Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Want to brighten a Rochester senior’s holiday this Thursday afternoon?

And check out Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge on the Rochester Patch calendar

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Good morning Rochester! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want to brighten a Rochester senior’s holiday this Thursday afternoon?
  • How bad are Rochester’s reading scores—and what’s changing in classrooms?
  • How one Rochester food drive overflowed House of Mercy’s shelves

Also on today's calendar: Bonsai Workshop at Boulder Coffee Co. Cafe and Lounge and 3 more events.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Rochester? Post it to Rochester photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Rather cloudy, with a high of 30 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Windy, temps: high: 40, low: 29.
  • Thursday: Strong winds developing, with a high of 47 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ABC's PROWD Youth Program Host's Holiday Event At Rochester Presbyterian Home (minorityreporter.net) — Rochester students in ABC’s PROWD program will visit Rochester Presbyterian Home on December 18 for an afternoon of caroling, treats, and companionship with seniors. Local families are invited to join the volunteer day at 256 Thurston Road from 3:30 to 5 p.m., helping brighten the holidays for older adults who may feel isolated this season.
   

2. Why can't so many local students read well? Exploring today's literacy crisis (uticaod.com) — Monroe County’s literacy crisis is hitting Rochester especially hard, with local data showing less than 40% of students reading proficiently and RCSD lagging many nearby districts. University of Rochester experts, RCSD leaders, and parent advocates describe how curriculum changes, phonics-focused programs, and stronger parent–teacher partnerships aim to turn things around and help families better support young readers at home.
   

3. House of Mercy thankful for overwhelming donations from News10NBC's Big Give (whec.com) — A massive outpouring of donations at Innovative Field has left Rochester’s House of Mercy overflowing with groceries, enough that volunteers are considering opening their community pantry an extra day each week. The shelter, which serves three daily meals and houses up to 100 people in extreme cold, says the Big Give turnout was an unexpected blessing and is still sorting and storing all the food.
   

4. Meet the 2025 All-Greater Rochester Field Hockey Team (democratandchronicle.com) — Top high school field hockey players from across Greater Rochester have been named to the 2025 All-Greater Rochester team, led by Pittsford Mendon senior Ava Rice as Player of the Year. The roster highlights standout seasons from athletes in Pittsford, Webster, Fairport, Penfield, Irondequoit, Eastridge, and a future University of Rochester player.
   

📸 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!

    Wednesday December 17
  • Holiday Orchestra Concert - Main Stage
    School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
    7:00 pm
    • Thursday December 18
  • Holiday Choir Concert - Main Stage
    School of the Arts Rochester, NY 14614
    7:00 pm
    • 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
    • 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

📣 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

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Two foxes in the backyard.
    Hunting, playing, and mating - fingers crossed for some kit sightings in the spring! (Nextdoor Brighton-Browncroft)
  • A home for Stormy..
    After reading all the responses to why Landlords are hesitant to allow cats, my heart sank for this cat my daughter is fostering for the 19th ward… (Nextdoor Calkins)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Costco Forklift Operator in Rochester. Apply here.
  • ASM Global posted a job opening for Ticket Seller 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, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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