Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Parcel 5 in downtown Rochester will host free fall activities and food trucks on Saturday, Sept. 27—Fall Fest returns for its fourth year. The festival will offer inflatables, a magician, face painting, and more through a partnership with the City of Rochester, MVP Health Care, and Downtown Definitely. News 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, Sept.15, a standard blast at the Dolomite Quarry on Whalen Road sent large rocks beyond the work site where they landed near pickleball courts and a playground in Shadow Pines Park—town officials confirmed no one was hurt and the DEC is investigating the incident. Democrat & Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Market will host its 3rd annual Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. + The event will offer schnitzel and local brews with support from Rohrbach Brewing co-owner Jon Urlaub and ARC Rochester. ABC 13
- ➤ Over the weekend, game developers and scholars gathered at the Strong National Museum of Play to explore BIPOC game studies—examining how games serve as cultural artifacts that shape our view of history and society. The event featured detailed discussions on rethinking historical portrayals and using game design to promote healing and decolonization—highlighting fresh perspectives in play. WXXI News
- ➤ International theater group eVenti Verticali will present SPHERE at Parcel 5 in ARC Rochester on Sept. 19 and 20—showing at 7 and 9 with no tickets required. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester City School Board approved an independent audit of the Oracle payroll system after payment errors affected up to 800 employees this summer. The audit will review system use, management, and cost increases from $12 million to $40 million—Superintendent Eric Rosser said most issues are expected to be fixed by Sept. 19. Rochester Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local lawmakers are stepping in because Brockport’s Main Street Lift Bridge has been closed since 2024 and is expected to reopen in November, leaving local businesses with less foot traffic and lower revenue—Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith and others sent a letter to Gov. Hochul asking for help using daily fines to support them. News 10
- ➤ Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and members of the ROC Resilience Roundtable held a rally outside city hall on Sept. 15 to support the city’s most vulnerable residents amid federal policy changes—urging everyone to Stand ROC Solid. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Jewish Home in Rochester will open the Clare and Jerry Rotenberg Center for Excellence in Dementia Care this November to improve support for those with memory loss and their caregivers. The center will hold its kickoff event on Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.—at the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. News 10
- ➤ Rochester Regional Health hosted its 2nd annual 'Walk and Roll' event at Unity Hospital on September 16, where patients showed their progress on the road to recovery and were cheered on by family and friends — highlighting the rehab team’s work. ABC 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Excelsior Communities bought the Columbus Building—at 50 Chestnut Street in downtown Rochester. The property management firm, which has operated local apartments since 2016, said it also recently purchased other downtown properties and will soon share details on the sale price and planned renovations. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After beating the Jets 30 to 10 at MetLife Stadium, the Buffalo Bills moved near the top of the NFL power rankings, and experts say the team is set to stay strong if Josh Allen stays healthy+James Cook boosts the offense. Analysts warned that the struggling Dolphins face major changes ahead as Buffalo becomes a favorite to secure the AFC East and boost their Super Bowl odds. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ 13WHAM reporter Jenna Cottrell was nominated for a Sports Emmy for her report on Bills running back Ray Davis, whose story follows his journey from foster care, and longtime anchor Don Alhart earned a nomination for his farewell special that aired yesterday. The station will also compete at the upcoming New York Emmy Awards set for Oct. 11 in New York City — part of a busy awards season. ABC 13
- ➤ The new Skramble House of Golf in Perinton is open 24/7—letting players enjoy indoor golf as the season winds down. Chris Lopez reported the facility provides round-the-clock access for local golfers. ABC 13
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Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Age 38-52
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Cost varies — Experience the world's largest speed dating event and meet potential matches in a fun, safe environment.
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Coldwater Blues Concert
8:30-10 p.m. — JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — Tickets selling fast — Experience an energetic tribute to blues legends with Coldwater Blues.
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Gabriel Iglesias Live
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the hilarious comedy of Gabriel Iglesias in Rochester.
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Artist Row Rochester Juried Art Show
10 AM – 4 PM — City of Rochester Public Market — Free admission — Explore a vibrant showcase of nearly 200 emerging artists' work at a beloved local arts festival.
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World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the elegance and drama of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic through dazzling ballet.
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Annual Fair Trade Rug Event
All day — One World Goods — Free entry — Discover a stunning array of hand-knotted rugs crafted by fairly paid artisans from Pakistan.
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The Floozies Live in Rochester
7-8:30 p.m. — Anthology — Ticket prices vary — Experience the 'Kings Of Electro-Funk' with an electrifying mix of live music and vibrant visuals.
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Public Water Supply Concert Featuring Jackson Cavalier and LoConti
7-11 p.m. — Water Street Music Hall — Varies — Experience an unforgettable musical ride with Rochester's premier Alt. Rock group and special guests.
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McQuaid Invitational Cross-Country Meet
9 AM – 6 PM — Genesee Valley Park — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the largest high school-sponsored cross-country meet in the nation with over 7,000 athletes from across the continent.
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You Are Whole Book Launch
4-6 p.m. — RIT Tait Preserve — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of an inspirational photobook sharing stories of hope from breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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