Meaghan McDermott
Rochester
As seen in:
USA Today,
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
Yahoo,
KING-TV (Seattle, WA),
Cincinnati Enquirer,
KHOU-TV (Houston, TX),
NorthJersey.com,
WKYC-TV (Cleveland, OH),
WXIA-TV (Atlanta, GA),
Asbury Park Press
and
Covers:
hearts and flowers, police, government, data journalism, public schools
Pop culture geek. Data nerd. Westsider. Surly cuss. Recovering journalist. This is a personal account.
Articles by Meaghan McDermott
Dec. 3: Hanson's Symphony No. 4 debuts
Meaghan M. McDermott Dec. 3, 1943 was an important day for music educator and composer Howard Hanson; his Symphony No. 4, Op. 24, "Requiem," inspired by the death of his father, was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1944 for the piece, and considered it to be his finest work.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan opts for the original and only true Garbage Plate
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 1:06 p.m. ET Jan. 11, 2020 Jim Gaffigan appears onstage at Comedy Central's "Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs" at the Beacon Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 in New York. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) When comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan put out the call on Twitter for directions to the best Garbage Plate in Rochester, the community answered. And, he apparently listened.
Nearly four years after India Cummings died, two lawsuits and a state AG probe continue
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 8:32 a.m. ET Jan. 3, 2020 Nearly four years after Rochester native India Cummings died of what some state officials say was "homicide due to medical neglect" while under the care of the Erie County's Sheriff's Office, that county is girding itself to defend against a costly wrongful death lawsuit.
How a three-year $4.8 million state DOT project will affect Pittsford traffic
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 4:33 a.m. ET Dec. 27, 2019 The State Street bridge over the Erie Canal in Pittsford will close for 6 months in 2021 as part of $4.8 million package of roadway improvements planned on the county's east side over the next three years.
Parents facing day care crunch
Meaghan M. McDermott, Gannett New York Wednesday Dec 25, 2019 at 4:01 AM Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalition focused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones.
Parents facing day care crunch
Hide caption Jennifer Roy, a universal prekindergarten teacher at Ibero Early Childhood Services in Rochester, listens as each child takes a turn at counting their dinosaurs. [Gannett New York] By Meaghan M.
Monroe County Executive-elect Adam Bello's administration is beginning to take shape
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 2:07 p.m. ET Dec. 23, 2019 Buy Photo Adam Bello will take office on January 1, 2020 as the new Monroe County Executive. (Photo: JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) When Monroe County Executive-elect Adam Bello is sworn in next week, he will hit the ground running with a newly-named slate of key administration officials. Bello, who takes office on Jan. 1, announced his picks for some of the county's top spots on Monday.
Why some NY parents are paying twice as much as state college tuition for day care
Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalitionfocused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones. Most child care centers and nearly half of providers across the state have wait lists and in regions like the Finger Lakes the number of child care providers who offer infant and toddler care has decreased by nearly a third since 2009.
Why some NY parents are paying twice as much as state college tuition for day care
Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalitionfocused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones. Most child care centers and nearly half of providers across the state have wait lists and in regions like the Finger Lakes the number of child care providers who offer infant and toddler care has decreased by nearly a third since 2009.
Why some NY parents are paying twice as much as state college tuition for day care
Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalitionfocused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones. Most child care centers and nearly half of providers across the state have wait lists and in regions like the Finger Lakes the number of child care providers who offer infant and toddler care has decreased by nearly a third since 2009.
Why some NY parents are paying twice as much as state college tuition for day care
Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalitionfocused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones. Most child care centers and nearly half of providers across the state have wait lists and in regions like the Finger Lakes the number of child care providers who offer infant and toddler care has decreased by nearly a third since 2009.
Why some NY parents are paying twice as much as state college tuition for day care
Call it a "capacity crisis." New data from a coalitionfocused on increasing the number of children on track for school readiness shows New York parents are facing a serious crunch when it comes to finding quality, affordable child care slots for their little ones. Most child care centers and nearly half of providers across the state have wait lists and in regions like the Finger Lakes the number of child care providers who offer infant and toddler care has decreased by nearly a third since 2009.
Winter weather advisory issued for Monroe County with snow on the way
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 9:34 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2019 Parts of Monroe and surrounding counties could see nearly a half-foot of snowfall by midnight tonight, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. Forecasters have issued a winter weather advisory for Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie and parts of Genesee county calling for 3 to 5 inches of snow between 2 p.m. and midnight Saturday.
This unique program is helping people who care for their loved ones with dementia and more
Her hands blunted with heavy rubber work gloves, eyesight tunneled by dark goggles, and ears filled with discordant voices and horns blaring through tight-fitting headphones, Jennifer Reed struggled to remember her five assigned tasks: Find 15 sticks and tie them together with a shoelace. Find the sympathy card and put it in an envelope. Sweep up the trash. Put the silverware in the tray. Find the Monday morning pill and put it in the pill case.
This unique program is helping people who care for their loved ones with dementia and more
Rock of Ages Baptist church hosted a dementia and diabetes conference to give family caregivers information and support. John L. Alexander, Virginia Butler Her hands blunted with heavy rubber work gloves, eyesight tunneled by dark goggles, and ears filled with discordant voices and horns blaring through tight-fitting headphones, Jennifer Reed struggled to remember her five assigned tasks: Find 15 sticks and tie them together with a shoelace. Find the sympathy card and put it in an envelope.
This unique program is helping people who care for their loved ones with dementia and more
Rock of Ages Baptist church hosted a dementia and diabetes conference to give family caregivers information and support. John L. Alexander, Virginia Butler Her hands blunted with heavy rubber work gloves, eyesight tunneled by dark goggles, and ears filled with discordant voices and horns blaring through tight-fitting headphones, Jennifer Reed struggled to remember her five assigned tasks: Find 15 sticks and tie them together with a shoelace. Find the sympathy card and put it in an envelope.
This unique program is helping people who care for their loved ones with dementia and more
Rock of Ages Baptist church hosted a dementia and diabetes conference to give family caregivers information and support. John L. Alexander, Virginia Butler Her hands blunted with heavy rubber work gloves, eyesight tunneled by dark goggles, and ears filled with discordant voices and horns blaring through tight-fitting headphones, Jennifer Reed struggled to remember her five assigned tasks: Find 15 sticks and tie them together with a shoelace. Find the sympathy card and put it in an envelope.
Vea si reúne las condiciones para recibir subsidios estatales de HEAP
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:53 p.m. ET Dec. 2, 2019 | Updated 12:58 p.m. ET Dec. 2, 2019 La fecha para apuntarse al programa de Asistencia de Energía para el Hogar (HEAP) empezó en noviembre. Este programa ayuda a personas de bajos ingresos a pagar los gastos de calefacción en sus casas. Read in English: Need help paying for heat?
A New York teacher was accused of raping a student at school. He went on to teach elsewhere
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A 15-year-old girl walked into the music room at East High School in Rochester one afternoon in the spring of 1976 to fetch her guitar. There, she says, her teacher grabbed her, pulled her into his office, shut and locked the door – and then raped her. When he was done, he slapped her across the face and said "'Nobody’s going to find out about this, right?' I honestly don’t remember what I said to that," recalled the accuser.
A New York teacher was accused of raping a student at school. He went on to teach elsewhere
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A 15-year-old girl walked into the music room at East High School in Rochester one afternoon in the spring of 1976 to fetch her guitar. There, she says, her teacher grabbed her, pulled her into his office, shut and locked the door – and then raped her. When he was done, he slapped her across the face and said "'Nobody’s going to find out about this, right?' I honestly don’t remember what I said to that," recalled the accuser.
Eastridge High School student to be charged in family court in connection with bomb threat
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 10:56 a.m. ET Nov. 20, 2019 A bomb threat early on Friday led to the evacuation of the school. Students were bused off campus. Shawn Dowd, @sdowdphoto A ninth-grader at Eastridge High School is facing criminal charges in connection with a bomb threat at the school on Nov. 15. According to Irondequoit Police, the student will be arrested as a juvenile delinquent, and the case will be handled in Monroe County Family Court.
Rev. Norma Ortiz celebrates 22 years of ministry in Rochester's northeast neighborhoods
Things didn't go exactly as planned when Richard set out to meet the Dalai Lama. Electronic Field Productions, Inc., Rochester Democrat and Chronicle More than two decades ago, Rev. Norma Ortiz was happily working for the ARC of Monroe County, when, during the still softness of her prayers, she heard God's voice calling. After checking with her husband Jose — who told her if God was speaking, she had no choice but to listen — Ortiz left her job and opened a tiny church in northeast Rochester. Rev.
New York is accepting applications for its HEAP heating assistance program
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:57 p.m. ET Nov. 13, 2019 Enrollment for this year's state Home Energy Assistance Program opened on Tuesday. The program helps low-income individuals pay the cost of heating their homes. Eligibility is determined by income, household size and primary source of heating. Considerations are also made if a household member is under the age of 6, permanently disabled or age 60 or older.
New York just raised its smoking age: Here’s how shop owners reacted
WAPPINGERS FALLS – Tim Grignon, a manager at Smokes 4 Less along Route 9, figured New York would ultimately change its smoking age to 21. So when the new law changed the legal age from 18 to 21 on Wednesday, he was ready. A sign went up weeks ago to alert customers that the change was coming, and he said he has already braced for the impact on his shop's revenue. “It will definitely have an impact, but I welcome the challenge,” he said Wednesday.
New York just raised its smoking age: Here’s how shop owners reacted
WAPPINGERS FALLS – Tim Grignon, a manager at Smokes 4 Less along Route 9, figured New York would ultimately change its smoking age to 21. So when the new law changed the legal age from 18 to 21 on Wednesday, he was ready. A sign went up weeks ago to alert customers that the change was coming, and he said he has already braced for the impact on his shop's revenue. “It will definitely have an impact, but I welcome the challenge,” he said Wednesday.
New York just raised its smoking age: Here’s how shop owners reacted
WAPPINGERS FALLS – Tim Grignon, a manager at Smokes 4 Less along Route 9, figured New York would ultimately change its smoking age to 21. So when the new law changed the legal age from 18 to 21 on Wednesday, he was ready. A sign went up weeks ago to alert customers that the change was coming, and he said he has already braced for the impact on his shop's revenue. “It will definitely have an impact, but I welcome the challenge,” he said Wednesday.
Why an East High teacher accused of raping a student went on to teach elsewhere
A 15-year-old girl walked into the music room at East High School one afternoon in the spring of 1976 to fetch her guitar. There, she says, her teacher grabbed her, pulled her into his office, shut and locked the door — and then raped her. When he was done, he slapped her across the face and said "'Nobody’s going to find out about this, right?' I honestly don’t remember what I said to that," recalled the accuser.
Stephen Colbert dunks Lonsberry for 'grade-A casual racism'
The brouhaha over Bob Lonsberry's "Ok boomer" tweet took a new turn on Tuesday when The Late Show host Stephen Colbert poked fun at the conservative radio talker for his butt-hurt over the catchphrase. "One New York radio host is getting dumped on over the internet after this tweet went viral for its grade-A casual racism," Colbert said, showing a screenshot of Lonsberry's now-deleted tweet from Sunday that read "'Boomer' is the n-word of ageism.
Election 2019: Republicans show continuing strength in suburban races
Despite Monroe County Democrats successfully wresting control of the county's top elected spot away from Republicans on Tuesday, no corresponding "blue wave" washed through suburban governments. According to unofficial results, Republicans maintained — and often by large margins — control of town offices in Chili, Clarkson, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Mendon, Ogden, Parma, Penfield, Perinton, Riga, Rush, Sweden, Webster, Wheatland and East Rochester.
Brockport schools chief Myers-Small appointed to state Education Department
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 3:05 p.m. ET Nov. 5, 2019 | Updated 3:06 p.m. ET Nov. 5, 2019 Here's a breakdown of the stories right now at www.democratandchronicle.com. Virginia Butler, Democrat and Chronicle Brockport schools chief Lesli Myers-Small has been tapped to head a wing of the state Education Department that oversees turnaround efforts at low-achieving schools. Myers-Small's last day with the Brockport Central School District will be Jan.
Memorial service for Officer Manny Ortiz to be held this week
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 11:49 a.m. ET Nov. 5, 2019 Sheriff Todd Baxter says officer Ortiz accidentally shot himself while driving to work. Tina MacIntyre-Yee, @tyee23 A memorial service for Rochester police officer Manuel "Manny" Ortiz will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main Street. Parking for the services will be available in the South Avenue parking garage.
Officer Manny Ortiz shooting death: What we know now
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:09 p.m. ET Nov. 4, 2019 Sheriff Todd Baxter says officer Ortiz accidentally shot himself while driving to work. Tina MacIntyre-Yee, @tyee23 Rochester police officer Manuel "Manny" Ortiz died Saturday after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while he was driving to work. His sport utility vehicle crashed into a ravine along Empire Boulevard in Penfield. He was declared dead at the scene. Here's what we know now: What happened?
Monroe County Child Protective Services showing progress following Dinolfo's 8-point-plan
Monroe County Commissioner of Human Services Corinda Crossdale talks about recruiting and retaining CPS caseworkers. Shawn Dowd Story Highlights Recent investments in Monroe County’s Child Protective Services appear to be paying off. A union representing social workers says there are still problems with heavy caseloads and understaffing. And the state plans to continue monitoring because of a “history of inconsistency” by Monroe.
Harriet Tubman's final home a work in progress after congregation keeps flame alight
"I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other." — Harriet Tubman Off of South Street near the border of Fleming and Auburn, New York, there's a narrow, unassuming driveway between two brick pillars that mark the opening in a sagging chain-link fence. A small sign on the right-hand column announces this modest entrance as gateway to Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.
Boy's death in Tim Hortons grease trap shows need for more OSHA regulations: Schumer
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:12 p.m. ET Oct. 21, 2019 Meaghan McDermott, reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle, describes the timeline of what happened the day Bryce Raynor fell into a grease trap and died. Tina MacIntyre-Yee, @tyee23 U.S. Senator Charles Schumer will visit Rochester today to call for more oversight of grease traps by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
OSHA issues $8,700 fine over Tim Hortons grease trap death
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 12:50 p.m. ET Oct. 17, 2019 A simple plastic safety disc can prevent fatal accidents similar to when Bryce Raynor died after falling into a grease trap at Tim Hortons. Tina MacIntyre-Yee and Meaghan M.
Lake Ontario flood-affected homeowners can apply for state grants through Oct. 31
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 2:58 p.m. ET Oct. 2, 2019 Homes and business impacted by high lake waters and shore erosion in Monroe County. Max Schulte and Tina MacIntyre-Yee, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle The state's Lake Ontario Homeowner Recovery Program will accept applications for relief through Oct. 31.
Bryce's Law signed in Monroe County to mandate grease trap safety
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 6:27 p.m. ET Oct. 1, 2019 Tenitia Cullum talks about the loss of her 3-year-old son Bryce Raynor who drowned in a split-second accident Jamie Germano, @jgermano1 During an emotional ceremony Tuesday, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo signed "Bryce's Law" to mandate greater safety measures around restaurant grease traps.
Mom of boy who died in Tim Hortons grease trap signals intent to sue city and county
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 3:10 p.m. ET Sept. 27, 2019 Tenitia Cullum talks about the loss of her 3-year-old son Bryce Raynor who drowned in a split-second accident Jamie Germano, @jgermano1 The mother of a 3-year-old boy who drowned in a grease trap at the University Avenue Tim Hortons in July has filed notices of claim with the city of Rochester and Monroe County.
Following D&C report, state legislator calls for additional grease trap safety measures
Meaghan M. McDermott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 2:17 p.m. ET Sept. 27, 2019 A simple plastic safety disc can prevent fatal accidents similar to when Bryce Raynor died after falling into a grease trap at Tim Hortons. Tina MacIntyre-Yee and Meaghan M.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty. For Tenitia Cullum, Bryce's desire for a doughnut that morning felt like a bit of happy relief after a stressful start.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
Bryce Raynor didn't have to die in a Tim Hortons grease trap
Meaghan M. McDermott, Democrat and Chronicle Published 3:23 a.m. ET Sept. 25, 2019 | Updated 3:34 p.m. ET Jan. 29, 2020 A simple plastic safety disc can prevent fatal accidents similar to when Bryce Raynor died after falling into a grease trap at Tim Hortons.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
Listen to the initial police radio call for a missing boy at a Tim Hortons in Rochester. Meaghan M. McDermott, @meagmc ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty. He was just 3 years old, after all.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
Listen to the initial police radio call for a missing boy at a Tim Hortons in Rochester. Meaghan M. McDermott, @meagmc ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty. He was just 3 years old, after all.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
The untold story: What really happened the day a child drowned in a Tim Hortons grease trap
A baby photo of Bryce Raynor. "He was my only one and I don't think this pain will ever go away," said his mom, Tenitia Cullum. (Photo: ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE) ROCHESTER, N.Y. – On the day he died, the second thing Bryce Raynor told his mother was that he wanted doughnuts for breakfast. The first thing he said, after he burst into a toothy grin and gave his mother's neck a sleepy nuzzle, planting a gleefully wet kiss on her cheek, was that he really, really had to go potty.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Meaghan
Contact Meaghan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack