Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How bad is Rochester’s chronic absenteeism problem—and what’s being done?

And on the Rochester Patch calendar - Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

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Friday September 25th Patch AM
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Hello Rochester! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How bad is Rochester's chronic absenteeism problem—and what's being done?
  • Why over 200 Waterview Heights workers are taking management to court
  • How short is Rochester on truly affordable rentals right now?

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 68 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 68, low: 55.
  • Sunday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 64 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'It's so important to schools': New Children's Agenda report reveals chronic absenteeism crisis in Monroe County (whec.com) — Rochester families are being warned that more than half of city elementary students and over 70% of high schoolers were chronically absent last school year, far above recommended levels. A new Children's Agenda report spotlights Rochester City School District's crisis and outlines how community schools, health supports, and RCSD's "Strive for Five" campaign aim to turn attendance around.
   

2. 'A slap in my face': Former Waterview Heights employee joins class action lawsuit against facility management (rochesterfirst.com) — Rochester's Waterview Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is moving toward closure, and more than 200 laid-off employees have joined a federal class action lawsuit claiming they got too little notice under the WARN Act. Former staff describe abrupt terminations and financial strain, while the suit seeks back pay and benefits that could significantly affect many local families.
   

3. New York lacks affordable homes for lowest-income renters (democratandchronicle.com) — Rochester renters face a tight affordable housing market, with the state short on units for extremely low-income households and only 4,700 affordable homes created or preserved in the city under New York's five‑year plan. A new national report shows New York has just 35 affordable units per 100 extremely low‑income renters, underscoring ongoing pressure on local families, seniors, and low‑wage workers.
   

4. Higher interest rates put more pressure on Rochester consumers (13wham.com) — Rochester residents are feeling the squeeze as the Federal Reserve's latest rate hike pushes up costs for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. Local financial experts and consumers describe tougher car financing and homebuying conditions, warning that borrowing may stay expensive for some time as the Fed signals the possibility of another increase this year.
   

5. Robert C. Tolhurst (villages-news.com) — A longtime Rochester native and Monroe High School graduate, Robert "Bob" Tolhurst built his own painting contracting business and strong ties across the Rochester area before retiring to Florida. His family remembers a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love of classic Corvettes and generous spirit left lasting memories for everyone who knew him.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester

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📣 Rochester Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning, beautiful people!
    A few years ago, while serving in the military, I attended a class that focused on an interesting question: How do you see yourself, and how do other… (Nextdoor Maplewood)
  • I will do it anyway!
    When I am tired, I do it anyway. When I am sick, I do it anyway. When I am hurt, I do it anyway. When I feel weak, I do it anyway. When I feel lonely… (Nextdoor Henrietta)
  • L3 Harris posted a job opening for Quality Control Inspector C - 1st shift in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Aerotek posted a job opening for Machine Operator 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 for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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