Good morning, Rochester.

Monroe Ambulance celebrated 50 years of providing emergency care and education to local communities on Nov.

1, 2025. The organization will host food drives throughout November + support the Greece Food Shelf and Clothing Closet.

LifeSpring Community Church in Canandaigua hosted a packaging party Saturday for Operation Christmas Child—volunteers filled 300 shoeboxes with toys, clothing, coloring books and school supplies for children in need in Jamaica and other countries facing war, poverty and natural disasters. Volunteer Diana Schaeffer, who helped organize the event, will deliver the boxes to Jamaica next spring.

Boscov's opened its new store at Greece Ridge Mall on November 1 — the celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks and followed Charity Day and Family Day events earlier in the week.

Ace Hardware has launched its Wrap it in Red holiday sales event—offering deals on outdoor essentials, tools, and grills while providing Rewards members with extra perks for upcoming Black Friday and mobile app promotions.

Local shoppers can expect a range of gift ideas designed for grill masters, DIY enthusiasts, and new homeowners as the holiday season unfolds.

On Saturday, the University of Rochester announced it received a transformational gift of $3 million from Abby and Doug Bennett and the Sands Family Foundation to make the Memorial Art Gallery free for all visitors—officials said the plan will be complete once the museum raises another $6 million. The gift is meant to ensure everyone can enjoy art without charge.

More than 100,000 SNAP recipients in Monroe County lost their benefits at midnight when the program ended and many are now turning to food pantries for help.

St. Peter’s Kitchen has extended its hours to serve extra meals while Councilmember Michael Patterson urges the state to act quickly so families can get food.

Governor Kathy Hochul visited Rochester Saturday and said the courts ordered the federal government to start emergency SNAP funding to help three million recipients amid the government shutdown — she noted that $106M has been allocated for food banks.

Community groups are rallying with food donations and local food drives are collecting unsold items to ensure affected families receive meals even as benefit payments face delays.

Rochester City School District officials are exploring new payroll vendors as problems with the Oracle system continue to affect staff.

At a recent board meeting, employees urged for a quick fix — Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser promised he is working to resolve the issues.

Rochester is honoring Earl Lloyd with the R-Sports Earl Lloyd Pee Wee Basketball League to mark his historic NBA first at Edgerton Park Sports Arena.

The league features 3-on-3 games for kids ages seven to nine every Saturday from 10:30—11:30 a.m. and runs from October 25 to November 22.

Ernie Clement, the Blue Jays third baseman from Brighton, tied the MLB postseason hit record with his 30th hit in Game 7 on Nov 1 against the Dodgers—breaking a team record and echoing Randy Arozarena’s mark from 2020.

His record-setting moment added to his celebrated playoff performance and honored his local roots.

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.

Bridgeport Islanders vs Rochester Americans

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Catch the action as the Bridgeport Islanders face off against the Rochester Americans.

Debi Bower Book Signing

11 AM - 1 PM — The Bird House — Free entry — Meet local author Debi Bower and get your books signed in Rochester's cozy atmosphere.

Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Costs vary — Watch the thrilling battle on ice between the Monsters and Americans.