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September 2019
Photo courtesy of City of Rochester Communications Bureau
Community celebrates Story Walk at Ryan R-Center
Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner Dr. Daniele Lyman-Torres joined community partners and neighborhood children Aug. 15 to celebrate the completion of Community Story Walk at Ryan with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The story walk is an interactive and visual literary journey of play outside the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center and Sully Branch Library.
Located outside of the Sully Branch Library and Ryan R-Center in the Beechwood neighborhood, the Community Story Walk at Ryan creates an inviting space to help kids learn, play and thrive as they grow. It is a visual story titled "Seeds of Success" told with a playful, interactive sidewalk mural; a garden; illustrations and picture-book chapters displayed along the walkway the Ryan Center entrance.
Learn more and see pictures from the day (https://www.healthikids.org/blog/community-welcomes-story-walk-at-ryan-r-center) .
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State funds more Infant Toddler specialists
Thanks to an increase in funding from the state Office of Children and Family Services, this year New York state more than doubled the number of full- and part-time Infant Toddler Specialists. Infant Toddler Specialists improve child care across the state through training and technical assistance to child care programs.
In the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, the Child Care Council (https://childcarecouncil.com/professional-development/infanttoddler/) offers these specialists as a resource to local child care providers. Learn more (http://go.zerotothree.org/e/565212/t-toddler-specialist-workforce/npxx5/347208426?h=bOCc3iU8Cwf_PTw3-F7a9TCIQwSHBQ94_pfMTxIKnr8) .
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iStock.com/AlexRaths
A proposed change to SNAP would increase food insecurity and hurt kids
Would you go hungry so that your children had food? It's a question more local families could be facing soon.
In Monroe County, over 100,000 people rely on SNAP (aka food stamps or EBT) to afford food each month. Many of these individuals are the children of working parents just trying to make ends meet. The SNAP program prevents these parents from having to choose between housing, medical care, or food for themselves and their kids. Even with crucial programs like SNAP, recent research by Common Ground Health has shown that the cost of food is the top barrier for people who would like to eat healthier, at the same time that diet remains one of the top concerns when it comes to health.
Millions of working families use SNAP to help put food on the table. But a new rule proposed by the federal government would increase food insecurity for many of those families and put kids at risk of health problems. The government projects three million people will lose access to SNAP under the new rule. Learn more on our blog about SNAP and kids' health and take action. (https://www.healthikids.org/blog/a-proposed-change-to-snap-would-increase-food-insecurity-and-hurt-kids)
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Cooking help available
Have you checked out the free cooking classes at the Public Market? Foodlink hosts Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables at 9 and 10 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Friends of the Public Market hosts Taste of the Market at noon Saturdays featuring fresh market ingredients. Taproot Collective is hosting a Community Cooking class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Classes are free, but RSVP to info@taprootcollective.org (mailto:info@taprootcollective.org) .
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Community Schools Summit engages participants
Engagement was the focus at the Second Annual Community Schools Summit Aug. 19 at James Monroe High School. ROC the Future and RCSD Community Schools presented the event. Deborah Puntenney gave the keynote speech on how to use an asset based development approach to community schools.
Healthi Kids' Dina Faticone and Alicia Evans were among the speakers and shared how community schools are addressing the social determinants of health. These social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, grow and age. Other breakout sessions ranged from parent engagement in the first thousand days of a child's life to asset based community development.
To learn more, contact Alicia Evans, healthy schools project coordinator, at Alicia.evans@commongroundhealth.org (mailto:Alicia.evans@commongroundhealth.org) or 585-224-3172.
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Complete Streets Makeover returns
Mark your calendar for 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 15 to help bring the flavor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to North Clinton Avenue. Volunteers will temporarily transform the street to slow down traffic. Eye-catching crosswalks and street art will be installed on that day. Equipment from Healthi Kids' traffic calming library will be added.
This spring a committee of community partners chose North Clinton Avenue between Hoeltzer and Sullivan Street as the next in line for a "Complete Streets Makeover." The City of Rochester also recently funded the development of an international plaza in this area, which propelled the project.
Reconnect Rochester is organizing the makeover with support of the City of Rochester, Healthi Kids, Ibero American Development Corporation and other community partners. Learn more (https://reconnectrochester.org/2019/06/complete-streets-makeover-announcement/) .
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Lawn signs are available
Local residents have stepped up to install more than 300 lawn signs as part of the drive2Bbetter (http://www.drive2bbetter.com/) campaign. The campaign aims to make our community's roads safer for all users. The signs remind drivers of three simple driving habits to protect road users: slow, scan and space. Slowing down, scanning for pedestrians and bicyclists and giving bicyclists at least three feet of space when sharing the road are ways drivers can help make our roads safer. Some lawn signs were placed strategically in locations where there are a higher incidence of crashes. To request a sign for your lawn, email info@drive2Bbetter.com (mailto:info@drive2Bbetter.com) . Learn more (https://www.healthikids.org/blog/safe-driving-campaign-seeks-help-posting-signs) .
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Mobile unit makes dental care accessible
If kids aren't receiving dental care in the community, Eastman Dental's SMILEmobiles are offering care at various locations in Rochester. The SMILEmobiles are open at Jefferson Avenue Headstart - call 585-281-6420; Rochester City School District No. 3 - 585-281-3663; and at various locations for pediatricians and adults - call 585-397-0445. Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, Fidelis and most private insurances are accepted. A Head Start dental form or state Dental Health Certificate will be provided if needed. Call to make an appointment. (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/patients/locations.aspx) Walk ins also are welcome.
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After school program available
The City of Rochester's After School in the Park (https://www.cityofrochester.gov/afterschoolprogram/) program in Cobb's Hill Park offers fun and education all year long for city youth in kindergarten to sixth grade. Kids can take part in fitness, educational and arts activities, get help with homework, get a free hot dinner and make lasting friendships. This school year, the program will take place on weekdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. through June 26, 2020. The cost is $55 per week for city youth and $45 per week for siblings. For $85 per week, young people can receive all-day care through winter and spring school recesses from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For details, call 585-428-9777.
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Hotline can help with student services
Families, do you need help accessing RCSD student placement, transportation or special education services? Contact At Your Service at 585-324-SERV (7378) or atyourservice@rcsdk12.org (mailto:atyourservice@rcsdk12.org) and staff will respond in 24 hours.
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Play Streets took place this summer in partnership with the City of Rochester's Department of Recreation and Youth Services. Contact Joe DiFiore at joe.difiore@commongroundhealth.org (mailto:joe.difiore@commongroundhealth.org) or 585-224-3127 to learn how to shut down your streets for play in your neighborhood.
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Research program trains community members
Are you a Rochester community member interested in community-based research and passionate about making a difference? The Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Program could be a great fit for you!
In this video, hear our Alicia Evans (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnCjFUL4_tM) , Healthy Schools Project Coordinator, and Latino Health Coalition member Carlos Santana of Action for a Better Community speak about their experience with Community Based Participatory Research program in this video.
Learn more about the training program (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/community-health/research/CBPRTrainingInfo_Fall2019_1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR13h80fTL18nQ2Awhtlhxi95OadT3iDsGspuL_GtWGvUTMLKFY1WVyH1So) , which is sponsored by the Center for Community Health and Prevention and University of Rochester Clinical & Translational Science Institute.
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Upcoming events:
Sept. 7 - Rochester Bike Kids is hosting its annual Field Day 2019 from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Red Creek Shelter at Genesee Valley Park, 1000 East River Road. The event will feature summer field day games. The event is followed by the Glowdown Showdown Bike Ride, which features brightly lit bikes. Bring your own hoops, balls, parachutes, kites, family-friendly drinks, and a dish to share at the Field Day.
Sept. 15 - Volunteers are needed to paint crosswalks and street art for the Complete Streets Makeover from 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 15 on North Clinton Avenue between Hoeltzer and Sullivan Streets.
Sept. 21 - The Rochester Cycling Alliance at Reconnect Rochester and Pace bike share are hosting a family-friendly bike festival from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Gantt R-Center, 700 North Street. Bring your own bike or rent from Pace. There will be free food and giveaways, training with a certified bike instructor and information about Pace memberships and discounts.
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In the news:
City Newspaper - The Scooters are coming, eventually (https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/the-scooters-are-coming-eventually/Content?oid=10681163)
WROC TV - Promoting Play in Rochester (https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/promoting-play-in-rochester/)
The Urban Phoenix - A plan for spontaneity (https://theurbanphoenix.com/2019/08/14/plan-for-spontaneity/)
WROC TV - Group urges drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians (https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/group-urges-drivers-to-slow-down-and-watch-for-pedestrians/)

October 2019

iStock.com/kate_sept2004

New grant to promote whole child health

Gaps in service may put children in Rochester at risk for poorer outcomes. An effort led by the Children's Institute aims to promote kids' mental and behavioral health through early detection, intervention and integration of efforts among child serving providers and initiatives.

Supported by a new five-year, $4 million federal grant, local organizations that serve children 0-8 will work together to promote kids' social, emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral development.

"Healthi Kids is excited to support this important effort by advocating for and raising awareness of whole child health," said Stephanie David, Healthi Kids' children's health policy associate. Learn more.

Farm to school initiative feeds thousands

Healthi Kids is proud to be a member of New York Grown Food for New York Kids. The coalition, led by American Farmland Trust, brings together nearly 70 organizations and stakeholders who support increasing access to fresh, healthy, local food for students in K-12 schools.

New York created an incentive program that quadruples the state's per meal reimbursement for schools that spend 30 percent of their lunch budget on New York products. So far, 49 schools successfully reached the 30 percent, feeding an average of over 92,000 students with New York grown food over the last year. Also, over $7 million was spent on New York state products.

Busy street gets safety makeover

On September 29, 2019, the flavor of San Juan, Puerto Rico was brought to North Clinton Avenue, also known as "La Avenida". The busy stretch is one of the region's most dangerous road segments for bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, wheelchair users and other vulnerable travelers, according to research sponsored by the Genesee Transportation Council. Volunteers transformed the street to slow down traffic. Eye-catching crosswalks and street art were installed and equipment from Healthi Kids' traffic calming library was added.

Reconnect Rochester organized the makeover with support of the City of Rochester, Healthi Kids, Ibero American Development Corporation and other community partners. Check out Spectrum News' coverage here.

View a photo gallery from the day here.

Rochester's bike law updated

Rochester's City Council approved changes to its laws that prohibit parking in bike lanes. City officials said the rule change will encourage more people to ride bikes. "Building a city that is friendly to people on bikes also improves health and creates a stronger neighborhood", says City of Rochester Chief of Staff Alex Yudelson. See the story here.

Walk-Bike NY Symposium proposal due

The 2020 Walk-Bike NY Symposium will be held in Rochester on June 11-12, 2020. They are now accepting presentation proposals and are interested in the following topics: low-cost engineering solutions, comprehensive multi-modal planning, ADA/accessible traffic signals, rural approaches to complete streets, distracted and impaired pedestrians, e-bikes and creative out of the box solutions. Proposals are due November 30, 2019. Submit proposals here.

Cameron Community Ministries opens new teen center

The Cameron Teen Center celebrated its grand opening on September 25, 2019. The center is housed at the Glover Crask Charitable Trust Building. Check out the coverage from 13 WHAM here.

Elementary staff trained on classroom yoga

On August 28, 2019, Alicia Evans, Healthy Schools Coordinator, brought together staff from Rochester City School District elementary schools to take part in the Yoga 4 Classrooms professional development workshop at Roberto Clemente School No. 8 in Rochester. The workshop title was Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom: Trauma-Informed Tools to Support Social & Emotional Learning, Student Success and Positive Climate. To learn more about Yoga 4 Classrooms, contact Alicia Evans at alicia.evans@commongroundhealth.org or (585) 224-3172.

Remembering Richard DeSarra

Healthi Kids joins Rochester's cycling community in mourning the recent passing of Richard DeSarra, a cycling advocate who was a propelling force behind the Active Transportation Summit earlier this year. His promotion of active transportation will continue to be an inspiration for us.

Here's what some of our staff and partners said on social media about Richard:

Dina Faticone - "So sad to hear this! Grateful for his dedication and guidance over the years."

Benjamin Woelk - "I am so sad to learn this and so thankful I had the chance to work with him, I know he felt the Active Transportation Summit was a bright spot this year and was very pleased to be involved and see it come to fruition. He will be missed!"

drive2Bbetter - "Heartbreaking news! Richard was a gem in our community - always pushing to make biking safer for everyone - always with a smile. He will be dearly missed!"

Upcoming events:

October 4 - Teen Parents Taking Control will be held every Friday from October 4 to December 20 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Register for free by calling the Adams Street R-Center at (585) 428-7266.

October 24 - The Play Walk is a new downtown trail that connects The Strong Museum of Play to Central Library and ROC the Riverway projects. Join us from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm as we celebrate the grand opening of the new space that provides all children and families downtown with a place to play and have fun. The event begins at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, then attendees will travel down Court Street to Central Library.

October 24 - Greater Rochester Afterschool Alliance (GRASA) Lights On Afterschool event will be held at Central Library at 3:30 pm. Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. Read more here.

October 27 - The City of Rochester Public Market is hosting Halloween at the Market from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Children and their families get an extra trick or treating opportunity and will get to connect with community organizations. The event also features the Rec on the Move mobile recreation center, hay rides, food vendor stands and more! Learn more here.

November 7 - The Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan will be presented to Council's Neighborhood and Business Development Committee from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, during which the Council can ask City Planning staff questions about the plan. There is no public comment allowed during this portion but the public is allowed to attend and observe. The public will have an opportunity to speak to the Committee at the hearing beginning at 5:00 pm, with each person given up to three minutes to speak.

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.

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:

13 WHAM - Community helps with makeover of North Clinton Avenue

WXXI News - North Clinton Avenue neighborhood gets a new look

WXXI News - Connections: Katrina Korfmacher on her new book, "Bridging Silos"

Rochester Beacon - Working together for urban environmental health

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October 2019

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