Megan Ross

UB Reporter • 1st July 2020

Turning Pain into Purpose: An Interview With Rodneyse Bichotte

As Brooklyn’s Democratic Party Leader, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, BS ’96, is the “party boss,” a commitment she fully embraces. The 47-year-old is not only the first woman leader of the 42nd District, but also the first Black woman to lead a county committee in New York City and the first Haitian-American from New York City elected to the state assembly.

UB Reporter • 1st August 2020

Dancing his Dreams to Life: An Interview With Kurtis Sprung

With a thriving professional dance and choreography career that includes Cirque du Soleil, World of Dance and performances with celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Jewel, it may come as a surprise that 27-year-old Kurtis Sprung, BFA ’15, initially threw a fit when his mother tried to take him to his first class at age 4.

The Hamburg Sun • 20th October 2017

Anguish turns to action with start of nonprofit tackling addiction

Most of us cannot begin to fathom the grief that comes from losing a child, let alone watching that child suffer through a 10-year battle with drug addiction that would eventually claim their life at age 23.

It happened to Hamburg resident Becky Barnell, who lost her son Colton Lasker on June 23, 2016, but she refuses to be consumed by that anguish.

Instead, she’s using her experience as the driving force behind her nonprofit organization, Colton’s Journey to Liberation, which seeks to destigmatize addiction and connect those struggling with supportive resources.

The Hamburg Sun • 15th September 2017

Cancer survivor’s journey spawns yoga studio in Village of Hamburg

Five years after facing death at 38, breast cancer survivor and Lake View native Sara Szeglowski is using her life to bring healing to others.

The Hamburg Sun • 21st April 2017

Hilbert’s new provost making her mark

Kristina M. Lantzky-Eaton has become proof that an individual’s ideas and engagement matter more than their gender.

After a nationwide search, Hilbert College has named Lantzky-Eaton as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, making her the first woman to hold the position in more than 20 years.

SUNY Geneseo • 27th April 2021

Geneseo Senior Spotlight: Isabella Higgins

For Isabella Higgins ‘21, attending Geneseo was much more than just the next step after high school—it was a way to forge a path honoring the values of education and civic engagement instilled in her by her family.

SUNY Geneseo • 17th May 2021

Geneseo Senior Spotlight: Sakura Hamazaki

She was the recipient of the 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. She founded SUNY Geneseo’s Student-Athlete Mentor (SAM) Program. She’s a GOLD Leader mentor, a women’s swimming and diving athlete, and a scientific researcher.

SUNY Geneseo • 4th May 2021

Geneseo Senior Spotlight: David Rush

When it came time to choose a college, David Rush ’21, from Baldwinsville, NY, was torn between Geneseo and another local college that his brother attended. But he decided to trust his gut.

SUNY Geneseo • 3rd March 2021

Living-Learning Community for Students of Diverse Backgrounds to Open in Fall

Umoja House, a new living-learning community (LLC) for students of diverse backgrounds, opened in the Fall 2021 semester. Named after unity, the first principle of Kwanzaa, Umoja House will create an intellectually engaging, encouraging environment where students can celebrate their identities while also nurturing their leadership skills.

SUNY Geneseo • 6th May 2021

Hillel at Geneseo Intern Uses Grant to Combat Food Insecurity

Hillel at Geneseo was one of 100 college Hillel groups that received a $1,250 Serve the Moment grant to implement service, civic engagement, and social justice programming during the Spring 2021 semester from Hillel International and Repair the World.

The Hamburg Sun • 21st December 2017

Hamburg family works to make La Galleria a memorable venue

From an entirely vegan, gluten and soy-free wedding to Christmas parties booked as early as August, La Galleria banquet facility is providing guests with uniquely customizable options that reflect the family-run business’ enthusiasm and creativity for the business.

The Hamburg Sun • 17th November 2017

New Hamburg Library director finds his place around books, media

When Brian Hoth was a teenager, he thought he wanted to be a police officer. It wasn’t until many career moves later–– none of which involved law enforcement––that he became a clerk typist at a local library and found the field he was meant for.

The Hamburg Sun • 18th August 2017

Pet groomer opens shop in Hamburg

For all you dog and cat owners out there, there’s a newly opened spot just waiting for your furry friend: Barks ‘n Meows pet grooming.

The Hamburg Sun • 1st September 2017

Apartment proposal would bring a 90-unit complex to Big Tree Road

A developer was in front of the Town of Hamburg Planning Board to discuss a proposed 90-unit apartment complex on land located on the south side of Big Tree Road, west of the Eagle Crest Mobile Home Park.

The Hamburg Sun • 3rd November 2017

Health care pros and couple offer benefits of salt cave with new business

By Oct. 25, the day before its official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Southtown Salt Cave & Spa had already booked more than 200 appointments.

“We’ve gotten an overwhelming response from the
community,” Hamburg native and co-owner Pam Toole said. “People are excited.”

The Hamburg Sun • 24th November 2017

Gullo’s Garden Center turns attention to holidays

The quest to find the perfect Christmas tree is a beloved family tradition, even highlighted in holiday classics like “A Christmas Story” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” For those that don’t want to haggle in a parking lot or trek into the woods to score a festive flora, Gullo’s Garden Center has plenty to offer.

The Hamburg Sun • 6th November 2017

Growing Stellar Dental expands Hamburg office

Finding a reliable dentist that you can not only trust with your teeth, but can afford, can be an arduous process. With insurance restrictions and varying fees and services across different practices, you may have to do a bit of searching around before finding one that fits your needs and budget.

Fortunately, with the expansion of local business Stellar Dental, fewer and fewer people are getting caught up in that search.

The Hamburg Sun • 27th October 2017

Primp aims to bring client’s beauty visions to life

Situated in a Pinterest-esque loft space overlooking Main Street with light grey walls and carefully curated pops of pink, gold, glitter and marble, a new salon established by Hamburg residents and longtime friends Nikki Faulk and Lisa Mogavero is set to open in the village.

The Hamburg Sun • 22nd September 2017

Adamchick CPA & Associates expands business into Hamburg

While filing one’s taxes may be the last thing on most people’s mind in September, it’s something that Mark Adamchick of Adamchick CPA & Associates is thinking about.

The Hamburg Sun • 8th September 2017

Bakery and more expands with site in Hamburg Village Plaza

When September comes around, thoughts of outdoor barbecues and chilled drinks are replaced by tantalizing images of warm coffees and teas, savory soups and pumpkin-spiced goods. And of course, the piece de resistance of autumn: good old-fashioned, homemade
pies.

Fortunately, Mr. Pot Pie has opened up shop and is happy to cater to all of these comfort food desires.

The Hamburg Sun • 1st September 2017

New studio opening inside Performing Arts Dance

With a new school year comes the start of after-school activities, headlined by sports such as high school and Little Loop football, soccer and volleyball.

And while it may not get as much attention, dance still remains a popular after-school choice for children and teens everywhere –– so much so that Performing Arts Dance Academy owner and executive director, Hamburg native Suzanne Mall, will be opening a new studio in its Lake Street location this September.