Author: Sarah Rowe

Block editor? Classic editor? Page builder? Matt Graham is going to sort it all out for us at WordCamp Rochester!

Mikey Veenstra is in the house! He’s speaking at WordCamp Rochester and we will learn why we need to add the “s” to “https”. Don’t be scared, be prepared!

What is your favorite food? Mine is cookies, of course! And not the kind of cookies that pop-up on websites either. My favorite cookies are Wegmans chocolate chip cookies. If you aren’t familiar with Wegmans, it is definitely worth a visit. They have all kinds of cookies!

Rochester is home to Wegmans. It had its beginning in 1916 when John and Walter Wegman, brothers, began to sell fresh produce via push carts on local streets. In 1930 they opened their first 20,000 square foot grocery store and today they have 98 stores. They pride themselves on quality, choice, prepared foods and superb customer service.

I’ve become a rather well known foodie in my circles and I love to shop at Wegmans. I even take visitors there – it is that special. So if you are in the mood for a little take-out, some coffee, your favorite cookie or a treat during your visit be sure to stop by, you might even see me there.

Robbi Hess is a writer whose been involved in the pet industry. I wonder if she’s ever seen a wapuu pet? Haha! Robbi is going to help us figure out how to have a good work-life balance including putting 30 minutes a day into your own business. Even if you aren’t a solopreneur, this will be packed full of useful tips!

When I am not gallivanting around to WordCamps I’m exploring my hometown, Rochester NY. At first, I was confused by Rochester’s nickname. Is it “Flour City” or “Flower City”? Once it was explained to me, it made perfect sense! Rochester used to be known as the Flour City because of all the flour mills that dotted the Genesee River. The Genesee River and Erie Canal helped to power the flour mills along with providing fertile soil and transportation by waterways in addition to the railway. As flour processing moved to the Midwest, the largest seed companies in the world, started by immigrants, were based in Rochester and were the reason for the nickname change to “Flower City”. Read more on the history of Rochester at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Rochester,_New_York#Rochesterville_and_The_Flour_City

I’ve had the chance to visit the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House https://susanb.org/ where I learned that the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, was named in her honor. I also learned that Frederick Douglass https://rocdouglass.com/ lived in Rochester for many years and published his first abolitionist newspaper here.

I hope while your here to attend WordCamp Rochester 2019 you’ll have a chance to visit Rochester and Monroe County. There’s a lot to do here.

I’ve been asked what my favorite food is. I’m surprised more of you haven’t guessed! I’ll let you know the answer next week.

Shakir Ali is going to tell us all about WordPress security! He’s deep into security every day by working to provide secure hosting. Can’t wait for this one at WordCamp Rochester!

Shanta! Shanta! Shanta Nathwani will be speaking at WordCamp Rochester! Who wouldn’t want to listen to a former professor who has spoken at more than 30 WordCamps! She’ll tell us about organizing content on a WordPress site.