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🌱 Patch AM: Could you qualify for extra HEAP help on your winter heating bill?

Spotted on the Rochester calendar: SHAKEDOWN CITI - TERRAPIN QUEST BINGO NIGHT - Flour City Station

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hey there, Rochester! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could you qualify for extra HEAP help on your winter heating bill?
  • How did a Rochester aide steal $60K before anyone noticed?
  • How Spanish-speaking experts are reshaping autism support for Rochester’s Latino families

Also on today's calendar: Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Winds gusting past 40 mph, with a high of 50 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cloudy, temps: high: 43, low: 28.
  • Sunday: Strong winds, with a high of 32 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'The demand is there': Monroe County expects record number of HEAP applications this winter (whec.com) — Rochester and Monroe County residents who expect trouble paying winter heating bills can now apply for HEAP, with automatic $400 credits already going to many SNAP and temporary assistance recipients. Others may qualify based on income, with additional emergency benefits available starting January 2 if they can show a true utility crisis. Older adults and SSI recipients may receive slightly higher aid.
   

2. Rochester nursing home aide pleads guilty to stealing $60K from resident (democratandchronicle.com) — A former aide at The Pearl Nursing Center of Rochester has admitted to stealing about $60,000 from a resident’s bank account, prompting a state Medicaid fraud investigation. She faces possible jail time, probation, and restitution, while officials urge Rochester-area families to report suspected nursing home abuse or financial exploitation through the attorney general’s office or 911 in emergencies.
   

3. URMC: Spanish-speaking experts aid Latino families in autism care (rochesterfirst.com) — Spanish-speaking staff at the University of Rochester Medical Center are helping more Latino families access autism services, including support at Golisano Children’s Hospital’s family library. A family navigator explains how families can simply drop in for guidance, and a longer interview about the effort streams Thursday night on the RochesterFirst app for those wanting more details.
   

4. Rochester Ordinance No. 2025-283 creates new legal obligations for Rochester businesses (rbj.net) — Rochester businesses now face new legal requirements after City Council codified the city’s sanctuary policy and expanded anti-discrimination protections, including for immigration status, pregnancy, and gender identity. Employers and public-facing businesses must update policies, facilities, and staff training to comply with broadened protections in public accommodations, city contracts, and workplace practices starting immediately.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Friday December 19
  • Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge
    Boulder Coffee Co Cafe and Lounge , 100 Alexander St , Rochester
    6:00 pm
  • Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
    Temple Theater , 50 Liberty Pole Way , Rochester
    7:00 pm
    • Saturday December 20
  • Black Out Rave
    Photo City Music Hall , 543 Atlantic Ave #2 , Rochester
    8:00 pm
    • Sunday December 21
  • Mimosa Fest
    Photo City Music Hall , 543 Atlantic Ave #2 , Rochester
    12:00 pm
    • Monday December 22
  • Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers
    Chili Public Library , Chili - Conference Room , Chili
    10:00 am
    • Tuesday December 23
  • Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers - Veterans ONLY
    Veterans Outreach Center , 115 South Avenue , Rochester
    1:00 pm
    • Saturday December 27
  • Cultural Connections
    Children's Center, Central Library Central -
    2:00 pm
    • Monday December 29
  • Storytime Safari
    Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library Central -
    11:00 am
  • Fencing Demo with Rochester Fencing Club
    Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library Central -
    3:00 pm

📣 Rochester Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi Guys!
    This morning bright and early Michelle dropped off gifts that she and other postal workers donated for our Angel program. I am going through the… (Nextdoor Gates Strong)
  • Hi everyone!
    We have a 6 month old kitten (intact) ready for adoption! This sweet baby was left in a carrier abandoned. He is super sweet, cuddly, playful… (Nextdoor Gates Strong)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Senior Recreation Assistant/Part-Time in Rochester. Apply here.
  • PeakMade posted a job opening for Full-Time Porter in Rochester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rochester here.

Ok Rochester! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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