Good morning, Rochester.

The Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester will hold its annual food and clothing drive on Saturday, Oct.

11 at 447 South Ave from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nonprofit asks for donations of canned goods, pasta, cereal, rice, new underwear, and winter coats+supporting those who served.

A ceremony in Albany honored longtime Rochester firefighter Elvis Reyes three years after he died in September from complications following surgery, and thousands remembered his service including rescuing two people in 2009.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared Oct 7 as Firefighter Appreciation Day during the event—emphasizing his 20 years of service and contributions during disasters.

The Commissary is hosting its Taste and See fundraiser today from 6 to 9 p.m. to mark five years as a shared kitchen business and to feature local talent.

The Rochester Queer Arts Festival will be held tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Village Gate (organizers say the festival will be larger than previous years).

Para La Cultura celebrates Latino heritage with live music, food, and vendor performances at Skate Luvers Roller Palace — the free festival runs today from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The Rochester Teachers Association announced plans to sue the Rochester City School District over unresolved payroll issues that began after the switch from PeopleSoft to Oracle on July 2—lawyers from NYSUT are preparing to file the suit in Monroe County Supreme Court later this week or next week.

Since July, Rochester recorded only 4.29 inches of rain—including 0.30 inches in September—which led officials to declare a severe drought across much of Western and Central New York.

Local agriculture, the water table and nearby tributaries have been affected and a coastal storm system will bring varying rain amounts this weekend—raising hopes for relief.

Flint Creek is now safe for fishing, boating and swimming after a fire at Eco Operations on Dewey Avenue in Gorham led state officials to issue a recreational advisory that was lifted Oct.

8—officials report water testing shows improved quality with low health risk while the investigation continues.

Drivers experienced a temporary closure on Reservoir Road on Oct 9 as crews improved the roadway—posted signs and flaggers guided traffic during the work.

Crews are working on NY 31 in Pittsford with alternating lane closures, on East River Road for widening, storm sewer installation and a multi-use trail, on University Avenue and nearby streets with spot sidewalk work, and the NY 31 ramp near South Avenue will reopen on Dec 31.

Rochester leaders and community advocates met last week to discuss the rise in homelessness after low-barrier shelters closed and to prepare a report on new ways to help the unhoused.

City officials said they will clear encampments only when public safety is at risk—while groups call for better support and more shelter options.

On October 9th, WXXI aired a program that explained changes to Medicare Advantage plans and noted some plans were dropped, leaving recipients confused as Medicare open enrollment will start next week—vice president Andy Napierala and Renee Pettenski clarified these changes after letters were sent in September. In the program's second hour, jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard previewed his role at the inaugural Soundtrax Film Music Festival at the University of Rochester next week, where discussions on film music innovation will take place.

Utopia Containers in Hilton is building affordable, sustainable homes using repurposed shipping containers.

The local firm is testing new designs and may soon offer additional housing options for residents.

Rochester natives A.J.

Terrell Jr. and Nathan Carter of the Falcons will face the Bills on Monday Night Football; Terrell is set to return after a hamstring injury while Carter may resume play after missing a game—both players show Rochester talent in the NFL.

Think X - An Exploration of the Music of Pink Floyd

7-9:30 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $39.93 - $89.64 — Immerse in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd complemented by special guest King Youngblood.

Les Miserables Musical Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless story and stirring music of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables on its North American tour.

Bluesmasters Live at Argyle Grill

7-11 p.m. — Argyle Grill At Eagle Vale — No cover charge — Enjoy smooth blues tunes from the Bluesmasters and special guest Mark Francise.

Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk

10:00 – 11:45 AM — Innovative Field — Free entry — Participate in a powerful movement raising awareness and support for breast cancer.

Clue: A Murder Mystery Show

7:30-9 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious and suspenseful evening based on the iconic board game and cult classic film.

AI Tools and Features

5:30-6:30 p.m. — NextCorps — Free entry — Explore various AI tools and solutions to enhance business and personal life.

The Musical Box: Tribute to Genesis

8-11 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets on sale August 15th — Experience the stunning tribute to Genesis with theatrical flair and precision musicianship.

Tony D's Halloween Ball

6:00-11:59 p.m. — Tony D's — Ticket required — Experience Rochester's largest Halloween costume party with buffet, live DJs, and costume contests.

I Love the 90s Tour

12-3 p.m. — Rochester Community Sports Complex — Tickets from $44.52 — Celebrate the 90s with hit performances from Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, and more!

Retroween Bash

8-11 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $20 — Dance the night away at the ultimate Halloween retro party featuring 80s and 90s music.