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The Rochester Beacon
Nearly a half-century of Black scholars
This weekend, the Urban League of Rochester celebrates the academic achievements of more than 600 graduating high school seniors across a nine-county region. It marks the 45th annual ceremony. These students have shown both dedication to and excellence in learning, maintaining a B average or better throughout all four years...
Grading New York’s industrial development agencies
New York’s industrial development agencies supply the financial incentives used by local public officials to assist firms seeking to relocate or expand in a community or to provide financial relief for firms that are struggling. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently released a report summarizing the activities of New York’s...
Help foster the next generation of journalists
When we founded the Rochester Beacon in 2018, developing the next generation of journalists became a personal priority. About six months after we launched, I began teaching at St. John Fisher University as an adjunct faculty member, first in English, and then in Journalism and Communications. I have since added teaching at the University of Rochester with some visits to Rochester Institute of Technology, as well.
Area arts organizations receive NEA grants
Several area arts organizations have received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The funds were announced as part of the endowment’s second major disbursement for the year—a total of $37 million. In this region, Visual Studies Workshop, Garth Fagan Dance, Rochester Fringe Festival, Geneva Music Festival...
Does a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs make sense?
Climate change is a significant problem for humankind. Therefore, most Americans now realize that we need to take concrete steps to get away from our dependence on fossil fuels, which are a key contributor to climate change. This explains the increasing demand for electric vehicles that generate no tailpipe emissions. In New York alone, there were nearly 85,000 EV registrations by 2022.
Getting the right Tones
One of the audio recording rooms in Tones Studios, a newly renovated creative studio space in Irondequoit, literally has to be heard to be believed. “It’s like a blanket that comes over you,” says Nicole Tones, owner and founder of Tones Studios. “Instead of coming at you, it’s like you’re wearing it. It’s lovely.”
Strickland named RCSD interim superintendent
Deputy Superintendent Demario Strickland has been appointed interim superintendent of the Rochester City School District. He takes the reins from Carmine Peluso, who announced his decision to leave in March. Upon the conclusion of the vote Thursday night, an emotional Strickland repeatedly dabbed his eyes with a tissue as he...
A state Assembly showdown
In Rochester, the late Assemblyman David Gantt still holds a place of honor in the minds of those who worked with him and those who came after him. Gantt, a Democrat, served in the state Assembly from 1983 to 2020 as the first Black person to represent Monroe County in that legislative body. During his time of service, he worked to strengthen voting and civil rights and fight drug dealers. He secured funding for the city to modernize its school system, improve economic development, and retain the Rochester Red Wings baseball team.
COMIDA approves Topgolf incentive package
The County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency board on Tuesday approved Topgolf’s request for financial assistance. In his announcement, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello asserted that “Topgolf’s decision to build here is a signal to other high-profile businesses that we are a prime destination for investment” and stated his belief that “PILOT agreements have been instrumental in (economic development) successes, providing the necessary incentives for businesses to choose Monroe County as their base of operations. The tax incentives we provide today will be recouped manifold through increased property values, higher sales tax revenues, and a more robust job market.”
Springboard opens second application round
Springboard, a new regional prize competition, has opened its second round of applications. The contest, which supports organizations that work to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will grant $600,000 in total awards this year. Focused on Western New York, the prize program targets Greater Buffalo, Greater Rochester and the Southern Tier....
Rochester, Monroe County see pandemic population loss
Midsize and large cities in the Northeast U.S. on average returned to population growth in 2023, but not Rochester. While Northeast cities with populations of 50,000 or more grew by an average of 0.2 percent last year, Rochester’s population declined 0.6 percent, to 207,274 from 208,546, according the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
Maplewood Community Library to undergo expansion
Patrons of the Maplewood Community Library will soon have to go to a new temporary location as the branch closes for renovations. The current facility was built in 1959 and is approximately 7,550 square feet. The expansion will add 2,600 square feet from the purchase and demolition of the lot behind the library on Augustine Street. Support from state Assemblymember Sarah Clark and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the city of Rochester made the project possible. The proposal before City Council lists the total cost at $7.8 million, with 96 percent coming from ARPA funds.
Topgolf: The complicated world of economic impact analysis
Topgolf is a division of California-based Topgolf Callaway Brands, a publicly traded company reporting $4.3 billion in 2023 net revenue, $1.8 billion from Topgolf. It operates golf-themed entertainment venues in more than 80 locations in the U.S. plus facilities in 18 foreign countries. Topgolf’s “secret sauce” is its Topracer technology that tracks the flight of a ball after being hit, facilitating a range of competitive games from weather-sheltered suites.
Eager to try a Topracer Range?
The Big Oak Driving Range and Golf Shop in Penfield has installed nine Topracer bays, each equipped with Topracer technology similar to that planned for Topgolf (while Topgolf uses microchipped balls, the Big Oak range relies on cameras). Players at Big Oak get the same feedback on the flight of the ball and play the same Topracer games, including “virtual golf” which.
Blackfriars Theatre unveils 75th season
Blackfriars Theatre, one of the longest-running theater companies in Rochester, has unveiled its 75th anniversary season. The milestone season will showcase six main stage productions, focus on reconnecting with the theater’s history, and foster connections with community partners. Blackfriars’ origins trace to 1950, when a small group of actors...
The promise of community schools
Lieselle Taylor’s metaphor for the philosophy behind community schools might seem macabre at first, but fitting when discussing children’s futures. “You may have that one young cousin or niece or nephew, who, maybe their mom dies or their dad dies. What do you do?” she says. One of the most natural responses would be something like: “coming together as a family.”
Being present: (actively) listening to children when their world is upside down
As School Counselors at The Harley School, we continue to see first-hand the heightened sense of vulnerability among our children as a result of the pandemic. We also know that their already fragile sense of well-being can be susceptible to family stressors as well as local, national, and global events outside of their control.
Monroe County gets more than $24 million for law enforcement
New York has approved more than $24 million to prevent and solve crimes in Monroe County. The majority of the funds will go to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office ($11.7 million) and Rochester Police Department ($10 million). A total of $127 million has been made available to police departments...
Protecting Rochester’s urban forest
The trees of Rochester saved it from total destruction—210 years ago to the day. While things have changed, the city’s trees can still be an integral part of combating modern-day issues of climate change and environmental justice. In a story told in the Rochester’s Forestry Division’s Urban Forest...
Davitts establish $1M endowed scholarship at RIT
Mark and Maureen Davitt’s support for students at Rochester Institute of Technology continues through a $1 million endowed scholarship. The Mark and Maureen Davitt Endowed Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students pursuing studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, officials say. The gift aims to help students who have graduated from private elementary schools in the city of Rochester.
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