Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Arlene’s Costumes, a beloved family business in our community for 69 years, held its first Halloween without namesake Arlene Stephens and her niece Cindy, who died last month. The shop continues its tradition—offering personal service and creative costumes that honor their legacy. WXXI News
- ➤ Lollypop Farm held a free pet vaccination event at The People's Pantry on Avenue D in Rochester on Oct. 28th, drawing long lines of pet owners who received vaccines and advice—staff said the event marked the year's final one and that expanded services will be offered next year. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Boscov’s will open this weekend at Greece Ridge Mall with a three-day event that begins on Oct. 30 with Charity Day offering early access for shoppers donating $5 to local nonprofits, continues on Oct. 31 with Family Fun Day featuring live music, Snoopy and giveaways, and concludes on Nov. 1 with a Grand Opening that includes a ribbon-cutting, band performance and fireworks—marking the launch of the largest department store in the region at 175,000 square feet. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ DeWolf Brewing took four years to renovate a historic 8,500-square-foot space on Maple Ave in Victor and will open next month to serve European-inspired craft beers and snacks — the new brewery plans to feature 20 draft lines to cater to local tastes. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ Greg Stahl, owner of Bob Johnson Auto Group, was inducted into the Rochester Business Hall of Fame Monday night at the Riverside Convention Center. The event honored Bob Johnson, who passed away in 2021 — Stahl said his focus on happy employees and customers was key to his success. News 10
- ➤ Boscov’s will host a three-day celebration for its grand opening at the Mall at Greece Ridge, starting Thursday with Charity Day where a $5 donation will allow early entry, free treats for the first 2,000 candy department customers, and a meet-and-greet with interior designer Sabrina Soto from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will continue with Family Day on Friday featuring Snoopy photo ops and giveaways and end Saturday with a ribbon cutting using a ribbon of $100 bills to benefit local nonprofits and a 9 p.m. fireworks display — details shared on Brockport 89.1 the Point — while shoppers park on the mall’s designated sides. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Attendees gathered at Dryden Theatre on Tuesday (Oct. 28) to talk with Rita Moreno (the actress from West Side Story and George Eastman Award recipient). Today, she will accept her award at a ceremony and gala. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local food banks in Rochester are bracing for overwhelming demand as SNAP benefits for over 104000 Monroe County residents may be cut next month, leaving more than 36,000 children and 22,000 older adults without support while contingency funds remain unused. Monroe County is sending out paperwork and launching an online tool to help roughly 6000 recipients meet new work rules starting February 1. News 10
- ➤ The House of Mercy in Rochester is bracing for more visitors as a continuing government shutdown and rising food prices drive up demand for assistance—staff warn that if SNAP benefits do not arrive on November 1st, the food pantry may need to open additional days. Donations remain critical as the community faces growing needs amid strained resources. News 10
- ➤ DoorDash is partnering with Wegmans and Gopuff to help SNAP users save on orders in November using promo codes, as nearly three million New Yorkers might lose food benefits from a government shutdown starting Nov 1; the companies plan relief to help families get groceries. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Tom Golisano announced on October 28 that he had formed the Golisano Children's Alliance, a network of 10 eastern hospitals aimed at expanding pediatric care, with three already bearing his name and a fourth in Buffalo set to be renamed on January 1 (six additional hospitals will receive a total of $253 million). ABC 13
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
JAWS IN CONCERT
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets available — Experience the legendary film JAWS with a live orchestra performing its iconic score.
-
Hiking Event with Dogs at North Ponds Park
10:00 – 11:30 AM — North Ponds Apartments & Townhomes — Free entry — Explore the scenic Bird Sanctuary and Chiyoda Trails with your furry friends or solo.
-
WBEE's Guitars & Stars Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of great music featuring local talent.
-
Knitting Basics Workshop
12-1 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — $25.00 — Learn essential knitting techniques and start your creative journey in this hands-on workshop.
-
Grace O'Malley Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Comedy @ The Carlson — Tickets available — Experience an evening of laughter with live comedy from Grace O'Malley.
-
Office/Retail Assistant
Support both our front-end retail environment and back-office operations. This role is ideal for someone who is reliable and customer-focused, and enjoys variety in their workday, combining customer interaction, office tasks, and hands-on operational support. If you have a background in retail or hospitality and thrive in a fast-paced environment while delivering great service, we want to hear from you. 30-40hrs/week, in person on location
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The goal is not to read more books. The goal is to gain more wisdom.
~ James Clear
About Rochester Morning News
Welcome to the Rochester Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rochester, New York community. If you like the Rochester Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rochester.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rochester and across New York. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Rochester Morning News
A free Rochester community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://rochestermorning.com/sitemap