Beth Adams

Morning Edition Host

Beth Adams joined WXXI as host of Morning Edition in 2012 after a more than two decade radio career. She was the longtime host of the WHAM Morning News in Rochester, where she was recognized for her work by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the New York State Humane Society. Her career also took her from radio stations in Elmira, New York to Miami, Florida.

Beth is active in the Rochester community, having volunteered for organizations including the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, the Heart of Gold Children's Foundation, the Rochester Press Radio Club Children’s Charities, and the Rochester Broadway Theater League Education Committee. She is an avid reader of historical fiction and a devoted animal lover. Beth is married to award-winning writer and author Scott Pitoniak.

Ways to Connect

Unless it's an emergency, don't plan on seeing your dentist in the near future

By Beth Adams • Mar 24, 2020

Routine visits to the dentist are another casualty of the coronavirus pandemic for the foreseeable future.

Dental offices and clinics are still open, but they are restricting patient visits to emergency cases only.

Dr. David Levy, medical director at Eastman Dental Center, said that includes "stopping bleeding, uncontrollable bleeding, alleviate very severe pain, and most particularly infection, and could even include treatment for trauma, injuries to the mouth and to teeth."

Pandemic stresses cardiac patients

By Beth Adams • Mar 23, 2020

Dr. Christopher Cove specializes in procedures to open blocked arteries and implant devices to prevent heart failure.

He's trying to avoid in-office visits in order to avoid exposing patients and staff to COVID-19. Instead, he uses a telemedicine platform to check in with patients.

"They actually can even send us pictures of things they're concerned about," Cove explained. "We have a lot of patients who have blood pressure (machines) at home and patients will take their blood pressure while I'm talking to them."

Do you sew? Help make face masks for hospital workers

By Beth Adams • Mar 20, 2020

If you have a sewing machine and you live in the Rochester area, you have a chance to help health care workers who are on the front lines of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

A local hospital has enlisted the help of Hickey Freeman to make some urgently needed face masks -- and the Rochester-based clothing manufacturer is now turning to the public for help.

Coronavirus challenges faithful to find new ways to worship

By Beth Adams • Mar 20, 2020

Instead of meeting in synagogues, mosques, and churches, thousands of people across the Rochester region will be worshipping online or taking part in a prayer service at home this weekend.

The ongoing efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus means this aspect of life has changed indefinitely, too.

"Listening to our scientists and experts when they say things like 'don't gather' is important for us as people of faith, that we not take on a cavalier attitude," said Bishop Prince Singh of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.

From spirits to sanitizer: Rochester distillery transforms itself to help battle coronavirus

By Beth Adams • Mar 19, 2020

It's been a dizzying week for Jason Barrett.

Not long ago, the president and master distiller at Black Button Distilling was preparing for a nationwide product launch of his bourbon, gin, and vodka.

But his distillery on Railroad Street is now pumping out a product that stores and distributors can't keep on the shelves.

On Monday, Barrett learned that operations like his could be used to manufacture ethanol-based hand sanitizer, a vital weapon on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus.

Pandemic deals a "double whammy" to nonprofits and people who rely on them

By Beth Adams • Mar 18, 2020

The coronavirus crisis has taken a toll on nonprofits across Rochester.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester has launched a community relief and recovery fund to try to bolster more than two dozen institutions and organizations, including synagogues, the JCC, Jewish Senior Life, and more.

Local shops, restaurants face unique challenges in coronavirus pandemic

By Beth Adams • Mar 16, 2020

Businesses across Rochester are adjusting to the "new normal" as they are either forced to change the way they operate or choose to temporarily close to try to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey have agreed to close bars, restaurants, movie theaters and casinos starting at 8 p.m. Monday.

The governors said essential businesses like supermarkets and gas stations will be able to stay open after 8 p.m., though all nonessential businesses must close. Restaurants will be able to offer takeout and delivery.

Geva stages go dark in wake of coronavirus

By Beth Adams • Mar 13, 2020

In theater, you improvise when something unexpected happens, and that's exactly what Geva Theatre is doing in response to the coronavirus crisis.

A few days ago, even before Monroe County confirmed its first case of COVID-19, Geva was scrambling to offer an alternative for patrons who have tickets for the current shows, "Once," and “Cry It Out.” Now, all live performances will be canceled as of 5 p.m. Friday.

If the unions representing actors, directors, and set designers agree to it, a digital screening of the shows will be available soon.

Nursing home limits visitors to protect residents from coronavirus

By Beth Adams • Mar 12, 2020

Local nursing facilities are putting plans in place to protect their residents from the coronavirus.

As of Thursday morning, St. John's Home in Rochester is not allowing any visitors to enter the building unless the family member they are visiting is critically ill and in hospice care.

"I've been doing this for about 37 years, and this is probably the most unsettling situation I've probably seen in that time because the folks that we take care of are the most vulnerable with this most recent virus," said Charlie Runyon, St. John's president and CEO.

Arts and cultural organizations make adjustments for public health in the age of coronavirus

By Beth Adams • Mar 11, 2020

Even though there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Monroe County, local arts and cultural organizations are considering contingency plans in the event of an outbreak and to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.

The Rochester Music Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that it is postponing its April induction ceremony, which was to take place at Eastman Theatre.

Beth Adams

Ways to Connect

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