------------------------------
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) .
------------------------------
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) .
------------------------------
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)
------------------------------
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) .
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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/) .
------------------------------
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) .
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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.
------------------------------
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/)

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.

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 offers these specialists as a resource to local child care providers. Learn more.

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.

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.

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 or 585-224-3172.

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.

Lawn signs are available

Local residents have stepped up to install more than 300 lawn signs as part of the drive2Bbetter 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. Learn more.

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. Walk ins also are welcome.

After school program available

The City of Rochester's After School in the Park 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.

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 and staff will respond in 24 hours.

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 or 585-224-3127 to learn how to shut down your streets for play in your neighborhood.

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, 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, which is sponsored by the Center for Community Health and Prevention and University of Rochester Clinical & Translational Science Institute.

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.

In the news:

City Newspaper - The Scooters are coming, eventually

WROC TV - Promoting Play in Rochester

The Urban Phoenix - A plan for spontaneity

WROC TV - Group urges drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians

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September 2019

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