'THE NIGHT BEFORE' IN ROCHESTER | Youngsters Desmond and Donovan Piccicuto and their mom, writer and storyteller Amy Braun (center), bell ringer Julie Marsh, and stringed instrument wizard Jake Wildwood are all part of the cast of the White River Valley Players' "The Night Before the Night Before Christmas," which will be presented Friday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Federated Church on Main Street in Rochester. The evening will revolve around five stories inspired by the season. Most were written especially for this event and will be read by their authors. Music of many kinds, also seasonally-inspired, will weave into and out of the stories. There will be a hot cider and cookie reception between the evening's two acts. All proceeds from free-will donations at the door will be divided between the Federated Church Community Food Shelf and the "Save a Seat!" fund to replace storm-damaged seating in the Rochester School Auditorium. (Herald / Jeff Mather)