May 21, 2017
5th Annual Peace Walk at Cameron Community Ministries
We all know that every child has the right to play. Our playability data shows that one of the top barriers to play in Rochester is neighborhood safety. The children atCameron Community Ministries are all too familiar with violence in their neighborhoods. They are standing up for change in their very own community. That's why we partnered with them through our #playROCs campaign to push forward their message for peace and play.
On Thursday, May 18th, the children at Cameron's After School Program hosted their 5th Annual Peace Walk in the Lyell Avenue Neighborhood. With help from theRochester Police Department, the kids, community residents and members from the Healthi Kids Coalition, walked in solidarity for peace, and the right to play in a safe neighborhood. Afterwards, kids shared their thoughts on how violence in their neighborhoods has affected them, and why it is important to stand up for peace. To view more photos and videos from the event, check out our Facebook page. To learn more about our #playROCS campaign contact Jenn Beideman atjenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3151.
Healthi Kids Blog: Speed Limits
At Healthi Kids, we know that physical activity is necessary for healthy childhood development. Active kids are more likely to have healthy weights, succeed in school, and have higher self-esteem. Unfortunately, many parents across the city won't let their kids bike to school or walk to a playground because of speeding traffic on our streets. Research by Healthi Kids found that concerns about traffic safety is holding kids back from getting the physical activity they need. Would lower speed limits help kids live healthier, more active lives? Click hereto learn more by checking out our blog written by Mike Bulger, Healthi Kids' Healthy Communities Project Coordinator. Contact Mike at mike.bulger@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3152 for more information.
Summer Meals Fest: June 10th at Frontier Field
The Summer Meals Partnership of Rochester will be hosting its 2017 Kick-Off Event on Saturday, June 10th at Frontier Field from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm. Families are invited to join us to taste test new summer meal menu items that will be available this summer. Kids can also take part in some fun activities after their meals including a bounce house, obstacle course, face painting and hula hooping, and join staff fromRec on the Move in active games on the field.
Summer meals will be offered at locations all over the city this summer and are free for kids 18 and younger. The meals include healthy choices like a cajun chicken panini, quesadilla with pineapple salsa, and southwest salad. To learn more about summer meals and for a complete list of locations visit summermealsroc.org.
Colorful Crosswalks Pilot a Success
Colorful crosswalks have been popping up across the country, including in nearby Auburn, NY. Research shows that they are a low-cost and effective way to promote traffic calming in neighborhoods. Last summer we were able to pilot 4 colorful crosswalks near Schools 2 and 19. The county department of transportation performed a pre- and post-assessment for each crosswalk to determine how effective they were. We are thrilled to share that the post-assessment confirmed a reduction in speed and increased yield compliance! Next, we will be talking to the city about how to expand on this successful pilot. For more information about colorful crosswalks, please contact Mike Bulger at mike.bulger@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3171.
Save the Date!
Don't forget to come out and join us tomorrow, Saturday, May 27th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm for a Community Paint Day at Phillis Wheatley Library! Residents and kids will be painting the new interactive Story Walk on the sidewalks outside of the library. Snacks and water will be provided and no prior experience is required! For more information, please contact Jenn Beideman atjenn.beideman@commongroundhealth.org or 585-224-3151.
5K Walk at El Camino: Come celebrate the 5th anniversary of El Camino! The walk will take place on Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00 am. Choose from a 5K, 2.5K, or 1K walk along the streets and sidewalks through the neighborhood, and on the El Camino Trail. All proceeds will go towards extending El Camino, including connecting to the west side of the Genesee River over the Trestle. Registrations include a healthy lunch and other goodies.
Fit Kids Day: Saturday, June 3rd from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Run, hop, or slide into the museum for a day filled with fitness fun! Try out fencing with the Rochester Fencing Club at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Get active in the Fit Kids Fun Zone and move your muscles with hopscotch, hula hoops, and jump ropes. Discover the best places around town to exercise from the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Youth Services. Find out where the Foodlink Curbside Market will be this summer, and uncover the sugar levels of popular beverages. Learn about the Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness program and enjoy a healthy snack courtesy of Wegmans.
School 2's End of Year Fair: June 7th from 9-2:30 pm for School 2 families. Healthi Kids has worked with parents and building staff to transition their longstanding typical carnival into a healthy carnival. Slushies have been replaced with smoothies, sliced fruit, water and fruit kabobs. We've heard from kids and families that they love the new change so stop by to check it out!
Skirboll Family Autism Conference: A free event on Saturday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Strong Museum of Play! This interactive conference is designed for families and offers information sessions presented by national experts on various topics related to autism spectrum disorder. The event includes lunch and admission to the museum; childcare will be available.
Little Kids and Big Rigs: A free event on Sunday, June 11 from 11am-2pm at Parcel 5, Downtown (corner of Main and Cortland Streets). Kids get to explore police cars, fire trucks, SWAT vehicles, SCUBA vehicles, construction equipment, RTS buses, the Foodlink Mobile Market, and much more! Healthi Kids will also be on hand to set up an obstacle course, play life-sized games, and demonstrate Playful Sidewalks, which lets kids get creative with paint on sidewalks! MVP Healthcare will provide face painting, and Foodlink will fuel you up with free, healthy snacks!