This bonus episode "Go Friend Me," was inspired by Leadership Rochester’s Thrive Project, where participants select a local nonprofit to support in advancing its mission. Co-Host Nick Koziol alongside fellow LR 2025 cohort members Tiera Proctor, Danielle Novara, Jaime Ciccone, Pat Rojas, and Rhonda Morien chose Compeer Rochester to create a volunteer drive called "Go Friend Me" encouraging people to sign up to be mentors for Compeer Rochester.

In this Bonus TST in the 585 Epsiode, Nick and Christine sit down with Sara Passamonte to spotlight this initiative and dive into all things Compeer. Sara, a previous guest on the TST goes deeper and shares her personal journey with the organization. This episode shines a light on how personal relationships, community partnerships, and dedicated volunteerism are reducing stigma and building a healthier, more connected Rochester.

About Sara Passamonte, CEO Compeer Rochester

Email: spassamonte@compeerrochester.org

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-passamonte

Sara Passamonte was born and raised in Rochester, NY within a family of musicians. She obtained a bachelor’s in psychology from Nazareth College in 2005, having completed a summer internship at Compeer Rochester. After being employed in multiple roles at Compeer post-graduation, Sara became the Director of Programs in 2014 and assumed the role of President in January 2020. In this first year, Sara led the organization through the challenges of COVID-19 and the social justice movement, taking every opportunity to keep mental health in the spotlight. Sara was honored as a member of Rochester Business Journal’s “Forty under 40” in 2021. Sara previously served on the Monroe County Youth Bureau Board, serves on the advisory board of Crossroads of Caring, and maintains ongoing collaborative efforts with other nonprofits in the area. Sara is trained in Critical Incident Management, Advancing Youth Development, and Trauma-Informed Care. She is a long-time Compeer volunteer.

Connect and Follow Compeer Rochester:

Website: www.compeerrochester.org

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/compeerrochester

Instagram: www.instagram.com/compeerrochester

Facebook: www.facebook.com/compeerrochester

Youtube: www.youtube.com/compeerrochester6598

During her long rehabilitation from a near-fatal automobile accident in 1975, Rochesterian Bernice “Bunny” Skirboll discovered the healing power of friendship and vowed to make a difference in others’ lives. She got involved in the Mental Health Association’s Adopt-A-Patient Program and soon transformed it into the community-based Compeer model, serving as Executive Director from its inception through 2006.

Under Skirboll’s leadership, Compeer grew from a small program in Rochester to an internationally recognized mental wellness model and organization — one that has demonstrated solid results and been replicated around the globe.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this inspiring episode, hosts Nick and Christine welcome Angelina Hilton, a powerful advocate, creative visionary, and founder of Native Made. A proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri and a descendant of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska's Buffalo Clan, Angelina is deeply rooted in her heritage and passionate about lifting up Indigenous voices in the Rochester area and beyond.

From organizing free lunch Fridays to founding the Native Made Market. Angelina shares how her mission began with feeding the community and blossomed into a movement of empowerment, education, and healing. Her work with the White Corn Project at Ganondagan and her focus on food sovereignty underscore the importance of connecting to culture, nature, and tradition.

Angelina also opens up about mindfulness and the balance between caring for community and caring for self. This episode is a meaningful reminder to rest, to honor where we come from, and to share cultural joy every step of the way.

Connect with Angelina Hilton, Founder of Native Made:

Nativemadehq@gmail.com

instagram.com/angelinamarieunfiltered

Angelina Hilton is an advocate, organizer, and digital creative with a heart for community and culture. As the founder of Native Made, she uplifts Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, bringing visibility and voice to Native communities. Angelina organizes the Native Made Market, held annually on Small Business Saturday, where vendors and presenters share knowledge, culture, and creativity.

Her involvement with the Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, the Indigenous Health Coalition, and the White Corn Project speaks to her holistic and inclusive vision. With her digital marketing expertise and her deep commitment to education and equity, Angelina is building bridges between generations, cultures, and communities. A mother, artist, and storyteller, Angelina is helping to heal through heritage and heart.

Connect and Follow Native Made:

nativemadehq.com

Linktr.ee/nativemadehq

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this heartfelt episode of That Sounds Terrific in the (585), Nick and Christine speak with Neal Gorman, Chief Strategist of NRG Communications and Board Chair of Camp Haccamo, a local summer camp dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for children and adults with disabilities.

Neal shares the inspiring origin story of Camp Haccamo, which began in 1956 through the collaboration of four local Rotary clubs. As a child, Neal was unknowingly drawn to the camp's joyful spirit, which would later become a major part of his life's work. Now, he helps lead this vital nonprofit that not only brings laughter and adventure to its campers but also offers a much-needed break for their caregivers.

Listeners will learn about the incredible programming at Camp Haccamo—from crafts and campfires to their beloved railroad ride this is an episode not to miss!

Connect with Neal Gorman, Chief Strategist at NRG Communications & Board Chair of Camp Haccamo:

• Email: nealgorman@nrggopr.com

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nrgorman

• 
  

  About Our Terrific Guest:

  Neal Gorman is the Chief Strategist at NRG Communications and serves as Board Chair of Camp Haccamo. A lifelong Penfield resident, Neal's connection to Camp Haccamo began with the joyful sounds of summer he heard as a child near Panorama Plaza—sounds that would shape his future involvement.

  
  

  Connect and Follow Camp Haccamo:

  Website: www.camphaccamo.org

  Facebook: facebook.com/haccamo

  LinkedIn (Organization):www.linkedin.com/company/54412741

  
  

  Camp Haccamo is an overnight summer camp for children and adults with diverse special needs. The camp provides a supportive environment where campers can build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories. Neal is deeply committed to ensuring the camp's sustainability through strategic fundraising, operations, and community outreach.

  
  

  More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

  
  

  For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

  
  

  Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

  585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

  
  

  Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

Hosts Nick Koziol, Christine Smith, and Jess DeCotis team up for a special crossover episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585 and That Sounds Terrifying, joined by creative writer/producer Kendrick Foxx. Born in small-town Alabama and forged in the high-stakes world of L.A. film production, Kendrick shares his fascinating journey from engineering student to streaming-feature filmmaker. The episode takes a turn as Kendrick dives into his passion for the paranormal sharing intense research and a personal encounter with a legendary cryptid known as the “dogman.” So whether it’s building a film studio in Henrietta or chasing werewolf legends in the Finger Lakes, Kendrick is blending art, industry, and mystery in ways that both inspire and terrify. This crossover is packed with creativity, curiosity, and the kind of goosebump-inducing stories that will make you want to keep the lights on.

About Kendrick Foxx, Producer/Writer

Email: foxxkendrick8@gmail.com

Kendrick Foxx is a creative force in film, blending small-town roots with big-screen dreams. Raised in Jackson, Alabama, his love for cinema began at the local theater, where popcorn and ICEEs fueled his imagination. After studying Architectural Engineering Technology at Holmes College and the University of Southern Mississippi, Kendrick made his way to L.A., diving into the world of film production. From commercials to feature films, he’s done it all, including producing a full-length movie in just five days during the pandemic, a feat spotlighted by Variety. His feature, RIFT (2022), now streams on Paramount Plus, Showtime, Apple, Amazon, and more. Whether it’s behind the camera or mapping out a production plan, Kendrick brings stories to life with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of creativity.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this inspiring episode, Nick and Christine sit down with author, educator, and literacy advocate Clianda Florence, the powerhouse behind Let’s Get L.I.T. and Strength 2 Say. From her journey in education and motherhood to her mission to transform literacy in Rochester, Clianda shares powerful insights into resilience, advocacy, and the life-changing power of reading. The conversation touches on her personal story, community impact, and how she’s helping families build home libraries and rewrite their futures—one book at a time.

About Clianda Florence

Email: authorcliandaflorence@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cliandaflorence-52b788299

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cliandaarnee

Facebook Pages: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561478947457

www.facebook.com/strengthtosaysomething

Self-published author, Clianda Florence, is a mother of 3 children: Brianda, Ian, and Malachi. She resides in Rochester, New York, and has been in education since 2004. She is the Founder and CEO of “Strength 2 Say”, where she offers classes, book studies, professional development opportunities, and tutoring services. She is also the Founder & CEO of “Let’s Get L.I.T.” (Liberating Individuals Through Literacy Texts) where she aids the community in restoring joy, hope, and love for children and their parents on their literary journey. The program provides resources, book clubs, and aids families by building home libraries, bridging the gap between home and school, and teaching cursive writing. Clianda is an advocate for education and literacy. She believes literacy is the greatest social justice issue of our generation. Her literacy initiatives have been recognized by New York State Senator, Jeremy Cooney, who awarded her $25,000 to help impact literacy in and throughout Rochester, New York and the New York State Commendation Award. Clianda was also recognized by New York State Senator, Samra G. Brouk, with a Proclamation honoring Let’s Get L.I.T. for Advancing Literacy and Empowering Communities. Within 6 months, she has been able to secure $104, 999 in grants to further the impact where 57% of Rochester residents are reading at a basic proficiency level equivalent to 6th grade students. While partnering with the Rochester Science Museum and a collaboration with the “Take It Down” organization, she assisted with creating a curriculum on anti-racist programming for participants from the 3rd grade to adults. She currently offers classes to empower women to see their beauty and strength and to walk in their boldness. Clianda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bennett College for Women, a Masters of Education from Nazareth College, and an advanced Master’s Degree of Education Administration from Brockport College. She was recently accepted to the University of Rochester to obtain her Doctorate of Teaching & Curriculum with the focus on literacy. She is a current member of the Church of Christ, the Rochester chapter of the NAACP, serves as a board member for the Feminist Choosing Life NY (FCLNY), and serves as a board member for the Re-Entry & Community Development Center of Rochester, New York. She currently hosts a popular podcast, “Let’s Get Lit” on the WDKX 103.9 FM radio network. “I believe literacy opens doors to wonder and a deeper level of communication,” says Clianda.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

In this inspiring episode, Nick and Christine sit down with Susan Kavanagh, president of Tech Rochester, to explore the powerful intersection of technology, community, and personal growth. Susan shares her unique journey from the legal field to becoming a tech leader and how she helped shape Tech Rochester into a driving force for workforce development and innovation. The conversation covers everything from the future of AI to the launch of the exciting new “Made in Rock” event series, as well as the ongoing mission to support underserved communities and foster cross-industry collaboration, including Rochester’s vibrant arts scene. If you’re curious about how tech is transforming the 585 and what’s coming next, this episode is a must-listen!

About Susan Kavanagh, Sr. Director, Client Experience at KLDiscovery and President, TechRochester

Email: skavanagh75@hotmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susanippolitikavanagh/

Connect and Follow TechRochester:

Website: https://www.techrochester.org/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/techrochester

Instagram: www.instagram.com/techrochester

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TechRochester

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dRmg51iHYQ8moj2_al3fw/videos

TechRochester is a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing technology professionals together within the community. We support professional growth on an individual level, in the hopes that together we can encourage the growth of technology within the Rochester region.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this unique crossover episode, worlds collide as That Sounds Terrific in the 585 teams up with That Sounds Terrifying for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation. Hosted by the terrific Chris Lindstrom—Co-Founder of the Lunchador Podcast Network and long-time champion of Rochester’s food scene—this episode flips the script as Chris interviews Nick Koziol, Christine Smith, and Jess DeCotis about their experiences as co-hosts, community engagers, story tellers, and podcasting partners.

Then the tables soon turn, and the trio get their chance to ask Chris about his passion for podcasting, his uplifting of small and minority-owned restaurants, his decade-long journey with Food About Town, and how the Lunchador Podcast Network is creating an equitable collective to amplify voices that make Rochester terrific.

It’s real talk, deep laughs, and a whole lot of passion for the 585.

About Chris Lindstrom, Co-Founder - Lunchador Podcast Network, Host - Food About Town Podcast

Email: stromie@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lindstrom-6b014235

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stromie

Chris Lindstrom is the Co-Founder of the Lunchador Podcast Network and the long-time host of the Food About Town Podcast. He has covered the Rochester food and drink scene for over a decade with a focus on small, minority owned restaurants and places with passion. Chris and his Co-Founder Matt Austin have made LPN into an equitable collective where the people who do the work to make Rochester a better place in their own way can express their dedication to the community.

Follow the Lunchador Podcast Network

www.lunchador.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lunchadorodcasts

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@lunchadorpodcasts

Food About Town Podcast:

www.foodabouttown.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/foodabouttownpodcast

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@foodabouttown

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this powerful episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, hosts Nick and Christine sit down with Jeanne Strazzabosco and Amanda Chestnut, the passionate creators behind In This Moment. What began as a response to the murder of George Floyd has blossomed into a growing movement that uplifts and honors Black leaders in the Rochester community through beautifully curated chapbooks.

Jeanne and Amanda share the story of how this idea took root, evolved into a dynamic collaboration, and now serves as an essential educational and cultural resource movement. Featuring voices like Danielle Ponder, Almeta Whitis, and Reverend Myra Brown, the project celebrates Black excellence in all its diversity— changemakers from every walk of life.

Learn how In This Moment is rewriting narratives, investing in Black artists, and putting powerful stories into the hands of students and readers across Rochester—all through community-driven support. Tune in for an inspiring and important conversation.

About Amanda Chestnut

Email: inthismoment585@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blk_amanda/

Amanda Chestnut is a multimedia artist, curator, educator, publisher, and local arts loud-mouth in Rochester, New York. They have made image-based art as a photographer for 30 years. Their artwork has been exhibited throughout New York State, including at the Center for Book arts in Manhattan. Chestnut holds an MFA in Visual Studies from Visual Studies Workshop through The College at Brockport, SUNY. During that time, they held graduate assistantships at Visual Studies Workshop and in the Criminal Justice Department, both at the College at Brockport. Recent lectures and radio appearances focused on community action, equity in user experiences in digital platforms, curatorial practices, arts funding, the English language, and the over-policing of Blackness in the United States.

About Jeanne Strazzabosco

Email: jeannestrazzabosco@gmail.com

Jeanne is a retired French teacher from Pittsford Schools. As a teacher leader, she created and implemented professional development that focused on creating an inclusive learning environment, understanding the effects of implicit bias, the importance of representation and how to teach with the introvert in mind. Jeanne earned an MA in Liberal Studies at SUNY Brockport and a Masters of Pastoral Studies from St Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. She recently completed a Masters Certificate in Art Administration from SUNY Brockport where her favorite course was grant writing. Currently, Jeanne enjoys her role as coordinator for In This Moment.

Connect and Follow In This Moment:

Website: www.inthismoment585.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthismoment585/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/inthismoment585

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InThisMoment585

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!