Rochester
Morning News
Monday, October 20th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 20th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Flower City Down Syndrome Network held its annual Buddy Walk on Oct. 19, uniting over 200 families, self-advocates, and community members during Down Syndrome Awareness Month to support individuals with Down syndrome. The event at Rotary Sunshine Camp featured a scenic wooded trail walk—activities and presentations highlighted the group's achievements—bringing the community together. ABC 13
- ➤ Rochester in Focus featured a collaboration between Let’s Get L.I.T. and EDceptional to reduce the literacy deficit — with the NYS Alliance of Recovery Residences announcing a plan that could bring recovery homes statewide, Transpo Bus Services reporting an urgent need for bus drivers, and Reverend Dr. Ricky Harvey discussing Mount Olivet Baptist Church’s 115th anniversary. News 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday a stove fire in a Mount Morris home grew into a large blaze—causing a roof collapse that slowed efforts by several fire departments and leading firefighters to work on hot spots into Sunday while officials confirmed everyone is safe and support for displaced families is being arranged. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Haunted History Trail has listed 19 spooky sites across the Finger Lakes for Halloween—showcasing places in Rochester, Syracuse, and other towns where visitors can join ghost walks and tours to experience eerie legends. The list details sites with tragic histories and paranormal activity that bring the region’s spooky past to life. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum received a $10k grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to start restoring Car 60, a subway car that carried passengers until service ended in 1956. Volunteer welder Kyle Loveland is repairing rusted parts and rebuilding its structure for a project estimated to cost $100k—hoping the car will run again to remind locals of its past. ABC 13
- ➤ On Oct. 19, visitors took a festive train ride during the pumpkin patch event at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum—families enjoyed the seasonal atmosphere and fall decorations. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Harley School celebrated the installation of its fifteenth Head of School as Dr. Ryan Browning Kimmet—a 1995 alumnus returning to lead his alma mater—received remarks from faculty, students, alumni, and trustees during a ceremony on Saturday. ABC 13
- ➤ Penfield Board of Education will meet Tuesday, Oct.21 at 6:30 p.m. to address student safety concerns following a recent threat incident—20 registered public speakers will share their comments and suggestions during the meeting. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dermatologists provided free skin cancer checks to Rochester firefighters at the IAFF 1071 event, addressing their elevated risk of melanoma from exposure to fire chemicals—this effort is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at screening 10,000 firefighters by 2026. Spectrum News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Plans are underway to redevelop the historic former Rochester Club building at 120 East Ave. into 33 affordable condos with studio, one- and two-bedroom units priced around $148,000 each and subsidized by a state program; developer ReDev CNY will take ownership in March and begin construction with completion expected in early 2027 — this project gives downtown its first for-sale home options in years. WXXI News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Josh Ritter Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Rose Marie and John Beston Hall — Ticket pricing varies — Experience a night of captivating melodies from one of America's greatest living songwriters.
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State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine - Swan Lake
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting performance of Swan Lake by the acclaimed State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
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Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check FloHockey for streaming options — Exciting hockey showdown between two fierce rivals in the AHL.
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Housing 101: Patio Building Workshop
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — Free entry — Learn how to construct a patio with expert guidance from a local housing manager.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
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