Good morning, Rochester.

A coalition of local organizations is hosting a Stop Sexual Violence Rally today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Washington Square Park to demand changes in survivor reporting policies + enhanced accountability, with Monroe County legislator Rachel Barnhart set to speak on the call for reform.

Tennis legend Venus Williams headlined the Empowering Women Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct.

7 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, where funds were raised for housing and community care services. The event showcased her resilience and supported programs for women and families.

Yesterday, YMCA held Healthy Aging Day sessions at Schottland Family YMCA in Pittsford and Venus Williams spoke at a Women’s Luncheon at the Riverside Convention Center.

Today, residents can join a voter education event at Edgerton R-Center from 4 to 6 p.m. to learn about ballots & polling.

The Rochester Queer Arts Festival returns for its third annual celebration and will feature comedy & drag, art and food with over 100 local vendors.

The free event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at Village Gate Square.

Memorial Art Gallery will celebrate its 113th anniversary on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the museum, where families can enjoy a custom birthday cake, cocktails, and mini tours; the institution is also unveiling free admission starting in 2027 — a nod to its rich history.

Artists Unlimited celebrates 25 years with a Peter Pan musical that gives children with developmental disabilities a chance to perform on stage.

The event features over 70 performers+ a live orchestra and opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Greece Performing Arts Center.

The ASAP program helps community college students at FLCC and MCC by providing personalized advising + extra financial aid to navigate college and stay on track for graduation.

The program offers regular meetings and tailored support and is currently boosting retention and academic success.

Hundreds of Ukrainians in Rochester rely on Temporary Protected Status to work, attend school, and stay safe as the program expires Oct.

19; local advocates urge contacting Congress (to support an extension amid Ukraine's ongoing crisis).

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency in Monroe County after officials investigated measles exposures, with public health and hospital leaders urging residents to get vaccinated and stay safe amid flu + COVID-19 and RSV season.

Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester treats over 1,000 patients a day despite having only 900 beds; as flu, COVID, and RSV season nears, doctors urge residents to call their doctors or try virtual urgent care + visit the ER only if there is a life-threatening emergency.

Flu season is here and local health care officials urge residents to get vaccinated and use virtual or primary care for mild symptoms to keep emergency rooms available for serious cases.

Dr. Wong said vaccination can reduce illness severity — lowering the risk of hospitalization.

PepsiCo initiated a recall on Sept.

25 for over 122,000 cases of four Gatorade flavors due to undeclared food dyes (Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6) in New York and 36 other states; customers should check products and return affected items for a refund.

Week 6 Section V football rankings released Oct.

7 showed Brighton and Monroe remain No. 1 while teams in mid and lower ranks shifted positions. The update gives a clear view of the local high school sports scene.