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The Rochester Beacon
Rochester’s strategic location before the Civil War
Author and scholar Dann Broyld believes that before the Civil War, Blacks in Rochester had a transnational identity. They strategically positioned themselves by the U.S.-Canada border to be closer to migration and interaction. “My perspective and narrative on Rochester is neither uniquely an American story nor separately Canadian, but it...
How Wegmans, Whole Foods compare on animal welfare
The new Whole Foods Market in Brighton, open since April, stands less than a mile down Monroe Avenue from the Pittsford Wegmans. Shoppers no doubt compare the two high-profile, competing stores based on price, quality, and service. But in light of a recent national survey showing that nearly 60 percent...
RG&E: Commitments made, commitments kept
I have been reflecting on the past year since I assumed responsibility as president and CEO of Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) and New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). While I’ve been with the companies for about 30 years, most recently leading emergency management, the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have created some of the toughest headwinds my colleagues and I have ever faced. Most people have seen the stories of high bills, delayed bills, and long wait times when they call our customer service lines. As the leader of this venerable utility, resolving these issues has been our team’s focus of my first year in the president’s office.
New incentives to decarbonize your home are now available
The federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included the most comprehensive suite of legislation ever enacted to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet at an alarming rate. It provides an estimated $369 billion in funds targeted at building a clean electric grid, commercializing new technologies, improving building efficiency, and kickstarting the nation’s transition to electric vehicles.
It’s time to stop honoring slave owners and traders
The recent decision by the Rochester Institute of Technology to strip Nathaniel Rochester’s name off one of their buildings is both an acknowledgment that past recipients of such naming commemorations should no longer be honored due to their slave-owning/slave-dealing actions, and a wake up call to the Rochester city council and the board of education, each of which has been unfathomably derelict in their obligation to do the same for city sites and city schools.
Rochester General makes pitch to avert nurses strike
Facing the looming prospect of a nurses strike, Rochester General Hospital made a last-ditch plea late last week, asking the Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals to put walkout plans on hold for three months. The union refused. The union, which represents roughly 900 nurses, plans the two-day walkout...
For a ‘just and vibrant city,’ UR needs to contribute more financially
Last week, Rochester City Council voted to give the University of Rochester control over two critical assets. We sold the East End Garage to UR and transferred the remaining loan on the College Town development from a private developer to the university. These are both positive developments for our community because it keeps the garage and College Town under local control. I believe UR will be a good owner of these assets because the university’s success is forever intertwined with the success of the city of Rochester.
Hyzon stock to remain on Nasdaq
A rebounding stock price has brightened the skies over Honeoye Falls-based Hyzon Motors Inc. The global supplier of high-power fuel cell technology on Thursday received a formal notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC that Hyzon had regained compliance with Nasdaq’s $1-per-share minimum bid price requirement. The requirement was met on July 25, the 10th consecutive trading day when the closing bid price of the firm’s common stock was more than $1.
The Black Culture Festival returns for its fourth year
Next month, Rochester’s Black Culture Festival will return to Parcel 5 for its fourth year. “(The festival is) for anyone who wants to celebrate and support Black culture and all its accomplishments,” says co-founder and co-organizer Will Powers. “Our main goal is to bring awareness to those accomplishments and what has been created often under some of the worst circumstances in history.
The launch of an education startup
If things go as planned, in two years, students enrolled at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship will be ready to launch entrepreneurial careers with potential to transform the local economy. The institute, located at the site of a former Paychex building in Brighton, opens its doors to its...
Heritage Christian Services embarks on record campaign
With a fundraising goal of $9.1 million, Heritage Christian Services plans to renovate or build 12 homes to further support the changing needs of its residents as they age. The human services provider for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities kicked off its largest capital campaign, Homes With Hearts, last month.
Two more insurers agree to settle sexual-abuse claims
Two more insurance companies have agreed to sign on to a deal that will bring sexual abuse victims’ potential payout in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester’s long-running Chapter 11 bankruptcy to more than $126 million. Tortuous negotiations involving the diocese, abuse survivors and insurance companies that wrote...
Strike vote underscores rift between nurses, RGH
A July 20 vote to authorize a strike of Rochester General Hospital nurses brings a long-simmering conflict between the hospital’s fledgling union and Rochester Regional Health’s management to a full boil. Barring a sudden reversal in RGH’s negotiating strategies, says Gillian Kingsley, secretary of Rochester Union of Nurses...
Fighting terror with “Terruh”
Josh Cirilo can remember the first time he was racially profiled. In the years following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Cirilo, a young child traveling with his family, felt singled out by airport security based on his appearance. “My family is all hues. My mom is (Caucasian), my brother is a...
The divide at the RPD
The Rochester Police Department believes it is on the cusp of implementing a long-delayed reorganization. The patrol officers’ union, however, is not so sure about that. Rochester Police Locust Club president Mike Mazzeo says the reorganization is not ready for prime time and the officers’ union could be ready to take “any legal action necessary” to slow down or even halt its rollout.
Genesee Land Trust appoints director
Throughout her life, Lorna Wright could never quite remove herself from the concept of wildlife preservation and protection. “Growing up near Lake Michigan, I remember how I benefited from outside places. I remember working on recycling ideas with my parents. Isn’t that where it always starts?” quips Wright.
Citizen input on Climate Action Plan sought
The next step in Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan is an opportunity for the community to get involved. The CAP, builds on the county’s current operations and targets the reduction of greenhouse gasses, among other goals, is in its second phase. The plan was launched last year. Next...
Tour de Cure gears up to ride again
When Howard Kravetz’s youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2011, he knew the next year’s Tour de Cure would be a significant one for him. That year, he was the No. 1 fundraiser in the region, and this year he is on track to be the same—for the seventh time.
Once in a ‘Black Sky, Blue Moon’
Musician Jerry Falzone and lyricist Lou Sweigman crossed paths decades ago while living in Nashville. However, the journey to collaboration was much more recent and coincidental. Partly, the partnership was born out of luck and happenstance. The year prior to connecting with Falzone, Sweigman and musician Paul Nunes had worked...
Cars, guns and youth crime
Young people have become central players in recent increased criminal activity in Rochester, city leaders say. During the first half of 2023, they have been connected to the two most pressing public safety issues: gun violence and motor vehicle thefts. “Over the last several months, our community has been presented...
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