Rochester

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that, worldwide, we Americans will send about a billion valentine's this year. It's the second most popular card-sending occasion, right behind Christmas. And it's all about love. Or is it? WXXI's Brenda Tremblay, morning host on Classical 91.5, discovered a trove of valentines that might make you flinch. Aired 2/13/15.

Let's meet a local man who hand carves stamps. John Ballou, more widely known as JackBear, spends countless hours meticulously carving to create intricate stamps, both small and large. 

Some of you have heard of Ward Stare. What you may not know is that his interest in music began at a very early age. At just five years old, he got hooked on Beethoven. Now, not too many years later, this Rochester area native has become the music director of the prestigious Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. 

From The Top, the popular NPR series that presents musical performances of America's outstanding young classical musicians, recently traveled to Rochester’s Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music to tape a live show that featured Rochester-area students. This segment features Alexander, NY soprano Emily Helenbrook and Pittsford cellist Annie Jacobs-Perkins. Aired 1/16/15.