Rochester Hosts Variety of Community Events on Thursday

From a giant inflatable colon to a public hearing on the future of a local school, Rochester has a full slate of community events on March 12th.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:18am

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Rochester, NY will host several notable community events on Thursday, March 12th, 2026. Wilmot Cancer Institute is bringing a giant inflatable colon to the Rochester Central Library to raise awareness for colorectal cancer screening. The Police Accountability Board is holding a meeting to gather feedback on its report about RPD's use of surveillance technology. The Rochester City School District is also inviting families to a public hearing to help shape the future of Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7.

Why it matters

These events highlight Rochester's commitment to public health, community engagement, and improving local institutions. The colorectal cancer awareness event aims to promote early detection, while the PAB report and school hearing demonstrate efforts to increase transparency and give residents a voice in shaping their community.

The details

The inflatable colon display at the Rochester Central Library will feature Wilmot Cancer Institute's outreach team to answer questions about colorectal cancer screening and prevention. The PAB report found racial disparities in the use of surveillance technology like blue light cameras, and the public meeting will allow residents to provide feedback. At the RCSD hearing, district leaders will discuss the school's performance data and receivership status, and gather input from parents, students, and the community to inform the school's improvement plan.

  • The inflatable colon display and cancer awareness event will take place on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
  • The PAB public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
  • The RCSD public hearing on the future of School No. 7 will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th, 2026.

The players

Wilmot Cancer Institute

A cancer care and research center in Rochester, NY that is bringing the inflatable colon display to raise awareness for colorectal cancer screening.

Police Accountability Board (PAB)

An independent police oversight body in Rochester that has released a report on RPD's use of surveillance technology and is gathering public feedback.

Rochester City School District (RCSD)

The public school district in Rochester that is hosting a public hearing to discuss the future of Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7.

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What’s next

The Police Accountability Board will review public feedback from the meeting before finalizing its report on RPD's surveillance practices. The Rochester City School District will incorporate input from the public hearing into the final improvement plan for Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7.

The takeaway

Rochester is proactively addressing important community issues through these events - raising awareness about cancer screening, promoting transparency around police surveillance, and engaging residents in the future of their local schools. These efforts demonstrate the city's commitment to public health, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.