Happy Friday, Rochester. In today’s edition: Doctors urge shots now, AARP safety driving course, family fun day with Santa, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Sneak peek at Jazz Fest: Organizers announced 13 Club Pass acts for next summer’s Rochester International Jazz Festival, including a Miles Davis centennial tribute. More artists arrive in January, with the full lineup March 10 — get the latest lineup additions.

Doctors urge shots now: Rochester health leaders warn of early flu season and a new strain. Monroe County logged 410 cases ending Nov. 29, up 51 percent, with 23 flu patients at Strong Memorial — see what doctors advise.

Clean-energy program payouts: After a $1 million settlement with Icon Energy, over 10,000 Brighton households and small businesses are set to receive checks, mostly $70 to $200, with some up to $800 — see who will get checks.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Enjoy festive shopping at Rochester Market
• Raise a glass for restorative justice
• Experience Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus Christmas concert
• Dress festive for Reindeer Run 5K
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Rethinking winter deicing: New York’s DEC has launched “Don’t Be Salty, New York!” urging residents to use less rock salt. Shovel first, they say, and just 12 ounces can cover a 20-foot driveway. Salt doesn’t work below 15 degrees and can pollute waterways. After last winter’s Rochester shortages, some contractors ordered early. Get tips to reduce salt.

Crews working to deter flocks: Downtown Rochester’s annual crow invasion is back, and wildlife biologists moved in earlier this week to shoo flocks that once topped 20,000 to 30,000. USDA crews are using pyrotechnics, spotlights, lasers and distress calls, which they say don’t harm birds, to break up roosts. Expect noise. Residents can report big groups via 311. See how to report groups.

Fresh cut, artsy vibes: Rethink your hair day at Gallery Salon, a Public Market hangout where hair, nails, and local art mingle. Expect blonding, balayage, and an in-house gallery with a vintage shop. Gender-neutral pricing and a certified Safe Zone make the space authentically welcoming.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🚦 AARP Safety Driving Course @ Fairport Library | Friday (12/12) at 10:00am – Sharpen your skills and get the scoop on the latest New York driving laws in this no-nonsense AARP Smart Driver course. It’s a solid way to boost confidence behind the wheel and snag a possible multiyear insurance discount—always a win. Just bring your license, a pen, and that “ready to learn” energy (plus a check, because they’re kicking it old school). Registration is required, so don’t cruise in unannounced.

💃 Gala Holiday Ballroom Dance Social @ Lilac Dance Center | Friday (12/12) at 6:30pm – Think your foxtrot might be a little dusty with the holiday decorations? Dust it off at a ballroom holiday social with live tunes from Greece Jazz Band, a beginner lesson to warm you up, plus twirls, laughs, and civilized cardio. Singles and couples welcome.

This weekend

🔨 Holiday Woodworking Event @ Hope Hall School | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Nothing says holiday spirit like raffles, crafters, and the smell of sawdust. Swing by Hope Hall on Buffalo Rd. in Gates for free fun, handmade gifts, and woodworking magic. You support a local 501(c)(3) school serving grades 3 to 12 students with I/DD.

🎅 Family Fun Day: Stars with Santa @ RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Strasenburgh Planetarium is lighting up the holidays with lasers, Santa, and enough cocoa to add a festive spark to your day. Bring the kids for a colorful laser show, a photo op, hands-on science, and a take-home star ornament, because rockets beat mall lines. Low stress, high sparkle.

🔔 ROC City Ringers @ Webster Public Library | Saturday (12/13) at 2:30pm – Think you know your carols? Rochester’s own ROC City Ringers turn familiar holiday tunes into sparkling handbell ear candy, no mall crowds required. Community pros since 2013 with Rochester Fringe cred, registration required, so snag a spot, sip cocoa, and feel fancy.

🎨 A Crafty Affair @ Lovin’ Cup | Sunday (12/14) at 1:00pm – Whether you’re telling yourself you’ll DIY gifts, or you just want to shop without stepping into a mall, this cozy market has you covered. Sip something festive, meet Santa, let the kids sugar up on cookies, catch the game, and support local vendors. It’s free.

📄 Origami Ornaments @ Strong National Museum of Play | Sunday (12/14) at 1:00pm – Swap the hectic holiday hustle for some peaceful paper folding with local artist Sarah Haehn. You’ll learn to turn crisp origami into wintry ornaments, then walk out with two you actually made, plus bragging rights, patience, and a newfound respect for triangles.

🎻 Sunday RPO Matinee: Mozart & Britten @ Nazareth University Arts Center | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Sunday matinee calls for Mozart, Britten, and a Haydn Miracle, served crisp by the RPO in Beston Hall. Think Magic Flute sparkle, Britten’s moonlit serenade, and zero bedtime juggling. Reserved seats now, so no aisle dash, just quality listening, coffee after.

Next week

🌳 Genealogy Club: Yearly Round-Table @ Fairport Library | Monday (12/15) at 2:00pm – This friendly genealogy roundtable is where locals swap research wins, brick walls, and the odd family rumor. Come share tips you picked up this year, or quietly take notes and feel accomplished later. All are welcome, no registration, just curiosity.

🎵 Holiday Harps @ Greece Public Library | Monday (12/15) at 2:00pm – Nothing beats easing into December with live harps, a cozy chair, and a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure to mingle. Roxanne Ziegler and John Gaspar of the Lyre Lyre Harp Duo are playing waltzes and beloved carols for adults. Register early online.

🍪 Cookie Decorating: Snow Day @ Radio Social | Monday (12/15) at 6:00pm – Trade your Instagram envy for a piping bag, and learn to make snowflakes and snowmen that actually look intentional. It is a low-pressure, hands-on class, and you walk out with real skills and a dozen cookies you decorated yourself. A welcoming, beginner-friendly setting.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/13 In Harmony @ Central Library – 1:30 pm
• 12/13 Dale & the ZDubs @ Waterstreet Music Hall – 7 pm
• 12/14 A Medieval Christmas @ Downtown United Presbyterian Church – 4 pm
• 12/17 Public Water Supply @ Abilene Bar – 8 pm
• 12/18 Marye Lobb @ The Little Café – 7 pm
• 12/19 Metal Holiday Hootenanny @ Montage Music Hall – 6 pm
• 12/20 A Ukrainian Christmas @ St Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic – 6 pm
• 12/21 Final Harvest @ Good News Community Church – 10:30 am

🏠️ Price is right – Rochester edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Donna D. Snyder (Howard Hanna)

The Berkshire model delivers a first floor primary suite with all tile bath and custom closets, a vaulted great room with gas fireplace, and a quartz kitchen with top tier appliances, walk-in pantry, and under-cabinet lighting. Seven-inch LVP, main-floor laundry with washer and dryer, loft bedroom with full bath, full egress basement, security system.

Clubhouse amenities hit resort status, including an inground pool, theater, wine room, saunas, massage room, gym, boardroom, library, and commercial kitchen. Set on the Erie Canal with its own boat dock, near hospitals, schools, shopping, and the airport. No HOA fee through December 31, 2025.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →