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Hey Rochester, hope your week’s off to a good start! A rabbi’s grave drawing pilgrims, bidding wars above asking, a Mardi Gras zydeco party, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
A humble rabbi’s lasting influence: At Britton Road Cemetery in Rochester, a Polish-born teacher who died in 1938 still draws pilgrims seeking healing, clarity, and hope for marriage, turning a quiet grave into a destination — read the full story.
Top resale spots highlighted: Eight massive New York thrift stores made a list, including Rochester’s AMVETS, where racks of budget clothing and housewares stretch endlessly. Treasure hunters can score finds for under $35 — check out the full list.
From busywork to strategy: Rochester-area firm The Bonadio Group says AI is reshaping accountants’ work, boosting efficiency while keeping client relationships human, as CEO Bruce Zicari highlights new training and upskilling to deliver value — read how AI changes accounting.
Upstate bidding wars intensify: New Redfin data shows Rochester home sellers cleaned up in December, topping the nation for sales above asking. Buffalo and Syracuse also cracked the top 15 amid tight supply — see how these metros ranked.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
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.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Fresh identity with local roots: Big change coming to the Red Wings’ home. The downtown ballpark will be renamed ESL Ballpark after the Monroe County Legislature approved naming rights tied to a partnership with ESL Federal Credit Union, a longtime Rochester institution. The rebrand centers on shared community values. Read the full story.
Local favorite grows its footprint: Mamma G’s opened its second location at Pittsford Plaza on Wednesday, February 18 at 4 p.m. Expect wood-fired pizza, specialty dishes, and a full bar. Regular hours begin today, Tuesday, February 24, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Learn more about the opening.
Sweet local standby: Stever’s Candies has been handcrafting chocolates and classic candies in Rochester for generations, from sponge candy and barks to truffles and those nostalgic assorted boxes. It’s a tradition that feels extra local, satisfies every craving, and might become a dangerously habit-forming favorite.
Closet refresh, minus guilt: Second Look Boutique hits the sweet spot of curated consignment: everyday staples, vintage finds, and the occasional designer moment, minus the sticker shock. In the South Wedge, the racks spark outfits you’ll actually wear this week, not just admire in your mirror.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🍷 Under the Tuscan Sun Wine & Charcuterie Night @ Amore Italian Restaurant & Lounge by Wegmans | Tuesday (2/24) at 5:30 PM – Call it a quick trip under the Tuscan sun at the bar, no TSA, just four pours from the lineup, Rosso, Chianti, Chardonnay, and Rosé, paired with cheeses, charcuterie, and Chef Pasquale’s focaccia. Seats are limited, so call (585) 452-8780, or book on OpenTable.
🎨 Pour Your Own Epoxy™ @ Three Heads Brewing | Tuesday (2/24) at 6:00 PM – Need a project that pairs nicely with a pint? Head to Three Heads to pour an epoxy river charcuterie board, lazy susan, or future heirloom, pick up to two colors, then let pros finish and ship it for your patience, pride, and snack-plating glory.
🎭 Mardi Gras Zydeco Party @ Abilene Bar & Lounge | Wednesday (2/25) at 7:30 PM – Whether you can two-step or just fake it convincingly, this Mardi Gras Zydeco bash brings Houston’s Ruben Moreno and Louisiana’s Koray Broussard for accordion-fueled joy, washboard swagger, and plenty of beads. It’s dance floor therapy, local-style, and the tickets won’t break your gumbo budget.
This weekend
🐭 Needle Felted Baby Mouse Class @ Gallery Salon | Saturday (2/28) at 4:00 PM – Ready to make a mouse you’ll actually want in the house? Learn needle felting while you sculpt a sweet baby mouse, with all tools, materials, and extra supplies to craft a second at home. No experience needed, just steady hands, and limited spots.
🌙 Interfaith Iftar Dinner @ Baitun Naseer Mosque | Saturday (2/28) at 4:30 PM – Think we can come together without arguing about the weather? Head to Baitun Naseer Mosque on East Main for an interfaith Iftar with “Voices for Peace” reflections from local faith leaders, then a shared sunset meal that’s all heart, no pretense, and zero awkward networking.
🧸 Date Night Craft Night: Plushie Making @ AltBar | Sunday (3/1) at 3:00 PM – Need a low-stakes date that is fun? Head to AltBar and stitch up a plushie with your person, your crew, or fly solo and meet folks. All supplies and instruction included, plus zero-proof cocktails and snacks at the bar. Less small talk, more stuffing.
🎺 The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra @ The Theater at Innovation Square | Sunday (3/1) at 4:00 PM – Head to The Theater at Innovation Square and let the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra remind you why swing fills a room. Big, brassy, and unironic, they’ll glide through Opus One, I’ll Never Smile Again, and more, at tempos your knees, and your date, will appreciate.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Rochester report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 24°F – Low: 17°F – Precip: 43%
A chance of snow showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 24. West wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers between 7pm and 1am, then snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. South wind 3 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 37°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 85%
Snow before 7am, then a chance of snow showers between 7am and 4pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Southwest wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A chance of rain and snow showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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