From the Community

Rochester, NY – Prescription drug costs in the U.S. are increasing faster than inflation. Across the country, rising health care costs – especially for hospital services and prescription drugs – continue to challenge doctors, patients, health plans, businesses and the entire health care system. “Rising health care costs can be frustrating for everyone, including older adults,” Mona Chitre, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer, with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) said

Local community organization celebrates family garden festival In collaboration with Wide Water Gardens and Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association, the South East Area Coalition (SEAC) will host its sixth Ladybug Day on Saturday, June 6th from 11-3 P.M. in the community gardens at 345 Rosedale St. and the Culver Rd. Armory. This free family-friendly community event offers an afternoon of live music, food, kids’ activities, and artisan vendors. “Celebrating Rochester area “flow

Rochester, NY — The Friends of Frederick Douglass (FFD) proudly announces the Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration. The 127th annual event celebrating the June 9, 1899 unveiling of the Frederick Douglass Monument will include remarks from elected officials, historians, and a Wreath Laying Ceremony with Eureka Lodge No. 36. According to Rev. Juanitaelizabeth Carroll, FFD Chief Operating Officer, "Every Rochester child whose civic education includes the Frederick Douglass

The following public meetings have been scheduled for June 1 through June 5, 2026. Monday, June 1, 2026 Re: Rochester Environmental Commission Time:  5:30 p.m. Location:  Rochester City Hall, Rm. 223-B Address:  30 Church St. For more information, visit: www.cityofrochester.gov/REC Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Re:  Traffic Control Board Time:  9:15 a.m. Location:  Rochester City Hall, Rm. 321-B Address:  30 Church St. For more information, visit: www.cityofrocheste

Just Law, an initiative to promote better understanding between court officials and city middle school youth, held its eighth annual awards ceremony today at the Hall of Justice, 99 Exchange Blvd., to recognize the 12 outstanding students who were selected for their winning essays on the topic, “What Justice Means to Me.” Justice, Understanding, Societal Trust and Literacy, Attendance, Writing (J.U.S.T. L.A.W.) is a collaborative effort between the City of Rochester, the 7t

Rochester City Hall, Neighborhood Service Centers, R-Centers, Rochester Animal Services, Rochester Public Libraries, the Rochester Traffic Violations Agency, and the Honorable Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services administrative office building at 57 St. Paul St. will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.   Refuse and recycling collection will not take place on Monday, May 25, and pickups will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

Who: Rochester City School District seniors from the Class of 2026 What: Countdown to Graduation When: May 20, 2026 – June 18, 2026 Where: www.facebook.com/rcsdnys www.twitter.com/rcsdnys www.instagram.com/rcsdnys www.rcsdk12.org/youtube Details: To showcase the RCSD’s Class of 2026, the District has launched its fourth annual “Countdown to Graduation,” a series of short videos that feature a graduating senior from each high school who exemplifies the qualities of the

Rochester, NY - The 2026 season of the ROC the Block Community Employment Fairs kicks off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Paul Bianchi Park, 945 Emerson St. ROC the Block is a community-based hiring initiative that brings businesses and recruiters to the city’s four quadrants throughout the summer and early fall. With this fun, local, block-party-style event, Rochester employers and residents can meet to discover employment opportunities. More than 120 emplo

Who: RCSD Students from the Virtual Academy of Rochester (VAR) What: Photography exhibition When: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5 p.m. Where: RIT’s City Art Space 30 Adventure Place Rochester, NY 14607 Details: Students from the Rochester City School District’s Virtual Academy of Rochester (VAR) will showcase their photography at an upcoming art exhibit in downtown Rochester, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology. These students are e

Rochester, NY - The sights and smells of spring continue with Flower City Days at the Market this Sunday, May 24, offering gardening bargains from nurseries and growers from across Western and Central New York. Items for sale include a wide assortment of gardening essentials, vibrant perennials and colorful annuals, distinctive hanging baskets, and potted plants. These sales are a great place to get your succulents, herbs, and vegetables, too. Shoppers can browse spring g

Rochester, NY - Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) is hosting an Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) informational event on Tuesday, May 26, at RG&E’s West Avenue walk-in office, and on Wednesday, May 27, at the Central Library of Rochester. EEAP is designed to help moderate-income households reduce their energy burden by providing monthly bill discounts directly to their energy bills. The Company will provide applications and guide customers through the application p

Today, Mayor Malik D. Evans announced a robust lineup of summer recreation activities that will help Rochester residents and families stay active while school is out. From free open recreation to structured camps and programs, the fun-filled season runs from Monday, June 29 through Friday, Aug. 21. All program details and registration links are now available at www.CityofRochester.gov/Recreation. “Our caring recreation team members are experts in fun,” said Mayor Evans. “We

Who: Students and families from Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 What: 3rd Annual Spring Showcase and Culture Night When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5 p.m. Where: Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50 301 Seneca Avenue Rochester, NY 14621 Details: This event is a combination of celebrating academic excellence and the diversity within the school community. Live musical performances: There will be live cultural music, art, storytelling, and traditional clothing sh

Rochester, NY – July 2, 2026 – The Community Justice Initiative (CJI) is proud to announce the upcoming Austin Steward Day, a community celebration honoring the profound legacy of Austin Steward—an African-American abolitionist, educator, businessman, and pioneer who played a vital role in Rochester’s history. Following the success of Malcolm X Weekend, Austin Steward Day will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM at the Arnett Library, located at 310 Arn

Who: 12 Career in Teaching Interns of the Year Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric Jay Rosser Rochester Teachers Association President Adam Urbanski CIT Leader-Teacher mentors and Joint Governing Panel members What: Career in Teaching Interns of the Year Awards Ceremony and Dinner When: Monday, May 18, 2026, 5:15 p.m. Where: Temple B’rith Kodesh 2131 Elmwood Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 Details: The Rochester City School District and the Rochester Teachers Association w

The Rochester Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools is excited to celebrate Scholar Athlete Recognition on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with a reception starting at 5:00 p.m. and program beginning at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will take place at Central Administrative Offices, 131 West Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614 in Conference Room 3A/B. We are proud to recognize our scholar athletes for excelling academically while meeting the demands of athletics—an achiev

Rochester NY - The Rochester community is invited to come out on Sunday, May 17, for the second Sunday in the Flower City Days at the Market series. This popular series features gardening bargains from nurseries and growers from across Western and Central New York. Chock full of the sights and smells of spring, items for sale include a wide assortment of gardening essentials, vibrant perennials and colorful annuals, distinctive hanging baskets and potted plants. These sales a

Rochester, NY — The Monroe County Department of Transportation advises motorists traveling on Pattonwood Drive to prepare for frequent lifts of the Colonel Patrick O’Rorke Memorial Bridge as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins dredging operations along the Genesee River. The operation is expected to continue for three to four weeks and motorists should expect short delays or use alternate routes for the duration of the project.

Who: Eight RCSD Educators What: 2026 Educator of the Year Awards When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Where: RCSD Central Office131 West Broad StreetRochester, NY 14614 Details: The Rochester City School District is proud to honor eight employees as 2026 Educators of the Year. The sixth annual Educator of the Year awards will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during a ceremony at 131 West Broad Street. Launched in 2021 by the Office of Human Capital

Rochester, NY - The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee has openings for art, crafts, and general merchandise vendors for the 40th annual Harborfest, which will be held June 18-21, 2026 at Ontario Beach Park. This popular event has been a family favorite tradition in Rochester since 1986. It signals and celebrates the launch of the summer season at Ontario Beach and Port of Rochester area. The festival begins the evening of Thursday, June 18 and runs through Sunday, June 21,