From the Community

The following public meetings have been scheduled for April 27 through May 1, 2026   Tuesday, April 28, 2026  Re: ROC Vision Zero Public Input Meeting  Time: 6 p.m.  Location: Lightfoot R-Center  Address: 271 Flint St.  For more information, visit:  www.cityofrochester.gov/ROCVisionZero             Wednesday, April 29, 2026    Re: ROC Vision Zero Public Input Meeting  Time: 5:30 p.m.  Location: Carter St. R-Center  Address: 500 Carter St.  For more information, visit: ...

Rochester, N.Y. - On Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m., the George Eastman Museum will once again host the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, a program of short films by children and teens. Founded by James Kennedy, author of the award-winning YA fantasy The Order of Odd-Fish, the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival aims to encourage reading and media literacy among youth through the making of films that tell the entire story of a Newbery Award-winning book in ninety seconds. The best m

Rochester City Council Vice President LaShay D. Harris, in collaboration with Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Roman and the American Heart Association, is accepting nominations for Heartsaver Hero Awards to be presented at the May 19 City Council meeting. “As paramedic, I know firsthand how important every moment is in an emergency,” Vice President Harris said. “With CPR, you can be the difference maker for a neighbor or a loved one. If you see someone collapse fr

Voting Then and Now: Who, What, When, Where and How An Election Education Public Forum: Several local community groups are hosting an election education forum on April 23, 2026 (Thursday evening) at Third Presbyterian Church (4 Meigs, corner of Meigs and East). Speakers will address voting issues, including Rochester’s historical involvement in expanding voting rights, the reliability of voting, registration and voting procedures, experience of poll workers, and electing judg

Rochester, NY – Ready, set, trivia! Literacy Rochester will host its 26th Annual Brain Game Trivia Competition fundraiser on Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5-8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Each year, Brain Game brings together the Rochester community for evening of trivia and friendly competition, raising critical funds to expand access to adult literacy programs. Team knowledge is tested with questions in various categories, but only one team takes home the coveted Brai

Rochester, NY — The week of April 19–25, 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), a time dedicated to honoring crime victims and recognizing the professionals, advocates, and community members who support them. This year’s theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims, Serve Communities,” underscores the ongoing commitment needed to ensure victims are heard, supported, and treated with dignity and respect. In recognition of this importa

Rochester, NY — Walking For Rochester is announcing an Earth Day protest centered on one issue that has the power to unite the entire community: litter. On Wednesday, April 22nd, community members, volunteers, and local leaders are invited to come together and take a public stand not only against littering, but against the lack of prioritization this issue receives. At a time when so many challenges divide us, litter is something we all see, all experience, and all have the a

Rochester, N.Y. — Geva presents one of Variety’s top Storytellers to Watch in 2025, a.k. payne, whose play Furlough’s Paradise is a multiple award-winning story of kinship, love, and moving through grief. On a three-day furlough for her mother’s funeral, Sade stays with her only cousin. Mina is also on a brief reprieve from her life on the West Coast, and the cousins, who were once so close, come together to try to make sense of childhood memories and their dreams for the fut

Rochester, N.Y. – Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the return of the Department of Environment Services’ annual Mobile Household Hazardous Waste and Pharmaceutical Collections program. At collection events across Monroe County, residents will have the opportunity to properly dispose of potentially harmful materials. There will be eight mobile collection events total: four for household hazardous waste and four for pharmaceutical waste. “Both the health of ou

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – Following a thorough investigation and the acquisition of nearly 60 dogs, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has charged Anne Linnane of Lyndonville, N.Y. with failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal, a misdemeanor under section 356 of New York State Agriculture and Markets law. If convicted, Linnane faces a penalty of up to one year imprisonment and potential fines. On Monday, March 23, 2026, Lollypop Farm humane

Rochester, NY - In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need. April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross cel

Rochester, NY - READY (Rochester Education and Development for Youth) will host its annual Bowling 4 STARS, presented by BRICK, on April 24, 2026, at 6 pm at Radio Social, 20 Carlson Rd, Rochester, NY 14610. The event will bring the community together for an evening of bowling, games, food and fun, all to support the next generation of educators. The event aims to raise $50,000 for two initiatives: the READY STARS Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to Rocheste

We are delighted to invite you to join us for a truly special series of performances as Garth Fagan Dance returns to Nazareth University for its 55th Anniversary Performance Celebration. This milestone engagement will take place May 7–10, 2026, in Rochester, New York. This historic season marks more than five decades of groundbreaking artistry, cultural impact, and a deep commitment to excellence in dance. Known for its innovative fusion of modern dance, Afro-Caribbean tradit

Rochester, NY - An evening of purpose, community, and impact is coming to Porto Roc Soxial Lounge as local leaders and influencers take on the role of celebrity bartenders on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in support of Gisele’s World. The event will also feature a raffle, along with a special appearance by celebrity guest speaker Jason McElwain “JMac” whose inspiring story of perseverance—highlighted by his unforgettable performance as a high school b

Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Who: International Baccalaureate students from Wilson Magnet High School   What: Art Exhibition   When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m.   Where: Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy 501 Genesee Street Rochester, NY 14611   Details: Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy is proud to present its International Baccalaureate (IB) Art Exhibition, a showcase representing the culmination of two years of

Rochester, NY —The Memorial Art Gallery announces the opening of its newest major exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden , now on view through August 23. The exhibition traces the career of African American artist John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, bringing together works that span several decades. Rhoden worked in a style that was both innovative and ahead of his time, drawing inspiration from inte

Stay Focused on the Road, Not Your Phone: From April 9-13, 2026, the Brighton Police Department is participating in a nationwide enforcement campaign, Put the Phone Away or Pay, to combat the dangers of distracted driving.. This high-visibility initiative aims to raise awareness about the deadly risks and legal repercussions of driving while distracted. Distracted driving takes many forms, but the most common culprit is texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. If you nee

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are encouraging customers who may need extra support to explore financial assistance programs available at this time as winter heating protections conclude. Customers who need help with unpaid bills are urged to reach out as soon as possible so the Companies’ customer care team can help identify solutions to keep service connected. “We want customers to know we’re here to help and where to get that he

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies (NYSCCRR) will hold a public Business Meeting on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with proceedings taking place simultaneously in Yonkers and Rochester. The meeting is open to the public and will provide updates on the Commission’s ongoing work and next steps to advance reparative justice across New York State.   The Rochester meeting takes place at Tay House Lodge, located a

Rochester, NY — As families across the nation continue to respond to the evolving substance use crisis, the Monroe County Department of Public Health, the City of Rochester, Facing Fentanyl and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division are holding a free Substance Use Family Summit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at East High School, 1801 E. Main Street, Rochester. The summit will bring together families and community members with substance us