Good morning, Rochester.

Mark McLean and his team cleaned up the garden at ARC Rochester this week to improve the outdoor space for local events.

Their work supports upcoming community gatherings as the center prepares for more public use.

Rochester's Verona Street animal shelter is waiving dog adoption fees today from noon to 6 p.m. as part of a $2.6 million renovation upgrade — including new kennels updated to meet state rules — that will reduce capacity while work begins July 6 and lasts six months.

FreedomWalk2026, a 750-mile journey along historic Underground Railroad routes, is set to arrive in Farmington on Juneteenth at the 1816 Farmington Quaker Meetinghouse Museum — hosting free tours, music, a strawberry social, and a presentation by historian Anthony Cohen.

A crowd gathered at Letchworth State Park on Thursday to see Big Boy, the world’s largest working steam train, which passed the Genesee River Arch Bridge at 12:20 p.m. on its cross-country tour celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

The Fairy Godmothers of Rochester will hold a Summer Formal Wear Sale tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon at Marketplace Mall’s former Dick's Sporting Goods store in Henrietta — offering new and gently used formalwear to help students obtain prom attire.

On Thursday night, the Greater Rochester Chamber honored the region's top 50 fastest-growing minority and women-owned businesses, which together generated over $437 million in revenue and employed more than 2,000 people.

Travel Alliance Partnership was named the top performer among firms meeting strict independent revenue and ownership criteria.

Stone-Tolan House was built in 1792 and completed in 1805 by the Stone family on East Avenue in Brighton—its beehive oven and historic hearth recall a past when it hosted the town's first meeting on Apr.

5, 1814—today, visitors can explore this preserved piece of our local history.

Rochester-born poet Cornelius Eady returns to his hometown to headline the Flower City Poetry Festival at Highland Bowl's outdoor amphitheater, where local artists will share work through Friday evening - his acclaimed career includes the Wallace Stevens Award and deep ties to the community.

Residents voiced concerns about cuts to positions — including 16 social workers and 10 counselors — in the RCSD's $1.1 billion budget that adds $43 million in spending, while teachers report even greater reductions.

Rochester City Council will vote on the measure Tuesday, June 16.

At Nazareth University, Shults Suite 100 has been renamed as the Dr. Elizabeth L.

Paul Student Life Suite to honor the outgoing president, with a plaque unveiled during a Thursday morning reception.

Children's Agenda policy director Pete Nabozny outlined new funding meant to ease high childcare costs when he spoke at ARC Rochester on Thursday.

He said the state plans to help make childcare more affordable for local families.

CHISEL Collective CEO Jerome Ward introduced the Social Care Network Pop-Up to guide Managed Medicaid recipients.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at 1100 University Avenue.

Chris Lopez tried croquet for the first time on Thursday at Rochester Croquet Club.

He visited the club to learn more about the game and plans to return for future sessions.

The Rochester Red Wings scored five runs in the first inning and won 5–2 over the Worcester Red Sox on Wednesday night at ESL Ballpark.

Seaver King led the surge by hitting a solo home run — his fourth this season — and helped build an early advantage.

Olivia Lanning and Jackson Mead were named Section V Athletes of the Week by Faber Builders for standout lacrosse performances from June 1-7.

Lanning led Penfield to a regional win with three goals and an assist while Mead scored six goals to help Victor in a state quarterfinal match.

Let’s Play Power Grid

12:30-4:30 p.m. — Dice Versa — Cost information not provided — Dive into an economic strategy game that promises deep thinking and fun.

The Summer Kickoff Featuring Serani

5-9 p.m. — Blue Skye Events (Skye Lounge) — Free entry — Kick off summer with reggae, hip-hop, and R&B hits from the 2000s alongside a live performance by Serani.

Rochester Speed Dating for Ages 43-55

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway Restaurant — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a lively speed dating event designed to spark connections.

Harland Williams Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Comedy @ The Carlson — Tickets may apply — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Harland Williams in Rochester.

Bop To The Top

9:00 p.m. — Anthology — Starting at $68 — Experience a can't-miss live show that's all about fun and energy.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling monster truck stunts and jaw-dropping FMX performances at this family-friendly show.

America's 250th Anniversary Celebration

3-7 p.m. — The Webster Arboretum — Free entry — Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with music, games, and family fun.

The Petty Project & The Transport Tribute Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Photo City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy live tributes to Tom Petty and the 1990s music scene.

Sip & Glow: Blacklight Paint Party

7-9 p.m. — Wonderground — $25 — Experience a neon-lit creative journey with blacklight painting and mocktails under expert guidance.

IATT - Rochester Concert

6-9 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience a night of live music featuring The Art Of Deception & Farsight with special guests.