Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Girl Scouts introduced their new Exploremore cookies at ARC Rochester this week, featuring a blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond cream. Troop leader Amber Benoit and local scouts are sharing samples to give the community a first taste. FOX Rochester
- ➤ Saturday night's Hope Rising Gala raised $545,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester at the Ballroom at Carey Lake in Macedon, with Nikki Rudd serving as emcee to support children impacted by abuse. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chick-fil-A will open two new restaurants in Penfield and Victor by the end of this year. Officials approved plans for the sites (2051 Fairport-Nine Mile Point Road and Eastview Mall), which will raise the chain local count to seven. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Chick-fil-A announced Wednesday it will open two new restaurants in Penfield and Victor in 2026, creating over 600 jobs and redeveloping a former gymnastics center on Fairport Nine Mile Point Road. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New York City and Buffalo made the top 10 for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, according to a WalletHub study released March 11. Rochester ranked No. 40 overall — it earned the highest score for access to bars among New York cities. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The Rochester Lilac Festival was voted the second-best flower festival by USA Today readers and draws nearly half a million visitors a year. The 128th festival begins Friday, May 8 in Highland Park and will run for 10 days with music, food, games and family activities. News 10
- ➤ Mary Ellen Burris, a Wegmans icon who worked for nearly 50 years, donated $2 million to the Memorial Art Gallery to secure free admission for all—building on previous contributions and ensuring access to art at 500 University Ave. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Grammy Award winner Rick Ross will perform at ESL Ballpark on Saturday, July 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Local acts will open the show with details to follow. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Mar. 11, the Rochester City School District renewed its Teach Rochester initiative to recruit more educators of color and support paraprofessionals — offering up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness and a $52,520 starting salary. The move aims to ease staffing shortages and better reflect the student community. WXXI News
- ➤ Monroe County approved up to $50,000 in grants for school districts and BOCES to start programs reducing and reusing food waste — applications are due April 20. WXXI News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill of the Finger Lakes partners with Reju to recycle worn textiles so more clothing avoids the landfill+ the nonprofit leads a Northeast circularity hub that will supply polyester rich materials for Reju’s recycling hub at Eastman Business Park by 2029. WXXI News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Wealth advisor Jarret Felton joined ARC Rochester on Wealth Wednesday, March 11 to share calm financial tips amid money stress — he urged folks to focus on what they can control to ease financial worries. FOX Rochester
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Molly V’s Homemade Ice Cream in Victor will hold its second annual flavor contest; customers must visit 31 W. Main St. and submit creative flavor ideas by April 30, with judges narrowing entries to four and one winner receiving free ice cream for a year. Democrat & Chronicle
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Corn Hill Neighbors Hockey Night
7:05-9:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Save $20 on tickets — Experience thrilling hockey action with the Rochester Amerks against the Toronto Marlies during Corn Hill night.
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112 Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets available — Enjoy last-minute access to an exciting concert with R&B legends 112 in Rochester.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Play games and share strategies with fellow chess enthusiasts of all skill levels.
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80’s vs 90’s House Party
9-11 p.m. — Skylark Lounge — Ticketed event — Dance the night away with the best beats from the 80s and 90s at this lively house party.
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Rockin' For Wishes Concert
12-6 p.m. — Whiskey's Upper Deck — Support Make-A-Wish — Enjoy a day of music, raffles, and family fun featuring tribute bands for your favorite artists.
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Kimberly Akimbo Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets start at $63.80 — Enjoy the whimsical tale of family and adolescence in this acclaimed production.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Ages 41-54
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun and safe environment with a modern approach to dating.
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Kimberly Akimbo: A Theatrical Experience
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets start at $98 — Enjoy an unforgettable performance of Kimberly Akimbo in Rochester.
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Spring Fling KidsFest
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Tim Hortons Iceplex — $15 for unlimited ice skating — A giant indoor playground filled with bounce houses, games, and non-stop entertainment awaits your family.
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Easter Buffet Celebration
12-5 p.m. — Fedele's Brook House — $65 — Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring carved meats and homemade desserts with the family this Easter.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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