Sydney Havens

Brooklyn

Journalist and TV Producer at WROC-TV (Rochester, NY)

Associate Producer at CBS News

Journalist & TV Producer WROC News 8

Articles

Which New York State Parks can you partake in "First Day Hikes?"

Dec 31, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — If you’re looking for a fresh start in the new year, maybe start with some fresh air. Officials with New York State Parks encouraged folks Tuesday to participate in a “first day hike.”It’s an annual tradition hosted by parks across the state, including right here at home. Letchworth is offering a couple guided events, including a two-mile-long waterfall hike at 10 a.m. The meeting point is the Humphrey Nature Center.
Pittsford Panthers hold hockey clinic for kids

Dec 27, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Pittsford Panthers high school hockey team laced up their skates Friday morning to help instruct the next generation of athletes. The free clinic is hosted each year at the MCC Ice Plex. Varsity players spend an hour working with kids from elementary and middle schools helping them sharpen their skills this hockey season. The team says it’s a fun way to connect with younger players and it allows them to give back to the community.
Dairy exhibit at Strong Museum shows how farmers brave the cold, keep cows warm & safe

Dec 23, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – If you’re looking for something to do with the kids over winter break, there’s a new display to check out at the Strong National Museum of Play. It’s called “Winter on the Farm,” and was organized by the American Dairy Association. Cows on display at the new dairy exhibit inside the Strong National Museum of Play.
Wonderful Life Museum starts National Zuzu's Petals initiative

Dec 13, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. (WROC) – Another incredible initiative being launched as part of the Wonderful Life Festival weekend is the ‘Zuzu’s Petals’ project. It’s a nod to an emotional scene in the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ where George Bailey, the main character who is facing a mental health crisis, is reminded of the value of life. The project invites people nationwide to create Zuzu’s Petals or flower like symbols of hope for the museums upcoming expansion.
Applications open for Rochester's 'Buy the Block' program

Dec 10, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens |Melanie Higgins

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — First-time homebuyers struggling to find an affordable house in Rochester now have a new resource to help. Applications are open for the “Buy the Block” program. The initiative began as a way to get new homes built in under-invested areas of the city. The houses are then sold to qualified, first-time homebuyers who will spend no more than 30% of their income on housing.
RHA hosts Senior Holiday Luncheon

Dec 5, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Everyone should get a chance to celebrate the holidays in style and that’s just what folks over at the Rochester Housing Authority did Thursday. They hosted the annual Senior Holiday Luncheon at the Edgerton Stardust Ballroom!Free bus transportation was provided for the residents so they could enjoy a festive afternoon filled with yummy food, dancing and Christmas tunes.
16th annual Wonderful Run 5k looking to welcome over 5,000 runners

Dec 5, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Damon Fletcher |Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Coming soon to a winter near you – the 16th annual It’s a Wonderful Run 5k is expected to feature more than 5,000 runners so far this year!The race, which kicks off December 14 at 4:40 p.m. will be raising money for various local charities and the Seneca County House of Concern. Organizers tell News 8 that the 5k run is the headliner of the towns ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ festival weekend celebrating the 1946 film directed by Frank Capra.
Rochester 'Go Red for Women' luncheon spotlights women's heart health

Dec 4, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens |Michala Schram

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Health advocates gathered at the Monroe Golf Club Wednesday for the Rochester ‘Go Red for Women’ luncheon, which raised awareness for women’s heart health. The event included a sort of round-table discussion, along with educational opportunities and an auction. Survivors were among those in attendance on Wednesday, sharing the impact cardiovascular disease has had on their lives, and the lives of those around them.
RMSC to unveil permanent Indigenous exhibit

Dec 4, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Sydney Havens |Michala Schram

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – A new exhibit is expected to be unveiled Friday at the Rochester Museum and Science Center following years of work and collaboration. It’s titled Hodiny:nih Continuity | Innovation | Resilience. (WROC/Emalee Burkhard)It’s expected to be a permanent display featuring rotating work from Indigenous artists inspired by their background and traditions. The project was curated by Jamie Jacobs of the Tonawanda Seneca Turtle Clan.
REF lends helping hand to FAFSA applicants

Dec 2, 2024 | rochesterfirst.com | Melanie Higgins |Sydney Havens

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — It’s about that time of the year: High School seniors are thinking about what they want to do after graduation. For those planning on pursuing higher education or trade school, chances are they’ll need to start filling out those FAFSA forms. It’s a process that isn’t exactly easy for first timers. FAFSA is the application for Federal Student Aid – it’s how millions of students each year are able to afford going to college.