Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Rochester honored a doctor who helped shape its HIV response
And check out Cooking with the Calamari Sisters on the Rochester Patch calendar
Morning Rochester! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Rochester honored a doctor who helped shape its HIV response
- Could New York State be holding some of your forgotten cash?
- Why was a guard in Rochester native Robert Brooks’ death released now?
Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Rochester, NY and 8 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.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy with flurries, with a high of 30 and low of 22 degrees.
- Saturday: Cold with a little snow, temps: high: 29, low: 11. ⛄️ Brr!
- Sunday: Windy with snow showers, with a high of 22 and low of 17 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Rochester honors Dr. William Valenti for decades of pioneering work against HIV/AIDS (13wham.com) — Rochester leaders just honored longtime HIV/AIDS pioneer Dr. William Valenti with the New York State Liberty Medal and the Key to the City at Trillium Health’s World AIDS Day fundraiser. After decades shaping Rochester’s response to HIV and caring for thousands of patients, Valenti is stepping back from seeing patients after 2025 while urging the next generation to unite science and public health. 
2. New York State might owe you money: Here's how to claim it (whec.com) — Rochester residents may be sitting on unclaimed cash, as New York’s Comptroller reports more than $20 billion in forgotten bank accounts, checks, and gift cards waiting to be claimed. You can quickly search your name on the state’s Unclaimed Funds website and, if a match appears, follow simple steps to verify your identity and receive any money you’re owed.
3. Attorney explains release of ex-CO who pleaded guilty in Robert Brooks' death (13wham.com) — A former corrections officer has been released on bond while he appeals his manslaughter guilty plea in the death of Rochester native and state inmate Robert Brooks. His attorney argues he was prosecuted using an employment directive, not an actual law, and a state judge has granted a stay of his sentence during the appeal. Prosecutors say they may challenge the ruling, leaving the case’s outcome uncertain.
4. Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School relocates from the hill to the heart of downtown (roccitymag.com) — Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School has moved into the historic Sibley Triangle Building, planting a 205-year-old seminary directly in downtown Rochester’s cultural core. Leaders say the move boosts visibility, deepens partnerships with nearby campuses, and advances a progressive, justice-focused theological mission that connects faith, social movements, and the city’s ongoing rebirth.
5. Rochester City Council President Calls on Trump Administration to Restore Paused Homelessness Funds (minorityreporter.net) — Rochester City Council President Miguel Meléndez is pressing the Trump administration to immediately restore paused federal homelessness funds that support local housing programs. City officials warn the HUD decision could put 434 Rochester residents at immediate risk and jeopardize Housing First services for more than 1,300 people if Continuum of Care grants aren’t quickly released.
📸 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!
★ Featured events ★
- Cooking with the Calamari Sisters
OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Pl, Rochester
2:00 pm
Saturday December 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Cultural Connections
Central - Children's Center, Central Library
2:00 pm - The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Rochester, NY
RIT Inn & Conference Center , 5257 W Henrietta Rd , Henrietta
6:00 pm - Little Women PERFORMANCE - Main Stage
School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
7:00 pm - Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Kodak Center , 200 W Ridge Rd , Rochester
7:30 pm - Silent Disco
Photo City Music Hall , 543 Atlantic Ave #2 , Rochester
7:30 pm - 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 - 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 13
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Friday December 19
📣 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
- Basketball Boys Modified B Practice
East Irondequoit Csd East Irondequoit Middle School Gym
2:30 pm - Indoor Track Modified Practice
East Irondequoit Csd East Irondequoit Middle School
2:30 pm - Swimming Boys Varsity Practice
East Irondequoit Csd Eastridge High School Pool
2:45 pm - Wrestling Mod B Practice
East Irondequoit Csd East Irondequoit Middle School Wrestling Room
3:00 pm
Friday December 12
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
- This is a pay-it-forward post.
I was at Aldi's on Mt Read the other day, and an elderly man was ahead of me. He checked out his stuff, asked the cashier for a gift card, he put … (Nextdoor Round Pond Creek) - Found cat in Brighton.
Black with white chest marking. We haven’t caught it yet, but I put out my humane trap and food. It has shown interest so hoping to get it inside… (Nextdoor Brighton)
- S&K Building Services posted a job opening for Commercial High-Rise Window Cleaning Technician in Rochester. Apply here.
- Arkansas Best Corporation posted a job opening for Dock Worker / Forklift Operator, Part Time 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 couldn’t put it down.
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