Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ El Camino Café will open next month next to Conkey Corner Park on Clifford Avenue and is run by Ibero-American Action League’s Supportive Employment program to help individuals with developmental disabilities learn essential job skills. The café offers espresso drinks & a lunch menu while receiving funding from the state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and local foundations to support its inclusive workforce program. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ ROC the Day, a 24-hour online fundraiser for over 500 local nonprofits, is underway — the United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes aims to raise $1M for vital community services. Donations began Tuesday morning — nonprofits report a critical need for support during the holiday season, with the effort having already collected over $12M. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Company Theatre in Rochester presents Jane Austen's Persuasion featuring Abby Rice as Anne Elliot and Sammi Cohen as Lady Russell — the production runs at 28 Lawn Street until Dec. 21. ARC Rochester announced the casting as part of its promotion for the regency classic. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Giving Tuesday, Monroe Community College students hosted the ‘ROC the Day’ fundraiser to support campus food pantries after a government shutdown increased food need, raising funds through cookie sales + self-portrait booths; organizers said they plan more events if the fundraiser is successful + further efforts to ease food insecurity. News 10
- ➤ A new Boyce Family Nursing Scholarship at St. John Fisher University will cover tuition, room and board for eight first-year nursing students for five years and renew for an additional four years so that 40 students graduate debt-free—funded by alumnus Daniel Boyce and his wife. News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County shows high air pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment, and lawmakers plan to offer tax credits and rebates to help landscapers switch to battery-powered models. The incentive program will be discussed after the new year, and local officials warn that small businesses may face high costs + challenges with battery life and charging. News 10
- ➤ The DEC ordered Exxon Mobil to study potential chemical contamination at the 33-acre former Vacuum Oil refinery on Flint Street along the Genesee River corridor — asking for $250,000 to cover past cleanup costs. Mayor Malik Evans said the probe is key for neighborhood redevelopment — setting the stage for restoring safe, accessible riverfront areas. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Yorkers can now apply for HEAP funding to help pay winter heating costs as applications opened on December 1 provide up to $996 for eligible households. Governor Hochul announced the program — delayed by a 43-day government shutdown — to support families with rising energy bills. NewsRadio WHAM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu cases spiked in Monroe County with 254 confirmed cases and 13 hospitalizations in the week ending Nov. 22 plus Wayne County reported a 133% jump to 14 cases while Livingston and Ontario counties had 29 and 8 cases respectively. The New York State Department of Health advised residents to get a flu shot, wash hands often, and stay home when sick. News 10
- ➤ Wegmans Food Markets recalled its Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese sold from Nov. 14 to 24 due to potential listeria monocytogenes contamination, and customers were advised on Nov. 26 to return the product for a refund. The recall affected stores in several states—including local ones—and aims to protect vulnerable shoppers from serious illness. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Rochester doctors at UR Medicine launched a program to catch lung cancer sooner—using improved detection techniques to help patients begin treatment before the cancer spreads. Democrat & Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Faber Builders is hosting a final poll to choose the 2025 Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year after all 11 Athlete of the Week winners this fall were soccer players — the 11 finalists will be voted on until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec 6, with the winner announced on Monday, Dec 8 via DandCSports Instagram. Democrat & Chronicle
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Kodak Center — Tickets start at $72 — Experience the heartwarming tale of Charlie Brown and friends this holiday season.
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Winter Faire
10 AM – 4 PM — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — Free entry — Experience a whimsical holiday celebration with local artisans and festive activities across two distinct markets.
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& Juliet
& Juliet — 7:30-9:00 p.m. — West Herr Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience a unique twist on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet with this vibrant musical.
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Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Rochester Americans
5:05-6:35 PM — Blue Cross Arena — Stream online for FloHockey subscribers — Don't miss out on this exciting AHL showdown between two competitive teams.
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Samantha Fish Live
7-10 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of blues and rock 'n' roll with Grammy-nominated artists blending tradition and innovation.
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Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check local listings for pricing — Catch the Utica Comets face off against the Rochester Americans live on FloHockey.
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Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
7:30 p.m. — OFC Creations Theatre Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a whimsical musical adaptation of the classic holiday tale of the Grinch who stole Christmas.
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Belleville Senators vs. Rochester Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket info available online — Catch the exciting showdown on the ice between the Senators and Americans.
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Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings
7-7:59 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas Carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.
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3HB's Ugly Sweater Party
7-10:30 p.m. — Three Heads Brewing — $10 entry — Groove to funky tunes at a jam-filled ugly sweater extravaganza with local band Calabash.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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