Norm and Company

Norm & Company: Giovanni LiDestri On-Demand

In 2021, WXXI President Norm Silverstein sat down with Giovanni “John” LiDestri, CEO of LiDestri Food & Drink to talk about his experience immigrating to Upstate NY from Italy, his Fairport-based business, and life in Rochester.

Rooted in hard work and integrity, LiDestri’s history in the Rochester area runs deep, with strong family ties to businesses like Hickey Freeman and Ragu. Today, Lidestri Foods is a flourishing company, providing a tangible economic boost to the local area, while still remaining a family-owned business that continues to put the well-being of its employees and the wider community first.

Norm & Company is hosted by WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein, who speaks with long-time Rochesterians as they recount fascinating stories about their lives in the community.

Norm & Company: Betty Strasenburgh On-Demand

In 2017 the longtime Rochester activist and philanthropist Betty Strasenburgh joined WXXI President Norm Silverstein for a special episode ofNorm & Company. She talked about her tireless support of numerous arts and cultural organizations in our community, projects she helped bring to fruition as a long-time Rochester resident, and her memoir that chronicles her life’s journey. Inspired by her role model, Eleanor Roosevelt, Strasenburgh has in her own words, “worked to make a contribution and tried to leave this world a little better.”

A WXXI member for more than 45 years, Betty was a strong advocate for public media in Rochester. An honorary trustee, major donor, a campaign supporter and advisor, a production funder and a member of the legacy society, Betty was one of WXXI’s greatest champions.

Norm & Company: Dr. Walter Cooper On-Demand

Scientist, activist, educator, and humanitarian Dr. Walter Cooper joins WXXI President Norm Silverstein for an episode of Norm & Company, a monthly series where long-time Rochesterians recount fascinating stories about their lives in our community. Dr. Cooper shares stories about his college days at the University of Rochester, his work as a research scientist for Eastman Kodak Company, and his strong involvement in civil rights and education issue. Dr. Cooper received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of Rochester in 1956 and worked as a research scientist at Eastman Kodak Company for more than 30 years. During his time at Kodak he became very active in civil rights and educational issues, and is still today. The Democrat and Chronicle has called Dr. Walter Cooper a “superhero” because of his contributions to the Rochester community, his devotion to equality, and his commitment to young people.