Thursday, August 28th, 2025

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Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Three community events are coming to Rochester this Wednesday. The Office of Violence Prevention is hosting a free school supply giveaway at the Community Sports Complex from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.—the Public Market will feature a Food Truck Rodeo with live music from Junk Yard Field Trip from 5 to 9 p.m.—and Ontario Beach Park will host the final Concerts by the Shore with Ruby Shooz starting at 7 p.m. News 10
- ➤ Yesterday, local students received free school supplies and sneakers at the Rochester Community Sports Complex in a back-to-school event organized by Bruce and Nichole Blue—who also announced plans for a December coat drive for those in need. The event added to other local giveaways aimed at easing school start challenges. News 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Leonel Yas Pena, 34, of Rochester, was arraigned on August 27th after he hit and killed longtime security guard Henry Brown on South Union Street on June 14th and later turned himself in, with prosecutors noting he faces vehicular manslaughter, DWI and leaving the scene of an accident—he has four prior DWI arrests. ABC 13
- ➤ A Rochester man, Christopher S. Long Jr., was sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for causing a fatal crash on I-490 on Nov. 22—killing Aleci Lopez and Skylar Swift and injuring another passenger—resulting in lasting loss for the victims' families. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A consumer investigation revealed serious neglect at Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Charlotte—family members and former staff reported that residents remained unbathed for over a month and were exposed to unsanitary conditions for more than seven months—while Assemblymember Sarah Clark noted that a temporary manager has been put in place as the Elder Justice Committee calls for the attorney general to review the use of Medicaid funds. News 10
- ➤ Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester will receive over $10 million in state funding to upgrade its pediatric and ventilator units — the upgrades will add pediatric beds, improve ventilator care and renovate an outdoor playground. The hospital will also start renovations on its Friendship Building in summer 2026 as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program. News 10
SEASONAL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR One of our top fall decor picks is this true-to-life fall foliage garland. It’s perfect for staircases, mantles, door frames, and more. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Rochester Morning News.
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Metalachi: Mariachi Metal Fusion
7-8:30 p.m. — 204 N Water St, Rochester, NY — Ticket info not provided — Experience the unique blend of mariachi and metal that has captured audiences for over a decade.
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D.R.I. Live Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $18.73 — Enjoy an electrifying night of live music featuring D.R.I. and supporting acts.
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Coast Collective Show Rochester Fall 2025
9 AM – 6 PM — The Dome Arena — Free admission for verified buyers — Discover bold brands and fresh finds at WNY’s premier fashion and lifestyle trade event.
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Drake White Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Anthology — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with country star Drake White on the 'Low Country High Road Tour'.
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Local 86 Annual Clambake
12-6 p.m. — IBEW Local 86 — Free entry — Celebrate the legacy of electrical workers with a delicious clambake and community spirit.
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The Devil Makes Three Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Anthology — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively performance from a trio blending bluegrass, folk, and ragtime.
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Rochester Fringe Festival
September 9-20 — SCORE — Various ticket prices — Experience the largest performing arts festival in New York with multidisciplinary performances from comedy to dance.
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Beginner Needle Felting: Pumpkin Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — $40 — Learn to craft your own adorable needle felted pumpkin in a cozy workshop setting.
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National Bonsai Exhibition
9 AM – 5 PM — Total Sports Experience — Tickets on sale soon — Experience the finest bonsai trees and expert presentations at this biennial national event.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Falling for Fall: Our Favorite Early Autumn Decor Picks
Psst. Is it too soon to say…boo? Look away, summer fans. If you’re ready for fall, read on for our top decor picks:
- This true-to-life fall foliage garland is perfect for staircases, mantles, door frames, and more.
- Add these pumpkin-shaped “Hello Fall” coasters to your dinner table or coffee bar.
- Pet + autumn lovers, this embroidered ”Happy Pawtumn” hand towel may be your favorite find of the season.
- Sprinkle these cute ceramic ghosts around the house for an understated nod to Halloween.
- Create a beautiful autumnal tablescape with this burlap runner + best-selling set of assorted mini pumpkins, leaves, and acorns.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Rochester Morning News.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions.
~ Tony Robbins
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