Famed British actor Sir Ralph Richardson once observed that “acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people from coughing.” Pittsford resident Bob Sagan, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL), is used to dealing with large groups of people who don’t cough—so engaging are RBTL performances, especially for student audiences.

Bob, who met his wife Joyce 45 years ago on a blind date, asked her what she was doing that summer. She talked about going to California and then asked Bob why he was asking. “I was thinking about getting married,” he blurted out. She has been his love, companion, and go-to helper ever since. Not surprisingly, their first real date involved chaperoning a group of high school students, out to “Oh, What a Lovely War.”

In the 14 years he has worked with the League, Sagan has developed nationally recognized programs for Rochester-area students. WROC recognized his award-winning arts program in 2008, when he was named a Gold Apple recipient. Additionally, he has been awarded several national education grants and has frequently been recognized by The Broadway League. Sagan is also the recipient of the Arts Educator Award, presented by the Rochester Arts Council, and the Community Impact Award, presented by Friends of SOTA.


Sagan, who regards the arts as an essential element of the human experience, has the same passion and energy in his current position as he had as an English/Theatre teacher for the City School District and the Rush-Henrietta Central School District. From the "Stars of Tomorrow" musical recognition ceremony each spring; to the Dance, Acting, Vocal and Technical "Master Class" programs taught by touring Broadway actors; to the Broadway summer day camp "Summer Stars" classes, with instructors from NYC, his days are filled.

He nonetheless manages to make additional drama-inroads in our community, such as the RBTL Middle School and High School program, and projects with Sojourner House and the Hillside Scholarship Work Connection. Sagan is also an active member of the National Education Committee for the Broadway League in New York City. He is always looking for ways that students' creativity, talent, and interests can shine and be explored.

Novelist Jodi Picoult once defined the human condition via a word: “There’s a reason the word ‘belonging’ has a synonym for ‘want’ at its center.”  Bob Sagan knows how to align longing and learning. And Rochesterians are the richer for it.

American cartoonist Frank McKinney Hubbard once observed that “the fellow who owns his own home is always just coming out of a hardware store.”
 One way to avoid those frequent hardware-store trips is to have a comprehensive inspection before buying the house. And comprehensive inspections are what the HomeTeam Inspection Service is all about.

Owner Steve Tremaine is proud of the 3000+ inspections that have been done since the company started in 2001. He purchased the franchise from the HomeTeam corporate office and has proudly served Pittsford area homebuyers ever since.

He points to the company’s one-call-does-it-all service. “Whether you just need a home inspection or testing for Radon or mold or pest-elimination, we can complete the job in one call. We even bring a professional heating and cooling expert to each inspection at no extra cost to the buyer.”

Clearly satisfied with the work that he does, Tremaine adds, “We find that each inspection we do is interesting. It’s like going to a different place of work every day. Each house is different; each inspection, unique and exciting. What I find most interesting and exciting about doing inspections is that each day you meet perfect strangers who, in the matter of a few hours, become trusted friends. How could I not look forward to doing every inspection with that scenario?” he asks.

 Located at 18 Guilford Way in Pittsford, the company serves home buyers, home owners, and real estate agents alike. The HomeTeam business affords Tremaine an opportunity to feel real passion for his work. “I just love what I do,” he asserts, “and consider myself truly blessed to be able make a living doing something that I enjoy so much.”

Clearly, he exemplifies the wisdom of comedian George Burns’ words: “I’d rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.” Tremaine is fortunate to be both successful and happy.

Gloria Swanson, star of the silver screen and the very first woman to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, understood the importance of memoir writing. “I've given my memoirs far more thought than any of my marriages,” she once reflected. “You can't divorce a book,” she wisely added.

Pittsford resident Ron Anderson also understands why memoirs are important. Born 77 years ago in the Charlotte neighborhood, he attended the University of Pennsylvania and then served in the Army. Returning home to Rochester, he worked for 26 years as a circulation executive for the Gannett newspapers, with assignments across the country

After retirement, he and his late wife, Kay, started their own Pittsford business: R. C. Anderson Associates. Ron consulted on circulation management with newspaper clients all over the country and beyond. Additionally, they published two monthly newsletters that they sold to newspaper managers.

Ron’s job was to bring in revenue and Kay’s, to make sure some of it went to the bottom line.  “It was a marvelous partnership,” Anderson fondly recalls. He and Kay retired in 2003, and sold the business in 2007.  “We raised six kids,” Anderson adds with pride, “and they gave us fourteen grandchildren.”

Anderson’s interest in memoir writing was “accidental.” As he tells it, “In 2004, I recreated my walk from Kemphurst Road to Charlotte High School and back.  The memories just flooded into my mind.  A few days later, I wrote them all down, into my first remembrance essay.  Between then and now, I have written 103 such essays, covering all phases and aspects of my life so far.  I have self-published them into ten books of essays.  The latest one, just released, is entitled 'Life Is Good at 76!' "

Anderson makes this offer to anyone senior interested in turning his or her memories into essays: “I would be most happy to work one-on-one with anyone who wants to get started. At no charge. Just email me with your request: randers2@rochester.rr.com.”

As another Hollywood figure once asserted, “This is an offer you can’t refuse!”

What do Yo Yo Ma, Steve Jobs, Dolly Parton, Cindy Crawford, Steven Spielberg, and the co-owner of the Young Ladies of Grace Academy all have in common? They’ve all experienced the damaging effects of bullying.
 
In the case of Angela Lukaszonas, who co-owns the academy with her mother Janine, the bullying happened in high school when she was “harassed relentlessly.” She describes the painful ordeal.

“The group of girls who turned against me used to be my best friends. You cannot imagine the horrible, vicious rumors, all untrue, that were said about me to anyone who would listen," said Lukaszonas. "They defined me as an ugly, stupid, useless person who was an annoyance in their life.”
 
Sometimes, this “verbal beating" can be shrugged off. Take Dolly Parton, for example, who today admits that "dumb blond" jokes don’t bother her.

"That’s because I know I’m not dumb,” she asserts. And then, with a conspiratorial wink, added, “I also know I’m not blond."
 
Sometimes, though, the insults go way beyond jokes. For Angela and her family, the situation became unbearable. Her parents took her out of school and enrolled her in the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. That’s when she fulfilled her desire to be the person she had always known she could be.
 
Angela and Janine know the arts can help other young people become the individuals they have hoped to become. Through the arts, this mother/daughter partnership hopes to instill a sense of self-worth in their students. They’ve had first-hand experience with the arts as a vehicle for developing self-confidence, for adding poise and grace and modesty to one’s life.
 
Acting, yoga-fitnes, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop lessons are vehicles the Lukzszonases use to help their students become self-actualized.

Creativity coach Jill Badonsky once remarked that “simple confidence can change perception of both audience and artist.” The Lukzszonases are determined to change perceptions in the best way possible.
 

Psychologist J. P. Guilford is known for his “cube of intellect.” It is his assertion that there are actually 150 components of intelligence, and not the usual verbal and math skills we tend to associate with smart people. Pittsford resident Lynn Freshman is a Renaissance woman of sorts, the proud possessor of multiple intelligences and business/volunteer/artistic pursuits.
 
A substitute music teacher for the Pittsford schools, Freshman recently started her own health and wellness business, Live Fresh Nutrition and Wellness. In addition to being a certified holistic health coach—specializing in keeping minds and bodies young and healthy as people age into their 50s and beyond—she is also a private piano teacher and a performer (and she especially likes performing in Nashville, Tennessee.)

Freshman turns to Rotary, the oldest and largest service organization in the world, for volunteer opportunities. Four years ago, Freshman traveled to India with other Rotarians who worked to improve the living conditions in a small village. She personally immunized 200 children for polio during a National Immunization effort.

Closer to home, Freshman, the proud “mother” of two pug dogs (Ms. Patsy Kleine and Ms. Mimi Pearl), attends dog-socialization events with her husband and other dog lovers. They are members of the Rochester Small Dog Playgroup and the Finger Lakes Pug Meet-up. She also volunteers on occasion at Lollypop Farm, by giving group tours.

Freshman acknowledges that her organizational skills are the key to accomplishment. That and her determination to keep herself in balance. “I love learning and will always be looking for new opportunities to expand my mind,” she said. That sense of adventure perfectly parallels her definition of creativity: “being fearless, trying new things and not necessarily conforming to what’s already been done.”

"Each day is a gift," said Freshman. "Our lives here on earth are relatively short, in the scheme of things, and there is so much to experience and learn. My personal mantra is to trust God, love one another and live life to the fullest!"

It’s been said that those who can do. And, those who can do more, volunteer. Pittsford resident Sara McLaughlin falls into the “do-more” category.

Recently retired from African safari adventures, this mother of two was born in Oswego. After college, she worked in student personnel and did graduate studies at the University of Buffalo. She married and located in Rochester in 1965, but remained active in the higher-education realm.

McLaughlin served as an adjunct professor at RIT, MCC, and St. John Fisher Colleges, where she taught English composition. Her volunteer work began when she was raising her family. She worked with the Judicial Process Commission and co-authored a textbook on the abolition of punishment.

When her children were old enough, McLaughlin worked as a teacher at Allendale Columbia for three years at the upper school, Then, at age 50, she made a career change and worked full-time as a writer in the U of R College Development Office and later, for 12 years at the Simon School.

For several years, McLaughlin was involved with raising scholarship monies for female students at Pittsford’s Sr. Bernard’s Institute, which prepares lay people for service in Catholic Church. In the retirement phase of her life, she volunteers for the Compeer organization and tutors refugee high school students.
 
Regarding her love of the writing process, McLaughlin acknowledges writing was the one thing she was good at as a student and so, she “stuck with it.” She finds that when she writes, she can capture, organize, and express her thoughts with clarity.

McLaughlin, who has been published in Family Circle, Volunteer Action Leadership, and The Military Review, is like Lord Byron, in her appreciation of the power of clear writing. The poet observed nearly 200 years ago that "words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions think."

Science fiction author Jack Dann once said of the writing process, “For me, writing is exploration; and most of the time, I'm surprised where the journey takes me.”

McLaughlin has explored many places, through her writing, and through her desire to know the world more fully. She is now exploring the memories and significance of her life experiences and creating a memoir for his children and grandchildren.

A quote from Zen Buddhism reads, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. What we think, we become." This saying encapsulates the philosophy behind the Bella-Zen Skin Care Therapy and Wellness Studio at 1 Grove Street in the village of Pittsford.
 
Owner Christine Vella-Cibella chose the name because of her interest in the whole area of aesthetics. “Beauty is what we see first,” adding, “but there is so much more to the beauty of a person. It truly starts inside.”
 
She explains that the Zen theory of being centered correlates to the feeling of being comfortable within your own body. The connection between outside beauty and inner beauty is one she regards as a "beautiful marriage." The studio offers a free half-hour consultation for clients interested in learning more about this connection.
 
Vella-Cibella, the mother of two young daughters, is no stranger to the study of aesthetics. Her own parents were a source of inspiration, particularly with their emphasis on holistics and meditation. Before opening the studio, Vella-Cibella worked in marketing for many years. Then, in her 20s, she had a personal health challenge and explored holistic health methods.

Determined to take responsibility for her own health, she made changes that resulted in living a healthier life style, one that included natural health remedies, herbology, and magnetic/far-infrared treatments.
 
Her goal in life is to share what she has learned, to empower others to help themselves. She sees clients by appointment only and offers a free half-hour consultation to those interested in learning more about the connection between inner and outer beauty.

As an anonymous sage once remarked about these two beauties, “Youthful beauty fades with time, but, with cultivation, inner beauty grows richer.” Vella-Cibella is committed to making Pittsford residents wealthier in both regards.

In 1990, I interviewed local realtor Judy Columbus for my first book. She told me that, in preparation for a meeting with a bank loan officer, she had a detailed business plan.

The officer listened to her carefully, asked the appropriate questions, and ended the meeting with an inappropriate question: “Does your husband know you are doing this?” Never at a loss for words, Judy asked him in return, “Does your wife know you’re asking questions like that?”
 
Fortunately, times have changed. The climate for entrepreneurs is much more supportive than it was when Columbus wanted to open her own business.

According to Linda DeCocq, Commercial Bank Manager for M & T Bank in Pittsford, “We support individuals who have a great idea and need the capital to launch their own business. In fact, our bank has been named the #1 Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender for the last 18 years in a row for the Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse region.”

Ikeeping with the words of Susan B. Anthony, who said, “Every woman needs her own purse," M&T extends a helping hand to women entrepreneurs as easily as they do to men. Children are included under the customer-umbrella, too.
 
DeCocq said M&T gives over $1 million to local charities every year. In so doing, the bank embodies the observation of  basketball superstar Magic Johnson: “If the community is happy, then they support your business and if your business is doing well, then you can give back even more to the community.”

“Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing?” Pablo Picasso wondered. Artists in the Pittsford Art Group, find their own answers to this intriguing question by the master of innovation.

No matter their medium, there’s a place for them in PAG.
 
Brande Arno, this year’s president, says the club is always looking for artists who work in oil, watermedia, collage, acrylics, and non-digital printmaking.
 
This year, the group is celebrating its 50-year anniversary, having been founded IN 1961 by Victoria (Tori) Reinhard, who held the first meeting in her Pittsford home.
 
Arno reports that “the all-members show and sale is held annually in March, at the Pittsford Barnes and Noble book store. In addition,” she says, “the art group will add a new location in November, 2012, at Lumiere Photo, 100 College Avenue in Rochester.”
 
Members of PAG attend regular meetings, at which demonstrations are held (see photo of portraitist Christian Kolupski at work), the art group is always on the lookout for new and different member benefits.
 
Arno gives these examples, “New last year was a holiday cookie—exchange social and afterwards, we viewed a DVD of a nationally known artist painting. New this year was a round-robin workshop held in January, and an artist trading card lab for November. Members create two or more trading cards to swap with each other."

The ONLY rule concerns the size. The cards, which PAG supplies, have to be 2.5 " by 3.5."

If you’re interested in joining, contact Brande Arno at artistbrande@msn.com. New members are given a sketch kit plus a great deal of encouragement and new knowledge.
And, you just might find your own answer to Picasso’s question about singing colors.

Mark Twain once wryly observed that the man who does not read has no advantage over the man who can not read. Librarians, like teachers and parents, do all they can to encourage the advantages of reading. Here are some sponsored by the Pittsford Community Library (24 State Street) are these:
       
Programs for community  

In the month of November alone, for example, there were Fabulous Films, a meeting for the Timeless Classics Book Club,  and a meeting of the Pittsford Reading Group, discussing "The Help."
 
Community space 

With clear pride in  her voice, Shelly describes the indoor and outdoor space to which people come with their laptops. You’ll find all kinds of people there, especially business people and students, doing research and using the library’s wireless connections to access the Internet and to complete assignments. As the library is situated along the canal, the open space, filled with light and sights, is ideal for mothers and children. Often the children wander to the children’s library for planned activities, leaving parents free to sip coffee and chat.
 
Ebook offerings   

More ebooks than print books were sold last year. The Pittsford Community Library is aware of this growing trend and now offers ebooks to community members, who need only download them to Nook or Kindle. You can borrow ebooks, the same way you borrow hard copy books, Shelly advises.
 
Asked what led her to bibliomania, Shelly confesses, “One day, when I was walking across the college campus as a freshman, I thought to myself, “This is the best thing in the world…to be entirely devoted to studying and learning.” I asked myself how I could align that environment with this feeling. “What job,” I wondered then, “would allow me to share knowledge with people who were in a place of their own volition? The only answer was to become a librarian.”
 

Mention Einstein’s name and people immediately think “E=mc2.”

They don’t usually think “devil” or “health.” And yet, it was Einstein who observed, “The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat.”
 
Dr. Scott Stein knows how to take the penalty out of the enjoyment of food and drink…at least as far as dental health is concerned. A graduate of Brighton High and the University of Buffalo Dental School and the Eastman Dental Center’s Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Stein maintains a full time private practice at 20 North Main Street in Pittsford.
 
Additionally, he is a clinical instructor and co-director of the Orthodontic Biomechanics and Orthognathic Surgery courses at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Department of Dentistry, Division of Orthodontics. He has also co-authored articles and textbook chapters on orthodontics.
 
Visit him at work and you are likely to find him discussing more than the state of your teeth. He just might ask you about favorite bands or favorite sports teams.
 
For good oral hygiene and decay-prevention, Dr. Stein has this advice, " Brushing several times a day and practicing moderation when it comes to sweets and sugary drinks will help maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime. Remember, ‘A great smile is unforgettable.’ "
 
Dr. Stein those of comedienne Phyllis Diller, who asserts, “ A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”   

When we think of Muhammad Ali, we tend to think about someone who floats like a butterfly. Or, we think about the boxer with the feisty attitude. (Ali was once flying first class and was told by the stewardess that he needed to buckle up, just before the plane took off. “Superman don’t need no seat belt!” was his response. She, though, had a response of her own. “Oh, really! Well, Superman don’t need no airplane, either! Now, buckle up.”)
 
There’s another side to the Heavyweight Champion of the World. It was Ali who noted, “Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.”  
 
One of those who serves others is E. Lee Allen, named Volunteer of the Year in 2010 at the Pittsford YMCA (111 Jefferson Road). Before retirement, Lee worked in the Apollo space program and with military contract companies, monitoring and developing top secret-systems.
 
Upon retirement, Lee became an entrepreneur. He’s sold one business and now is now running another that develops electronic devices.
 
Born in Louisiana and having lived in several different states, Lee and his wife, a native Rochesterian, have settled in Pittsford. His daughter and her husband live nearby, as does Lee’s grandson, just back from serving in Afghanistan. Lee’s daughter, Tina Maffucci, is on the board at the YMCA; it was she who suggested he do volunteer work there.
 
Lee works 12 hours a week at the Y, greeting members and running their cards through the computer as they enter. Additionally, he enjoys doing research on the computer, especially in the area of health and electronic advances. He enjoys “newness”— meeting new people and acquiring new knowledge.
 
If you need a welcoming way to ease into the rigors of early-morning exercise, visit the Y. You’ll find Lee there, serving others and making payment on the space he so delightfully takes up on earth.

Marlene Caroselli, Ed.D., is an author, artist, and Pittsford resident.