In the vibrant city of Rochester, New York, there is a community-driven movement making waves and warming hearts—We Are Rochester. This inspiring initiative symbolizes Rochester's dedication to fostering unity and support among its
residents. It emphasizes the unique qualities that make this city a wonderful place to live, showcasing the diverse and resilient spirit that defines Rochester.
We Are Rochester captures the very essence of community collaboration, highlighting stories of local residents and small businesses who contribute tirelessly to the city's growth and well-being. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, whether through uplifting
Community Spirit
Hello Rochester, New York • Spring Issue |5
local artist showcases, engaging community projects, or spotlighting the passionate individuals passionately working to make Rochester a better place.
The initiative also plays a vital role in promoting Rochester's rich cultural tapestry. From its world-class museums and galleries to its bustling food scene and innovative tech industry, We Are Rochester celebrates the energy that surges through this city. More than just a
campaign, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the city’s solidarity, resilience, and commitment to progress.
In Rochester, New York, We Are Rochester is more than a slogan—it's a testament to a thriving community, always ready to uplift each other and shine brightly
Community Spirit
Community Spirit: We Are Rochester's Heartfelt Impact
In the vibrant city of Rochester, New York, there is a community-driven movement making waves and warming hearts—We Are Rochester. This inspiring initiative symbolizes Rochester's dedication to fostering unity and support among its residents. It emphasizes the unique qualities that make this city a wonderful place to live, showcasing the diverse and resilient spirit that defines Rochester.
We Are Rochester captures the very essence of community collaboration, highlighting stories of local residents and small businesses who contribute tirelessly to the city's growth and well-being. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, whether through uplifting local artist showcases, engaging community projects, or spotlighting the passionate individuals passionately working to make Rochester a better place.
The initiative also plays a vital role in promoting Rochester's rich cultural tapestry. From its world-class museums and galleries to its bustling food scene and innovative tech industry, We Are Rochester celebrates the energy that surges through this city. More than just a campaign, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the city’s solidarity, resilience, and commitment to progress.
In Rochester, New York, We Are Rochester is more than a slogan—it's a testament to a thriving community, always ready to uplift each other and shine brightly together.
What’s the Difference Between Highlights, Balayage, and Glossing?
Choosing the right hair color can feel confusing, especially when you hear terms like highlights, balayage, and glossing used interchangeably. Each technique works differently and creates a unique effect on your hair. Highlights and balayage brighten the hair and add dimension, while glossing improves
tone, shine, and overall hair health. Knowing these differences helps you select a style that fits your lifestyle, hair type, and long-term goals. Understanding how each method works also allows you to make an informed decision before scheduling your salon appointment.Highlights are a traditional
6 | HelloRochester, New York • Spring Issue
What’s the Difference Between Highlights, Balayage, and Glossing?
Choosing the right hair color can feel confusing, especially when you hear terms like highlights, balayage, and glossing used interchangeably. Each technique works differently and creates a unique effect on your hair. Highlights and balayage brighten the hair and add dimension, while glossing improves tone, shine, and overall hair health. Knowing these differences helps you select a style that fits your lifestyle, hair type, and long-term goals. Understanding how each method works also allows you to make an informed decision before scheduling your salon appointment.
Highlights are a traditional hair coloring method that involves lifting small sections of hair from root to tip. The sections can be thin for a subtle effect or wider for a bold contrast. Highlights add depth and dimension, making hair look brighter, fuller, and more textured. They can frame the face, accentuate layers, or highlight certain angles in the haircut.
Highlights are typically applied using foils to separate the strands and ensure precision. They require regular maintenance to stay visible and vibrant, as roots grow out and color fades. People often choose highlights when they want a noticeable, dimensional change in their overall hair appearance. This technique works on many hair lengths and textures, giving the stylist flexibility to create a tailored look for each client.
Balayage offers a softer, more modern approach. The term comes from the French word “sweep,” which describes how the color is painted onto hair. Instead of starting at the roots, balayage typically begins at mid-lengths and extends to the ends, creating a gradual, sun-kissed transition.
The hand-painted technique ensures that the color blends naturally with the hair, making regrowth less noticeable and reducing the need for frequent salon visits. Balayage works well on all hair lengths and textures and can be customized for subtle or more dramatic effects. It is particularly appealing to people who want a natural look with low maintenance. The results are soft, lived-in color that adds dimension and highlights movement, giving hair a polished yet effortless appearance.
Glossing differs from both highlights and balayage because it is not primarily used to lighten hair. Instead, a gloss enhances the tone of your existing color, smooths the hair, and increases shine. Glossing can remove unwanted brassy tones, refresh faded color, or add warmth and depth to brunette hair.
Blondes often use gloss to maintain brightness and neutralize yellow undertones, while brunettes can enrich warmth and improve overall color depth. Gloss treatments are gentle, conditioning, and safe for all hair types. They can be applied alone or combined with highlights or balayage to enhance the overall color result. Glossing also helps improve hair texture, leaving strands soft, smooth, and reflective, even between color appointments.
Choosing between highlights, balayage, or glossing depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Highlights are ideal for those who want bold contrast and are willing to visit the salon regularly to keep the color bright. Balayage is better for those seeking a low-maintenance style that grows out naturally while still looking polished. Glossing works for anyone who wants to maintain or refresh their hair color without chemical lightening. Hair health is another important factor.
Lightening used in highlights and balayage can dry hair if not properly conditioned. Gloss treatments, however, improve shine and smoothness while protecting hair from damage. Combining techniques, such as balayage with a gloss, can give hair both dimension and vibrant color, while keeping it healthy and soft.
Lifestyle considerations also play a role in choosing the right method. People who style their hair frequently may prefer highlights for contrast and flexibility. Those with a busy schedule or minimal styling routines may benefit more from balayage, which grows out naturally. Glossing fits almost any routine, offering refreshed shine with minimal effort. It is important to consider how often you visit a salon, your natural hair texture, and the look you want to achieve when choosing a technique.
Ultimately, selecting highlights, balayage, or glossing depends on your personal hair goals and willingness to maintain the style. A professional stylist can evaluate your hair’s history, texture, and natural color to recommend the best approach. Choosing the right technique can transform your hair, leaving it vibrant, healthy, and perfectly suited to your style and lifestyle.
Rachel Swartz McCooey
hair coloring method that involves lifting small sections of hair from root to tip. The sections can be thin for a subtle effect or wider for a bold contrast. Highlights add depth and dimension, making hair look brighter, fuller, and more textured. They can frame the face, accentuate layers, or highlight certain angles
in the haircut.Highlights are typically applied using foils to separate the strands and ensure precision. They require regular maintenance to stay visible and vibrant, as roots grow out and color fades. People often choose highlights when they want a noticeable, dimensional change in their overall hair appearance. This technique works on many hair lengths and textures, giving the stylist flexibility to create a tailored look for each client.Balayage offers a softer, more modern approach. The term comes from the French word “sweep,” which describes how the color is painted onto hair. Instead of starting at the roots, balayage...
Choosing the right technique can transform your hair, leaving it vibrant, healthy, and perfectly suited to your style and lifestyle.
About the Author
Rachel Swartz McCooey is the owner and a stylist at Tru On Park in Rochester, New York. She has loved doing hair since 2001, and has served Park Avenue guests since 2012. She takes pride in her workspace, thrives on mentoring, and helps a skilled, diverse team grow with confidence.
HelloRochester, New York • Spring Issue |7
What 60,000 Private Lessons Teach About Youth Hockey Development
After teaching more than 60,000 private lessons, one lesson stands out: the fastest improvement comes from mastering athletic basics and practicing them consistently. Youth hockey players often want to learn advanced moves quickly, but development is strongest when it begins with fundamental skills,
repeated with purpose and focus.Skating posture and balance are the foundation of hockey performance. Players who maintain proper posture can generate more speed, control, and power on the ice. Balance drills help with stability during tight turns, pivots, and transitions, giving young athletes a
8 | HelloRochester, New York • Spring Issue
What 60,000 Private Lessons Teach About Youth Hockey Development
After teaching more than 60,000 private lessons, one lesson stands out: the fastest improvement comes from mastering athletic basics and practicing them consistently. Youth hockey players often want to learn advanced moves quickly, but development is strongest when it begins with fundamental skills, repeated with purpose and focus. Skating posture and balance are the foundation of hockey performance. Players who maintain proper posture can generate more speed, control, and power on the ice. Balance drills help with stability during tight turns, pivots, and transitions, giving young athletes a reliable platform for more advanced skills. Every drill should emphasize keeping the head up, so players learn to make decisions while maintaining awareness of teammates, opponents, and the puck. Puck handling is another essential area. Simple, repeated touches develop hand-eye coordination and confidence with the puck. Drills that encourage both hands to work together, while maintaining skating form, build muscle memory that translates to game situations. Starting with one skill at a time and tracking improvement over two-week periods allows young players to focus on mastery rather than rushing to multi-task or skip fundamentals. Persistence is crucial. Youth hockey players improve faster when they embrace a routine of focused repetition. Courage also matters, because learning new skills often involves mistakes and discomfort. Players who continue practicing, even when they struggle, develop confidence that carries over into games. Confidence allows young athletes to make faster decisions, stay calm under pressure, and perform consistently against competition. Private lessons also reveal the importance of layering skills. Once one skill becomes automatic, the next skill can be introduced on top of it. This approach ensures that fundamentals remain solid even as complexity increases. Players who skip this step often struggle with consistency or revert to bad habits under pressure. Gradually adding layers of skills allows for smoother transitions between drills, scrimmages, and real-game situations. Heart and mental toughness are what set the best players apart. Confidence gained from repetition and skill mastery shows up under pressure. Players who trust their fundamentals are more likely to take calculated risks, support teammates, and make smart decisions in high-stakes situations. In youth hockey, developing both technical skills and mental resilience leads to long-term growth and enjoyment of the game. The key to faster improvement in youth hockey is combining proper fundamentals with persistent practice, layered skill development, and mental courage. Parents, coaches, and players benefit from focusing on skating, balance, puck handling, and consistent repetition, allowing confidence and heart to emerge naturally on the ice. Ultimately, youth hockey development is a process that rewards patience, structure, and dedication. Private lessons provide insight into the most effective ways to build foundational skills, giving young athletes the tools to grow technically, mentally, and physically. By starting with basics, tracking progress, and layering skills strategically, players develop confidence, capability, and the heart to perform when it matters most.
Dave Maksymiu
reliable platform for more advanced skills. Every drill should emphasize keeping the head up, so players learn to make decisions while maintaining awareness of teammates, opponents, and the puck.Puck handling is another essential area. Simple, repeated touches develop hand-eye coordination and confidence with the
puck. Drills that encourage both hands to work together, while maintaining skating form, build muscle memory that translates to game situations. Starting with one skill at a time and tracking improvement over two-week periods allows young players to focus on mastery rather than rushing to multi-task or skip fundamentals.Persistence is crucial. Youth hockey players improve faster when they embrace a routine of focused repetition. Courage also matters, because learning new skills often involves mistakes and discomfort. Players who continue practicing, even when they struggle, develop confidence that carries over into games...
The key to faster improvement in youth hockey is combining proper fundamentals with persistent practice, layered skill development, ...
About the Author
Dave “Maksy” Maksymiu is a USA Hockey Level 5 Master certified coach with more than 30 years of youth hockey development experience in Rochester. He has delivered 60,000 plus private lessons and coached over 50 teams across levels from beginners through juniors and college. He blends coaching insight with hockey culture and music.
