Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What we know about the Mason Street Christmas morning house fire
You won't want to miss Deepak Thettu 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:
- What we know about the Mason Street Christmas morning house fire
- Where to drop your tree in Rochester and score free mulch
- How Meals on Wheels keeps this blind Rochester chef independent
Also on today's calendar: Cleveland Monsters at Rochester Americans and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Rochesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Friday: Colder with fluffy snow, 3-6", with a high of 29 and low of 25 degrees.
- Saturday: Low clouds, temps: high: 32, low: 23.
- Sunday: Periods of snow, then rain, with a high of 41 and low of 36 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Two people hurt in Christmas morning fire on Mason Street (wysl1040.com) — Two people suffered minor burns after an early-morning house fire on Mason Street on Rochester’s northwest side, heavily damaging the home. Rochester firefighters battled flames that spread from the living room to the attic, and investigators are still working to determine the cause while the victims receive hospital treatment. 
2. Places to recycle holiday trees and what you can get in return (whec.com) — Rochester residents can recycle their natural holiday trees at four city drop-off sites from after Christmas through the end of January, including Genesee Valley Park and Cobbs Hill. The trees are chipped into compost and woodchips that you can later pick up for free through the city’s Materials Give Back Program on Ferrano Street, which runs April through December.
3. Blind Rochester chef finds comfort, connection through Meals on Wheels (whec.com) — A longtime Rochester chef who is now legally blind is staying independent thanks to Meals on Wheels deliveries and support from neighbors in his Rochester building. Wayne Williams shares how the program fills his kitchen and his need for connection, while highlighting that financial aid is available for others who struggle to shop or cook on their own.
4. It's the signs of the season: Deaf Santa Claus comes to town (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Families in Rochester’s large deaf community gathered Christmas Day to meet a signing Santa who communicates directly with deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Organized by the Rochester Deaf Rotary, the event offers crafts, photos, and, most importantly, a space where kids can celebrate together in their native language and feel less alone during the holidays.
5. 262 Finger Lakes educators named NYS Master Teachers, Counselors (rochesterfirst.com) — Rochester is among the high‑needs districts benefiting from New York’s Master Teacher and new Master Counselor programs, with local educators selected to mentor peers and support students. The Finger Lakes region now has 256 Master Teachers and six Master Counselors partnered through SUNY Geneseo, each committing to four years of professional development, mentoring, and leadership to strengthen STEM teaching and student support.
📸 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 ★
- Deepak Thettu
Brown Hound Downtown, Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave, Rochester
11:00 am
Saturday December 27
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Wrestling:Boys Varsity vs Eastridge
Spencerport High School
9:00 am - Cultural Connections
Children's Center, Central Library Central -
2:00 pm - Cleveland Monsters at Rochester Americans
Blue Cross Arena , 1 War Mem Sq , Rochester
5:05 pm - Alia Bajorek And Friends In The Rickles Room at Comedy @ The Carlson
Comedy @ The Carlson , 50 Carlson Rd , Rochester
7:00 pm - Fistful Of Rage - A Tribute to Rage Against The Machine
Photo City Music Hall , 543 Atlantic Ave #2 , Rochester
7:00 pm - Sinatra & Streisand
Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester , 1200 Edgewood Ave , Rochester
7:00 pm - Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
OFC Creations Theatre Center , 3450 Winton Pl , Rochester
7:30 pm
Saturday December 27
📣 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
- Wrestling:Boys Varsity vs Eastridge
Spencerport High School
9:00 am - Mindful MAGiC: Martyrs Water Meditation
Memorial Art Gallery , 500 University Ave , Rochester
9:15 am - Cultural Connections
Children's Center, Central Library Central -
2:00 pm - WWE Holiday Tour
Blue Cross Arena , 1 War Mem Sq , Rochester
7:00 pm
Saturday December 27
Sunday December 28
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Rochester PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Good Morning Everyone!
On this Christmas Eve I wanted to take the time to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I got a good night’s sleep last night and am… (Nextdoor Gates Strong) - Sweet Sir Carmine hopes everyone has a wonderful holiday.
He loves the scarf that his gramma made for him, and he wants to know if you like it, too. (Nextdoor Lyell - Buffalo)
- TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for United Airlines Ramp Service Employee in Rochester. Apply here.
- PeakMade Real Estate 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 guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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