Rochester Woman Magazine November 2011

rochesterWomanmag.com :: november 2011 1

shIFt+controLnovember 2011FREE FREE

w w w . r o c h e s t e r w o m a n m a g . c o m

the Woman behInd the car

SPECIALhoLIdaY gIFt

gUIde

Kitty VanBortel

DRESSING UPYoUr home For

the hoLIdaYs

SOLUTIONSreLIeve YoUr

hoLIdaY stress at

Unique giftsfor everyone

on your list this holiday season!

snowmen . angelscandles . plaques

mugs . home accents

Shop Now!

www.paviliongift.com

Join us for our Annual Factory

Outlet Sale!

Friday November 11: 10am-6pmSaturday November 12: 9am-3pmSunday November 13: 9am-3pm

8210 Buffalo Rd. Bergen, NY 1441620 short minutes from downtown Rochester

50-90% offRetail Prices!

contents 9

18

28

76

xx

12

58

novemberETC 7

PLATTER CHATTER: THE GRILL AT THE STRATHALLEN 9

LEADING wOmAN 10

FASHION FORwARD: SPICE IT UP 12

HEALTHy wOmAN: 5 wAyS TO REDUCE STRESS 15

FABULOUS FINDS: GREAT GIFTS FOR HIm 16

LOCAL BUSINESS mATTERS: THE PAVILION GIFT CO. 18

qUEEN OF ARTS: jGK GALLERIES 20

STAGING FOR THE HOLIDAyS 22

ARTISTS VIEw 25

FOR A GOOD CAUSE 26

COVER STORy: THE wOmEN BEHIND THE CAR 28

HOLIDAy GIFT GUIDE 33

GARDENING DIVA 57

SPECIAL FEATURE: COmFORTING SOLUTIONS 58

ENTREPRENEURS: HANDING OVER THE REINS 61

ROCHESTER wOmEN INSPIRE 63

FITNESS : TIS THE SEASON 67

wISDOm IN A TRAFFIC jAm 69

wORLD OF wOmEN SPORTS 71

A LITTLE Rwm BEAUTy 73

ROCHESTER wOmAN PETS 74

mAIN EVENT 76

IN HER OwN wORDS 80

SAy wHAT? 81

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 81

shIFt+controL

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Sherrif F. Ibrahim, M.D., Ph.D.400 Red Creek DriveSuite 200Rochester NY 14623

Please call (585) 487-1440 for additional information, or to make an appointment.Consultation fee will be credited to treatment cost.

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6 november 2011 :: rochesterWomanmag.com

shIFt+controL

WOMANRO C H E S T E R

magazineLetter From the PUbLIshers

advertIse WIth Us...Unlike any other publication in the Rochester area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Rochester women.

Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 300 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

ConTACT oUR home offiCe 585.924.442610 east main Street Suite 301Victor, nY [email protected]

DownloAD oUR meDiA kiT AT www.rochesterwomanmag.com

Rochester Woman Magazine is printed locally. The magazine is published 10 times a year by InnovateHER Media Group, llc. 10 e. main St., Suite 301, Victor, nY 14564.

Copyright 2011 InnovateHER Media Group, llc. no part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Rochester Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of InnovateHER Media Group, llc. and will not be returned.

Another holiday season is quickly approaching. Where has the year gone? The stores are already beginning to put out their big holiday displays and the malls are becoming a little more crowded with everyone, especially the children, starting to get into the spirit.

Once again, we present our Holiday Gift Guide filled with great ideas for everyone on your list and all are from local businesses across the area. Within those pages youll find everything from spa services to jewelry, to theater tickets, plus the Ms. Anthony handbag and more. RWM has even included a special section for that little furry friend in your life. On our cover, in the hot red Mustang convertible, is Kitty Van Bortel, owner of the Van Bortel Group of dealerships. Everyone knows Kitty as one of Rochesters most successful business women, but the story doesnt end there. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kitty to discover more about this fascinating woman and the driving force behind her success.

And, speaking of the holidays, dont we all want our homes to look extra special this time of year when were entertaining guests? Check out our Dress Up Your Home feature on pages 22-23 for some great tips on how to make your home the envy of all your guests. Our experts Vicki Ruff Interiors and Grossmans Home & Gardens have some unique ideas that are perfect for any home!

As you prepare for the craziness that is this holiday season, be sure to take a minute for yourself, (or sneak off to one of the incredible spas that are advertised in our holiday gift guide), and then curl up with a nice glass of wine and your favorite local womans magazine.

Happy Holidays everyone!Kell y & Barb

PublishersKelly breuerbarbara mcspadden

editor-in-Chiefbarbara mcspadden

Creative direCtorKelly breuer

GraPhiC desiGnerJessica batesmelissa merittemma tang

PhotoGraPhybrandon vickLinda dow hayesLizz comstock

ContributinG Writers Joanne brokawsarah Jane cliffordcolleen FlahertyFrances grossmanarlene hisigertracy h. KroftJoan e. Lincolnangella LuykJennifer magarcaurie miner PutnamKaren Petote, esqJillian salomonenicole shein

advertisinG sales scott doeLorna Lee

oUr team...

on oUr cover...Tiffanie Niger from Rocky Grecos Salon provided the hair and make-up for the woman behind the car, Kitty VanBortel. Photography for cover story was done by Brandon Vick Photography.

Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. --Dave Barry

Once again, Grossmans Garden & Home is participating in the Trees for Troops Program to help provide Christmas Trees to our troops both here an overseas.

Sponsored by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and FedEx Corp., Trees for Troops began in 2005 when the National Christmas Tree Association developed the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation to advance the spirit of Christmas year round for kids, families and the environment. They also developed plans for national Trees for Troops program to unify individual programs of tree growers and state Christmas tree associations. To-date, the Trees for Troops program has delivered over 83,000 trees.

Community members are invited to come to Grossmans Garden & Home on December 3rd & 4th and purchase a tree that will be provided to military families to show support and gratitude. Those purchasing trees will have the opportunity to add a note to accompany the tree and share in the spirit of the holidays.

Grossmans Garden & Home is honored to be the only retailer in Monroe County to participate in the Trees for Troops program. It is expected that this year, 16,000 trees will to be delivered to U.S. military bases, as well as an international shipment to military bases overseas.

For more information visit www.grossmans.com

grossmans garden & home and trees For trooPs

brIngs mILItarY FamILIes together In sPIrIt thIs

chrIstmas

neW, Free aLZheImers assocIatIon

WorKshoP teaches ImPortance oF earLY detectIon

Current data suggests that less than 35 percent of people with Alzheimers disease or other dementias have a diagnosis of the condition in their medical record. The Alzheimers Association will offer Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection

Matters on November 17, 2011 from 6:00 PM 8:00 PM at the Country Club of Rochester. This workshop will provide attendees information about the difference between normal aging and Alzheimers disease, the benefits of early detection, as well as tips to follow up on any concerns that attendees may have about themselves or someone they care about.

This year, the first wave of baby boomers begins turning 65 the age that your risk of developing Alzheimers disease begins to increase significantly, said David Midland, President/CEO at the Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Alzheimers Association. Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimers and getting diagnosed early is vital to receiving the best help and care possible.

People who attend the Know the 10 Signs workshop will view video footage that addresses fears and myths associated with dementia. Individuals featured in the films include real people who are living with the early stages of dementia and their families.

This special event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. It is sponsored by Michael Palumbos and Ed Denning of Lincoln Financial Advisors. To register, call the Alzheimers Association at 800.272.3900 or online at www.alz.org/rochesterny.

november movIes...

11/18

11/23

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point.

The story revolves around The Muppets reuniting after a huge falling out to save The Muppet Studios in Hollywood. They have to put on a show in the Muppet Theater and get 10 million viewers to save the Studios from an evil Texas oil tycoon.

11/9

As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.

11/11

In the film, Jack, a family man, deals with his twin sister, Jill, when she visits for Thanksgiving then wont leave. Adam Sandler will play both characters. Katie Holmes would play Sandlers wife; Al Pacino is set to play himself.

Etc...


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bY nIcoLe sheIn I Photos bY brandon vIcK At first blush, the Grill at the Strathallan seems to belong to that venerable tradition of hotel restaurants where the martinis are dry, the menu is strictly continental, and the diners are out-of-town executives with expense accounts. And you can certainly count on the Grill for a classic upscale meal--steak, seafood, caesar salad, foie gras, an amazing wine list and spot-on cocktails. Yet the Grill also has a lighter, less stuffy side--both in the restaurant itself and behind the scenes.Our kitchen is a playground for learning new things, says Executive Chef Ethan Drake, who adds that the fun working environment in the kitchen translates into a relaxing dining experience for the Grills guests.Just because theyre having fun, however, doesnt mean that the kitchen staff isnt working hard. The pasta, including a halibut-and-apple ravioli I was fortunate enough to sample during a recent visit, is made fresh. These ravioli are a truly inventive dish, in which flaky halibut is offset by the mellow sweetness of both Gala apple and finely diced carrot. This filling is folded into al dente pasta and served with a rich butter sauce studded with red grapes. A scattering of peppercorns and crispy wonton strips lend spice and crunch, resulting in a dish that straddles the divide between delicate and hearty. Next, I tasted the Grill at Strathallans most popular entree--an 8 oz. cut of filet mignon, served with a cranberry-port wine demi-glace and melted blue cheese, roasted-garlic and potato puree, and asparagus. Not surprisingly for a restaurant of this caliber, the steak was a perfect medium-well, tender enough to yield to my knifes slightest pressure, and packed with flavor. The combination of beef and blue cheese is always a winner, and Chef Drakes addition of the sweet, earthy demi-glace makes this steak dish sublime. Fresh corn shoots and pea shoots garnished the potato puree and provided a grassy, fresh layer of flavor, as did the crisp asparagus spears. In addition to deliciously old-school steaks, chicken and seafood, the Grill also offers lighter fare. Think panini, wraps, flatbread sandwiches, salads, homemade soup, and

prime burgers. If youre feeling decadent, add a slice of foie gras to a prime hamburger, or keep it simple with mushrooms or cajun seasoning. All sandwiches come with a choice of homemade pasta salad, fruit salad, greens or battered french fries dusted with sea salt and pepper.

There are wine-pairing dinners planned, as well as holiday events. And every weekend, the Grill at Strathallan jumps with live jazz and other music, giving guests a chance to check out its offerings in a more casual spirit.

Even if I didnt work here, I would hang out at the bar, laughs Chef Drake.


The Grillat the strathaLLen

bY arLene hIsIger I Photo bY LIZZ comstocK

In 1989, Dara Lubin left Boston University with a deep appreciation for Shakespeare and Yates and a firm desire to translate her newly-minted Bachelor of Arts in English Literature into real-world experience. Then reality set in.

Choosing not to follow the commonly held practice of her fellow English literature majors, to either pursue a Ph.D. in English Literature or become a lawyer, Lubin found herself shuttling between three low-wage jobs to make ends meet. Clearly, there had to be a better way to construct a more meaningful life. She found the solution in the field of engineering and began her studies in Mechanical Engineering at RIT.

Why engineering?

While her fascination with airplanes and her passion for solving problems by taking things apart and figuring out how they work, partly explains her decision, Lubin also views her choice as adding dimensions moving toward an integrated whole. People are complex, she says, and should not be limited to narrow fields of interest, skills or expertise.

The following excerpt from National Public Radios Morning Edition tribute to the recently deceased Steve Jobs, mirrors this sentiment. In that segment, Jobs reveals an interesting facet to the Macintosh computers success. Part of what made Macintosh successful, Jobs said, was that the people working on the Macintosh were musicians, poets, artists, zoologists and historians, who also happened to be the best computer scientists in the world.

Family also plays a pivotal role in Lubins choice of engineering. Her dad, an accomplished physicist and founding director of the University of Rochesters Laboratory for Laser Energetics, was her primary role model. Additional inspiration and support comes from her older brother, a research scientist and assistant director at Scripps Labs in California, as well as from her very supportive husband, who is an electrical engineer.

Graduating RIT in 1999, Lubin, this time, made the transition from academic to working world with ease. Her smooth transition was in large part due to RITs required five co-op blocks, or internships, as part of the course of study. Two of those student internships were with Xerox. When Xerox made what Lubin terms a nice offer she came on board, first as a mechanical designer and currently is a two-time patent holder, mechanical integration engineer.

In retrospect, Lubin says, I wish I would have taken a double major. Had I been exposed to female engineers in high school things would have been different. Back

then, I always thought that engineers were these brilliant males. Thats why I feel so strongly about the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

In addition to her professional responsibilities at Xerox, Lubin is president of the Rochester professional section of SWE (there are student sections as well). I feel strongly, Lubin says, about getting the word out to middle and high school age students, as well as women, regarding the exciting and lucrative field of engineering.Founded in 1982, one of SWEs main goals is to promote positive interaction between young women and seasoned veterans in the fields of science and engineering. I dont want any female engineers or those who are contemplating entering the field, to feel isolated, Lubin says. Toward that end, SWE members hold networking events, mentor and support one another and benefit from the organizations career services. SWE also conducts outreach programs to middle and high schools in the form of lectures, science demonstrations and one-to-one mentorships. In addition, SWE annually awards a $1,000 student scholarship to a third-year female engineering student with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

One of their flagship events is hosting an interactive engineering display at Science Saturday, at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. The other is providing Thanksgiving dinner with a dollop of science at the Sojourner House, an organization that provides supportive housing to families in need. Along with turkey and all the trimmings, SWE members aim to whet the residents appetites for science and technology through scientific experiments and explanatory talks about the fields of engineering and science. Each resident is also presented with a gift bag containing a calculator and GED workbooks. Children receive science and nature-themed books. What is so special about the event, Lubin enthuses, is that a disparate group of women - professional women, students, residents and social workers - unite in bettering womens status.

The title of a recent American Association of University Women report, Why So Few? makes provocative reference to the paucity of females in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. For Lubin, there is only one response: Learn more about SWE!

To learn more about SWE, contact Dara Lubin at: [email protected]

Arlene Hisiger is a freelance writer known as the Word Tailor. She can be reached at [email protected]

college bound youth

::LeadIng Woman

constructing a meaningfullife


bY Joan e. LIncoLn

Whether it be faux or recycled - 2nd generation fur, add the warmth and extreme luxury for the winter formal festivities with a little fur wrap or an extravagant full length mink coat. No reason to be left out in the cold in Upstate NY, wrap yourself in pure faux or fur fashion luxury. Embrace the luxe touch of fur! You may never have thought about a recycled, 2nd generation fur piece, but the collection and available pieces are in great abundance. Both artificial and real fur looks chic and beautiful. You be the judge as to which runway your comfort level takes, not everyone will be in support of recycled furs, but do remember we had nothing to do with the generation of these garments. In times of an economic downturn, the fashion world looks to ways to renew our desire for luxury. It may seem contradictory but in many ways it stands to reason that fur has played such a prominent role on the runways for several years running; luxurious and glamorous, faux and real, yet warm and practical, the resurgence of fur continues strongly as a fall fashion trend for 2011 and beyond as a part of 2012s fashions. When fur clothing recaptured the runways in 2008 and 2009 it rode in on a wave of vintage elegance and bohemian luxury, meaning there was everything from classic fur stoles to rock-chic fur chubbys and all with more than a hint of Russian influence in the mix. The style choice and selection of faux or real fur is personal, we are not here for a debate. Many top designers have used fur as a featured accent to their many fall designs. Whether it be on cuffs, collars with Glitz or borders, fur is again the hot new trend that has been consistent for fall luxe looks.

Enjoy the holidays and the pure luxury that fur can add to your fashion mix...ooolahlah!

Joan Lincoln is the owner of Panache Vintage and Finer Consignment, 1855 Monroe Ave, www.joanlincoln.com.

spice It Up!Vamp it Up!

Warm It Up!

::FashIon ForWard


International Schoolwww.shearegoschool.com

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Rehearsals are Mondays from 7 to 9pm

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The holiday season is supposed to be a happy time of celebration but more often than not, it brings additional stress into our lives. In our quest to pull off the perfect holiday we find ourselves facing an overwhelming list of demands shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining just for starters. Happy holidays right?

Not so fast. All of those increased demands bring on added stress which can take a toll on our health and make for a less than joyous season. High stress levels can adversely affect our bodies including blood pressure, anxiety levels, mood, sleep patterns, and eating habits.The American Institute of Stress lists 50 different common signs and symptoms of stress.

A few of those symptoms include:* frequent headaches * grinding teeth* neck ache * back pain* heartburn * obsessive behavior* overreaction to small annoyances* increased anger or frustration* rapid or mumbled speech * social withdrawal* excessive gambling or impulse buying* chest pain and palpitations * excessive anxiety or worry

There are many strategies you can implement to help reduce your stress level during this hectic season. Heres a look at five of them.

1. Plan: Before you get overwhelmed by too many activities, its important to decide what traditions offer the most positive impact and eliminate less important activities. For example, if you usually become overwhelmed by a flurry of baking, caroling, shopping, sending cards, visiting relatives and other activities that leave you exhausted by January, you may want to examine your priorities, pick a few favorite activities and really enjoy them, while skipping the rest.

2. Breathe: This may sound silly, but sometimes we forget to take deep breaths and give our bodies the oxygen we need. Its great if you can take ten minutes by yourself to do a breathing meditation, but merely stopping to take a few deep, cleansing breaths can reduce your level of negative stress in a matter of minutes, too. If you visualize that you are breathing in serenity and breathing out stress, you will find the positive effects of this exercise to be even more pronounced.

3. Laughter: Laughing reduces the level of stress hormones, like epinephrine, dopamine, cortisol and others. It also increases endorphins. Laughter is a good distraction and also a mild workout. It contracts the ab muscles and works out the shoulders.

4. Music: Music can be used in many ways to reduce stress. Soft, peaceful music may help induce meditation and imagery. Upbeat music can stimulate dancing, where the physical activity loosens muscles and relieves stress.

5. Sex: Sex can boost mood, reduce blood pressure, promote relaxation through touch and provide a physical workout. All of these factors are good for reducing stress.

Dont let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can ruin what should be a happy time of year. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

::heaLthY Woman

to Reduce Holiday Stress5 Ways


shIFt+controL::FabULoUs FInds

1The mens Club at Shear EgoThe mens Club at Shear Ego is a salon experience designed just for the man in your life. with hair, skin, body, hand, and foot treatments especially for men, he can sit back, relax and enjoy! within their 7,000 square foot facility, you will be pleasantly surprised with a championship pool table, fireplace, plasma screen tvs, and a private lounge. Hell never want to leave! It is perfect for any man in your life. Gift cer-tificates and packages are available for purchase directly from their website.

585-586-1781 I www.SHEAREGOmENSCLUB.COm

HImgreat gifts for



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The mens Club at Shear Ego

3 Fingerlakes DistillingFingerlakes Distilling is the regions only stand-alone distillery. They locally grow, produce, and distill all the ingredients from their Grappa- a grape based vodka, Gin- made from a unique blend of botanicals, brandy, aged whiskey, and a number of fruit based liquors. Fingerlakes Distillings prod-ucts are available in local liquor stores, or make it a date and take a day trip to visit the Distillery on seneca lake!

607-546-5510 I www.FINGERLAKESDISTILLING.COm

The Red Barn Gentlemens ApparelThe Red Barn features custom tailored suits, among other mens apparel that are the perfect gift this holiday season for any man in your life. They also understand with your busy lifestyle you may not have time to stop in for their tailors to take measurements. This is exactly why the Red Barns tailors will come to you for an off-site mea-surement session! This is any professional, busy mans perfect gift.

(585) 586-9409 I www.REDBARNmENSwEAR.COm

4

The PinproThe PinPro(Tm) is soon to be your golf scores new best friend. Designed right here in Rochester by Bushnell Optics, The PinPro uses a laser com-bined with a pistol grip to lock onto a target and give you an acurate reading of your distance from the target. Point and shoot your way to lower scores!

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5

HImwhat man doesnt like beer? At Sunset Hydroponics, you can buy your guy his own home brewing setup, complete with all the tools and ingredients to make his own brew! You can even find bottles, caps, and different pre-measured recipes!

585-223-3410 I www.SUNSETHyDRO.COm2 Sunset Hydroponics

great gifts for

PavilionGift Company::LocaL bUsIness matters

18 november 2011 :: sYracUseWomanmag.com

bY nIcoLe sheIn I Photo bY LInda doW haYes

The name of Pavilion Gift Company may not be familiar to you, but its products probably are. Located in Bergen, N.Y., Pavilion provides inspirational and spiritual gift items, such as candles and angels, picture frames, mugs, jewelry, figurines and ornaments. Despite offering more than 3,500 items in total, with close to 600 new items released every six months, Pavilion is a family-run business. Owners Zina and Rich Hocker met at a trade show in 1998; he was representing stuffed-animal maker Boyds Bears, and she was promoting an innovative line of turntable displays.

One thing led to another, laughs Zina Hocker, who also holds the title of President. We decided that we were going to come up with our own line of gift items. They settled on whimsical figures called Zingle Berries, and pretty soon they took their new company to the Dallas Gift Show.

We headed out there and got an award for a tree fort we had made--a real tree went to Dallas with us, remembers Hocker. We didnt have much at the time, not one employee, but we came home with one of the biggest orders from an independent retail chain.

Quickly realizing that their budding business would need some support, the couple turned to their close friend Carol Zaccour who came on to help build the business. Weve been friends for a very long time and we know each others thinking at times, says Zaccour, now the Vice-President of Sales. People sometimes have trouble working together and maintaining a friendship, but we havent had any problems.

Adds Hocker, We have a great group of people who work for Pavilion, and I firmly believe that youre only as good as the people you employ.

The mother of two children, Ellaria 10 and Camden 8, Hocker works hard to find the perfect balance between work and family. In fact, she finds great inspiration from them and even allows the children to have input into the various product lines Pavilion is constantly developing.

In addition to 55 full-time employees, the gift company has over 100 independent sales reps. Although Pavilion has focused on marketing to retailers in the past, they recently began selling directly to consumers through their website (www.paviliongift.com). Another brand-new development is a division called H2Z (www.h2-z.com), which brings womens accessories to the market--and possibly, hints Hocker, to the red carpet.

Dont be surprised if you see our Tuso boots or sandals on some celebrities next spring, she says. We are known for always coming out with innovative new products. You never know what you will find, but you can be sure that we are on trend.

In the meantime, another exciting event taking place at Pavilion is its annual factory outlet sale, which allows members of the community to come in and purchase products at significant savings helping to make their gift giving dollars go a little farther. This years event is scheduled for November 11-13.

The community loves that sale, says Hocker. We have hundreds of people standing in line for hours before the doors open, and nobody is ever disappointed when they leave.

For more information on the Pavilion Gift Company, visit their website www.paviliongift.com.

Step through the doors of JGK Galleries and you get the feeling youve been transported downstate to quaint little gallery in SoHo. Located at 10 Vick Park A, in the heart of Rochesters art district, this 19th century carriage house has been transformed into a large, open gallery with glimmering hardwood floors that compliment the rustic, natural brick walls. Plenty of natural light flowing in the large front windows is accented with high intensity halogen lighting to bring out the vibrant colors of the works of art that hang from the walls.

The gallerys managing director, Maria Lauriello-Klein, is a Rochester resident and has been a contemporary art collector for years. Klein has served on the Board of the Memorial Art Gallery Council, as well as on the organizing committees for the Rochester Area Community Foundations Evening out at Home and the Eastman House Council. She is also on the organizing committee for the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochesters Main Event. JGK Gallery is the realization of a lifelong dream of hers. In fact, her sons initials inspired the gallerys name.

The gallery, which officially opened on Oct. 6, will feature works from both fine and emerging artists. Klein plans to attract artists from the local community as well as those in the national and international art scenes. Our goal is to get Rochester on the map in the national and global art community, Klein said. The gallery will feature all types of art forms including paintings on canvas, prints, sculptures, glass and more. Artist Richard Lang Chandler is the current featured artist. Chandlers art has been described as capturing a world full of life, energy and possibilities.

The curator for the gallery is Amy Mirabella, who is a lifelong resident of Rochester and an employee of the University of Rochester for more than 16 years. Mirabella is also an artist whose work has been included in multiple group exhibitions including one solo exhibition in 2010. Her experience makes her uniquely qualified for her position as curator, according to Klein. Amy has an artists eye which is extremely helpful when setting up the exhibits.

The two women have known each other for about five years and met through their husbands who were already friends. They each have their own role that helped to make the gallery a reality. Klein works to secure the artists and manage the space while Mirabella helps to setup the displays and handles the marketing and the website. Just spend a few minutes speaking with them; its clear they have a mutual respect for each others skills.

Its really a good fit, Klein said. We both bring our own unique strengths into this; there is no pushing or pulling. Although only open for about a month, the gallery has been very well received by the local arts community. We encourage people to come in and appreciate the talent that is on display here. Mirabella said. Everyone really must come in and experience it for themselves.

JGK Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays, and also by appointment. The exhibits in the gallery will rotate every six weeks or so with the next exhibit beginning on Dec. 2.

bY Jade mathIs

20 november 2011 :: sYracUseWomanmag.com

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::stagIng For the hoLIdaYs dressing upyour home for the holidays



::stagIng For the hoLIdaYs

Bringing the outdoors in is a hot concept this year, so we used a woodland theme, incorporating natural elements from the outside, such as the grape vine draped across the front of the table. Christmas ornaments such as butterflies, dragonflies, humming birds and pine cones also reflect the woodland theme on the tree. We used a lot of burlap in order to create a natural, outdoorsy feel. Burlapcasually draped over the table is used as a tablecloth.It is also used as garlandon the tree and on the fireplace mantel. Burlap bows wereattached to the wreaths on the doors to complete the look. Burlap is a great material to work with if you want anatural feel,and are on a limited budget.The key to a beautiful mantel is to display items of varying height and texture in groups of two or three. Here, the taller trees in back create a nice backdrop

for the items displayed in front.The deer, the glass jugs, and the woodland Santasall vary in height, and are displayed in groups of two or three.A strand of burlap garland weaves in and out of the items to create a sense of unity across the length of the mantel. Red berries are tucked into the burlap to add color and warmth.

To dress the table, we chose a piece from the Victoria Richard collection to act as the focalpoint. We built aroundit with items of varying height and texture to add interest and warmth.Small pine trees with burlap bases surround theglass piece, anda pair of white candlesticks on either side addsa touch of formality.

Staging designed by Vicki Ruff of Vicki Ruff Interiors, Dan Schmidt of Grossmans Garden and Home. Products provided by Grossmans Garden and Home. Photography by Brandon Vick.

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For most people, the mere mention of holiday traditions instantly brings to mind the writings of Charles Dickens. No other author has captured the essence of Christmas quite like this 19th century writer. This season Geva Theatre will present two separate shows that will highlight not only one of his most famous works, A Christmas Carol, but also a unique look at the man he was as well.

Its a little known fact that back in 1868, Charles Dickens himself, actually visited Rochester as one of the last stops on his final US tour that year. Now his great, great grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens, returns to Rochester on December 4th, following in the footsteps of his forebear, for two different performances: A Childs Journey with Dickens and Mr. Dickens is Coming!

Last December, Gerald Dickens, made his Geva Theatre Center debut in a performance of Mr. Dickens is Coming, a delightful theatrical piece featuring scenes from the great authors works, diary extracts and observations from those who knew and worked with him. This season, Mr. Dickens will reprise that performance and introduce another one-man show - A Childs Journey with Dickens. In 1868 when Charles Dickens travelled to the USA he was old, in poor health and in constant fear for his safety following a narrow escape in a rail disaster a few years earlier. At the heart of this show is a young girls memory of meeting the great man on a train journey in New England, and Dickens enchantment with both her boldness and innocence.

Gerald Charles Dickens is an actor and producer and resides in Oxford. He has appeared all over the world and has toured the US for the past thirteen Christmas seasons. He has appeared on the History Channels Historys Lost and Found discussing A Christmas Carol and has been interviewed on NBCs Today Show, CBSs This Morning, ABCs Good Morning America and PBS stations throughout the United States. The New York Times has described Gerald Dickens performance as a once in a lifetime brush with literary history.

It simply wouldnt be Christmas without Geva Theatres annual rendition of A Christmas Carole. Starting on November 25, the theater will be transformed into 19th Century England as Ebenezer Scrooge is once again visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in order to redeem is evil and selfish ways.

The classic story has been retold in many forms both live an animated since the original movie debuted in 1951 and the character of Ebenezer Scrooge has been played by everyone from George C. Scott to Mr. Magoo, but no matter how many times you see it, the story still draws you in and has you rooting for Mr. Scrooge to come around at the end and reform his ways.

Gevas rendition of this classic tale is filled with great acting and state-of-the-art special effects not usually seen in a live performance. Local movie critic Jack Garner of the Democrat and Chronicle described it as Some of the most impressive 21st century, stage craft Ive seen at Geva.

For more information on both of these performances visit www.gevatheatre.org.

bY Jade mathIs I Photos bY Ken hUth

A DickensChristmas::artIsts vIeW



::For a good caUse

Wanda Polissenis face lights up when she talks about two things: her family and animals. The two cannot be easily separated from Wandas remarkable life.

Animals helped me more than I can express in words, said Wanda remembering the tragedy that hit her family in 1983. Every minute I spent with them lifted me up. In 1983 Wanda and her husband Eugene Polissenis daughter Kimberly was killed by a drunk driver. Kimberly was 18 and had just graduated from Fairport High School. I wanted to crawl in a dark hole and never come out, Wanda said. But I had other children to take care of and live for. I had to keep going.

Wanda found a measure of comfort in animals and, ultimately, advocating for other children on behalf of her late daughter. Kimberley wanted to be a police officer since the age of nine and planned to earn a degree in criminal justice. Building off of Kimberleys passion Wanda and Eugene founded the Polisseni Law Enforcement Training Center in Rochester which provides training to police officers on all aspects of missing and sexually exploited children.

We had to find a way to make Kimberlys life meaningful, Wanda said. The Polisseni Center allows her to still have an influence on protecting children.

Wanda also became involved in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children the umbrella organization for the Polisseni Law Enforcement Training Center. She has served on the board for many years.

In 2001 Wanda again faced enormous loss with the death of Eugene. She continued to pour her energy into remembering both her daughter and husband with the establishment of the Polisseni Foundation. The foundation which she runs with her children Gary, Gregory, and Valerie Wilcox gives grants to support education, civic development, and human services in upstate New York.

The whole family is involved, said Wanda who has five grandchildren she adores. I wouldnt have it any other way. And family, to Wanda, also includes her animals. My passion is my horses, Wanda said. My love for them is innate and something I have had my entire life.

Wanda grew up on a farm in Yates County where she spent much of her girlhood tending to animals. Her family boarded Standardbred horses and Wanda fell in love with them.

I told myself that one day Im going to own a thoroughbred and standardbreds, said Wanda, who purchased her first two thoroughbreds and five standardbreds in 2004.

Wandas horses race internationally and she owns one of the top harness horses in the country. But while she says she loves the challenge of racing, her greatest love is the horses themselves. I love them so much, Wanda said. When I go into the barn to talk to them there is no place else I would rather be.

And, in true Polisseni form, Wandas love for horses extends to protecting them as well. Wanda was instrumental in founding the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Programs Purple Haze Center in 2006. The center, which was named for Polissenis Purple Haze Stables, adopts out retired thoroughbred horses to protect them from potential slaughter.

Purple was Kimberlys favorite color and Kimberlys passion is so intimately entwined in Wandas too.

I feel it is my responsibility to help find homes for these horses, Wanda said. Just like children, animals cannot protect themselves. It is our job to protect those that bring us great joy.

For more information on the Polisseni Foundation visit polissenifoundation.org

bY caUrIe mIner PUtnam I Photo bY LInda doW haYes

Finding meaning throughGiving

But to us, shes one of the most important people on earth.But to us, shes one of the most important people on earth.

Not likely to be followed by acrowd of autograph seekers.Not likely to be followed by acrowd of autograph seekers.

Somewhere along the way, people forgot that being older should make you more important. Not less. But at St. Anns, we never forgot. So we do everything we can to provide seniors with exceptional care.

We offer a complete continuum of services. We give our residents priority if you ever need the next level of care. And in everything we do, we apply old-fashioned values stemming from our roots in the Catholic tradition.

So yes, our approach is somewhat extraordinary. But at St. Anns, we believe were caring for the most important people on earth.

For more information, call Mary Ellen at (585) 697-6311.

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::cover storY

the Woman behInd the carKitty VanBortel



9 63,000 2.8 500 2

In the automotive sales industry numbers can be everything. For an industry competing for approximately 9 million sales a year, numbers make or break dealerships and numbers often dictate the way in which dealerships are run.

Numbers are important to Kitty Van Bortel, owner of Van Bortel Subaru and Van Bortel Used Car Center in Victor and Van Bortel Ford in East Rochester. But, numbers are not everything and the numbers that might mean the most to some dealers do not necessarily mean the same to her.

Lets look at some of Kittys more unique numbers:

NineNine was the number of Van Bortel Subaru or Ford license plate holders I counted from my drive to Brockport to Kittys home in Perinton for our interview. I had never paid attention to Van Bortel plate holders before, but as soon as I started looking for them they seemed to be everywhere.

This intrigued me. I know that when I buy a car I take the plate holder with the dealers name off I have never felt enough allegiance to a dealership to give them free advertising.

I was curious to meet the woman behind the staying power of the Van Bortel plates.

63,000When I arrived at Kittys home I was not surprised to find a Ford with Van Bortel plates in the driveway. What I was surprised to find was such comfort upon entering her home. You dont have to take your shoes off! Kitty said. And she meant it.

Very quickly I picked up on the warmth and welcome so many loyal Van Bortel customers talk about experiencing when they enter one of Kittys dealerships. Upon sitting down Kitty took a minute to put her phone on vibrate. I hope you dont mind Im not turning it completely off, she said. I didnt mind at all. I figured she was waiting to close a transaction or speak to someone important.

I always like to be accessible to my customers, Kitty said. I have the numbers of 63,000 accessible through this phone.

Kitty was indeed waiting for a call from someone important anyone of her thousands of Van Bortel customers. I feel a real responsibility to take care of and be here for my customers for as long as they have one of my cars, Kitty said. My relationship with them doesnt end after the sale.

And it was obvious she meant it.

After our interview I randomly contacted one of the 63,000 customers in Kittys phone: Teri Lyn Backus, of Ontario. Backus, I learned, has been a customer since 2001 and has bought three Subarus and 2 Fords (all still on the road)

I will never buy a car anywhere other than at Van Bortel, Teri said. I will be a lifelong customer. I love how she [Kitty] picks the cream of the crop to work for her in all departments across the board.

2.8Picking the cream of the crop to work for Van Bortel is important to Kitty and she does so with full knowledge the gender equality has not always factored into that equation for all dealers. According to 2011 data from CNW research, only 2.8% of dealerships in the United States are owned by women and only 17.5% are managed by women.

the Woman behInd the carKitty VanBortel bY caUrIe mIner PUtnam I Photos bY brandon vIcK

::cover storY


Van Bortel defies those odds with several women in key positions. Its extremely rare for a woman to start her own dealership and that is because they cant get jobs on the floor or in management, Van Bortel said. Ive worked really hard to surround myself with very powerful women.

Fran Butera is the general manager at Van Bortel Ford on Marsh Road in East Rochester. I left a male dominated dealership to come to Van Bortel and have never regretted it for a minute, Butera said. Kitty is truly what she portrays. She gives her heart out to her customers and those who work for her.

Kittys commitment to empowering women is not just limited to her dealerships. She has become a sought after speaker for groups that support women and was the winner of the 2011 Rochester Womens Council Athena International Leadership Award.

The Athena Award honors outstanding professional women who have achieved exceptional levels of business accomplishment, community involvement and mentoring other women.

In May, Kitty spoke to the nominees of the Young Women of Distinction Award which is modeled after the Athena Award to nurture Rochesters next generation of women leaders. Young Woman of Distinction winner Amy Keech, a 2011 graduate of Penfield High School and freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, was so moved by Kittys speech that she considers her a role model.

The thing that struck me most about Kitty was that she speaks from

the heart, but also from experience, said Keech, who also plans to enter a male dominated industry bio-engineering. Despite her success she is very humble and kind. She succeeded by being herself, being kind, and not putting other people down men or women - to climb the ladder.

500To climb the ladder was no easy feat for Van Bortel. Of the 2.8% of women that own dealerships, a smaller fraction started it themselves (the number is so small there is not a published percentage) Most women dealership owners were given dealerships that their fathers or husbands owned. Not Kitty.

Although her late father Howard owned an auto dealership in Palmyra, he and her mother Patricia did not give Kitty a dealership, but the confidence to start one. My brothers and I grew up believing we could do anything, Kitty said. Not everything, but anything.

Kittys parents encouraged her to attend the all-girls Wells College in Aurora, New York. Four years at Wells gave me a lot of confidence to believe I was an equal to any man, Kitty said. And I have never questioned that even for a minute. Im extremely proud to be a woman.

Kitty started her automobile enterprise from scratch in 1985 with just $500. She lined up a few cars in front of her house in Victor and got to work. It took a long time to make money, Kitty said. Its all about the reputation and standing behind your cars. I laid a strong foundation and built from there. This is a lesson Kitty, who is married to Roger Garrett, strives to teach

::cover storY


their daughter Patricia Garrett, 13. I try to teach my daughter that the relationships you build are critical to your lifes work, Van Bortel said. Im not interested in inspiring her to become a Subaru dealer, but to be a giving, helpful, and kind person in every way.

TwoThat valuable lesson Kitty is teaching her daughter can be beautifully illustrated in a story of two Ford mustangs.

Five and a half years ago Kitty was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she recovered in the winter she asked Allen Hawkins, the Sales Manager, to bring a Ford Mustang Convertible to her home. A red Mustang was delivered and Kitty bundled up Patricia. The two drove around Rochester with the top down singing along to the soundtrack from High School Musical.

It was extremely cathartic and just what we needed, Kitty said. It made me see that I dont care so much about cars, but what cars can do for people.

In 2008 when Ford came out with a special Susan B. Komen Mustang package Kitty remembered how healing her rides in the red Mustang had been. I decided to give one away to a breast cancer survivor, Kitty said. I love giving. I love creating awareness.

A drawing called Warriors in Pink was held for the white Mustang with a pink stripe and pink ribbons. Any breast cancer survivor could

enter for free. The winner was Paula Vaccaro of Pittsford.

Vaccaro was entered in the drawing by a son-in-law. She has five daughters and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 a year later her husband and best friend a retired Lieutenant in the Rochester Fire Department died of a massive heart attack.Those were the worst two years of my life, Vaccaro said.

When Kitty called Vaccaro to tell her she won a Mustang she did not believe her she thought she was trying to sell her something. Vaccaro quickly learned otherwise.

She is such a special person and I dont just say that because she gave me a car, said Vaccaro, who was even more moved by the fact Kitty brought all five of her daughters together to see the car presented to her. She is a kind and generous person who doesnt hesitate to go out of her way for others.

Last month Kitty gave another pink Mustang away as a donation to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochesters Artrageous Affair. The car was raffled off to raise money for the local organization committed to supporting breast cancer patients, survivors, and research.

I love to be able to do things like that, Kitty said. But Im not alone. We live in a great community with great people who do things every day to help others. So many people have great stories that go untold.

Holiday Gift Guide2011

Billy Elliot the Musical is a glorious celebration of danceall kinds of dance. Tony Awardwinning choreographer Peter Dar-ling took a story about an aspiring ballet dancer and expanded the palette to one full of all kinds of movement.

This movementranging from walking to highly choreo-graphed tap, hip hop, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, and folk danc-ingis used as a form of expression.

I didnt want to convey that only one form of movement is of value, says Darling. I wanted to use as many different forms of movement as possible.

One key number, Solidarity, exemplifies that fusion of movement. Finding a way to include the miners in the dance numbers posed a special challenge, as they are characters who are resolutely opposed to men dancing.

I started to think about when men dance. They do social dancing and folk dancing. Theres a tradition of male dancing in Russian folk dance, Eastern European folk dance, Appalachian clog folk dance, Darling said. All human movementwalk-ing, running, jumping, and fallingis dance. If someone cor-rals it and gives it form, its dance. So it was fine to have them dance within the context of social dance. It was not fine for them to do ballet.

The development of dance as movement and as a celebra-tion within the show is key.

Were celebrating dance; dance is worthy of celebration and all forms of dance can tell a narrative, Darling said. Ballet can tell a narrative. Tap can tell a narrative.

Tap fuels the show at least as much as, if not more than, ballet.

Tap is rhythmically exciting and an expressive kind of dance, says Darling. Its synonymous with show business and musicals. Billy Elliot is very much a musical; its not a ballet.

Darling uses tap in multiple forms in the showfrom the exuberant show-stopping finale to the dark and powerful Angry Dance, Billys response when his father orders him to give up ballet and he needs an outlet for his anger.

Tap actually lends itself extremely well to anger, says Dar-ling. The Angry Dance, in a way, is about Billy wanting to stop dancing. But the rhythm in his head keeps on going. If you want to stop your feet from moving, you slam them to the floor. So thats where the idea came from: Billy would slam his feet to the floor, and there would be a rhythmic element to it. And it went from there.

The dances in Billy Elliot advance the narrative or reveal something about the characters. By moving directly from the tear-jerking scene where Billy reveals to his dance teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, a letter his mother wrote him before she died, to

Born to Boogie, a jazzy up-tempo number, Darling upends our expectations.

Mrs. Wilkinson gives Billy a chance to really explore how he can have fun with his dancing rather than just concentrating on technique.

In the number, Billy starts to do Michael Jackson moon-walking, and she starts to do a few old steps, Darling said. Its a conversation, a fun dance, which is what jazz is.

Billy Elliot does feature ballet, but not always in the tra-ditional sense. Darling infused the ballet choreography with contem-porary movementincluding street dance, hip hop, and acrobatics. Billy shows off these talents in the number Electricity at The Royal Ballet School.

The idea is that The Royal Bal-let is looking for young dancers with potential, who are phe-nomenal movers, says Darling. And Billy shows that hes a phenomenal mover who can also turn three pirouettes.

That number underscores the beauty and vitality of ballet.Ballet can be one of the most thrilling things youll ever

see, because of the amount of training, technique, and strength required to do it, Darling said.

The finale looks back at a time when musicals often closed with a big production number.

The finale is supposed to be completely different from the rest of the show, says Darling. Theres a comparison to be made to the movie Slumdog Millionaire, which is about some-thing hard, gritty, and realistic. And then at the end they go into a celebration of Bollywood movies. The idea on my part is that at the end of the show, you acknowledge the genre that the show is part of, musical theater.

Billy Elliot is very much a musical, its not a ballet. - Peter Darling, choreographer

Liam Mower as Billy. Photo by David Scheinmann

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the art ofGatheringIts astonishing how soon the holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, seems to be knocking at our door. Isnt it enough just to catch up from summer vacations? Since I cannot slow down time, and it seems to accelerate more as we mature, facing the holidays is what I do; and I will do in earnest. Thanksgiving and beyond, I am grateful to have the memories and traditions from my family growing up. My parents made sure they were big celebrations. Cooking, baking, setting the table, decorating indoors & outdoors and gift giving involved the whole family; everyone! Though I infuse something new into our preparations now, I always find comfort as my childhood traditions weave their way into our holidays. I welcome them because they allow me to languish in past moments.

I have come to believe that there is an art to gathering. Its a gentle dance or balance between planning and serendipity. Gathering can come in many forms. Traditionally, we think of gathering as the breaking of bread at the dinner table. Yet, over the years, I have come to discover that gathering means so much more. I embrace how friends stop by unexpectedly to say hello. I relish the special moment of looking around the room to find my favorite people in the home I adore with things looking and feeling as beautiful as ever. Entertaining becomes about creating a world of comfort and joy within a world where everyone feels welcome, happy and relaxed. There is something reassuring about having provisions on hand to be able to transform your home into a welcoming haven at any moment.

As you are preparing and decorating for the holidays, may I suggest that you adorn your home not only for the holidays, but for the winter months beyond the holidays. Glistening white lights and candles or evergreen wreaths and dcor can be enjoyed for the duration as we hunker down in our cozy surroundings. I encourage you to dress your doorstep with welcoming touches of the season to embrace friends and family as they knock on your door. Let their initial glimpse be a precursor to the merry and wholesome surroundings that waits inside. Enjoy every moment of the upcoming season and let the festivities begin

From my family and our Grossmans Garden & Home family to yours, we wish you and your family memorable and comforting gatherings along with abundant blessings this holiday season.

Frances Grossman, President & Co-Owner of Grossmans Garden & Home in Penfield. She can be reached at [email protected] or visit www.grossmans.com.

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Simply walking into Solutions Studio and Spa in Greece will make you feel at ease. The building has the look of a lodge and upon entering youll find yourself in an inviting space surrounded by natural stone and wood. Once inside, youll be greeted by the friendly staff who will invite you to relax in an oversized armchair by the fireplace in a softly lit room while you await your appointment.

Its all part of the mission to make a visit to Solutions a unique experience. Solutions are a full service salon in a beautiful 6,000 square foot facility with 48 employees. When Judy Fridd and her two daughters, Jackie and Jennifer, started the salon in 1993, they had just four hair stations in a small building. Jackie was doing hair, Jennifer was helping while she attended college and Judy managed the finances. It just snowballed from there, Jackie said. In 1994, Jackies husband joined the team - he now works as the Director. Each employee who joined the salon fell in love with it.

Everyone had something to bring to the table, Jennifer said of their employees. When one stylist had a passion for hair extensions, they started offering extensions as a service at the salon. Everyone is able to grow into their own strengths.

Solutions offer services ranging from manicures and pedicures to massages and facials to spray tanning and henna tattoos. In addition to the lines of beauty products available at Solutions, now they also have jewelry and scarves for sale. Launching a new product or service is not something they take lightly. They prefer to grow slowly. When we launch something, its because weve used it and we believe in it, Jackie said.

What sets Solutions Studio and Spa apart is when you schedule a massage, all you need to know is how much time you can spend at the salon. Massage prices are not based on technique but rather by the length of the massage. The trained staff will customize a massage incorporating different techniques, such as stone and deep tissue massage, to fit each individuals needs. This ensures the client is getting the best massage experience.

The connection with their clients is what Judy, Jackie and Jennifer find to be most rewarding. Seeing their clients on a regular basis, they get to hear about their personal lives and learn about their families. They are able to share in their clients joys and triumphs. But this also means sharing in the tough times as well. You find, at night, that youre trying to pray for everyone, Jackie said.

The women credit passion for their success. Everyone here has a passion for what they do thats why weve grown, Jackie said. When you love something and have a passion for it, people feel it. Judy, Jackie and Jennifer believe its what keeps their customers coming back.


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The ReinsHANDING OVERWhen an entrepreneur has worked hard for over two decades to develop a small business and to help that business succeed, it can be difficult for her to hand over the reins to someone else. Not so for Jan Thompson-Hinz, whos quite happy to let her daughter, Colleen Herlehy, take over the family business.

Thompson-Hinz, who co-founded Write Woman Computer Products, Inc. in 1984, has seen the company through several incarnations. In 2004, the information technology and office products provider became The Write Source, with a focus on laser printers, audio-visual equipment, barcode scanners, and related technology. Just a few months ago, Thompson-Hinz and Herlehy created Empire Technical Training Systems, a division which specializes in education modules and products, particularly in the fields of science and technology.

We are able to help in prototyping and engineering, and we get very excited about it, says Thompson-Hinz. We love the education part of it too, helping schools and future generations. We are working with several local state colleges to help them create a renewable alternative energy teaching program. Its very new, very different, and very exciting.

Given the technical nature of the training solutions, which include 3D imaging and printing, green living technologies, robotics and telelcommunications systems, its also a bit of a challenge. Adds Herlehy, Im just starting to get my hands around it, learning it. But I always enjoy the thrill of making a sale, meeting customers, and helping teachers with their science curriculum, which they can then use to help their students.

Making the transition from one generation to the next, says Thompson-Hinz, can also be challenging.

I find it hard to let go because I am a bit of a control freak, she laughs. But Colleen is very self sufficient; she knows exactly what she wants to do, and I have to step back and let her find her own way. We have different approaches, and thats a good thing.

It also helps that the women have a strict policy about not mixing business with personal matters. Sometimes we clash during the day, but we are always on the same page, says Thompson-Hinz. One thing weve never done, in 20-odd years of working together, is we never discuss personal stuff during the day. When we get together outside of work, during family dinners and so on, we never discuss business.

Mother and daughter share a philosophy that work-life balance is crucial. The stress of having your own business can be overwhelming, Thompson-Hinz says. Its very important to carve out time to take care of yourself and your physical health. The job will always be there.Life is too short to not enjoy it, agrees Herlehy. Im pretty good at time

management. I get up, I work out, and Im here at 9. Although we close at 4, if the phone rings, my smartphone lets me know, and I get emails via phone. Im trying to break away from the mentality of having to physically be in the office to answer the phone.

Adds Thompson-Hinz, Thats a huge difference, as opposed to 20 yrs ago--the technology frees you up. The new generation of business owners are able to take advantage of that, and theyre not chained to their desk.

Shes now down to working just two days a week, and enjoying her free time, especially time spent with her granddaughters. Its wonderful to be a successful business owner, but you only have one shot at raising a family, muses Thompson-Hinz. Its very easy to lose sight of that, but family has to come first, business second.

As she prepares to leave her company in the hands of her daughter Colleen, its clear that Jan Thompson-Hinz has been able to successfully blend the responsibilities, and the joys, of both her family and her business.

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When Debbie Davis joined Midtown Athletic club ten years ago, she discovered there was no one in charge of corporate outreach. The members of the Midtown Athletic Club are movers and shakers, but there was no one targeting organizations to talk to them about corporate wellness programs, Davis said.

Davis approached the management at Midtown Athletic Club and convinced them to create a position for her: National Corporate Wellness Director. Her new position put her in direct contact with companies, schools, corporations and charities to develop corporate programs to enhance employees health and wellness options. In 2007 position was expanded nationally to hire and train corporate wellness directors in Montreal and Chicago. She also assists Midtown Athletic Clubs in Montreal and Chicago.

Davis says the key to her job is listening. I try to find out from the President or CEO, what their needs are and develop a program from there. Davis believes the best salesperson doesnt sell anything, but rather, tries to help people. She doesnt have packages that she offers to potential clients; she tailors programs to each companys needs. If a companys sole objective is fitness or reducing stress in the workplace, Davis offers programs such as personal training, tennis, or yoga. One favorite is a private boot camp, which makes for a great team building opportunity. Employees get to do something physical and it becomes fun, it brings people together, Davis said.

We live in a fast-paced world and Davis says everyone needs an outlet. Working out daily helps you to keep a clear head. Its advantageous to both the employees, who will find themselves with more energy for work, and the employers who will see increased productivity and increased retention from employees.

I dont know anyone busier than me, and I still workout every day, Davis says. As a single mother to a child with autism, Davis keeps pretty busy. She also teaches horseback riding lessons for competition riders and still trains horses from her days as an owner and operator of an equestrian center. As if this werent enough to fill her time, she also has her real estate license and is co-founder of a company called Healthy Vends which provides healthy vending alternatives to schools and companies.

Davis says she schedules an appointment with herself every day. Instead of taking a lunch break, shell take a yoga class for an hour. You just need to change your schedule around a bit to make the time for yourself and for your fitness, Davis said. She stresses that it is important to get on a workout program and encourages people to have friends or co-workers to work out with.

In addition to the health benefits of working out at a fitness center, are the benefits of networking. Davis says there is a value of having your salespeople in an environment where they can chat with other business people. She adds the connections you make by networking are invaluable.

Davis explained that the favorite part about her job is helping people achieve goals they didnt think were possible. Im able to help clients grow both as a person and grow their business. It gives me a huge amount of pleasure to help people.

InspiredebbIe davIsnational corporate Wellness director, midtown athletic club


rochester Women

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With her lovely face, brilliant smile, musical laugh and warm demeanor, Theresa Kusak-Smith is instantly a friend. And she is truly a friend to many.

A Rochester native, Theresa grew up in west Brighton where she attended St. Agnes High School. With undergraduate degree in psychology from St. Bonaventure and a Masters in Social Work from Syracuse University, Theresa started her career as a primary therapist first for St. Josephs Villa, followed by Delphi Drug Abuse Center and then Genesee Hospital. Eventually, family life being the mom of two small children took precedence, and Theresa decided to leave the world of mental health social work. So, 20 years ago, she began to teach skin care and color with Mary Kay Cosmetics. A Senior Sales Director, Theresa now coaches and mentors a team of 125 Mary Kay Consultants along with 2 offspring directors and their cumulative teams of 125.

Mary Kay is not about sales as much as it is about making women feel better about themselves; not about the product, but what the product can do for women. As a social worker, Theresa spent her days helping women work on their insides. Now, as a Mary Kay consultant, she helps them with their exteriors, but it transforms them on the inside. In addition to helping individual women, Theresa employs Mary Kay to help charities. She quotes Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay, If you help a woman, you help a family; if you help a family, you help the community; if you help the community, you can change the world.

Theresa has certainly taken that philosophy to heart. She is very involved in supporting several local organizations. As a true friend to Alternatives for Battered Women (ABW), Theresa helped them obtain a $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Foundation, which is committed to the eradication of domestic violence. She also volunteers for ABWs annual fundraising breakfast, leads tours of the facility for potential donors, and she has also donated a portion of her profits to the organization.

Through her network of connections, Theresa has become involved with several other groups. She developed a fashion show for SIS (sustain inspire survive). SIS is a local grassroots organization that provides financial assistance, essential services, and quality of life enhancements to women in treatment for breast cancer. Theresa is also active in Hope of Sudan, a Rochester group providing emotional support as well as scholarships for the college and vocational education needs of more than 40 of the Lost Boys of Sudan and other Sudanese refugees who call our community home. It is her background in social work and her passion for pampering women that she uses in her work with the wives of the Lost Boys here in Rochester. Also, this past September, she and her daughter ran (and finished) the Rochester Arthritis Marathon.

When I asked Theresa how she has come to be so involved in all of these activities, she said, Life is all about giving back. Ive had a good life. Ive been blessed, and I like to give back to others. Theresa brings help, hope and friendship to so many in our community, and that is truly a beautiful thing.

I ve had a good life. I ve been blessed, and I like to give back to others. theresa KUsaK-smIthsenior sales director, mary Kay cosmetics


vIaLma ramosYWca residential case manager

I love working with these ladies and their children. They are what inspire me.bY nIcoLe sheIn I Photo bY LIZZ comstocKDomestic violence. Mental health issues. Chemical dependency. Joblessness. Teen pregnancy. These are challenges that many women will face in their lifetime, and with a proper support network in place, such hurdles can be overcome. Vialma Ramos and her colleagues at the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County strive every day to provide access to the necessary support and resources that help women triumph.

Our main focus is to provide a stepping stone for self-sufficiency, says Ramos, who is the Residential Case Manager for the YWCAs Affordable Housing Program. She currently manages two properties, Kathlyn Gardens on Portland Avenue and Culver Roads Vermont Manor, which house a combined total of 28 women and 26 children.

Ramos speaks about the YWCAs clients with a mixture of empathy and enthusiasm. Our women come to us in times of crisis and transition, she explains, and we meet them where theyre at in their life. We operate on a person-centered approach. They identify the issues they want to work on, and together we come up with a plan of action to help them get back on track.

This plan may include linking the women to community services such as healthcare or educational resources; teaching them the life skills theyll need to be successful, like job searching, budgeting and parenting; or providing acc

Rochester Woman Magazine November 2011

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Transcript of Rochester Woman Magazine November 2011