Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a vacant Rochester lot will become a dense native forest

And on the Rochester Patch calendar - America at 250 for Educators

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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Hey there, Rochester! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a vacant Rochester lot will become a dense native forest
  • How you can influence Rochester's next city budget right now
  • Why Rochester just declared a special day for its top hospital

Also on today's calendar: America at 250 for Educators and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 74 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 70, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 64 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City to plant fast-growing native forest (rochesterbeacon.com) — Rochester is transforming a former parking lot at 354 Driving Park Ave. into a dense, fast-growing native "Miyawaki" forest that could create a mature canopy within decades. The project supports the city's Climate Action Plan, tree-equity goals, and 6,000-tree initiative, while inviting local students, families, and Indigenous communities to help plant and study the new green space.
   

2. Rochester seeks public input as 2027-28 budget planning begins (democratandchronicle.com) — Rochester residents are being invited to shape the city's 2027–28 budget through an online survey open until Nov. 9 and a telephone town hall on Oct. 26. Your feedback will go into a Community Input Report shared with the mayor, administration, and City Council before the budget is presented in May 2027. Details and links are available on the city's budget office webpage.
   

3. Rochester General Hospital honored for seven decades of service (rochesterfirst.com) — Rochester residents are being invited to celebrate Rochester General Hospital's seven decades of service, capped by a new honor as U.S. News & World Report's best regional hospital. Leaders from the city and Monroe County even proclaimed a special Rochester General Hospital Day, highlighting how deeply the institution is woven into local history and health care.
   

4. Prosecutors lean on camera evidence in Rochester murder case (rochesterfirst.com subscription) — A high-profile Rochester murder trial is underway, with Monroe County prosecutors relying heavily on blue-light and police body-camera footage to argue that Edison Estremera-Cohen intended to kill David Vasquez and later fired at Officer Raymond Dearcop. Defense attorneys are urging jurors to examine each charge separately, suggesting the video may not prove the intent prosecutors claim.
   

5. Rochester teachers union declares impasse in contract negotiations (13wham.com) — Just after the new school year began, contract talks between the Rochester City School District and the Rochester Teachers Association hit an impasse, sending the dispute to a state mediator. Teachers say they're pushing for smaller classes, better safety, more student services, and competitive pay, while the district insists it's bargaining in good faith. Mediation will now guide the next steps.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Did anyone left adorable stuffed kitty with purple collar with bell in the shopping cart at Hobby Lobby in Henrietta this morning??
    I'll like return it to child? (Or austic or disability) Its loney in my truck waiting return back to owner (Nextdoor Sebastian Park)
  • Happy to say Teddy has been found....
    we were very fortunate that someone found him and brought him to animal control. Thank you all for your help and prayers! (Nextdoor Norton - Whitlock)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member - Late Night / Closer - Full Time in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Enterprise Holdings posted a job opening for Remarketing Inventory Coordinator - Rochester 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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