Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published May 16, 2019.

Where are you originally from? How did you end up in Rochester at this time in your life?

I was born on the coast of Washington state, and lived there, as well as in Idaho and eastern and western Montana. I also lived in Minneapolis for awhile for publishing internship.

I’ve been living in Rochester for about two and a half years now. I came here to work at BOA Editions, a nonprofit that publishes mostly poetry and some fiction.

What surprised you most about Rochester when you first moved here?

The architecture. Growing up in Washington, I was used to newer buildings; it’s interesting to see all the old art deco stuff here. The diversity was surprising too—Seattle is very segregated. Everybody is here in Rochester, the whole rainbow of people. I also was surprised by the arts community, particularly with how many film buffs we have and great theatres like the Little, The Dryden, and the Cinema. It’s easy to go see old movies.

What are some hidden gems you've discovered around Rochester?

Leaf Tea Bar in the South Wedge. I’ve loved tea since college, and have only gotten more into it since then. It’s amazing to have a company that specializes in tea right here in Rochester, and has built up a community surrounding their tea bar. The staff is so knowledgeable; I learn something new every time I go.

I love the beaches—Durand Eastman and Ontario Beach—they help me when I’m feeling homesick for the ocean. Also, the Public Market is great because it’s still a market, whereas Seattle’s is primarily a tourist attraction now.

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support?

• Writers and Books is great. We partner with them at work a lot. It’s great knowing they’re here. They bring a lot of authors to town, and I try to attend their book club on Thursdays.
• I volunteered with Foodlink when I first moved here. That’s an issue I’m passionate about, so it was nice to get involved with that.
• Flower City Arts Center is also great, I’ve taken a few classes there.

If you had $100 and 2 hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d take a walk—I’ve fallen in love with the river. I’d do a loop on the Genesee Riverway Trail in the South Wedge near UR. I’d grab tea from Leaf or takeout from Dino afterwards… or if it was a really nice day, I’d head up to Seabreeze.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city? 

NOTA, extending all the way over to Monroe, though. I lived in the Park Ave area when I first moved here; I walked the East Ave area a lot, and would walk down University to work. It’s chill and has a nice mix of residential and businesses. The walkability is great. I’m a member of the Y on Monroe, so I’ll often start my day there, then end the day back at the shops on Monroe.

What's the best plate to get a garbage plate? 

The first time I ordered one, I didn’t realize quite how much food it was! I would probably say Dogtown is my favorite.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

I moved here from Seattle and Montana, so I’m kind of used to it. I like all four seasons, but there’s something about enjoying a cozy evening with a blanket, tea, and either a book or a movie from the library or Netflix.

What is your favorite Rochester memory? 

A few come to mind, and they’re all seasonal and involve walking.

• In December 2016, I was walking back from the Dryden holiday movie that year. I think they showed Miracle on 34th Street. There was a soft blanket of snow, the streetlights were starting to come on, and it just felt really special.
• One walk I took in the early spring along the river downtown was so nice—the way the light hit the water and the brick buildings really hit me.
• In July one year, I was walking on East Ave at night, and saw the fireflies starting to come out. They don’t exist out west as much! I didn’t start to see them until I lived here, so that was special too.

What makes Rochester unique?

I went to college south of Seattle in a small city that’s basically its unpretentious cousin—Tacoma. It reminds me a lot of Rochester. It was a former big railroad town. Rochester has a lot of that. It’s not cutthroat; instead, it’s more laidback, creative, and collaborative.

What do you think could be improved about our city?

Public transit—I recently starting trying to ride the bus to work to see if I could. I can, but it’s a lot less convenient—it takes me a good distance out of the way to just bring me back in the direction I started. I’d love to see a really good, interconnected system that serves the city and meets residents’ needs.

If Rochester was a drink, what would it be?

It would be a craft cocktail—it’s got the history of an old fashioned or a sazerac. They’re also seeing a revival now. A lot of energy and passion goes into it, just like craft cocktail bars. People are invested in the city and believe it’s great living here.

Tell me a little bit more about BOA Editions, where you work.

We are a nonprofit publisher of poetry and other literary works. One of the big names you might recognize is Lucille Clifton, one of the most beloved African-American women writers of the 20th century. The Collected Works of Lucille Clifton first brought BOA to my attention. We also publish new works by exciting young poets, and mid-career writers as well, like Chen Chen. We are nationally recognized and award-winning. We publish about 11-12 books per year, and 1-2 short story collections per year since 2000. My role there specifically is editing, publicity, and marketing.

How would you describe the literary community in Rochester?

The first spring I was in Rochester, we partnered with Writers and Books for a Community Reads event. There are lots of talented people and organizations that are well equipped to support and nurture that talent. There’s a Fire Poetry Slam for students. Rachel McKibbens and her husband Jacob do a great poetry series at the Spirit Room. There’s something for everyone.