I want to hear from YOU!

Hi, there!

I'd love to hear from you to know if I am supplying enough info for you!

Is there something else that you'd like to see me add to this LONA-KIDS page?

Just drop me a line when you can.
I know finding a free moment isn't easy when the little ones are around! :)

Peace!
Pam
Mommy, and loyal LONA neighbor!

Friday, June 29, 2007

CITY SUMMER RECREATION ACTIVITIES BEGIN (City of Rochester News Release - 06/26/2007)

A full slate of summer activities for youth and adults began Mon., June 25 at over 30 City Community and Recreation Centers. Summer recreation programming fills a day-long schedule for ages six and up with nine sites featuring Saturday hours.

Families can enjoy hundreds of activities and special events such as field trips to Seabreeze Amusement Park, Garth Fagan Dance Studio, Rochester Red Wings Day Camp, Buffalo Bills Training Camp and the Monroe County Fair. During the summer of 2006, the Bureau of Recreation recorded more than 130,000 visits to centers and 200,000 visits to city aquatics facilities.

New this year is "ArtSmart," a seven-week summer arts camp for ages 6-13, July 2-Aug. 17 held at the Lodge at Lake Riley in Cobbs Hill Park ($110 per week).

"We're ensuring that our young people continue to have fun, safe, positive activities to enjoy during the summer season and throughout the year," said Robert J. Mayor Duffy. "From sports leagues to cultural, social and skill-building programs, our staff of professional recreation providers reach out each day as role models and mentors to thousands of city youth."

The beach at Durand Eastman Park, as well as six indoor pools, four outdoor in-ground pools, one smaller above-ground pool and two water spray play areas will keep participants cool this summer. Beginning June 25, Durand Eastman Beach will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week.

The City's Water Spray Areas, which use fresh, not re-circulated water, will operate through Aug. 17 at the Carter St. Community Center and Humboldt Recreation Center. These exciting play areas offer visitors a chance to cool off around fun spray apparatus.

Indoor school pools are located at the Adams St. Community Center; Benjamin Franklin High School, East High School, James Monroe High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and John Marshall High School. At these locations, Open Swim Sessions are held, 1-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Free Summer Swim Academy Lessons (pre-enrollment required), take place 9:30 a.m.-12 noon, Mon.-Thurs. Adult Lap Swim is 12 Noon-1 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and Parent and Child Swim for youngsters ages 1-4 is scheduled 12 noon-1 p.m., Mon.-Fri. The Clinton-Baden Community Center also has an indoor pool. Call these sites directly for their schedules.

Outdoor in-ground pools are available at Genesee Valley Park, Ave. D, Flint St. and North St. Community Centers. These sites offer Free Swim Lessons and Open Swimming. The Genesee Valley Park Pool offers Free Summer Swim Academy Lessons, Mom & Tot Swim, Adult Laps and Open Swim. The Genesee Valley pool charges an admission fee of $2 for adults, 75 cents for ages 17 & under and $1 for seniors with a Good Times Pass. Season passes for Genesee Valley are $25. An annual all-pools pass is $50. The Genesee Valley Park Pool is open through Sept. 7 and the other outdoor in-ground pools are open through August 18. An outdoor, above-ground pool is located at the Webster Ave. Community Center.

In order to train seasonal staff for the busy season ahead, all recreation facilities, with the exception of the Genesee Valley Sports Complex and Durand Eastman Beach, are closed through Sun., June 24 for staff training.

Patrons may obtain schedules and times for neighborhood centers and pools on-site, by calling the Recreation Bureau administration offices at 428-6755, or by visiting the City's website at www.cityofrochester.gov. For the water quality status at Durand Eastman beach, residents may call 753-5887, after 10 a.m.

The City's Bureau of Recreation offers primarily drop-in programming and participants are free to come and go at any time. Recreation staff is not authorized to keep participants on the premises for any drop-in program. A responsible adult must accompany and supervise children under age six.

Department of Recreation and Youth Services Calendar Update

The latest Department of Recreation and Youth Services Calendar Update is available on the City of Rochester's web site.

Click on the link below (or copy and paste the link into your browser) to view the document.
 

http://www.cityofrochester.gov/prhs/updates/27june07calendarupdate.pdf

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Summertime, and the reading is easy! :)

Hi, LONA Literature Lovers!

I found out about a few nice reading programs that are in place this summer, and I'm glad to be able to pass along the information. Here goes:

School age kids can benefit from the summer reading program at Barnes and Noble. Read 8 books and get a free book! More info here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summer/reading.asp?  You can also pick up the forms at the store.

Also, I just heard about a summer reading program from Applebee's.  You can earn coupons for a free kids meal when you read 10 books! My friend picked up her coupons at the Greece Library, but I would think they would be available at any of their restaurants too. 

Please, please, please check out all the public library reading programs available! The Collaborative Summer Literary Program GET A CLUE at your library is offered at libraries across the country. The incentives are different, but you basically read to your child, or have them read to you, for 20 minutes a day, and each week, bring in your signed coupon/paper for a prize. Cool, huh?!?

There are also many events at the libraries for kids of all ages, but most require registration - they are all free - but the spaces do fill up! Greece and Webster libraries even offer registration online.  Here is the link to the main Monroe County library website:

http://www2.libraryweb.org/

Plus, the friendly librarians at the Lyell Branch would be very happy to help you select age/grade appropriate titles!

I will let you know if I come across any other gems to make your summer reading fun and fancy free.

Happy Reading!!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

"ROCKIN IN THE CITY" LASER, LIGHT AND SOUND SHOWS RETURN TO HIGH FALLS (05-22-07)

SEASON STARTS WITH A SPECIAL "AMERICAN SALUTE" MEMORIAL DAY SHOW

As part of the 2007 "Rockin in the City" series of events, Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that FREE laser, light and sound shows throughout the summer in the High Falls Heritage Area located at 60 Brown's Race. Last year, thousands of people experienced the thrill of the downtown "River of Light Show" with fireworks.

"These laser and light shows are another great reason why we will be "Rockin in the City" this summer," said Mayor Duffy. "I am really excited about what we're doing. From the "Rochester JazzFest" to our "Party in the Park" series to the "Bands on the Bricks" at the Public Market, we're revitalizing the heart of our city and it's showing. I'm looking forward to seeing crowds of people downtown all summer long."

The "American Salute" Memorial Day Show will kick-off the summer-long events, Sat., Sun., and Mon., May 26, 27, 28. "American Salute" is approximately 16 minutes long and features spectacular fireworks, lasers and music. Music, lights and lasers will entertain the crowd for another 15 minutes following the show.

Starting Thu., May 31, the "River of Light Show" will be presented every Thu. - Sat. until Aug. 25. The popular, 20 minute "River of Light Show," developed by Lightscape Media, includes laser pictures and captivating laser light displays, flood lights and fireworks choreographed to music and projected onto the spectacular Genesee River Gorge and the 96-foot cascade of the High Falls.

The laser show season is presented by the City of Rochester, with generous support from sponsors CricKet Communications, Freetime Magazine and Lamar Advertising.

The full schedule of upcoming shows is:

"American Salute" Memorial Day Show, 9:30 p.m.,Sat., Sun., and Mon., May 26, 27, 28

"River of Light Show," 9:30 p.m., every Thu. - Sat., May 31 - Sept 1

"American Dream Labor Day Show," 9:30 p.m., Sun., Sept, 2 and Mon., Sept. 3.

The displays are best viewed from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge on Platt St., off State St., and from the terraces of the Centers at High Falls on Brown's Race. Parking is available in the High Falls Parking Garage located on State St. For further information, call 428-6697 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov

MAYOR DUFFY ANNOUNCES NEW CRACKDOWN ON UNLAWFUL HOUSE PARTIES (06/20/07)

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced a new strategy to identify and stop unlawful house parties before they begin and to crack down on owners and tenants of residences which conduct these unlawful gatherings.

"This community has had enough of these unlawful and often violent house parties and we will use the full force of law and the diligence of the Rochester Police Department to shut these down," said Mayor Duffy. "We have already identified and terminated several parties before they started and will take action against the owners and tenants of the premises which have held such parties."

The new strategy has two major components. The first is early detection of parties and stopping them before they begin. The second component addresses parties that have already occurred by authorizing strict enforcement measures. These measures include:

  - The voiding of the Certificate of Occupancy
  - Vacating of the premises

These tough measures are justified under state law and the zoning and property codes of the City of Rochester to address the improper use of a residences as a nightclub or commercial establishment. Potential violations include, zoning violations, over-occupancy, service or consumption of alcohol without a license, service or consumption of alcohol by minors and drug possession or use.

The new plan uses various investigative tools to alert police to the plan for such a party. Once identified, the law department issues a warning letter to the property owner and/or tenant to warn them of the dangers and possible enforcement measures.  In addition, the police regularly patrol the area to prevent the party from starting.

The recent spate of unlawful house parties have several distinguishing factors that separate these events from legal parties that are held in many homes. Unlawful house parties often:

  - Are advertised;
  - Are open to the public;
  - Charge a fee to attend;
  - Charge a fee for food or beverages;
  - Occupancy is of unlawful and dangerous proportions.

Each event will be evaluated on a case by case basisto ensure legal parties, such as graduation parties and reunions, are not wrongly classified or penalized.

Attn:18 & 19 year olds! CITY REC. TO OFFER ADULT TENNIS INSTRUCTION (06/21/07)

The City's Bureau of Recreation will offer professional tennis instruction for ages 18 and over during three upcoming sessions. The first two are 8-week courses, running July 1-28, and July 29-August 25. The last, a 6-week course, runs Sept.10-30. Instruction will be offered by well-known Rochester tennis professional Curtis Carter, director of the Swing Tennis Academy and tennis instructor for more than 20 years.

Sessions are outdoors, last 90 minutes, and will be taught at beginner and intermediate levels at Cobbs Hill and Genesee Valley Parks. Sessions are offered mornings, evenings and weekends to accommodate busy schedules. The enrollment fee is $80 per eight class session (July 1-28 & July 29-August 25) and $60 per six class session (Sept. 10-30). Classes will not be held on July 4 or Labor Day week, September 2 - 8. City residents age 60 and over may use their Good Times Pass for a 50% discount on this program.

Registration is required and will be accepted until one day prior to the start of each session, as space allows. For more information or to register, call the Bureau of Recreation at 428-6755 or visit 400 Dewey Ave., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Reservations will be taken over the phone only if payment is made by credit card.

FOURTH ANNUAL TEEN BEACH BASH SCHEDULED (City of Rochester News Release - 06/21/2007)

Teens ages 13-18 from Rochester and Monroe County are invited to celebrate the end of the school year at the Fourth Annual Teen Beach Bash, 7-10 p.m., Tues., June 26 at Nola's Waterfront Barbeque, 4775 Lake Ave., Charlotte Beach. Identification is required for proof of age and admission is $5 at the door. Space is limited.

The City of Rochester's Bureau of Recreation, the Rochester Monroe County Youth Voice, One Vision Youth Council and the Edgerton Community Center Youth Council are sponsoring this event, which includes a barbeque dinner, dancing, contests, and prizes.

Appropriate dress is required; no du rags, bandanas, tube tops, clothing with suggestive material, foul language or gang symbols will be allowed. Please call 428-7371 for more information.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

OPEN HOUSES KICK-OFF SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS

OPEN HOUSES KICK-OFF SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS (City of Rochester News Release - 06/05/2007)

The City's Department of Recreation and Youth Services will kick off its Summer 2007 programs with open houses at all major recreation sites. Guests can take tours of the facilities, register for programs and meet Recreation staff. The City operates 35 recreation sites during the summer. The following is the schedule of open houses:

Adams Street Community Center, 85 Adams Street, 428-7266
2 - 4 p.m., Sat., June 9: Snacks and open swim party

Avenue D Community Center, 200 Avenue D, 428-7934
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat., June 2: Performances, 3 on 3 basketball, games and refreshments

Campbell Street Community Center, 524 Campbell Street, 428-7860
5 - 8 p.m., Fri., June 15: Family garden planting

Carter Street Community Center, 500 Carter Street, 428-7890
6 - 8 p.m., Fri., June 15: Family picnic

Edgerton Community Center Complex, 41 Backus Street, 428-6769
4 - 7 p.m., Fri., June 15: Amusement rides, entertainment, followed by a showing of the movie "Cars" at 7 p.m.

Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint Street, 428-7001
2 - 4 p.m., Sat., June 9: Special arts and crafts projects

Genesee Valley Complex, 131 Elmwood Avenue, 428-7888
5 - 7 p.m., Mon., June 18: Free swimming; registration for Learn to Swim Program and in-line and roller skating on the sports court (Bring your own skates.)

North Street Community Center, 700 North Street, 428-7149
1 - 4 p.m., Sat., June 15: Community softball games and light refreshments

South Avenue Community Center, 990 South Avenue, 428-6015
12 - 4 p.m., Sat., June 23 : Preview of summer activities, special events, refreshments

Webster Avenue Community Center Complex, 530 Webster Avenue, 428-7828
11 a.m., Sat., June 9 : Summer Kickoff Parade with games and refreshments.

To locate the center closest to you, call the Bureau of Recreation at 428-6755.

KIDS CAN LEARN TO SWIM AT FREE SUMMER SWIM ACADEMY

KIDS CAN LEARN TO SWIM AT FREE SUMMER SWIM ACADEMY (City of Rochester News Release - 06/05/2007) 

Children ages 6-14 can learn to swim for free at the City's "Summer Swim Academy," July 9 - 26 and July 30 - August 16. The 30-minute classes will take place 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Mon. - Fri., at ten locations throughout the city. There are classes for every skill level, from beginners with no previous instruction to capable swimmers. Participants can earn Red Cross certification in five skill levels.

Registration is now open and applications are being accepted until June 22 for Session I and until July 21 for Session II. Forms are available at all City recreation centers and libraries. A drop-in enrollment session will be held 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon, June 27 - 29. Drop-in enrollment must be at the location where the student plans to take lessons. Classes are filled based on proficiency levels and available space. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and individuals may sign up for only one class per session. Preference may be given to City residents.

Summer Swim Academy locations offering Levels 1 through 5 (see levels below):

• Adams Street Community Center (School #3), 85 Adams St., 428-7266

• Franklin High School, 950 Norton St. (entrance #13 in back), 428-6755 or 428-7888

• East High School, 1801 E. Main St. (athletic entrance in front)., 428-6755 or 428-7888

• Genesee Valley Park, 131 Elmwood Ave., 428-7888

• James Monroe High School, 164 Alexander St. (rear entrance) 428-6755 or 428-7888

• Thomas Jefferson High School, 1 Edgerton Park (rear entrance #8) 428-6755

• John Marshall High School, 180 Ridgeway Ave. (rear entrance) 428-6755

Summer Swim Academy locations* offering Levels 1 and Level 2 only*:

• Avenue D Community Center, 200 Ave. D, 428-7934

• Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint Street, 428-7001

• North Street Community Center, 700 North Street, 428-7149

* Registration at these sites will be taken from June27 - 29 ONLY in person.

An end-of-session "swim academy graduation" will recognize participants for their achievements. Swimmers will also have an opportunity to participate in the City-Wide Swim Meet and Aqua Fest on Aug. 3 at Genesee Valley Sports Complex Pool.

Levels offered in the program will include:

• Recruits: Level I: (Water Exploration): No previous instruction; cannot swim

• Seamates: Level II: (Primary Skills): Floats and puts face into water.

• Boatswains: Level III (Stroke Readiness): Dives into deep water and swims 25 yards.

• Navigators: Level IV: (Stroke Development): Swims 25 yards crawl and backstroke

• Skippers: Level V: (Stroke Refinement): Swims 50 yards crawl and backstroke

Call 428-7888 for further information or a registration form. Automated information is available by calling 428-6767. Learn more about City of Rochester recreation programs by going to: www.cityofrochester.gov.