Duffy as his choice for Lieutenant Governor.

Mayor Duffy has been in the fore of Rochester news for several years. Born and raised in Rochester, Duffy served seven years as Chief of Police before being elected mayor in 2006. Re-elected in 2009, Mayor Duffy has lately been in the local news over his controversial push to begin mayoral control over the Rochester City School District. The city schools have their share of issues from truancy, low graduation rates, poor test scores, drugs, and violence. Pointing to vast improvements under mayoral control in other cities, Mayor Duffy has been pointing to this as a solution for some of these problems. He has met a lot of opposition from parents, the school board, and other citizens.

Despite this, there have also been many successful initiatives Mayor Duffy has led. He started the 311 call center, a toll-free number billed as "one call to City Hall." He began Clean Sweep, an annual city initiative to beautify neighborhoods. To involve the community in helping out high-crime areas, he helped begin programs such as Pastors on Patrol, gang-prevention program Pathways to Peace, and police-citizen coalition PAC-TAC (Police and Citizens Together Against Crime). He lowered city property taxes. Hell, don't take my word for all this - his website has a List of Accomplishments during his reign as mayor (not exactly humble, but hey, that's politics for you).

There is some concern that if elected, many of the initiatives started by Duffy may fall by the wayside, including mayoral control of schools, revitalization of downtown sites, and some of the aforementioned programs that have already been successful. Some Rochesterians support his decision whilst others are concerned that he will leave Rochester in the lurch.

So why is someone who usually doesn't pay a whole lot of attention to politics spending so much time talking about Bob Duffy? As a fellow Rochester native, I am interested to see how, if elected, how this might affect Western New York State. Having lived here my whole life, I am pretty much used to the rest of the country - the rest of the world even - seeming to think New York State is pretty much comprised of New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and a very ambiguous term called "Upstate" which is used to describe pretty much everywhere else. To illustrate, here is the message most people get about New York State:



Hm, that's an awful lot of nonentity there. In reality, here are the correct names of the regions of New York:

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We who are lumped into the generic "Upstate" label are pretty much used to being disregarded not only by the rest of the country, but by our own state government. Many "Upstate" regions voice feelings of neglect on the part of the government. In some ways, I can understand the error: It would be foolish to ignore that New York City is a mecca of national and international business, culture, and history. At the same time, Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and many other "Upstate" regions have been suffering economically.

Despite its many wonderful qualities (including being rated #6 on the Places Rated Almanac Best Places to Live in America out of 379 communities in America), Rochester is a rust belt city with businesses - and young people - leaving in droves. Where's the help for us, and cities like ours? In fact, in March of 2009 some state senators motioned for a vote to divide New York, seceding "Upstate" as its own entity that can focus on its own unique needs. Some citizens agree wholeheartedly with this motion, such as Unshackle Upstate. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I think it illustrates a valid point: "Upstate" New Yorkers feel pretty darn neglected and are pretty miffed about it.

I'm not here to say the Cuomo/Duffy ticket is going to be a panacea for all of "Upstate's" woes - I may not be fully invested in politics, but I'm not that delusional. However I do think it would be interesting to see how having one of Rochester's native sons in such a position of power and how this may - or may not - ultimately lead to a closer understanding of the particular needs of this region.

Any other Rochesterians or New Yorkers out there? How do you feel Mayor Duffy's viewpoint could potentially affect government relations with "Upstate?"

Got My Eyases on You

I am hardly the expert as to Finger Lakes wildlife. In fact, most frequently my indications that interesting wildlife is in the area involve me pointing and shrieking "bunny!" with childlike glee. There are a few species here and there I am able to identify without consulting Audubon, including the occasional bird. Most commonly you'll see crows, robins, sparrows, even seagulls (which baffles me since we are nowhere near the sea) - but one of Rochester's prides is the Peregrine falcon.

Peregrines are native to regions other than the Finger Lakes, so what makes them so special to Rochester? In 1995 Kodak, whose headquarters is located in its hometown of Rochester, placed a nest box on their office building to simulate the cliff faces that Peregrines normally call home. It was not until 1998 that the first falcons nested, but ever since they have been sort of been sort of mini-celebrities - largely due to the web-cams that have been streaming live since then.

The Falcon-Cam is not just a gimmick but rather a quiet way to show the birds in their natural state. The Kodak falcons have become ambassadors for the species, with educational materials offered to teach kids or any other interested parties more about the Peregrine falcon.

Throughout the year, I confess the public tends to forget about the falcons - hey, they leave us alone, we leave them alone (well, with the exception of 24-hour surveillance. Anyway). But we get psyched out again come spring, when the babies hatch.



This is Beauty, the proud mama of these two little guys (who seem to be eagerly devouring a less fortunate feathered friend) who just hatched yesterday. As it turns out, a baby falcon is called an eyas. I learned something new today, how about you?

While the Kodak falcons are not as obviously a Rochester/Finger Lakes institution as some other things, the fact that we have this little habitat tucked up amongst the cityscape speaks to me as to the determination and innovation of Rochesterians to preserve wildlife by safely offering it a new habitat.

Lilacs Ahoy!

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, this blog is called Lilacs and Snowflakes. I chose that title based on two of the most common (though not always the most pleasant) features in the Finger Lakes region that I felt translated across cities, towns, and county borders. Thankfully, we seem to be done with snow for the time being (I hesitate to even commit that to print since just last weekend a few flakes were spotted to fall voernight) - just in time for the 2010 annual Lilac Festival!

The Lilac Festival is a ten-day event that takes place in the beginning of May. Located in Highland Park, the Lilac Festival is a sort of official herald of springtime in Monroe County. Highland Park is not only home to countless varieties of lilac bushes, but quite literally hundreds of other specimins of flora and fauna. I don't know about you, but to me there are few better ways to celebrate the reawakening of Nature than to take in its resplendant beauty.

"So there are a bunch of flowers? What's so special about that?" Well, you would-be pavers of paradise, there is a lot more to the Lilac Festival than just enjoying the lovely flowers: Enjoy parades? The event is opened by one featuring many local high schools, floats, and the crowning of the Lilac Fesitval Queen. Live music more your sort of thing? Take in the plethora national recording artists performing in one of the many outdoor arenas (this year's offerings include such artists as Sister Hazel, Vonda Shepard, Donna the Buffalo, and 10,000 Maniacs - sans Natalie Merchant). Want to support local business? There are rows upon rows of tents set up by local vendors peddling their wares - as well as local radio stations and local non-profits reaching out to the community. Worried about keeping the kiddies quiet? There are also performers with child-friendly entertainment. Feeling athletic? You can join the Lilac 10k, which will this year be joined by marathon runner Dick Bearsley. Oh, and did I mention all this is free?

In my post about Leaf & Bean, a coffee shop in Chili, I touched briefly on the unusual pronunciation of certain things here in the Finger Lakes. I feel obligated to include a local news segment featuring a fierce ongoing somewhat casual debate on the correct pronunciation of "lilac."



It has not been until developing my newly discovered love of my hometown that I have come to appreciate just how much national attention the Lilac Festival brings. In 2007, for example, Martha Stewart came to take in the gardens. While I myself was making my annual pilgrimage to Highland Park, I overheard a few people in the crosswalk discussing that they had come from out of town - one from another state (I can't remember where) and the other from England. It was even listed by the American Bus Association (no, I didn't make that up) amongst its Top 100 Destinations. I have heard say that this festival alone brings in a substantial amount of tourism, and looking at the variety of pleasures to pursue, it's not hard to see why.

Today was the opening day, but it will be running through May 23rd. If you find yourself in the Finger Lakes region in the beginning of May, come to Highland Park to stop and smell the lilacs.

Bits and Pieces!

When I am not working, interning, or blogging (which, as you can tell, is not nearly as frequent as it could be) I am a big fan of crafting. I am not always good at what I do, but I definitely enjoy getting my creative energies out by knitting, scrapbooking, decorating picture frames - well, a whole lot of other things too. As those of you who are also crafters know, sometimes these supplies can get pretty darn expensive - especially when you only need a little bit, but have to purchase a huge amount because of how it's packaged.

Enter Craft Bits and Pieces, a sort of craft thrift store located in Fairport Village Landing in Fairport, a sort of classy strip-mall a village on the east side. People can donate their unused, scrap, or excess craft supplies to the store, who sells them at a considerable discount. For example, if you have a small ball of yarn you'll never use up, a couple extra yards of fabric that just won't get used, or some lace that came from God knows where, you can donate it here. Sometimes you do get supplies in their original state, such as lightly used knitting/crochet needles or a whole skein of unwanted yarn. They also offer some lightly used toys, decorations, patterns, and also state on their website they'll accept half-completed projects.

If you have some extra craft items to drop off, your donation is tax-deductable. All funds go to support the Fairport/Perinton Senior Living Council, so your money is going to a good cause. The only catch is that the store can only accept cash, check, or money orders - no debit or credit cards.

I only recently learned about this place from a friend of mine who's even more into crafting than I am (and, I should add, more talented), and man, do I wish I had known about it sooner! I visited this past weekend and picked up two full skeins of a lovely green yarn for $1.50 each. You can't beat that with a stick! If you're a fellow crafter, make your way to the east side to see what these folks have to offer!

Trevor Project Acknowledges Benign Parody

The Trevor Project is a national non-profit organization that promotes acceptance for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention. They also work with LGBT-causes and acknowledge LGBT-friendly media.

What does that have to do with Rochester and the Finger Lakes? Recently The Trevor Project's Facebook page featured a same-sex parody of Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me" by the University of Rochester a capella group the Yellow Jackets:



I must say this made me smile - not only was it a LGBT-friendly parody, but it was benign and respectful both towards the LGBT community and towards the original source material. Also, in my opinion, hearing the positive reactions from the crowd just goes to show how accepting the community in Rochester is of the LGBT community (well, and also how popular the Yellow Jackets are, I'm sure). If you'd like to see their video put to the original Taylor Swift song, you can watch it here.

***If you are in need of Trevor Project's services, please click the link above or call 24/7 at 1-866-4U-TREVOR(1-866-488-7386).***

Coffee in Chili

For those of you who do not live in Rochester and the Finger Lakes, I must blow your mind before I write about this next place: The town named in the post title is pronounced CHY-lie, not CHIH-lee. When I have pointed this out to my out-of-town friends the reactions range from bemusement to befuddlement.

At any rate, the town of Chili has been growing in recent years, expanding to include a small but respectable Target, several drug stores, and even more chains just down the way at the next town over, Gates (pronounced just how it looks). For coffee one might think one has to just stop in a gas station, drive through at McDonalds, or go down to the new Starbucks in Gates. Well, you could do that. Or you could put your money into a local business instead!

Leaf and Bean started up when I was in high school (some time between 1998 and 2002) and it has been providing awesome coffee and munchies ever since. It was originally housed in a rather diminutive shop but has since moved to a larger, hipper space. In the summer there is seating outside and in the winter there is a wide array of hot cocoas and even eggnog. Coffee not your thing? Cocoa, hot cider, and chai are available as well. Feeling hungry? There is a wide array of pastries (more good cakes than I can begin to remember), and at lunch there is a vast choice of sandwiches, soups, and salads. If you decide you really like them you can also buy coffee tea, travel mugs, shirts, and other merchandise there.

One of my favorite things about Leaf and Bean is the atmosphere. While the place is roomier than its tiny original location, it is not sprawling either. If you are lucky you can grab one of the squishy armchairs in the back. The music playing is always something I enjoy (usually alternative, indie, etc - you can hear Seal, Dar Williams, Box Car Racers, and that band you like but don't remember their name in one sitting easily), and they frequently feature live music. A dear friend of mine started out there, I have heard a jazz trio playing there, and it's definitely a location for up-and-coming soloists and groups to keep in mind when looking for venues to start out.

I grew up in Chili, and for the longest time I'd have to go to another town or into the City to go out to coffee with my friends. When this shop opened up I was thrilled to have a place just down the way where we could enjoy good drinks, good food, and good music in a relaxed atmosphere. Although I no longer live in Chili I still feel a sense of happy nostalgia whenever I enter the doors. It's easy to fall into long conversations with friends here, and I can't count the times I have found myself staying until closing. If you are looking for a local coffee place that is both mellow and professional, loof no further than Leaf and Bean.

Scents-less

Two negative posts in short order! How unfortunate. Still, once I read about this, I knew I had to make a post about it.

I caught this article in the Democrat & Chronicle quite by accident, and boy howdy I am glad I did.

The article, for those who choose not to read it, is about a business in Pittsford (a rather well-to-do suburb of Rochester) called Scensibles, which manufactures scented sisposal bags for feminine hygiene products. One of the owners, Ann Germanow, said she was inspired by some of the deplorable conditions in ladies restrooms. Now the Germanows (the company is co-owned by Ann and her husband John) sell a product to companies across the country.

I have seen these bags in ladies rooms, and I must say, my first reaction was "Um, really?" Personally seeing the bags was more offensive than helpful - "Hey, not only are you too dumb to know that certain feminine hygiene products are not meant to be flushed, but your lady-parts stink on top of that." I had flashes of "My Angry Vagina," namely the third paragraph down, from The Vagina Monologues (monologue uses choice language, in case that offends you). I mean really? It's waste. Waste is going to smell (though I can honestly say that only in the most disgusting of restrooms have I ever had an issue with the feminine hygiene disposal being particularly rank). It is in a restroom, for heaven's sake - what do you think people do in restrooms on a regular basis? If it stinks - well, it's almost like people go in there and just pull down their pants and poop!

Not only this, but as far as I have seen, the presence of these disposal bags have really done nothing to change the cleanliness, or lack thereof, of ladies rooms. After all, human nature is human nature, and some people, regardless of the most hygienic and pleasant of accoutrement that may be available, are just going to do gross things anyway. No amount of floral-scented waste-bags is going to change the fact that some nasty, grody people are going to spoil things for the rest of us.

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.*

Berating a Rochester Institution

That's right, this Rochester blogger is berating one of her own. One that she has never directly experienced no less! What gives?

A restaurant that many locals consider to be a Rochester landmark is Nick Tahou's Hots. They are a typical "joint," as my Dad would call it (i.e. nothing fancy, just short of a dive really) made famous by a dish called the Garbage Plate... Really. What is a Garbage Plate? If I am remembering correctly, it is home fries, either 2 hamburgers or 2 hotdogs, cold baked beans out of a can, and assorted other detritus; it has been lauded as great hangover food and also a heart attack on a plate. Yes, this is what made them famous - so much so that there are several other local restaurants that offer "plates," much to the chagrin of Nick Tahou's. Again, I ask - really? This is what makes it? When I hear of people taking their out-of-town relatives or celebrities there, I cringe inwardly that this is the culinary impression of Rochester that they get. "Wow, these people are so backwards they are excited to eat garbage." No, not literally, but you get the point.

When I tell fellow Rochesterians that I have never had a Garbage Plate, I am most frequently met with disbelief dangerously close to shame. "What?!" they marvel, "I thought you'd lived here your whole life!" Well, I have. But what makes you think I am so eager to consume something that so eagerly protects its "garbage" moniker? More to the point, even if this dish was called "Freakin' Awesome Plate," the ingredients alone all slopped together on the same plate, you would have to pay me a helluva lot of money to agree to take a bite, let alone attempt to finish. Call me a hater, but I can't bring myself to try it. Some may call it a Rochester institution. I just call it plain ol' trash.

Magnolia's Cafe

In the City of Rochester one of the more trendy neighborhoods is the Park Avenue area. There are plenty of cute shops and no shortage of restaurants. Small and unassuming, Magnolia’s Café has a great selection of items using simple ingredients paired just right. In the nicer weather they do also have tables out on the sidewalk.

Magnolia’s menu is comprised of sandwiches (named after local streets), wraps, paninis, soups, salads, and pizzas – however a caveat: Pizzas are only available after 3PM. I was reminded of this on a day when I was really looking forward to their pizza only to learn they wouldn’t be serving it for another couple of hours. Blast! When they are available, however, they are, quite frankly, ginormous. Although they are billed as being one-person servings, you can eat half now and half later – and trust me, I do not eat like a bird at all.

The pizzas are usually my favorite (or were until I was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity), but the soups are great too – and served with crostini made in-house (well, at least toasted in house). I must especially vouch for the tomato-artichoke soup primarily because I normally hate artichoke with a flaming passion – but I can’t taste it in the soup; instead it lends a creamy texture that is just so beyond perfect. The French onion is nothing to sneeze at either. Keep an eye on the Specials Board too: The day listed above when I had to pick something other than pizza I grabbed a special of Emily’s Grilled Cheese, an herb bread grilled with swiss and goat cheese (I don’t know why, but I am a sucker for goat cheese) – which paired perfectly with the tomato-artichoke soup, an upscale version of an old classic.

I must complain that when they are busy they will not seat you or even take your name if your whole party is not there. Although I know it’s not unheard of, personally I think that’s lousy customer service – and who’s to say you couldn’t get at least an extra drink out of me while I wait? When they are slow, I am happy to report that service is usually better. Another complaint for them is there is no parking but on the street; albeit free, I personally am a very nervous Nellie about street parking. It’s really a minor complaint in the scheme of things, I think – especially since with many Park Ave restaurants, parking is decidedly an issue.

They do also have a counter for take-out (no delivery), but as I have no experience with it I can’t comment either way. Same thing with the desserts: Haven’t had them, so I can’t speak to how great or not-so-great they are. Vegetarians rejoice – there are many options for you on the menu. Also if you would like to have a tipple with your food, they do serve wine and beer.

I first went to Magnolia’s when a friend who was much more savvy about what was available in the actual city brought me (I was still living in the suburb where I grew up) but I didn’t grow to truly appreciate it until I lived close enough to it to enjoy a long stroll out there. Definitely a good choice for brunch or lunch. OK, and probably dinner too – but to me the menu screams early or midday meal with their sandwiches and pizzas. Regardless, plenty of options that are sure to please.