Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How one Rochester dad is reshaping futures after his son’s death
Spotted on the Rochester calendar: Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge

Hey hey Rochester! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How one Rochester dad is reshaping futures after his son’s death
- How Rochester’s newest women’s shelter plans to support 14 residents
- Rochester police share what to do after a winter crash
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: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Windy with snow showers, with a high of 21 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Monday: A little snow, up to 1", temps: high: 24, low: 19.
- Tuesday: Cloudy most of the time, with a high of 30 and low of 25 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Father of Robert Brooks launches mentorship program to keep Rochester youth off streets (whec.com) — Rochester father Robert Ricks is expanding his Mentors Inspiring Boys and Girls program to keep local kids off the streets and out of prison, in memory of his son Robert Brooks. The free program at the Roxie Ann Sinkler R-Center and other city sites offers safe spaces, academic support, and mentoring that families say is improving children’s behavior and school performance.
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2. New women's shelter opens in Rochester (13wham.com) — A new women’s shelter called Pulling My Sister Up has opened on Spencer Street in Rochester, offering housing for up to 14 women along with business, physical, and mental wellness support. The grand opening featured holiday festivities and a winter gear giveaway, and organizers emphasize creating a strong, supportive community for women across the city.
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3. What to do if you get in a winter-related accident (rochesterfirst.com) — With snow already making Rochester roads slick, local police are stressing what to do if you’re in a winter crash: get to a safe spot, then call 911 if needed. A Rochester police captain and AAA expert explain when reports are required, when to just exchange insurance, and how photos and an in-car emergency kit can protect you this season.
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4. ‘It's amazing': Stray dogs from Mexico find hope with new families in Rochester (rochesterfirst.com) — Families in Hilton and the Rochester area just welcomed 16 former stray dogs from Mexico, thanks to local nonprofit Wags and Wings. Co-founders Alana and Cheryl Conolly partner with Mexican shelters and travelers to transport at-risk dogs north, and have already helped more than 40 pups find new homes with Rochester-area adopters.
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📸 Around Rochester
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers
Chili Public Library , Chili - Conference Room , Chili
10:00 am - Open Page Sessions. Open-mic style poetry reading
Central Library , Rundel Arts Room , Rochester
5:30 pm - Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers - Veterans ONLY
MCLS , 115 South Avenue , Rochester
1:00 pm - Holiday Band & Jazz band Concert - Main Stage
School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
6:30 pm - Holiday Orchestra Concert - Main Stage
School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
7:00 pm - Holiday Choir Concert - Main Stage
School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
7:00 pm - 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 - Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers
Chili Public Library , Chili - Conference Room , Chili
10:00 am - Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers - Veterans ONLY
Veterans Outreach Center , 115 South Avenue , Rochester
1:00 pm
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
📣 Rochester Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Santa Stampede Rochester - Benefits The Child Advocacy of Rochester
Fleet Feet Armory , 155 Culver Rd , Rochester
10:00 am - Kwanzaa Celebration at Roc Holiday Village
Roc Holiday Village , 353 Court St , Rochester
11:00 am - The demon-haunted world: science as a candle in the dark by Carl Sagan
Irondequoit Public Library , 1290 Titus Ave , Rochester
1:00 pm - HR Mitten Tree Ends
East Irondequoit Csd Rochester, NY 14609
Sunday December 14
Monday December 15
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The last kitten has just been found!
Thank you to Laura who helps with “Habitat for Cats” and “ROC Cats” for helping us find the last kitten! (Nextdoor Park Avenue) - Be careful about someone responding to an item you have on sale.
We received a response from a Laurie Parfitt (husband, James) using phone number (865) 431-2186. They offered to pay using Zelle, which was held up… (Nextdoor Henrietta)
- ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Janitorial Project Worker and Floor Technician in Rochester. Apply here.
- University of Rochester posted a job opening for SEIU 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 didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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