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Hi Rochester, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Ken Collins’ award-winning AI trailer, Hans Zimmer’s film scores live, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt together, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Recognition for innovative AI video: Rochester AI expert Ken Collins placed third this month in the Anthum / PixVerse R1 Challenge with his AI-generated game trailer Cacti Killer, a notable boost for Rochester’s tech community — read the full story.
Choose your next community confidently: A new guide spotlights the best Rochester neighborhoods for families and professionals, weighing safety, schools, parks, co-working options, and nearby dining and entertainment to make your next move feel easier — see the best Rochester neighborhoods.
Investing in inclusive housing: A recent state affordable housing round included support for a Perinton project and $4.5 million for another in the Finger Lakes, part of a push to create or preserve 1,800 homes — get all the details.
Hearts for dementia awareness: St. John’s Home in Rochester launched a fundraiser for Charlie and Kathy Runyon Dementia Resource Center, inviting donations as it prepares to open to the public for the first time — see how to get involved.
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
Airline expands Northeast reach: Allegiant launched a new nonstop route between Sarasota Bradenton and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on February 13. Flights run up to three times a week, adding an easy, budget friendly option for visiting Florida family or planning quick sunshine getaways from Rochester. Get all the details.
Regional leaders rally for circularity: On February 17, Reju and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes highlighted Rochester’s push to keep textiles out of landfills. Reju has chosen Eastman Business Park for its first U.S. Regeneration Hub, pending a final investment decision by its parent company. See who’s involved and why.
Local flavors, French twist: Cure turns seasonal, local ingredients into rustic French plates with serious comfort vibes, and cocktails that invite lingering. Tucked inside the Rochester Public Market, it’s an easy pick when you want dinner to feel special without the fuss.
Time to upgrade: From everyday spatulas to serious chef knives, Cooks’ World stocks cookware, gadgets, and sneaky-good bakeware to soothe any kitchen grumble. When your whisk wobbles, their staff actually cooks and will steer you to the right tool.
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 weekend
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.
🥫 Canning & Food Preservation for CSA Abundance @ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Whether your CSA box is a blessing or a bossy roommate hogging the fridge, learn to can, pickle, and preserve with Colette, the Canning Queen, at a free workshop with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Root of the Matter. Spots are limited, register now: https://rootofthematter.io/-community-supported-agriculture
🐭 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.
🌺 RGMC Hawaiian Luau @ Roar | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Trade your parka for a lei as RGMC throws a Hawaiian luau with live sets from the chorus, the Teddy Bears, and VersiTone, plus eats and drinks. It feels like vacation vibes without TSA or jet lag, and every ticket supports inclusive community.
🎼 Canon Events: Musical Puzzles, Games, and Curiosities @ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 PM – Whether you geek out over ancient tunes or just love a brain teaser, this concert makes medieval music feel like game night. Acrostics, hocket, puns, and canons, delivered by a chamber ensemble of six. Suggested donation is $20, cheaper than dinner and a parking ticket.
🎻 Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra @ Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 PM – Whether Dvořák’s your old flame or you like watching the RPO flex, Marcelo Lehninger brings symphonic sparkle that makes you sit up straighter. Dress up a little, pretend you remember your music theory, and let the strings do the talking.
👑 Almost Queen @ Temple Theater | Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 PM – Craving Freddie without the airfare? Almost Queen nails the four-part harmonies, the swagger, and yes, the costumes, serving a wall-to-wall singalong from Somebody to Love to Bohemian Rhapsody, with a few deep cuts for Monday bragging rights.
🎤 Comedy Fundraiser @ Comedy at The Carlson | Sunday (3/1) at 7:00 PM – Tonight Show alum Pete Correale is bringing his laid-back storytelling to a comedy fundraiser for Nancy & Friends, a date night that does some good. Rochester’s own Todd Youngman opens, you supply the laughs, they supply the impact, and you get bragging rights. Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35843/production/1259645?performanceId=11731749
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Rochester report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 29°F – Low: 19°F – Precip: 19%
A slight chance of snow showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 29. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 45°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
This house is wild
This 2,241-square-foot colonial in Brighton delivers 4 bedrooms, a first floor bedroom and bath, and a bonus room over the garage currently a TV room and gym. The updated kitchen with quartz and stainless flows to living area warmed by a gas fireplace. A steam shower, fenced yard, and grill gas line add convenience, with sidewalks and cafés nearby.
Take a peek inside →
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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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