ROC, NY February 2026

BE YOUR OWN VALENTINE

Love Local

February is often synonymous with romance, but in this issue of ROC City Lifestyle, love takes on many forms—and all of them are rooted right here at home. Our “Love Local” theme celebrates connection: between partners, neighbors, and the community we share.

In these pages, you’ll find love stories in the traditional sense—local couples reflecting on how they met, fell in love, and built lives together. You’ll also meet couples who have taken that partnership a step further, building businesses side by side and navigating the unique blend of personal and professional lives with intention, resilience, and mutual respect.

Of course, when conversations turn to Rochester, the weather inevitably makes an appearance. When the familiar complaints surface, I often think, but we choose to live here. In Embracing the Freeze, you’ll meet locals who do just that—leaning into winter and finding joy in the outdoor activities that only the cold can offer. Their perspective is refreshing and a reminder that sometimes love grows when we stop resisting what is and start appreciating what it gives us.

Working on this issue has made me reflect on how much there truly is to love about our community. Our arts and culinary scenes offer creativity and comfort in equal measure. Our natural landscape is both beautiful and generous, providing space to gather, explore, and recharge. These are often the first things mentioned when describing life in the Greater Rochester area—and for good reason.

Yet what stands out most to me is the giving spirit of the people who live here. Time and again, we encounter individuals and organizations quietly committed to serving others throughout the year. We strive to highlight that generosity in every issue of ROC City Lifestyle. This month, you’ll read about the Flower City Pickers and their inspiring work addressing both food insecurity and environmental stewardship. Their story—and so many others like it—reminds us of the impact that care, creativity, and action can have.

Our hope is that these stories inspire more people to share their time, talents, and resources to meet the many needs within our community. And perhaps, one day, when people talk about Rochester, “the weather” will fall far below the unwavering commitment of its people as the defining characteristic of this place we call home.

Now that—that is true local love.

BETTY DOLCE, PUBLISHER @ROCCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Betty Dolce | betty.dolce@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Laura Bennett | laura.bennett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katrina M. Randall | katrina.randall@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marie Gillette

Sarah Keeler | sarahkeelerb@gmail.com

Colleen Farrell | cmfarrell81@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ashley Fosdick | amf00275@sjfc.edu

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mylee Dondiz

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

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NextCorps Plans Downtown Expansion in 2026

NextCorps, a downtown Rochester hub for startups and innovation, is planning a $10 million expansion that will add office space, conference rooms, and prototyping areas. Expected to open by mid-2026, the build-out will significantly increase capacity for entrepreneurs and growing companies—bolstering Rochester’s tech ecosystem and support for local innovation.

Genesee Brew House Makes 'Best Christmas Trees' List

Rochester’s own Genesee Brew House has claimed the top spot on Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice list for Best Christmas Trees. Their iconic Keg Tree, standing 3 stories tall and made from over 650 empty kegs and 25,000 lights, has delighted the community for 11 years. Complete with local food trucks, craft beer, and festive photo ops, it’s a must-see holiday tradition that’s now officially recognized nationwide.

Hyatt Regency Rochester Names New Culinary Director

Hyatt Regency Rochester recently named Chef Justin Chapman as culinary director, bringing extensive experience in fine dining and banquet management, including roles at Char Steak & Lounge, Genesee Valley Club, and TRATA. Chapman joins Executive Chef Keith Jenks, Banquet Chef Josh Soileau, and Kitchen Chef Daquan Florence.

FLOWER City PICKERS

Turning Food Waste Into Community Nourishment

ARTICLE BY MARIE GILLETTE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

On any given Saturday at the Rochester Public Market, thousands of pounds of fresh produce change hands in a matter of hours. What most shoppers never see is what happens after the crowds disperse, when crates of unsold fruits and vegetables, otherwise destined for landfills, become a lifeline for people facing food insecurity across the region. For a decade now, that transformation has been the mission of Flower City Pickers (FCP), according to the organization’s Amy Crosier.

Founded in 2015 by a small group concerned about homelessness and Rochester’s growing food insecurity, Flower City Pickers has grown into a “small but mighty” volunteer-powered organization committed to waste prevention and equitable food access. What began under a couple of tents and a donated old school bus has become a permanent operation on the Public Market grounds, thanks to grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the United Way Community Crisis Fund, the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, and longtime support from FIFCO (Genesee Brewery) and the City of Rochester.

Unlike many food recovery groups that rely on shelf-stable donations, FCP focuses on produce, an especially time-sensitive, weather-sensitive resource at the Rochester Public Market, where farmers, wholesalers, and prepared food vendors can generate more than 30,000 pounds of waste each week. Crosier says, “Our mission is time sensitive and somewhat more nuanced than [other] organizations. Produce needs to get to its intended location in a timely way, especially given the changeable nature of Rochester weather.”

Flower City Pickers’ mission is to recover safe, usable fruits and vegetables and redistribute them to neighbors who need them. Essentially, FCP works to divert quality food from landfills and deliver it to soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, neighborhood groups, libraries, and faith communities. In the organization’s first five years, volunteers intercepted and redirected more than 1 million pounds of food, and the organization has been growing its network ever since.

BUILDING A NETWORK OF GIVING

Flower City Pickers has cultivated relationships with more than 30 Rochester Public Market vendors and additional donors including Lori’s Natural Foods, Abundance Food Co-op, Whole Foods, and Panera. More than 20 receiving agencies across Monroe County rely on FCP for fresh produce each week (and the group welcomes new partners of any size).

Distribution is intentional and efficient. Volunteers sort food into three categories: Grade A (“Astonishing”) for shelters and agencies needing longer shelf-life produce for human consumption, Grade L (“Livestock”) for farmers feeding chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, geese, and school pets, and Grade C (“Compost”) for materials that can nourish soil.

When contracted composting services fall through, local animal farmers help fill the gap, (FCP now actively seeks farmers who want scraps for their flocks, Crosier says).

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND GROWING AMBITIONS

The construction of their permanent building at the Public Market gives volunteers a warmer, safer environment for food recovery and cements FCP’s place in the city’s sustainability landscape.

However, Crosier says, challenges remain: Late summer and late winter bring shrinking market volume, scarce college volunteers, and unpredictable available produce. Some weeks yield enough variety to serve every partner organization; other weeks bring leaner offerings or surges of a single item (like 1,000 pounds of tomatoes or weeks of overabundant collard greens, Crosier reflects).

COVID-19 brought upheaval but also unexpected strength, as FCP built a stronger volunteer network. Crosier explains that for

about a year, FCP accepted and redistributed everything from eggs and milk to an entire truckload of watermelons, highlighting its role in Rochester’s food safety net.

Crosier says FCP aims to strengthen partnerships with grocery stores to ensure a steadier winter supply, expand weekday operations, and establish a more consistent core volunteer team. Social media and administrative tasks remain under-resourced, and the organization hopes the community can help spread the word.

POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS

Crosier commends Jim Farr, Public Market director, residents Tricia and Paul Banks (key contributors during FCP’s early days), and Charles Simmons, who has been with FCP since its inception and served as executive director from 2019 to 2022.

Led today by Executive Director Scott Crosier, Assistant Executive Director Heather Doughtery, Treasurer Pam Mitchell, and Secretary Amy Crosier, FCP’s impact is the direct result of volunteer commitment. The team collects, sorts, and redistributes recovered food on public market days year-round. With no paid staff and the eight current board members rotating leadership at the market each week, the work is both rewarding and demanding. Crosier says they welcome community members interested in volunteering, donating, and/or promoting their mission.

Lori’s Natural Foods, for instance, has been integral to FCP’s weekly donations and special projects, such as FCP’s collaboration with Rochester City School No. 22 and its Healthy Families initiative over the past three years. FCP hopes to connect with more community organizations and businesses.

Flower City Pickers invites volunteers, donors, and local organizations to join their mission: Volunteer at the Public Market on sorting and distribution days, donate funds or supplies to support operations, spread the word through social media and community networks, or become a receiving agency, no 501(c)(3) required.

Flower City Pickers’ volunteers show up week after week, quietly ensuring that Rochester’s abundance ends up in neighbors’ hands rather than landfills. By enriching other hunger relief agencies and supporting local farms, Flower City Pickers has built a platform for waste prevention and civic engagement that continues to grow.

ABOUT FLOWER CITY PICKERS

For more information about Flower City Pickers, visit https://flowercitypickers.org

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Building

ARTICLE BY MARIE GILLETTE PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

When Partnership Becomes Practice

Lives Together

For some entrepreneurs, business and personal life intertwine intentionally, as couples build together, navigating the rewards and challenges of working side by side, showing how trust, communication, and mutual respect can transform collaboration into both a livelihood and a way of life.

ELEVATE EVENTS: BUILDING A BUSINESS AND A LIFE TOGETHER

For Elyse Jurutka and Darin Price, co-owners of Elevate Events, a dance studio and venue, building a business has been an extension of the life they’ve built together. Their studio on Pitkin Street reflects two decades of shared creativity, partnership, and community-building.

Originally from downstate New York, Jurutka and Price studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Buffalo, respectively, and made Rochester home, where they met in the dance community in 2013. Their parallel careers (Jurutka in operations and technology leadership, Price in real estate development and operations) soon intertwined through dance events, eventually leading to a shared business. Rochester, where they’re raising their daughter and son, became the center of their professional and personal life.

Their work is driven by a belief in dance’s transformative power, saying, “We’re inspired by how dance helps people heal, reconnect with their culture, explore new ones, and find joy and confidence in movement.” They cherish watching students grow, forming relationships across generations, and hosting events that bring the community together.

“[We] made a conscious choice early on to prioritize building our local community rather than chasing individual careers as traveling artists,” Jurutka explains. Creating a home for Upstate New York dancers remains one of their proudest accomplishments.

Working side by side offers rewards, including a built-in creative partner, they say. “There’s always someone to test a new dance move with in the kitchen or brainstorm the next event or idea.” Their children have grown up witnessing entrepreneurship and creativity as everyday life.

The challenge, they admit, is separating work from personal time. “Time spent working together isn’t the same as time spent for us.” With full-time careers, a business, and a family, they’ve learned to be intentional about protecting their relationship beyond the studio.

Their advice for couples considering a shared business: “Don’t let the business or your shared passion be the entire foundation of your relationship.” Maintain separate interests, communicate openly, and divide responsibilities based on strengths, they advise, adding, “A healthy relationship makes for a healthy business.”

As Elevate continues to grow, Jurutka  and Price remain deeply grateful for the community that has supported them. “Elevate has always been about connection, helping people meet, grow, and celebrate.” For them, Elevate Events is not just a business, but a reflection of the life they’ve built together and the community they’re committed to uplifting.

KRISTA AND NATE ROZZI ON ARCHITECTURE, PARTNERSHIP, AND PLACE

Krista and Nate Rozzi have built a life together and joined forces in Rochester’s Rozzi Architects, a practice reflecting their shared commitment to collaboration, intentional design, and community.

Krista grew up in Henrietta in a creative household shaped by her father’s work as a graphic designer and an uncle who introduced her to architecture as a purposeful art form. After graduating from Mercy High School, she studied architecture in Buffalo, where she met Nate. Raised in Rochester then the Genesee Valley, Nate developed an appreciation for how buildings and landscapes influence daily life. Both were raised with values that now guide their practice: hard work, curiosity, creativity, family, and service.

“Always make time for each other. Have fun! Remember to smile, laugh, and enjoy what you build together. It won’t always be easy, but be respectful, supportive, and honest with yourself and with each other.”

Their friendship began in their first year of architecture school amid the pressures of studio culture, laying the foundation for trust and honest communication. That friendship evolved into a romantic and professional partnership. Krista initially launched her own firm, gaining experience that proved invaluable when they joined forces as Rozzi Architects.

The Rozzis reflect that architecture has a long history of couple-led firms, perhaps due to personality types drawn to the profession, perhaps due to the collaborative demands of the profession, perhaps “the ability to give/receive brutally honest criticism,” or something else, but it’s “common enough that it has been the subject of several articles,” they say.

Krista and Nate say their complementary skill sets and “endless trust and confidence in each other” allows them to divide responsibilities flexibly, stepping back when the other is better suited to lead and believe no one is above any task (“You’re likely to find either of us greeting someone at the door, cleaning up the conference room after a meeting, watering plants, or walking our office dogs,” they say). They value teamwork and the opportunity to bring together talented collaborators. With projects ranging from cafés and apartment buildings to medical clinics and office spaces, the firm’s work is dynamic.

Working alongside a spouse brings both rewards and challenges, the Rozzis say. In the firm’s early days, personal and professional time often blurred. Over the years, they’ve learned to set clearer boundaries, keeping most operational conversation at the office while enjoying creative discussions at home. Their daughters

have grown up surrounded by sketch paper and building tours, absorbing architecture as a natural part of family life.

Some of their most meaningful moments come from witnessing each other’s professional successes, and their advice for couples considering a joint business: “Always make time for each other. Have fun! Remember to smile, laugh, and enjoy what you build together. It won’t always be easy, but be respectful, supportive, and honest with yourself and with each other.” For the Rozzis, architecture is not just business—it is a responsibility to shape a place with passion, intention, and partnership.

ARTICLE BY BY SARAH KEELER

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

EMBRACING the FREEZE

Four Locals Who Thrive in Winter Weather

When winter arrives in Rochester, the cold doesn’t send everyone indoors. As temperatures dip, some locals embrace the season as an invitation to move, connect with nature, and enjoy the winter sports they love. From early mornings on frozen trails to snowy Saturdays on the slopes, winter sports become a lifeline for physical and mental health during the darkest times of the year. Meet four Rochester-area enthusiasts who have found joy and community in the pastimes they love—proving that winter can be a season to thrive, not just survive.

HADLEY LUNDBACK: TRAIL RUNNER

“I love the feeling of cold, crisp air in the morning before sitting in an office,” says Hadley Lundback of Brighton, an avid trail runner for more than 30 years. Lundback doesn’t slow down when temperatures plummet and daylight becomes scarce.

A headlamp illuminates quiet trails in the early morning hours before the sun emerges over Rochester’s  horizon. “I start my runs by about 6 a.m. and hit local trails,” she says. “Sometimes with friends. Always with my dog.”

Lundback has three canine companions who have accompanied her on daily runs in all kinds of weather. She can usually be spotted running with either her mini golden doodle, Rory, or a pit mix, Ace. Their go-to trails include Mendon Ponds Park and the Crescent Trail. “We’re fortunate to have so many fantastic trails in Rochester,” she says, finding it challenging to pick one favorite.

Interested in trying winter running? Lundback recommends connecting with professionals at a local running store to find

the right gear for safety and comfort. Businesses like MedVed on Monroe Avenue offer education for runners of all skill levels. She also suggests joining a running group.

“You’ll get familiar with trails and meet fantastic people along the way.”

BRIANNE BLASZAK: DOWNHILL SKIING

Brianne Blaszak, owner of Endlessly Outdoors Company in Wyoming County, embraces winter as her preferred season for outdoor fun.

“I find it the most calming,” she says. “Fewer bugs, fewer people.”

Despite being an avid winter road runner and hiker, Blaszak was initially hesitant to try downhill skiing. “As an adult, you have more fear of falling.” At the time, she was also training for the Boston Marathon and worried that an injury might derail her progress.

She credits her nephew and sister-in-law (both skiers) for giving her the push she needed to start. After taking a beginner lesson at Swain Resort, Blaszak continued practicing on her own, gradually progressing to more advanced slopes. Today, skiing ranks among her favorite winter activities.

Through her business, Blaszak often meets people who are curious about winter sports but unsure of their abilities. Her advice is simple: “Never talk yourself out of it. Rent the gear. Get a friend to go with you.”

“Once you get started,” she adds. “You probably won’t want to stop.”

DEANNA KERNAN: PLATFORM TENNIS

For Deanna Kernan, general manager at the Tennis Club of Rochester (TCR), winter means trading her racquet for a paddle. Platform tennis—also known as paddle tennis—is a rare paddle sport designed to be played outdoors in wintry conditions.

The sport is played on a raised metal platform court about a quarter the size of a traditional tennis court. Players use perforated paddles and depressurized balls, which Kernan says bounce better in cold temperatures. “You can hit the ball harder,” she says, “which is more fun.”

Heaters beneath the court help evaporate moisture quickly, allowing play to continue even during snow or rain. “It’s a blast. You feel like you’re playing in a snow globe,” she says.

Kernan teaches many of TCR’s beginner platform tennis classes, and she’s far from alone in her enthusiasm. The club has about 350 members who play on the outdoor platform courts—often called “paddle huts”—during the winter months. The sport is so popular that TCR now hosts weekly Paddle Tennis Happy Hour events, pairing games with refreshments in the clubhouse.

“We love that it keeps us active and outside in winter,” Kernan says. “It’s not as much work as skiing. You don’t need special gear, and it only takes about 90 minutes.”

The social aspect is another major draw. The small court size makes it easy to talk, joke, and laugh throughout a match—helping ward off the winter blues. Kernan encourages anyone looking for a new winter activity to give platform tennis a try with a beginner class.

“It’s fun. It’s healthy. It brings people together.”

CONRAD BAKER: ICE FISHING

Conrad Baker is an avid outdoorsman—the kind of person most comfortable sleeping under the stars, hiking remote trails, and foraging in the woods. An environmental educator based in Livingston County, Baker looks forward to

“It’s a huge tradition passed down from parent to child,” Baker says, describing the culture of ice fishing in the greater Rochester area.

“Finding the best spots to fish is like chasing a great sunset.”

winter for its abundant local ice fishing opportunities. While he enjoys fishing year-round, Baker finds the tradition and community surrounding ice fishing particularly meaningful.

“It’s a huge tradition passed down from parent to child,” Baker says, describing the culture of ice fishing in the greater Rochester area. “Finding the best spots to fish is like chasing a great sunset.”

Baker’s preferred ice fishing destinations include Conesus Lake—the westernmost of the Finger Lakes—and nearby Silver Lake. The shallow depths of these lakes allow ice to form early in the season, attracting pike, perch, and other species that hide among the weeds.

“It’s a ritual to head out to the north end of Conesus and walk right onto the ice,” says Baker, who shares the tradition with his dad, Charlie, and brother, Alex. While some anglers set up ice shanties, Baker prefers a minimalist approach. “I sit on a bucket, bore a hole, and hope for bites.”

He values the sense of self-reliance that comes with being out in the elements, paired with the quiet companionship of loved ones. “Everyone has their own space, but we’re still together.”

CRAFT, TRADITION, AND FLAVOR FROM FLOWER CITY CONFECTIONERS

ROCHESTER’S CHOCOLATE SCENE

Rochester’s chocolate scene spans century-old candy traditions and a new generation of artisan chocolatiers pushing flavor boundaries while remaining rooted in local ingredients and community values. Whether you seek the city’s best sponge candy or handcrafted truffles and vegan bark, Rochester offers a distinctly sweet experience shaped by its culinary heritage and creative spirit. Chocolatiers share a commitment to local sourcing, balance innovation with tradition, and maintain a strong sense of community.

CLASSIC CONFECTIONS, ENDURING FAVORITES

Andy’s Candies and Stever’s reveal deep roots in Rochester’s confectionery traditions. Founded in 1917 by Andrew Sykut, Andy’s Candies touts multi-generation craft and handmade, small batch staples like its iconic sponge candy and chocolate assortments. Now with four locations across the Rochester area, Andy’s follows many of its original recipes, with the same care Sykut used on day one.

ARTICLE BY MARIE GILLETTE

On Park Avenue, Stever’s Candies has produced fresh candies each day using original recipes since opening in 1946. The business maintains that its pure chocolates and candies gained popularity even during sugar rationing and wartime shortages. Today, Stever’s remains a local institution where “going to Stever’s” has become a multigenerational experience. These long-standing makers anchor the city’s taste for classic textures and flavors.

CREATIVE CRAFT GROUNDED IN LOCAL INGREDIENTS

While comforting staples like Andy’s and Stever’s honor the region’s sweet tooth for classic textures and tastes, Rochester’s chocolate landscape is defined by how artisan shops balance innovation with tradition. Core flavors anchor creative experimentation, allowing chocolatiers to delight the senses while satisfying devoted customers.

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, a beloved South Wedge shop, focuses on small-batch, handmade confections driven by fresh ingredients, flavor, and seasonality. Owner Jennifer Posey says, “As Hedonists, we want to indulge all the senses. What better medium to do that than create hand-crafted, exquisite chocolates that taste superior.” To achieve that goal, they use old-world techniques and carefully sourced, superior ingredients without artificial flavors or preservatives to “create an obsession for artisan chocolates.” With vegan and dairy-free chocolates, bark, and drinking chocolate alongside salted caramels and truffle staples, Hedonist Artisan Chocolates offers a wide variety of flavors and combinations reflecting both human experience and chocolatier craft.

Laughing Gull Chocolates on East Main Street echoes the belief that eating chocolate should be an experience. The three momprenuer owners seek to “change the world with chocolate,” championing ethically sourced, handcrafted chocolate with a social mission. They explicitly commit to using local, transparently sourced ingredients, such as Joe Bean Coffee and Chai Guy chai in their coffee truffles, while building relationships that connect the finished chocolate back to the cacao supply chain.

Beyond “everyday” confections, including pure dark, coffee, chai, raspberry, spiced orange, and salted caramel truffles, Laughing Gull’s rotating seasonal items and sauces invite exploration. Founder Lindsay Tarnoff says their subscription box often includes new exclusive products that allow their creativity to shine even more. The trio’s Inspired by Rochester line includes specialty bars and bark, with sales benefitting local organizations, tying chocolate directly to community engagement.

CRAFT METHODS BEHIND THE CHOCOLATE

Rochester’s chocolate expertise spans classic candy-making techniques and artisanal craft methods. Smallbatch production underscores consistent, handcrafted quality. Quality and freshness, more than flashiness,

define their chocolates and candies. Time-honored techniques maintain Stever’s and Andy’s confections.

Hedonist and Laughing Gull showcase modern craft through filled truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit and bark, drinking chocolate, and vegan bars. Laughing Gull touts handmade confections, bold flavor layering, and transparency in sourcing, alongside chocolate classes, tastings, and workshops to share their craft with the community. Founder Lindsay Tarnoff says their Highland Park truffles, featuring local magnolia and lilacs, and lilac-flavored chocolates are always a hit, adding that “Our chocolate is a disruptor in a way” with its unique texture and flavors.

Posey from Hedonist Artisan Chocolates says, “We value handmade because it is crafted in an environment of joy, honor, and respect, which cannot be duplicated, then, this craft is passed along to be enjoyed by the person it is given to.” Hedonist’s products often incorporate fresh dairy from Pittsford Farms, freshly roasted coffee beans from The Coffee Connection, fruit from Hurd Orchards, cheese from Lively Run Goat Dairy, paying close attention to how spices, zest, and other flavor elements interact with chocolate. Their approach balances originality with structure, reinforcing an artisanal mindset.

CONNECTIONS AND COLLABORATIONS CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

A notable thread across Rochester’s chocolate makers is connection—to local businesses, regional ingredients, and community causes. Hedonist’s collaborations with Finger Lakes wineries and the Genesee Brewery expand the region’s culinary conversation, while partnerships with the Susan B. Anthony House and the National Women’s Hall of Fame help raise awareness of Western New York women’s heritage.

Laughing Gull’s values-driven mission aims to educate consumers about transparency and ethical sourcing. “The desire for good craft chocolate is growing, as is the desire for experiences,” Tarnoff says. Their classes, tastings, and chocolate experiences continue to draw people eager to learn more, reinforcing the shop as a community gathering space.

“It’s so exciting to see the network of Rochester chocolatiers, chocolate educators, and chocolate makers growing! We love to see the curiosity in our community. Chocolate is so diverse, versatile, and delicious, and we love being a part of this industry that is constantly growing and changing,” Tarnoff adds.

Rochester’s chocolate scene is a layered one: Historic candy-makers keep regional favorites alive while artisan chocolatiers experiment with local partners, vegan options, and seasonal flavors. The result is a city where a visitor can taste classic sponge candy, then step just around the corner to try a chai truffle made with locally roasted tea or pick up a beautifully boxed assortment to gift. Together, these makers reveal a community where flavor, craftsmanship, and local identity melt into every bite.

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MORE THAN ROSES

Rochester Events That Go Beyond the Dinner Date

ARTICLE BY COLLEEN FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is coming. And these days, it’s about more than romance. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or simply looking for something different to do, Rochester has plenty to offer on and around Feb. 14.

GALENTINE’S DAY SIP & SHOP

Janine Caschette, owner of Avvino restaurant in Brighton, smiles when she talks about the “big, festive party” she and her business partner, Kendra Whirley, host to celebrate female friendships.

Now in its third year, the Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop is all about building community. “It’s just a really fun celebration—to acknowledge the strong bonds we have with our female friends, mothers, daughters, sisters, co-workers,” Caschette says. Caschette, who opened the restaurant 13 years ago, throws the Galentine’s event at her restaurants La Bola and Frenchmen Street at The Mercantile on Main. More than three dozen women-owned businesses will have everything from clothing to jewelry to self-care products to candles for sale. There will also be raffles, including one to benefit Open Door Mission, and a DJ. The nonprofit Cleft Rescue Unit, which helps dogs born with cleft palates, will have a puppy kissing booth, too.

Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. To register, call 585.434.0044 or email labolarochester@gmail.com.

DINNER UNDER THE STARS

Rochester Museum and Science Center’s (RMSC) Valentine’s Dinner Under the Stars is back again this year. The event, which began

in 2022, has become so high in demand, it expanded to two nights last year.

The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour with an open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres. Guests can eat dinner at a sweetheart table inside the Strasenburgh Planetarium, followed by a presentation adapted from The Sky Tonight . “I had a guest on a waitlist about three years ago. They’ve come back every year since,” says Dan Kalin, senior manager of events and hospitality.

Dinner is a prix-fixe meal, but RMSC can accommodate dietary needs and restrictions. Plus, while the guests are predominantly couples, the event is open to anyone over 21. “The tone is very positive, and it’s more of a stress-free night,” Kalin says. “You aren’t feeling rushed. You don’t have people waiting for your table.”

Dinner Under the Stars will be Thursday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Feb. 13, 6–9 p.m. For more information, visit: rmsc.org/events/ valentines-dinner-2026

SILENT DISCO

Whether you’re flying solo, with a significant other, or with a group, if you love to dance, check out SE2 Silent Disco.

Here’s how it works: Guests receive a pair of headphones that can be tuned to different channels. On Valentine’s Day, the choices will be Top 40/throwbacks, hip-hop/R&B, and electronic music. Silent discos “are a party you can control,” explains John Darnell, operations manager of SE2 Silent Disco. Guests receive a glowstick wristband when they arrive, with green representing singles, yellow meaning “it’s complicated,” and red meaning the wearer

is taken. “We’re just trying to cater to everybody,” Darnell says.

With SE2 hosting 75 events every year, Darnell says it’s not unusual for first-timers to quickly become hardcore fans. In fact, some people go to every event. “People go through a lot in their day-to-day life, and we’re sort of a reprieve,” he says.

The Valentine’s Day Silent Disco will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. For more information, visit: https://se2.events/events

BOOK LOVER’S BASH

Two of Kelley Murtha’s loves are reading and animal rescue. As founder and president of Ridge’s Rescue, she has combined her two passions to create a used book sale fundraiser. “It’s a huge event that raises a lot of money for us,” she says.

“It’s just a really fun celebration—to acknowledge the strong bonds we have with our female friends, mothers, daughters, sisters, co-workers.”

This year, the rescue is hosting a Valentine’s Day-themed sale at Marshall Street Bar & Grill, with raffles benefiting Ridge’s Rescue, named for one of the first dogs Murtha rescued and worked closely with. The event also includes a “blind date with a book,” where titles are wrapped and labeled only with a brief description.

The Book Lover’s Bash will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 12–5 p.m. For more information, visit: https://www.ridgesrescue.com/ events/book-fair

Take in sweeping alpine views

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

WHERE TO STAY

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

realty report

Rochester Love Stories

Four Couples, Four Journeys

Every love story is different—whether it began across the world or in your own backyard. Four Rochester-area residents share the moments and memories that shaped their journeys of falling in love.

STEPHEN CATALDI: NEAR & FAR

For Webster native Stephen Cataldi, a second chance at love began when he met Carol Coleman on a Facebook speed-dating app. She was living in New York City; he was in Rochester, and a long-distance relationship followed. In October 2009, while playing Christopher Columbus in Rochester’s Columbus Day parade, he asked Carol—cast as Queen Isabella—to marry him at the Liberty Pole. By July 2010, they were married, and Carol soon moved to Rochester, where Cataldi credits her free spirit for inspiring adventure, travel, and creative support.

ELLEN BRENNER: IN STEP

TOGETHER

Ellen Brenner of Rochester knew of David “Boots” Boutillier through their competitive running circles—“he was really fast, and he always won,” she says. But it was at a singles party Brenner hosted, when a friend brought Boutillier along, that a spark ignited. On their third date, Brenner became seriously ill and was hospitalized, and Boutillier stayed by her side for all nine days, sleeping in a chair next to her bed. “How do you let go of that?” she

ARTICLE BY KATRINA M. RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

says. “You don’t. You keep it.” Four months later, they were engaged, and within a year, married. Today, the couple proudly owns Fleet Feet, their shared love of running (and each other) fueling both their life and work.

JIENNA KORZINSKI: CHILDHOOD TO FOREVER

Jienna Korzinski first met Rick Korzinski in 1990 at School 46. Each morning, she and Rick stood at the same door waiting to go inside— she in first grade, he in second. After attending different middle and high schools, they reconnected years later on Instant Messenger.

“It was puppy love, but the only guy I ever felt butterflies for and to this day, he still says the same about me. We were young and silly, so we went our separate ways and reunited in 2005 at Soho nightclub downtown. He came over the next day and never left,” she says. “We kept finding our way back to one another. We both never stopped caring about each other and somehow we kept crossing paths.”

JENNIFER COSTELLO: LOVE IN THE HALLS

When Jennifer Costello started teaching English at East Irondequoit Middle School, she received a note from Sean Costello, a fellow teacher annoyed at her frequent use of the printer. Since she was upset, a colleague encouraged Sean to apologize. “That first conversation led to flirty emails and hallway banter,” she recalls. A week later, Sean sent a student with a note: “Will you go out with me?

Check one: yes, no, maybe.” Jennifer checked “maybe,” unsure if he was serious. The next day, he took her out for a “spot of tea,” nodding to her English roots—and they’ve been together ever since.

Over 20 years, they’ve faced challenges together, including Sean receiving a kidney transplant, and have become wedding officiants together, even officiating ceremonies for their former students. “We’re very good at supporting each other and stepping up when needed,” she says.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 13TH

Friends of Strong 32nd Gala

Wine Tasting

Monroe Golf Club, 155 Golf Ave., Pittsford, NY | 6:30 PM

Join the Friends of Strong for the 32nd Gala Wine Tasting, Wines Around the World, at Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford. Enjoy over 150 wines, champagnes, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, live harp music, and auctions—plus new cheese and chocolate pairings—all in support of patientand family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Skycoasters Valentine's and Galentine's Day Party

Eagle Vale, 12 Wind Chase Rise, Fairport, NY | 6:30 PM

Celebrate Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day with the Skycoasters at Eagle Vale in Fairport. Dance the night away with high-energy live music, DJ Nards, and Bud Babes bringing the fun. This is not your typical Valentine’s party—wear something red. Admission is $10. Time: 6:30-10 p.m.

FEBRUARY 21ST-22ND

Fire & Ice Winter Festival

115 South Main St., Canandaigua, NY | 10:00 AM

Shake off the winter blues with a weekend of icy artistry and fiery fun in Canandaigua. Kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and running through Sunday, Feb. 22 until 4 p.m., the event will include live ice carving and speed competitions, fire shows, horse and wagon rides, a warm beverage trail, food challenges, and family-friendly experiences.