Saturday, May 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On May 16, Monroe County celebrated the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary with an opening ceremony for the Colonial Belle tour boat in Fairport—Monroe County Executive Adam Bello spoke at the event that honored the waterway’s historic role in shaping Rochester’s growth. ABC 13
- ➤ Brady Cook, an 18-year-old Eagle Scout from Greece, restored rundown basketball equipment at Basil Marella Park with help from his troop, family, and friends and earned an Eagle Scout Recognition Medal from the town board. The Parks and Rec Department said the court will get new flooring next year + Brady hopes his work gives local players a better space to play all summer. Rochester First
- ➤ The YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County opened Persimmon Place on Ardmore Street on May 16 to give mothers and children a safe place to stay. The facility can house up to 12 families and offers jobs and support services — such as study nooks, a team room and a child care area — to help them move toward long-term stability. ABC 13
- ➤ Three students from Iroquois Middle School in West Irondequoit were honored for organizing a cleanup at Durand Eastman Beach that collected eight bags of trash—they will meet again today from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to continue the effort. News 10
- ➤ SUNY announced that community colleges will offer free associate degree programs this fall for New Yorkers aged 25-55 who do not have a college degree; the state-funded plan covers tuition, fees, books and supplies and details are available on the program's web page. WXXI News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday night, two men in their 50s were fatally shot on the front porch of a house at 23 Wolff St. in northwest Rochester as officers arrived at 11:30 p.m. and investigators worked with the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office to confirm the victims' identities and determine the circumstances. Democrat & Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fredric Calev from Honeoye Falls was inducted into White Castle’s Cravers Hall of Fame on May 15. His lifelong passion for the chain — started in childhood and carried through his military service — earned him a special jacket in recognition of his dedication. ABC 13
- ➤ A Continuous Struggle: The Revolutionary Life of Martin Sostre is a new biography that details the life of prison advocate Martin Sostre—a fighter for prisoner rights in the 1950s and 1960s—and connects his legacy to today’s debates over book bans and inequality in Rochester. Rochester Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Jeremy Cooney hosted a press conference May 16 to announce $1 million in state funds for local nonprofits to cover capital projects—applications for the grants are due by July 4 with winners announced this summer. ABC 13
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Rochester Morning News.
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Rochester New York Versus Niagara 1812
4 PM — Empire United Soccer Complex — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting soccer match as Rochester takes on Niagara 1812.
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Rochester New York II vs Flower City Union Match
7:45 p.m. — Empire United Soccer Complex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting football match featuring local teams in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Rochester New York II vs Syracuse FC
7:45 p.m. — Empire United Soccer Complex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling football match featuring local talent.
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stop.drop.rewind Live Performance
6:30-11 p.m. — Bug Jar — $10 — Experience the energetic sounds of a Midwest power trio blending pop punk, jazz, and progressive rock.
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Tribute to The King and Queen: Tito Puente & Celia Cruz
9 PM — Skylark Lounge — Ticket required — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Tito Puente and the enchanting melodies of Celia Cruz at this lively tribute event.
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The Freak Out Flea Market
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Genesee Gateway Park — $45 for vendor space — A vibrant market showcasing local vendors, creators, and small businesses in a welcoming environment.
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50's Rock n Roll Tribute Concert
8 PM - 12 AM — Marge's Lakeside Inn — Entry fee at the door — Dance the night away with Bec, the Bopcats, and the Sideburns in a celebration of classic 50's rock n roll.
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American Aquarium Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Anthology — Tickets available — Experience the high-energy return of American Aquarium with their powerful country-rock and incisive lyrics.
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The Fast & The Furriest® 2025
12:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Verona Street Animal Society — Registration fees apply — A celebration of pets with races, a festival, and a chance to support animals in need.
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Junkyardfieldtrip Live Performance
7 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the eclectic sounds of one of the region's most in-demand bands in an intimate venue.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Rochester Morning News.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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