New trail promotes play for all
Want to get from the Strong Museum of Play to the Central Library or take in the gorgeous views of the Genesee River Downtown? You could drive. Or, you could play your way there! Mayor Lovely A. Warren was joined by youth and community members on October 24 to cut a ribbon on the Play Walk, a new, playful sidewalk trail along Chestnut and Court Streets between the Strong Museum of Play and the Central Library. "Places like the Play Walk allow for everyday spaces to be turned into moments of wonder and learning for any kid or family to enjoy at any time," said Jenn Beideman, advocacy manager. Learn more.
ROC the Future and Healthi Kids to build a community playground
ROC the Future, in partnership with Healthi Kids is one of the three StriveTogether communities that will work with KaBOOM! to design a community playground to help create opportunities for kids to access great places to play. Play is essential to the overall development of kids. It is the body and brain's preferred way of learning. This generous grant from KaBOOM! helps to make Rochester a truly playful city. Learn more.
Greater Rochester PLTI hosts retreat for new cohort
On October 19, 2019 the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) hosted a retreat to welcome its 7th cohort of parent leaders to the program. RCSD Superintendent Terry Dade, Principal Shannon Heller and Assistant Principal Simia Rumph of West Ridge Elementary in Greece welcomed parents for a full day of engaging activities and information about what to expect in the 21-week program. Erick Stephens, Healthi Kids Parent Engagement Specialist and PLTI alumni, serves as a co-facilitator. Each year, PLTI trains a new class of participants on how to actively engage in advocacy and community involvement, giving participants the confidence and skills to better the lives of children in our community. Learn more.
Walking School Bus helps to improve school attendance
Joe Di Fiore, Youth and Family Engagement Specialist, leads the Walking School Bus pilot at John James Audubon School No. 33. The Walking School Bus involves volunteers who walk kids to school to start their day in a healthy way, build friendships, and improve attendance rates. For kids who want to wheel their way to school, there are extra scooters, bikes, helmets and bike locks available for them to use. Fourteen kids have joined the School No. 33 route so far and we hope to expand to other schools in Rochester. To learn more about the Walking School Bus, contact Joe Di Fiore at joe.difiore@commongroundhealth.org or (585) 224-3127.
Drive 2 Be Better promotes safe driving
With daylight savings time, and naturally shorter days, fall brings with it darker morning and evening commutes. Combined with rain and snow, less daylight can lead to higher rates of traffic crashes. You might think that fewer people are out walking as the summer weather fades away, but motor vehicle crash data from NYS shows that October is one of the worst months for pedestrians. This fall, drivers in and around Rochester can make three simple changes to their driving habits. The 3 S's of drive2Bbetter are SLOW, SCAN, and SPACE. Learn more.
Partner Highlights
NYS-AIMH reminds us to celebrate babies
The New York State Association of Infant Mental Health (NYS-AIMH) dedicated October 21-25 to celebrate infants, toddlers, young children, their families, and infant/early childhood professionals across the globe for Celebrate Babies Week. Understanding infant and early childhood mental health helps guide the development of healthy social and emotional behaviors. Learn more here.
Generation 2 (G2) seeks volunteers
Volunteers are needed to engage in child-centered, one-on-one play sessions with kindergarten, first or second grade students during school. Commitment is two hours a week from November through May at the same time and day each week. Training is provided and no experience is needed. For more information, email admin@G2Rochester.org or call (585) 210-2652. Learn more.
Upcoming events:
November 9 - The Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition presents Impact of Trauma on the Family: Healing, Health and Resilience from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Youth for Christ, 1 Favor Street, Rochester, NY. The event will offer adults and youth (10-18 years old) sessions with dynamic presenters, a family panel discussion and resources focusing on the widespread impact of trauma in the family. Register here.
November 12 - The Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan will be presented to City Council. The public will have an opportunity to "Speak to Council" at the session beginning at 6:30 pm, followed by the actual City Council meeting at 7:30 pm. Citizens can call in and sign up to speak to Council until 5:30 pm on the day of the Council meeting at (585) 428-7538.
November 19 - The Brockport Institute for Poverty Studies & Economic Development (IPSED) invites you to a meet and greet and MPA Speaker series from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. This free event is for students, alumni, community members and organizations and anyone with a vested interest in addressing the cycle of poverty in Greater Rochester. Register here.
January 28, 2020 - The Children's Institute invites you to join Understanding and Supporting the Whole Child: A Community Book Study. The study is focused on increasing awareness around issues that impact the social emotional wellness and development of children. The sessions will be held on January 28, March 31 and May 26, 2020 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Register here.
In the news:
Rochester Business Journal - ROC the Future, Common Ground Health to build community playground
Rochester Business Journal - New trail connecting the Strong with Central Library
Rochester Business Journal - Play Walk to open with 'Lights on Afterschool' event
WHEC-10 - New play walk opens downtown
WXXI News - Play Walk opens between MLK Park and Central Library
13-WHAM - New Play Walk opens between Strong Museum, library in downtown Rochester
Patch - Rochester Mayor Cuts Ribbon on Downtown Play Walk
