Good morning, Rochester.

Seneca Park Zoo hosted a Spooktacular event featuring games + crafts, dancing, and Halloween costumes to mark the start of spooky season at the zoo.

City officials broke ground Wednesday on the West Main Gateway Revitalization Project to reinvest $10 million in state grants in West Main Street, aiming to preserve its historic character + support local businesses.

After a break-in at her downtown juicery, Beautifully Nourished (145 State St.) on Saturday, owner Ja’Corii Smith got strong support from local neighbors that helped her reopen her business.

Arlene’s Costumes on Portland Avenue is offering up to 50% off on new & rental costumes and accessories until Halloween day, and is set to support Honor Flight Rochester at its Turkey Bash on Nov.

14.

Don Hall’s nearly entire estate, valued at $2.73 million, will double historic preservation grants given by the Rochester Area Community Foundation next year—supporting local efforts to restore landmarks and digitize community records.

The University of Rochester announced its new Eastman School of Dentistry, its first dental school in over five decades.

Dean Eli Eliav said the school will offer a Doctor of Dental Medicine to train dentists to meet the community's growing oral and overall health needs.

The City of Rochester is planting 23 new trees and over 750 plants in the East and Alexander district—using state funds to add shade and boost quality of life; crews have already planted over 6,000 trees since 2023.

Rochester reached a key milestone in its lead pipe replacement effort on Wed., Oct.

21 by replacing over 14,000 lead service lines since 2018. City officials said the project will finish by 2032 + making drinking water safe for residents.

Homeowners in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties can apply for low-interest disaster loans to repair damage from Sept.

3 storms and tornadoes. Applications are due by Dec. 18 for property repairs and July 19 for business loans (Gov. Hochul’s office confirmed eligibility amounts).

Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center closed after inspectors found unsafe conditions, prompting the state to lay off 216 workers.

All residents have been relocated to new care facilities (most moved to Lilac Manor on North Goodman Street).

Monroe County saw a jump in flu cases on Oct.

10 with 94 confirmed compared to 14 last year, county health officials said. They warned rising cases could push hospitals closer to capacity and urged everyone to get their flu shots.

Kash is a kid-friendly, cuddly dog who does best as the only pet and is now in a foster home; those interested in meeting her should email her caregiver Hannah (Lollypop Farm) to set up a visit.

Coaches have named top Section V girls soccer midfielders for their versatility and playmaking, noting Sienna Fallone's scoring and defensive talent and Haley Drake's recent hat trick in a tight game.

Their achievements promise a bright future for local high school athletics.

Canandaigua football team entered the Section V playoffs seeded first in Class A2 after wins over Brockport and Eastridge; Coach Jeff Welch said physical toughness—first highlighted two months ago—is not enough to secure playoff wins.