Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Rochester contractors are quietly fixing neighbors’ homes for free
And on the Rochester Patch calendar - Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge
Good morning to you Rochester! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Rochester contractors are quietly fixing neighbors’ homes for free
- Why Rochester seniors feel trapped inside Tailor Square right now
- How Rochester therapists say seniors can stay steadier on icy sidewalks
Also on today's calendar: Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Monday: A little snow, up to 1", with a high of 26 and low of 16 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Tuesday: Rather cloudy, temps: high: 30, low: 25.
- Wednesday: Windy, with a high of 40 and low of 29 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Local contractor seeks help to meet demand for free holiday repairs (rochesterfirst.com) — Rochester-area families struggling with essential home repairs during the holidays are getting help from the Good Guys Group, a volunteer network of local contractors. Founded by contractor Matthew Reynolds, the group offers free or donated labor for critical fixes, especially for seniors and single parents, and is urgently seeking more contractors to meet a surge in requests this Christmas season. 
2. Elevators out at senior housing in Rochester, residents concerned (whec.com) — All three elevators at Tailor Square senior housing in Rochester have been out of service since at least Friday, leaving many older and disabled residents effectively trapped on upper floors. Tenants are worried about fire safety and daily mobility, and say hotel offers from management aren’t practical while they wait for repairs in the historic former Hickey Freeman building.
3. Experts warn of rising winter fall risks for seniors; urge proactive safety measures (13wham.com) — Rochester-area experts are warning seniors and their families about increased winter fall risks and highlighting a URMC program that evaluates balance and strength. They recommend clearing snow and ice, using canes or walkers when needed, and seeing a physical therapist regularly to prevent serious injuries. The advice is especially aimed at older adults in Brighton and greater Rochester.
4. Church members support and feed the unhoused amid winter conditions (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Volunteers from Grace Covenant Church in Rochester are ramping up efforts to feed unhoused and food-insecure neighbors during frigid Code Blue conditions, preparing more than 200 bagged lunches. Partnering with a local street ministry and shelters, they’re focusing on both immediate meals and longer-term homelessness prevention, while involving kids in writing encouraging notes for each bag.
5. Guaranteed Basic Income Program In Rochester NY Deemed A Success (crooksandliars.com) — Rochester’s pilot Guaranteed Basic Income program, which gave 351 low‑income families $500 a month for a year, has been deemed successful by researchers from Notre Dame. Participants were more likely to open bank accounts, keep cars running, and secure jobs, with no evidence that the extra cash reduced work. City leaders are now weighing whether larger or longer payments could deepen the impact.
📸 Around Rochester
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- 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
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
- Wired for Opportunity - Intro to Computers
Chili - Conference Room , Chili Public Library
10:00 am - Indoor Track Modified Practice
East Irondequoit Csd East Irondequoit Middle School
2:30 pm - Basketball Boys Modified B Practice
East Irondequoit Csd East Irondequoit Middle School Gym
2:30 pm - Indoor Track JV/Varsity Practice
East Irondequoit Csd Eastridge High School
2:30 pm
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
- Does anyone in the Swillburg know or interact with this Cat?
SOUTH CLINTON and these cross streets: Benton, Beaufort, Linden, Asbury and Bly. If you feed, shelter or care for him please let me know. He really… (Nextdoor Swillburg) - OWNER FOUND!
Just found this sweet dog running down St Paul. Anyone know who this might belong to? (Nextdoor Summerville)
- University of Rochester posted a job opening for Stage Hand- Opera in Rochester. Apply here.
- McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Guest Experience Lead (GEL) Crew Team Member $16-$19/hr 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 know either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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