Jim Memmott

Geneseo

Columnist at Democrat and Chronicle

Democrat and Chronicle Remarkable Rochester columnist, adjunct professor University of Rochester

Articles

A salute to Gary Craig, and his connection to the Times-Union

1 week ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

Jim MemmottRochester Democrat and ChronicleLongtime Rochester Newspapers reporter Gary Craig is retiring. Craig is known for his investigative reporting, including the case of Betty Tyson, who was exonerated after 25 years in prison. Craig also covered the long-running legal ramifications from the 1971 Attica prison uprising and recent legal battles at Oak Hill Country Club. As you may have read, Gary Craig, a reporter’s reporter, is retiring from the Democrat and Chronicle.
Family lore, macaroni and cheese, and 'Gastro, the Musical'

1 week ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

By Jim MemmottRochester Democrat and ChronicleColumnist Jim Memmott recounts the banter during a gastroenterology procedure. Jim Memmott's medical team discusses macaroni and cheese recipes, highlighting a shared interest in food. Louis Vogt, a Rochester firefighter and fire truck designer, is named a Remarkable Rochesterian. I’m in the bed under a warmed blanket, all prepped and prepared and chatting with the first and second nurse.
Shari Hall Smith confronted cancer on her own terms, 'never let fear stop her'

1 week ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

Diagnosed in 1992 and again in 2014, Shari Hall Smith opted for alternative treatments and championed patient advocacy. She founded Got Ballz, a fundraising initiative for cancer research, and co-authored a book about her experience. Remembered for her resilience and positive outlook, Smith's motto was "Don't make a bad thing worse."Shari Hall Smith challenged cancer head-on, never making a bad thing worse.
For your golden years, it helps to bank on a box

2 weeks ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

Jim MemmottRochester Democrat and ChronicleJim Memmott reflects humorously on the significance of Bankers Boxes to the newly retired. Jim Memmott describes using Bankers Boxes to store items from their office and personal belongings, such as old tax records and shrunken T-shirts. A "Remarkable Rochesterian" segment highlights Elizabeth Lauer, an advocate for people with disabilities and a former physical therapist. How do you know you’re fully retired? You get a second Bankers Box. Let me explain.
Remembering MCC’s R. Thomas Flynn, a longtime advocate for students

1 month ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

R. Thomas Flynn, former president of Monroe Community College, died April 10 at age 87. During his presidency at MCC, Flynn implemented numerous programs, including 2+2 transfer programs and a Homeland Security Management Institute. Beyond MCC, Flynn contributed to the community through involvement in organizations like the Rochester Airport Authority and the Center for Governmental Research. In 2008, R.
In an age of rebranding, is it time to rename a hometown? Oh, the possibilities

1 month ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

Jim Memmott considers whether his hometown, Little Valley, should be renamed. Alternative names like "Great Valley," "Happy Valley," and "Big Valley" are already taken. Renowned sculptor Albert Paley is highlighted as a Remarkable Rochesterian. My hometown, Little Valley, which is 50 miles south of Buffalo, is named Little Valley because, you guessed it, it’s in a little valley.
There may be 10 tips to staying happy as you age, but one stands above the rest

1 month ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

We all need coping strategies as the years add up. Thus, my sister Elizabeth sent me a column in The New York Times entitled “10 Tips for Being Happily 85 Years Old (Like Me).” To be clear, the parenthetical “Like Me” in the title refers to the author, Roger Rosenblatt, not me. I’m only 83. “You are too young for this advice,” Elizabeth wrote, “but you could start preparing your tips.” It would be much easier to just plagiarize Rosenblatt’s tips, though I don’t agree with them all.
Remembering Don Bartalo, an enthusiastic Dansville educator, actor and friend

1 month ago | eveningtribune.com | Jim Memmott

By Jim MemmottRochester Democrat and ChronicleLongtime Dansville educator Don Bartalo, who died on March 31 at age 82, did not go slowly. Why would he? His days were numbered, but he had things to learn, things to teach, friends to spend time with. So it was that he spent three months in home hospice, the guest of honor at what his son, Brian, called a “living wake.”Once word got out that Don was receiving visitors, the visitors came. “It was a parade,” said his wife, Denise.
What if the Waze app could give us warnings beyond the road?

1 month ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

Waze, the navigation assistant on my car’s video screen, warns me. Often. It uses the same calm voice that pilots use when turbulence is about to experienced. Thus, I’m alerted to a car on the side of the road. Thus, I know there’s construction ahead. It’s a crowd-sharing experience. Drivers before me have spotted a hazard. They call up “Alerts” and “Hazards” on the Waze app on their car’s video screen and push the appropriate icon.
Remembering Don Bartalo, an enthusiastic educator, actor and friend

1 month ago | democratandchronicle.com | Jim Memmott

By Jim MemmottRochester Democrat and ChronicleDon Bartalo, who died on March 31 at age 82, did not go slowly. Why would he? His days were numbered, but he had things to learn, things to teach, friends to spend time with. So it was that he spent three months in home hospice, the guest of honor at what his son, Brian, called a “living wake.”Once word got out that Don was receiving visitors, the visitors came. “It was a parade,” said his wife, Denise. “He would just reminisce and talk.