LONA-KIDS

Great sites to learn more about the RCSD board candidates, and to discuss the RCSD in general year-round. Stay Informed!

2011-09-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Copy and Paste:

https://educabilityrocs.wordpress.com/

http://flowercityparents.org/forum/index.php
Many different topics are raised, and many parents ask questions and help each other navigate the RCSD.

http://flowercityparents.org/forum/index.php?board=74.0
This is the FCP's place for discussing the RCSD School Board incumbants and candidates.

Healthy changes for our RCSD kids! :)

2011-08-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Pamela,

I hope this email finds you well. Healthi Kids has an article we’d like to share with you and your neighbors. Would this be something you’d be interested in? Please let me know.

Thank you,

Lauren Morelle
Communications Coordinator
Healthi Kids
Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency
www.healthikids.org
p: 585.224.3121
c: 585.429.0956

YES! Thank you, Lauren! ~ Pamela :)

District Makes Changes
How new rules at school will make your schoolhouse rock!

Healthi Kids knows going back to school isn’t your child’s favorite topic; but this school year could be the best yet, thanks to some new rules in place at the Rochester City School District (RCSD).

Healthi Kids and City residents worked together throughout the 2010-2011 school year to ensure that student health was at the top of the District’s priority list. Last April, the Rochester City School Board passed updates to the District’s Wellness Policy, including new rules for students for food and physical activity. This update means big changes to students’ daily activity and food choices.

The most important difference that elementary students will see this year is the inclusion of a 20 minute recess period every day. While some students were lucky to have daily recess, it will be new to many RCSD students. A Healthi Kids survey found that only 37% of elementary schools in the City of Rochester offered recess during the day. Through recess, students can relax and recharge themselves, so when the time comes for more learning they are mentally and physically ready. By making time for supervised, unstructured recess, children will have that break to help them learn better and feel better.

Another improvement kids will see this year are higher nutritional standards for foods that are served outside of the cafeterias, including at events, in vending machines, and as fundraisers. Healthier food choices encourage children to think twice before picking up a bag of chips or reaching for a soda. By learning what is good for them, students play a more active role in what they eat, and feel the positive effects of a healthier diet.

The District is rolling these new rules out in stages, the first in two schools in the District, Wilson Foundation Academy and Clara Barton School #2, both of which are less than 3 miles from the Lyell/Otis Neighborhood. Healthi Kids looks forward to working with our neighbors in this area and encourages parents and community members to contact their child’s school to request they follow the District’s guidelines for healthy fundraisers and classroom rewards.

With exercise and healthier choices to look forward to, how could this school year not rock? So let’s enjoy getting back to school, and commit to making 2011-2012 the best year ever!

FUN & EDUCATIONAL WEB SITES FOR KIDS!

2011-07-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

HI!

These are some websites that might help keep little ones entertained (and learning) on a rainy day!

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

~ Pam, LONA's PR Coordinator, and Mommy :)

http://www.gamequarium.com/

http://www.bestedsites.com/

http://www.kidsknowit.com/

http://www.brainpop.com/

http://www.easyfunschool.com/IndexPreschool.html

http://www.starfall.com/

http://www.funbrain.com/

http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior

http://www.nickjr.com/

http://www.kbears.com/

http://www.topedusites.com/

http://www.homeschool.com/articles/top100-2008/default.asp

www.pbskids.org/sesame/

http://pbskids.org/clifford/ - or - www.scholastic.com/clifford/flash.htm -or- http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/

www.pbskids.org

http://www.sproutonline.com

http://funschool.kaboose.com/index.html

http://kabillion.com

http://www.hitentertainment.com/kipper/

http://www.seussville.com/main.php?section=home&isbn=&catalogID=&eventID=

http://www.crayola.com/

http://www.1001games.fr/jeux/Jeux+animaliers/Miffys+Recipe.html

http://www.agkidzone.com/strawberryshortcake.action

www.thomasthetankengine.com

www.funwithspot.com

http://pbskids.org/barney/

http://www.redrobin.com/scribble/index.html

STORYBOOKS - ONLINE! (Cool!)
http://www.magickeys.com/books/

And, for older kids/teens:

http://www.hippocampus.org/

My personal favorite :)
School House Rock Videos and Lyrics: http://www.sqooltools.com/edvideos/shr/master.html

Earn a FREE BOOK from Barnes & Noble!

2011-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

ONLINE STORYTIME :)

2011-07-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

copy and paste:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/storytime/index.asp?cds2Pid=14835&linkid=1721557

$1 REGAL Summer Kids' Movies - 2011

2011-07-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx?zip=14606

HENRIETTA CINEMA STADIUM 18
525 Marketplace Drive Rochester NY 585-424-5461
see dates and movies

6/28-6/29 (10am)
RAMONA & BEEZUS
YOGI BEAR
7/5-7/6 (10am)
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
DESPICABLE ME
7/12-7/13 (10am)
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS
7/19-7/20 (10am)
ALPHA AND OMEGA
TALE OF DESPEREAUX
7/26-7/27 (10am)
CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS
KARATE KID
8/2-8/3 (10am)
CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE
LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS
8/9-8/10 (10am)
KUNG FU PANDA
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
8/16-8/17 (10am)
MARMADUKE
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
8/23-8/24 (10am)
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
PLANET 51

GREECE RIDGE STADIUM 12

176 Greece Ridge Center Drive Rochester NY 585-225-8837
see dates and movies

6/28-6/29 (10am)
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
PLANET 51
7/5-7/6 (10am)
RAMONA & BEEZUS
YOGI BEAR
7/12-7/13 (10am)
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
DESPICABLE ME
7/19-7/20 (10am)
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS
7/26-7/27 (10am)
ALPHA AND OMEGA
TALE OF DESPEREAUX
8/2-8/3 (10am)
CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS
KARATE KID
8/9-8/10 (10am)
CATS AND DOGS: REVENGE
LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS
8/16-8/17 (10am)
KUNG FU PANDA
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
8/23-8/24 (10am)
MARMADUKE
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

2011-07-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Fire Safety Tips From LONA's RFD Engine 5 and How To Use the Monroe County 911 System

2010-08-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to enlarge it, and read it easily!

Kids' Safety Information

2010-08-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to enlarge it, and read it easily!
Thanks to the National Center For Missing & Exploited Children's New York Branch for participating in our Engine 5's 125th Anniversary Celebration on August 14th, 2010. They provided these wonderful flyers that are full of information to help keep our children safe!!

Ice Cream Social 7-22-10

2010-07-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 22nd @ 7pm

Holy Apostles Church - Lyell Avenue

is hosting an ice cream social!

Bring the children by for a treat,

as well as games and fun!

http://www.holyapostlescommunity.org/articles.htm

City pools, spray parks and recreation programs - Summer 2010

2010-07-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

City pools, spray parks and recreation programs open this week
Bennett J. Loudon • Staff writer • June 27, 2010

Monday is the opening day for pools, spray parks and recreation programs throughout Rochester.

Recreation center pools open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

Flint Street Recreation Center, 271 Flint St., open through Aug. 20, for information, (585) 428-7001.

Avenue D Recreation Center, 200 Avenue D, open though Aug. 20, (585) 428-7934

Open swimming at Flint Street and Avenue D is from: noon to 7 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays.

Free beginner swimming lessons available weekday mornings. Register for lessons at the pool, or call (585) 428-7888.

Adams Street Pool, 85 Adams St., open through Aug. 21. For open swimming times (585) 428-7456.

Free lessons for beginner and advanced swimmers available weekday mornings. Register for lessons at the pool, or call (585) 428-7888.

Spray parks open from dawn to dusk:

Manhattan Square Park, 353 Court St., in the play area, not the main fountain.

Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus St., spray park will be open starting July 5.

North Street Community Center, 700 North St.

Humboldt Recreation Center, 1045 Atlantic Ave.

Fourth and Peck Park, Fourth and Peck streets.

Troup Street Park and playground, Troup Street.

Carter Street Recreation Center, 500 Carter St.

Five high school pools also will be open:

Benjamin Franklin High School, 950 Norton St.

Douglass Preparatory High School, 940 Fernwood Park.

James Monroe High School, 164 Alexander St.

John Marshall High School, 180 Ridgeway Ave.

Wilson Foundation Academy at Madison, 200 Genesee St.

Free swim lessons will be available 9:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday. Advanced registration is required by calling (585) 428-7888.

Adult lap swimming is available noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. A parent and child swim also is held at the same time. One adult must accompany each child under 6.

Open swimming is from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

BLOUDON@DemocratandChronicle.com

Read to earn a FREE book! Whoo-hoo!!! =D

2010-07-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Click on: 2010 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading - Barnes & Noble
or copy and paste:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp

I swung by the Mall at Greece Ridge Center's B&N store, and brought the printed passports to the Lyell Branch Library.

Pick one up for each participating child.

After you read 8 books, turn in your completed passport at Barnes and Noble to receive a FREE BOOK! :)

1 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

2 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

3 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

4 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

5 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

6 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

7 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

8 Title/Author
Place(s) Visited

Choose your FREE BOOK from the list below
This offer is valid for one free book (from the list on this coupon) at all Barnes & Noble stores between 5/25/10 and 9/7/10 for a completed Reading Passport, only while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Book choice must be made from available stock. There is no guarantee that your book of choice will be available or in stock.

This offer does not apply to special orders. Limit of 1 free book per school-age child (Grades 1-6); completing multiple Reading Passports does not entitle the school-age child to more than 1 free book. Not valid at Barnes & Noble College bookstores, B. Dalton bookstores, or through Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com).

This offer is not redeemable for cash, cash equivalents, Gift Cards, or online Gift Certificates, and is not valid on past purchases, nor will any returns of books provided pursuant to this offer be eligible for credit of any type. This offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice, however, we will honor all completed Reading Passports submitted to a Barnes & Noble store prior to such discontinuation or change. Offer is void where prohibited by law.

Title Author ISBN

GRADES 1 & 2
Abraham Lincoln: Justine Korman Fontes 9780756656898
Lawyer, Leader, Legend
Curious George Cleans Up / H. A. Rey 9780618896875
Jorge el curioso limpia el reguero
Frog and Toad Are Friends Arnold Lobel 9780064440202
Gorillas: Gentle Giants of the Forest Joyce Milton 9780679872849
Last One In is a Rotten Egg Leonard Kessler 9780064442626
My Trip to the Zoo Mercer Mayer 9781577688266
Thomas Jefferson’s Feast Frank Murphy 9780375822896

GRADES 3 & 4
The Cricket in Times Square George Selden 9780312380038
Half-Moon Investigations Eoin Colfer 9780786849604
The Hardy Boys: Trouble at the Arcade Franklin W. Dixon 9781416991649
January Joker Ron Roy 9780375856617
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Megan McDonald 9780763643515
Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
The Puppy Place: Goldie Ellen Miles 9780439793797
Ramona la chinche Beverly Cleary 9780688148881
Ramona’s World Beverly Cleary 9780380732722
Sophie the Awesome Lara Bergen 9780545146043

GRADES 5 & 6
The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones Rick Riordan 9780545060394
The Calder Game Blue Balliett 9780439852081
El Soñador Pam Muñoz Ryan 9780545176002
Freckle Juice Judy Blume 9780440428138
Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture Kathryn Lasky 9780439405577
The Hero and the Crown Robin McKinley 9780141309811
Jim & Me Dan Gutman 9780060594961
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Robert C. O’Brien 9780689710681
My Last Best Friend Julie Bowe 9780152061975
No Talking Andrew Clements 9781416909842
The Stolen Sapphire: A Samantha Mystery Sarah Masters Buckey 9781593690991
The Wonderful Story of Roald Dahl 9780141304700
Henry Sugar and Six More

Make A Splash - 2010 Summer Library Events

2010-07-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

LIBRARIES ARE FUN IN THE SUN!

To find out what events are coming up at area libraries, click on:
Monroe County (NY) Library System - Events
or copy and paste:
http://www3.libraryweb.org/events.aspx

To search library events happening TODAY, click:
http://www3.libraryweb.org/eventsToday.aspx
or copy and paste that link's address in your browser.

http://www3.libraryweb.org/subpage.aspx?id=28330

Make A Splash- Read!

The Monroe County Library System’s summer reading programs are in full swing. The libraries are encouraging kids to keep up with their reading during summer break, while providing fun activities in air conditioned comfort. Check the "Events Calendar" on this website for summer reading programs at your local library.

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is an annual program that brings children and families into local public libraries for reading and activities. 1.5 million New York children and teens participated in the State Library-sponsored program in 2009.

The State Library www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/coordinates the program and works with the 23 library systems throughout the state providing a summer reading theme, promotional materials, a creative idea manual, and state-level support.

Studies show that library summer reading programs will raise student learning levels and help prevent learning losses during the summer months.

Summer Reading at the Monroe County Library System is always reaching out to include more children and families and Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks is also encouraging literacy with the county Summer Reading Program. Parents can register their young readers at the Seneca Park Zoo during the “Get Out to Read” events from 10 am to 1 pm, July 6 through July 23 and through the County’s website at http://www.MonroeCounty.gov/libra-SummerReadingRegistration.php. Students who sign up will receive a free bookmark and are eligible for one of thousands of prizes; which have been donated by more than 30 local businesses and not-for-profit agencies.

The Monroe County Summer Reading Program concludes with the second annual “Trivia Bowl” competition for middle school-age participants. The “Trivia Bowl” is scheduled for this fall and will be held in the Auditorium at the Monroe Community Hospital. Wegmans is sponsoring the event by providing refreshments for participants and their families.

The Abraham Project - Building Stronger Families

2010-07-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE CATHOLIC FAMILY CENTER'S FATHERHOOD PROGRAM

The Abraham Project will be focused on building stronger families. The goal is to get more non-custodial involved in their children’s lives via paying child support and spending more time with them.

Eligibility Criteria:

* Active child support enforcement order
* In the process of having an order executed against you
* In the process of paternity identification
* 200% below the income poverty level
* Agreement to participate in parenting classes
* Agreement to participate in financial literacy education

Our focus:

* Reentry Non-Custodial parents
* Participants in our partnering agencies who could use the service
* Other Non-Custodial Parents

Services Offered:

The key elements of our proposed program include:
- Employment support, including job preparation workshops with training in resume preparation, job interview skills, computer training, and job-related skills such as neatness, promptness, politeness, and interpersonal relationships
- Job search and placement assistance, including matching of individual skill sets and openings, support during the interviewing and hiring process, and post-placement follow-up and troubleshooting
- Financial literacy training, including debt reduction, budgeting and saving, opening a checking account, managing credit, and with an emphasis on managing child support arrears situations and the NYS non-custodial parent earned income tax credit
- Legal assistance to address some modifications to child support requirements, custody, visitation agreements/enforcements, or other civil litigation issues
- Case management individually tailored to address the issues that are barriers to employment and a positive family relationship
- Parenting education and support

Expected enrollment is to begin in July.

If you have any immediate questions do not hesitate to contact
Donald Hardaway Jr. at 546-7220 x4504
or email: dhardaway@cfcrochester.org

Free Summer Meals Available For City Students

2010-07-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Date: June 30, 2010

Free Summer Meals Available to City Students

RCSD Program Will Keep Children Well Fed Over Summer

The Rochester City School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program to provide free, nutritious meals to students over the summer. The program is part of the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through which the district offers students free and reduced-price lunch throughout the school year; 84% of RCSD students participate in the school-year food program.
Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. It can also make children more prone to illness and other health issues. Many students rely on meals provided by the district as their main source of nutrition.
“The Summer Food Service Program ensures that no child has to go without a healthy meal during the months when school is out,” said Rochester Superintendent of Schools Jean-Claude Brizard. “Keeping students well fed means they will be ready for an active summer of fun and continued learning.”
Meals will be provided to all children age 18 and younger at no charge at the following times and locations:

Nathaniel Rochester Community School
85 Adams St.
6/28-8/20
Breakfast 7:15-7:30
Lunch 11:30-11:45

Roberto Clemente School No. 8
1180 St. Paul St.
7/8-8/5
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

James P.B. Duffy School No. 12
999 South Ave.
6/28-8/20
Breakfast 7:15-7:30
Lunch 11:30-11:45

Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19
465 Seward St.
7/8-8/4
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Henry Hudson School No. 28
450 Humboldt St
7/8-8/4
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Adlai E. Stevenson School No. 29
88 Kirkland Road
7/6-8/16
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Audubon School No. 33
500 Webster Ave.
7/8-8/5
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Kodak Park School No. 41
279 Ridge Rd. W.
6/28-8/20
Breakfast 7:15-7:30
Lunch 11:30-11:45

Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45
1445 Clifford Ave.
7/8-8/4
Breakfast 7:15-7:30
Lunch 11:30-11:45

Dr. Freddie Thomas High School
625 Scio St.
7/7-8/16
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

East High School
1801 Main St. East
7/12-8/27
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

Edison Campus
655 Colfax St.
7/8-8/20
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

Family Learning Center
30 Hart Street
7/6-8/16
Breakfast 7:15-7:30
Lunch 11:30-11:45

Franklin Campus
950 Norton St.
7/6-8/16
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

John Marshall High School
180 Ridgeway Ave
6/28-8/20
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

In addition, meals will be provided to students who are enrolled in summer-school programs at the following sites (not open to non-enrolled students):

Children’s School of Rochester
494 Averill Ave.
7/12-8/6
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Pinnacle School No. 35
194 Field St.
6/28-8/27
Breakfast 8:30-8:45
Lunch 12:45-1:00

Thomas Jefferson High School
Edgerton Park
7/6-8/20
Breakfast 7:05-7:20
Lunch 12:15-12:45

World of Inquiry Summer Program at Strong Museum
One Manhattan Square
7/7-8/4
Breakfast 8:30-8:45

For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, call the RCSD Office of School Food Service at 336-4118.

From the USDA:

Acceptance and participation requirements for the programs and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write or call: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC, 20250-9410, (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

#

For more news from the Rochester City School District, visit www.rcsdk12.org.

Family Movies - watch on your computer at home!

2010-06-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hulu Family Movies: Hulu has a super collection of free family movies, and they're all very high quality.
Public Domain Torrents Family Movies: Good selection of free family movies here, mostly older movies.
Watch-Movies.net Family Movies: Large variety of family movies here; not all the links are good, but it's still worth a visit.
Emol.org Family Movies: Movies for kids here, including the Wizard of Oz.
Family Movies at Google Video: This is a link to search for Family movies at Google Video; you'll need to scroll through the search results to find something that interests you.

FREE FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL - 2010

2010-06-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

REG’s Free Family Film Festival is Now Showing!

We have planned a fun-filled summer of select movies for kids and parents.

Regal has proudly offered this free summer fun since 1991.

Oh, did we mention that it’s FREE!

Selected G or PG movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity.

The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer. Tickets for our 2010 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

Henrietta Stadium 18

525 Marketplace Drive

Rochester ,NY 14623

585-424-5461

06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Muppets From Space (G) Where The Wild Things Are (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Charlotte's Web (G) Hoodwinked (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Rugrats The Movie (G) Bratz (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G) Akeelah And The Bee (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 ARCTIC TALE (G) Open Season (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G) RV (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010 Doogal (G) Harry Potter: Half Blood Prince (PG)
08/24/2010-08/25/2010 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) Shorts (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

Greece Ridge Stadium 12

176 Greece Ridge Center Drive

Rochester ,NY 14626

585-225-8837

06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Muppets From Space (G) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Open Season (PG) Shrek The Third (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 ARCTIC TALE (G) Bee Movie (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G) Aliens In The Attic (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010 Polar Express (G) Where The Wild Things Are (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010 Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) Shorts (PG)
08/24/2010-08/25/2010 Doogal (G) Harry Potter: Half Blood Prince (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

Eastview 13

70 Eastview Mall Drive

Victor ,NY 14564

585-425-0423

06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Charlotte's Web (G)

06/29/2010-07/01/2010 Hoodwinked (PG)

07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Rugrats The Movie (G) Surf's Up (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 ARCTIC TALE (G) Planet 51 (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G) Dr. Suess' Cat In The Hat (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010 Doogal (G) Harry Potter: Half Blood Prince (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) Shorts (PG)
08/24/2010-08/25/2010 Muppets From Space (G) Where The Wild Things Are (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

Lead Recalls: Jewelry and Accessories

2010-01-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death. CPSC announces all recalls on their website http://www.cpsc.gov/.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Recalls/allhazards.htm

Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips

2010-01-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

Prevention Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips.htm#

* How are children exposed to lead?
* Who is at risk?
* What can be done to prevent exposure to lead?
* Reduce a child’s exposure from non-residential paint sources

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead.

The goal is to prevent lead exposure to children before they are harmed. There are many ways parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead. Lead hazards in a child’s environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely.

How are children exposed to lead?

Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure for lead in U.S. children. Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978. All houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a problem. Approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust. More than 4 million of these dwellings are homes to one or more young children.

Who is at risk?

All children under the age of 6 years old are at risk because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths.

However, children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk. Additionally, children of some racial and ethnic groups and those living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead.

What can be done to prevent exposure to lead?

It is important to determine the construction year of the house or the dwelling where your child may spend a large amount of time (e.g., grandparents or daycare). In housing built before 1978, assume that the paint has lead unless tests show otherwise.

Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead.

Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.

Pregnant women and children should not be present in housing built before 1978 that is undergoing renovation. They should not participate in activities that disturb old paint or in cleaning up paint debris after work is completed.

Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources. Until environmental clean-up is completed, parents should clean and isolate all sources of lead. They should close and lock doors to keep children away from chipping or peeling paint on walls. You can also apply temporary barriers such as contact paper or duct tape, to cover holes in walls or to block children’s access to other sources of lead.

Regularly wash children’s hands and toys. Hands and toys can become contaminated from household dust or exterior soil. Both are known lead sources.

Regularly wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window components. Because household dust is a major source of lead, parents should wet-mop floors and wet-wipe horizontal surfaces every 2-3 weeks. Windowsills and wells can contain high levels of leaded dust. They should be kept clean. If feasible, windows should be shut to prevent abrasion of painted surfaces or opened from the top sash.

Prevent children from playing in bare soil; if possible, provide them with sandboxes. Parents should plant grass on areas of bare soil or cover the soil with grass seed, mulch, or wood chips, if possible. Until the bare soil is covered, parents should move play areas away from bare soil and away from the sides of the house. If using a sandbox, parents should also cover the box when not in use to prevent cats from using it as a litter box. That will help protect children from exposure to animal waste.

To further reduce a child’s exposure from non-residential paint sources:

avoid using traditional home remedies and cosmetics that may contain lead;

avoid eating candies imported from Mexico;

avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods or liquids that are not shown to be lead free;

remove recalled toys and toy jewelry immediately from children. Check Lead Recalls lists.

use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula (Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.);

shower and change clothes after finishing a task that involves working with lead-based products such as stain glass work, bullet making, or using a firing range.

Walmart Pulls Jewerly With Cadmium Off Shelves

2010-01-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

Walmart Pulls Jewerly With Cadmium Off Shelves

Reported by: WROC-TV
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010 @11:25am EST

The nation's largest retailer Walmart has taken a type of children's jewelry from China off its shelves.

A report found that the jewelry contained cadmium - a toxic metal.

It's been reported that cadmium can cause cancer.

Manufacturers were forced to stop using lead in their products, so cadmium, an inexpensive dangerous metal, was substituted in the jewelry and going undetected.

There has been no formal recall.

Schumer: Ban Toxic Metal From Toys

2010-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

Schumer: Ban Toxic Metal From Toys

Reported by: WROC-TV
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 @04:50pm EST

Senator Charles Schumer was in Rochester on Wednesday, pushing a bill to ban the sale of children's products that contain a toxic chemical. The products are sold here in Rochester, and across the country.

An investigation found that some play jewelry, made in China, had the toxic metal cadmium in it. Exposure to cadmium is known to cause cancer and developmental problems. Manufacturers in China began using the metal when they were forced to stop using lead in their products.

Sen. Schumer was at a dollar store on Mt. Hope Avenue in Rochester, where the toys containing cadmium have been pulled from the shelves.

"It is just despicable that a manufacturer anywhere, in this case China, would use something that's known to be poisonous to children and put it in children's jewelry to save a few bucks," said Schumer.

Schumer said if legislation he penned passes, it will remove the toxic metal from children's products once and for all.

Be Aware of Toxic Children's Jewelry

2010-01-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

AP: Cadmium Found in Children's Jewelry
By: Amy Young - YNN.com

An Associated Press investigation revealed Chinese manufacturers switched to using the heavy metal cadmium in children's jewelry after they were banned from using lead.

Cadmium is a known carcinogen. Lab tests show one piece of jewelry had as much as 91 percent cadmium by weight.

The jewelry items were purchased in New York, Ohio, Texas and California.

Tests showed some pieces easily shed the heavy metal. Like lead, cadmium can hinder brain development in the very young.

"Children are more susceptible, extremely susceptible. They grow so fast, and it accumulates, the cadmium accumulates in their kidneys. It attacks different organs. And they don't even have to eat it, they don't have to swallow it. They can inhale it. They can just suck on it," said Judy Braiman, consumer activist.

New York State Senator Jim Alesi is introducing legislation to ban the toxic metal.

RECALL ALERT - Pacifiers

2010-01-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

RECALL - Pacifiers
Posted by jenn moore at 11/18/2009 4:17 PM PST

Pull that paci out of your baby's mouth and check to see if it is a Bobby Chupete Pacifier.

There is a recall of 641,000 pacifiers because the mouth guard is too small and poses a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.

The pacifiers were sold for about $1 and have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes.The nipple is made of latex. The name Bobby Chupete and a picture of an infant are printed on the packaging. The pacifier would be aqua, red, white or yellow.

Please stop using the binky and contact Grand World at (718)326-7786 (you can call collect) or www.grandworldinc.com.

FYI - Rochester One of 41 Sites Selected for National Program to Fight Childhood Obesity

2010-01-13T16:09:00.000-08:00

Rochester One of 41 Sites Selected for National Program
to Fight Childhood Obesity

Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency Receives Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Major Grant to Expand Healthi Kids Initiative

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2010 – Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency (FLHSA) has been awarded a four-year, $360,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to improve opportunities for physical activity and access to affordable, healthy foods for children and families in Rochester and Monroe County, N.Y. Based on a rigorous selection process that drew more than 500 proposals from across the country, Rochester is one of 41 sites selected for the RWJF Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities initiative.

Specifically, this grant will fund the FLHSA Healthi Kids Coalition’s activities to increase access to safe places to play and to establish healthier food standards in child-care centers and after-school settings. These are two major policy changes advocated for by the Healthi Kids Coalition, along with healthier school food and increased physical activity among children in school. Currently, 40 percent of children ages 2 to 18 in Rochester, and 25 percent of children in Monroe County, are overweight or obese.

“FLHSA and our partner agencies are delighted that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is investing in the Healthi Kids initiative,” said Wade S. Norwood, FLHSA’s director of community engagement. “Children in Greater Rochester are the true beneficiaries of this funding, which will enable them to play more actively in public areas and to receive more nutritious food in child-care locations.”

“To reverse this epidemic, communities are going to have to rally around their kids and provide the opportunities they need to be healthy,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Through this project, FLHSA and its partners are doing what it takes to make sure children lead better lives.”

Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities is a $33 million national program and RWJF’s largest investment to date in community-based solutions to childhood obesity. With nine Leading Sites chosen in late 2008, the program now spans 50 communities from Seattle to Puerto Rico. All are targeting improvements in local policies and their community environment—changes that research indicates could have the greatest impact on healthier eating, more active living and obesity prevention. Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities is a cornerstone of RWJF’s $500 million commitment to reverse the country’s childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

The 40 other cities and regions just announced as Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities sites are:

Benton County, OR
Boone and Newton Counties, AR
Buffalo, NY
Caguas, PR
Charleston, WV
Chattanooga, TN
Cook County, GA
Cuba, NM
Denver, CO
Desoto, Marshall and Tate Counties, MS
El Paso, TX
Fitchburg, MA
Flint, MI
Grant County, NM
Greenville, SC
Hamilton County, OH
Houghton County, MI
Houston, TX
Jackson, MS
Jacksonville, FL
Jefferson County, AL
Kane County, IL
Kansas City, MO
Kingston, NY
Knox County, TN
Lake Worth, Greenacres and Palm Springs, FL
Milledgeville, GA
Milwaukee, WI
Moore and Montgomery Counties, NC
Multnomah County/Portland, OR
Nash and Edgecombe Counties, NC
New Orleans, LA
Omaha, NE
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Antonio, TX
San Felipe Pueblo, NM
Spartanburg County, SC
Watsonville and Pajaro Valley, CA

All were selected because of strong vision, partnership and a commitment to make lasting change in their communities. The new program grants will continue through June 2013.

Visit www.healthykidshealthycommunities.org to learn more about these communities’ work and plans.

###

About FLHSA and Healthi Kids
Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency (www.flhsa.org) is an independent, regional health planning organization working to improve health care in Rochester and the Finger Lakes. The agency analyzes community needs, brings together organizations to solve health problems, and measures results.

Healthi Kids (www.healthikids.org) is a grassroots advocacy initiative to help Monroe County children lead healthier, more active lives. It is an FLHSA initiative, with the support of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Center for Community Health, URMC’s Department of Pediatrics, and the Children’s Agenda. Healthi Kids also receives funding from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.

About Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities
Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), advances community-based solutions that will help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. It focuses on changing policies and environments to support active living and healthy eating among children and families. The program places special emphasis on reaching children who are at highest risk for obesity on the basis of income, race/ethnicity and geographic location. It will support RWJF’s efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States by 2015.

The Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities national program office is housed at Active Living By Design, part of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Established in 2001 as an RWJF national program, Active Living By Design now serves funders and partnerships across the country that are fostering community-led change to build a culture of active living and healthy eating.

About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years, the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.

Free Online HALLOWEEN Games!

2009-10-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Click on, or copy and paste:

http://www.thekidzpage.com/halloween_games/index.html

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Is YOUR child lead safe?

2009-10-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

October 25-31, 2009 is National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, along with our community partners, has scheduled three FREE blood lead testing events which take place on Monday October 26, Thursday October 29, and Friday October 30. Times and locations are detailed in the attached flyer.

Please take a moment this week to make sure your child has been test for exposure to lead as well as making sure your home is safe from lead hazards. If you don’t have children, spread the word to those who do.Go to the Coalition’s website at www.leadsafeby2010.org to get information about scheduling a FREE lead inspection of your house or apartment . You can also learn about the EPA’s new Renovation, Remodeling & Painting Rule ("Be Proactive, not Reactive--Renovate Right!") which goes into effect next April.

Help Spread the Word! Put the following as a status update on your Facebook page: October 25-31, 2009 is National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Go to www.leadsafeby2010.org for information on FREE blood lead tests and scheduling a FREE inspection of your house or apartment for lead paint hazards.

Thank you!

"Coalition plans free screenings for lead," Democrat & Chronicle
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091024/NEWS01/910240334/ 1003/Coalition-plans-free-screenings-for-lead

Elizabeth McDadeProgram CoordinatorCoalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning
(a partner of the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency)
1150 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 256-2267 x125
http://www.leadsafeby2010.org/

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does.” Margaret Mead

　
IS YOUR CHILD LEAD SAFE?
*Find out ‐ GET YOUR CHILD LEAD TESTED*

FREE Blood Lead Testing Events for
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
(LEAD POISONING = BRAIN DAMAGE)

Monday October 26 Anthony Jordan Health Center
82 Holland St. (off Hudson Ave.)
3‐7:30 PM

Thursday October 29 WIC Health Link (Upper Falls)
9‐11:00 AM, 1‐2:00 PM, 3:30‐5:30 PM

Friday October 30 TOPS Friendly Market
710 Lake Avenue
3‐6:00 PM

SPONSORED BY: ACM‐LABS * ACTION for a BETTER COMMUNITY * ANTHONY L. JORDAN HEALTH CENTER and HEALTH LINK * CITY OF ROCHESTER * COALITION TO PREVENT LEAD POISONING * GREATER ROCHESTER HEALTH FOUNDATION * ICC TRUTH * InterVol * TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS * WNYLRC

For information call Joseph Hill at 256-2267 or 415-1860

2009 Cycle of Violence Series

2009-10-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION: Parents, Teens, Educators and Community Members.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: October 27, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm

RSVP: On or before Wednesday, October 21 to mailto:/RSVP@uwrochester.org

LOCATION: Medaille Residence Hall, Nazareth College campus map

This event is free and open to the public.

HOST: The Rose and Joseph Denaro Interfaith Center

for the Study of Genocide and Violence Prevention

MEET THE SPECIALISTS
Keynote Speaker: Michael Green, Monroe County District Attorney
Debra Martin, Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the

Rochester Regional Office of the New York State Attorney General
Tiffany H. Lee, Assistant United States Attorney and Coordinator, Project Safe Childhood
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, New York Branch:

Pam Weaver, Director, Community Education and

Debra L. Ortiz-Pardi, Community Educator and Coordinator, Teen Programs
Dr. David Broadbent, Pediatrician
Dr. Esther Denaro Maltese, Program Facilitator, http://www.denarocenter.org/

Join us! Take a pro-active stand for our families and our community!

Library's Summer Reading Program - Sign Up NOW!

2009-07-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

I copied this from the library's website, and I believe this info also applies to the Lyell Branch as well!!!!

Go to your local library this summer!!! The books are waiting to be read and enjoyed!!!

Gates - SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES BE CREATIVE @ YOUR LIBRARY(Ages 3 - 12)

Date/Time:
Monday June 22 through August 6, 2009

Place:
Gates Public Library: 1605 Buffalo Road, 247-6446

Details:
Do you love to dance, sing, paint or take part in other creative pursuits?
The Gates Public Library wants to help you flex your creative muscles this summer!

Contract to read at least 10 minutes per day, keep track of your reading on a calendar of activities, and earn raffle tickets for a variety of prizes.

Sign up begins June 22 and ends July 10.

The summer reading program is open to children aged 3 (with parent) to 12.

The last day of the program is August 6.

READ 8 BOOKS, EARN A FREE BOOK!

2009-07-05T18:27:00.001-07:00

Here's How It Works:

1. Kids read any eight (8) books of their own choosing.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs the journal when it's complete. You can also get a Spanish-language Reading Journal.

3. Children bring their completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 26th & September 7th, 2009.

4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.*

* Eligible books will be listed on the coupon.

Choices must be made from available stock.
No special orders.
Limit of one (1) form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please.
Incomplete forms will be ineligible for free books.

Especially Kid-Friendly Rochester Restaurants

2009-07-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

I found this very helpful dining list at:
http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/resources/restspecial.html

***Please call ahead to verify each restaurant's participation before you head out!***

Especially Kid-Friendly Restaurants that provide extra-special pricing or free kids meals.

Aja Noodle Co.
2602 Elmwood Ave, Brighton, NY 585-244-1052
*Changing table: W
42 Perinton Hills, Fairport, NY 585-377-7000
*Changing table: W
Kids eat free every Tuesday night: 1 free kids meal with each adults' entree!
Note from reader: The food there is not super spicy, so it's "safe" to take the little ones, and fun to go out for something a little different.

Bazil
Two locations: Henrietta (585) 427-7420
Penfield-Webster (585) 697-2006
Directions to either location: http://www.bazilrestaurant.com/directions.htm
Mondays, kids eat free 4:30pm-10:00pm.

Denny's Restaurant
Denny's offers free kids meals on Tuesday and Saturday nights
911 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY, 585-424-3670
*Changing tables: M/W
1659 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY, 585-586-5510
*Changing tables: M/W
4820 South Lake Road, Brockport, NY, 585-637-0420
*No changing tables
2800 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY, 585-271-3510
*No changing tables
7503 Main Street Fishers, Victor, NY, 585-924-9270
*Changing tables: M/W
765 East Ridge Road, Rochester, NY, 585-266-7260
*No changing tables
4835 West Henrietta Road, Brighton, NY, 585-334-2910
*No changing tables
2890 West Ridge Road, Rochester, NY, 585-225-8350
*Changing tables: M/W
2235 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 585-247-1870
*No changing tables

The Distillery
3 convenient locations (directions noted at bottom of homepage: www.thedistillery.com)
1142 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester - (585) 271-4105
*Changing tables: W
3010 Winton Road South (Brighton/Henrietta) - (585) 339-3010
*Changing tables: W
300 Paddy Creek Circle (Greece) - (585) 621-1620
*Changing tables: W
Tuesday Night Kids Eat FREE! Order any “Off The Grill” Entrée, get one Kid's meal for FREE. *Dine-in only, available 5pm-9pm Tuesdays, for kids 10 and under, not valid with coupons or other promotions/discounts, one FREE KIDS MEAL with each OFF THE GRILL Entrée ordered per table per visit. Sign up for newsletter to receive all of the latest Distillery News, Information, Promotions, Specials and Members-only Coupons emailed directly to your in-box.

International House of Pancakes
556 Jefferson Road, Henrietta, NY 14623-3228, (585) 292-0380
*Changing tables: M/W
Fridays, 2 kids eat free with one paying adult.

Moe's Southwest Grill
1100 Jefferson Road, #26, Henrietta, NY 14623-3228, (585) 424-6637
3246 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14534, (585) 267-7880
1044 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580, (585) 872-7800
Kids eat free every Monday after 4 pm... one free kids meal per purchase of an adult entree, kids 12 and under only.

T. C. Hooligan's
Greece Ridge Center Mall, Rochester, NY (585) 225-7180
809 Ridge Road, Suite E, Webster, NY (585) 671-7180
Kids 10 and under eat free on Tuesdays 4pm-8pm.

Tully's: Great Food and Good Times
1225 Jefferson Road, Henrietta, NY 585-272-8900
Kids pay what they weigh on Wednesdays: For each full-price adult entree, up to two kids 10 and under "pay what they weigh" on Wednesdays until 9pm. There are balloons for the kids, and an arcade.
*Changing tables: W

Zebb's
1890 South Clinton Ave, Henrietta, NY, 14618 585-271-1440
Kids eat free Sunday nights.
*Changing tables: ?

Fun and (Mostly) Free Ideas for Summer Family Fun

2009-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

I copied this from
http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/places/RochesterFreeSummer.html

Fun and Mostly Free Ideas for Summer Family Fun
In the Rochester, NY area
By Elinor Hickey

Hit the Trails in Perinton

Hit the trails in Perinton and get rewarded: Hiking is a great escape anyway, but Perinton Wegmans is highlighting local trails as part of its Family Wellness initiative. Wegmans has positioned trail markers along many local trails in Perinton, and will give you treats for completing them. Pick up a passbook at the Perinton Wegmans near the service desk for each of your kids. The books list the trails, include a map of each route, and provides spots for trail rubbings. Complete 6 hikes (with your rubbings as proof) and you will get a free tee shirt and coupon for a free product from Wegmans. Complete 10 hikes and you'll receive a $5 Wegman's gift card. Note for those with little hikers: The maps show where the markers are located, and some are not deep down the trails (and good for little feet). More information is available in the passbooks.

Find a Treasure

Essentially, you get your children each a stamp, a notebook, and an ink pad. Then, using the magic of the Internet, you print out directions to finding letterboxes, which are tupperware boxes hidden in public spots that usually contain a guestbook and handmade stamp. When you find the box, the kids make a copy of their stamp in the guest book and make a copy of the hidden stamp in their own book. Then, everything from the box goes back to its original hiding place for others to find. Most letterboxes are relatively easy to find and as any treasure, part of the magic is not letting anyone else around see the discovery. There are boxes all over Fairport -- including 3 within a few steps away of the fish hatchery. To get started, review the directions at letterboxing.org Updated information on hidden boxes is at http://atlasquest.com. Letterboxes are hidden all over the United States, so you can even incorporate a search into your next vacation. We recently took 12-year-old cousins on a letterboxing expedition and their response was "This is cool, can we come again?"

Discover Someplace New

In the summer, I feel the need to get the kids out and away from the house, but then get in a rut (you can only visit Lollipop farm so many times!). That is, until I discovered the book 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12! by Joanne O'Sullivan. Think of this book as the perfect idea generator, as it lists all different types of places to go and explore - just to say you've been there. Along with all the great suggestions are lists of actual places and resources. My 7-year-old and I are working on a list right now of the types of places we'll try to see this summer (a lighthouse, an artist studio, a living museum, a landfill). Barnes and Noble on Monroe Ave carries some copies, and they're also available online. I've heard that another book by the same author, 101 Things You Gotta Do Before You're 12! is also great -- it's on our "to get list" and is available online.

See a Movie for Free

Regal Cinemas is continuing its tradition of offering free movies for children on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Usually, the theater features one free PG movie for the teens and a G movie for the younger ones. Get a copy of the Regal Cinemas Free Movie schedule here .

Free Family Film Festival

2009-07-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

REG’s Free Family Film Festival is Now Showing!

When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!

Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer. Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henrietta Stadium
18525 Marketplace Drive
Rochester ,NY 14623
585-424-5461

07/07/2009-07/09/2009 The Tale Of Despereaux (G) Igor (PG)
07/14/2009-07/16/2009 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/21/2009-07/23/2009 Space Chimps (G) Firehouse Dog (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009 Everyone's Hero (G) Robots (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009 Horton Hears A Who (G) City Of Ember (PG)
08/11/2009-08/13/2009 Rugrats: The Movie (G) Nim's Island (PG)
08/18/2009-08/20/2009 Charlotte's Web (G) Akeelah And The Bee (PG)
08/25/2009-08/27/2009 Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greece Ridge Stadium
12176 Greece Ridge Center Drive
Rochester ,NY 14626
585-225-8837

07/07/2009-07/08/2009 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009 The Tale Of Despereaux (G) Igor (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009 Space Chimps (G) Firehouse Dog (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009 Everyone's Hero (G) Robots (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009 Horton Hears A Who (G) City Of Ember (PG)
08/18/2009-08/19/2009 Rugrats: The Movie (G) Nim's Island (PG)
08/25/2009-08/26/2009 Charlotte's Web (G) Akeelah And The Bee (PG)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastview
1370 Eastview Mall Drive
Victor ,NY 14564
585-425-0423

07/07/2009-07/08/2009 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009 Space Chimps (G) Firehouse Dog (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009 Everyone's Hero (G) Robots (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009 Horton Hears A Who (G) City Of Ember (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009 Rugrats: The Movie (G) Nim's Island (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009 Charlotte's Web (G) Akeelah And The Bee (PG)
08/18/2009-08/19/2009 Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
08/25/2009-08/26/2009 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG)

* I found this info at:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=NY

** My own note: the movies are free, but the snacks/popcorn are not!!

Another FYI:There is some sort of "Movie Pack" for kids which has a kid size (regular human size) fountain drink, along with a small portion of popcorn and a small-ish amount of candy (I think it was a Nerds Rope) - which is pretty reasonable for about $5.

I didn't know this previously, and I ordered a medium drink and a medium popcorn, as we were going to share, and I could've SURFED on the huge drink, and filled a pillow with all the popcorn! Plus, I think these two items came to around $12! (This was last year, and I can't remember the exact amounts, sorry!)

Free Outdoor Summer Movies

2009-07-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Movies at the Bowl
July 2nd - August 13
Times: 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Highland Park Bowl

Movies in the Bowl is a FREE family-focused outdoor event at the Highland Park Bowl every Thursday night, starting at dark, from July 2 to August 13, 2009.

The schedule of movies is as follows:
July 9 – Madagascar Escape 2 Africa (2008) Rated PG
July 16 – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Rated PG
July 23 – A Christmas Story (1983) Rated PG “Christmas in July”
July 30 – Hotel for Dogs (2009) Rated PG
August 6 – The Goonies (1985) Rated PG
August 13 – Kung Fu Panda (2008) Rated PG

Movies at the Beach
July 7 - August 11
Times: 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Location: Ontario Beach Park

Movies at the Beach is a FREE outdoor event at Monroe County’s Ontario Beach Park every Tuesday evening, starting at dark, from July 7 to August 11, 2009.

The schedule of movies is as follows:
July 7 – Jaws (1975) Rated PG
July 14 – Iron Man (2008) Rated PG-13
July 21 – Fred Claus (2007) Rated PG “Christmas in July”
July 28 – Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Rated PG
August 4 – Batman: The Dark Knight (2008) Rated PG-13
August 11 – 007: Quantum of Solace (2008) PG-13

Lyell Branch Library INFO

2009-01-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

Lyell Branch Library
Holiday Closings

Location: At 956 Lyell Avenue, the Lyell Branch Library is in the northwest sector (3) of Rochester.

Bus Service: Rochester Transit Authority bus #3

Branch Manager: Martin Steinhauser

Programs: "Safe to Be Smart" Program - Activities and services geared toward youth. Project Research Internet Assistance

Services: Meeting Room: The Lyell meeting room holds 49 and is available to non-profit groups. Please call the Branch Manager at 428-8218 for additional details.

Computers: There are nine public computers; seven are connected to the Internet.

Branch News

Branch Profile

FREE LIBRARY EVENTS

2009-01-29T14:58:00.000-08:00

Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
Contact: Children's Center
Address: 115 South Ave.Rochester, NY 14604-1896
Phone: 585-428-8150
Web: libraryweb.org/central/
Email: ChildRef@libraryweb.org

Monday, February 2, 2009- Rochester, NY
Event Title: Meet the Moose and an Amerks Hockey Player
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Friday, February 20, 2009- Rochester, NY
Event Title: Enchanted Kingdom Puppet Show
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday, March 7, 2009- Rochester, NY
Event Title: Pig Out on Reading
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

FOR MORE EVENTS AT ALL THE LIBRARY BRANCHES:
Click here: Kids Events - Monroe County (NY) Library System
or copy and paste:
http://www2.libraryweb.org/index.asp?kids=2&orgid=93

Free Tutoring Available at the Monroe Branch Library!

2009-01-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

CITY TO SPONSOR FREE, SAFE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

2008-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Subj: CITY TO SPONSOR FREE, SAFE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES
Date: 10/6/2008 9:02:03 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

City Recreation Centers are sponsoring free, safe and fun Halloween activities for youth and families beginning Fri., Oct. 18. Call 311 (outside of Rochester, call 428-5990), your nearest City Recreation Center or the Bureau of Recreation, 428-6755, 9-5 p.m., M--F for additional fall fun.

Haunted Halloween House
Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus St.
6-8 p.m., Fri., Oct. 24 & 6--8 pm, Sat., Oct. 25
9 a.m.--1 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 30 (for schools only by reservation)
428-6769, M-F after 3 p.m.
Safe and light-hearted fun for families.

Fall Fest
Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint Street
1-4 p.m., Sat., Oct. 18
428-7001 M-F after 3 p.m.
Carnival games, refreshments and surprises for youth ages 6-14.

Halloween Party
Campbell Street Recreation Center, 524 Campbell Street
4:30-6:30 p.m., Fri., Oct. 31
428-7860 M-F after 3 p.m.
Game booths, a coloring contest, refreshments and a pumpkin piñata contest for ages 6--14. Prizes awarded for costumes.

Spooky Party
North Street Community Center, 700 North Street
4:30-6:30 p.m., Fri., Oct. 31
428-7149, M-F after 2 p.m.
A safe alternative to trick or treating will include carnival games, reading of scary stories and treat bags for ages 12 and under and their families.

Halloween Fun Night
Adams Street Community Center, 85 Adams St.
6--8 p.m., Wed, Oct. 29
428-7442 M-F after 2 p.m.
Games, contests, prizes and treats for ages 6-13.

Youth Council Costume Party
Avenue D Community Center, 200 Avenue D
7-10 p.m., Fri., Oct. 31 428-7934 M-F after 3 p.m.
Chaperoned dance for youth ages 13-17
Proper photo identification required.

EARN A FREE BOOK THIS SUMMER! (for kids in grades 1 - 6)

2008-07-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp?r=1

Here's How It Works:

1. Kids read any 8 books.

2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us

their favorite part of each book.

A parent/guardian signs it when it's complete.

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pImages/resources/events/2008/summerreading/summer_reading_tearpad-activity.pdf

3. Children bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store

between May 29th & September 2nd, 2008.

Nearest Location, and Hours Of Operation:

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Greece

Mall at Greece Ridge Center

330 Greece Ridge Center Drive

Rochester, NY 14626

585-227-4020

Sun 10-6,
Mon-Sat 9-10

4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book!

They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.*

* Eligible books will be listed on the coupon.

Choices must be made from eligible stock.

No special orders.

Limit of 1 form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please.

Incomplete forms will be ineligible for free books.

I hope that EVERY CHILD in the Lyell-Otis area accepts this challenge, reads the 8 books, and receives their new FREE BOOK, courtesy of Barnes & Noble!

I'd love it if the kids would write/email to tell me which stories they liked the best! We'll even publish the children's messages/comments right here on the LONA-KIDS page!

Our children are smart, bright, and deserve the BEST! Read to your child, and let your child read to you! Reading - what a great way to brighten up a rainy summer day!

Catch the Reading Bug at Monroe County Libraries

2008-07-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

KIDS' PLACE: http://www2.libraryweb.org/index.asp?kids=1&orgid=46

Catch the Reading Bug at Monroe County Libraries

The reading bug is on its way to catch you this summer at libraries throughout Monroe County. Free programs for all ages will be offered through July and August and many of them are listed here by library. The programs listed here will be updated as the summer goes on, but this is not a complete list. Contact your local library for a complete list of programs being offered in your neighborhood.

Most of our libraries are offering summer reading programs for children, teens and adults using the theme "Catch the Reading Bug." Contact your local library for specific information on how you and your family can participate.

Lyell Branch Library

July 9, 2:30 pm - Kids Crafts - Every Wednesday from July 9-August 13. No registration required.
July 10, 2:30 pm - Wii Party - Play Wii Sports or Mario Party. For ages 10-16. No registration is required.

Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County

July 10, 2:30 pm - Catch the Reading Bug with Bruce Weaver & Friends - Ventriloquist Bruce Weaver and his zany team of entomologists explore the wonderful world of bugs. For all ages. Program is located in the Kate Gleason Auditorium.

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL KID-FRIENDLY WEB SITES

2008-07-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

HI!

These are some websites that might help keep little ones entertained (and learning) on a rainy day!

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

~ Pam, LONA's PR Coordinator, and Mommy to an active and brilliant 4 year old! :)

School House Rock Videos and Lyrics: http://www.sqooltools.com/edvideos/shr/master.html

Starfall: http://www.starfall.com/

Alphabet Online Games: http://www.picadome.fcps.net/lab/currl/abc/online.htm

Sesame Street: www.ctw.org/sesamestreet - or - www.pbskids.org/sesame/

Clifford: http://pbskids.org/clifford/ - or - www.scholastic.com/clifford/flash.htm -or- http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/

Noggin: http://www.noggin.com/games/index.php

Gamequarium: http://www.gamequarium.com/

PBS Kids: www.pbskids.org

Playhouse Disney: www.playhousedisney.com

Sprout: http://www.sproutonline.com

Funschool: http://funschool.kaboose.com/index.html

Kabillion: http://kabillion.com/videos/shows

Nick Jr.: www.nickjr.com

Kipper: http://www.hitentertainment.com/kipper/

Dr. Seuss: http://www.seussville.com/main.php?section=home&isbn=&catalogID=&eventID=

Crayola: http://www.crayola.com/

Miffy's Recipe Game: http://www.1001games.fr/jeux/Jeux+animaliers/Miffys+Recipe.html

AG Kid Zone: http://www.agkidzone.com/strawberryshortcake.action

Aristocats Piano: http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/aristocats/playit/playitpurrfectly.html

Thomas the Tank and Friends: www.thomasthetankengine.com

Spot the Dog: www.funwithspot.com

Barney: http://pbskids.org/barney/

Red Robin Scribble: http://www.redrobin.com/scribble/index.html

FREE FAMILY FILMS - SUMMER 2008

2008-07-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

FREE FAMILY FILMS - SUMMER 2008


When school's out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It's a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it's FREE!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.


Henrietta Stadium 18 525 Marketplace Drive Rochester ,NY 14623 585-424-5461
07/01/2008-07/03/2008	Clifford's Really Big Movie (G)
	Surf's Up (PG)
07/08/2008-07/10/2008	Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG)
07/15/2008-07/17/2008	Charlotte's Web (G)
	Evan Almighty (PG)
07/22/2008-07/24/2008	Arctic Tale (G)
	Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)
07/29/2008-07/31/2008	Curious George (G)
	Nancy Drew (PG)
08/05/2008-08/07/2008	Wallace And Gromit (G)
	Nanny McPhee (PG)
08/12/2008-08/14/2008	Everyone's Hero (G)
	RV (PG)
08/19/2008-08/21/2008	Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - Veggie Tales (G)
	Happy Feet (PG)
08/26/2008-08/28/2008	Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
	Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes
Greece Ridge Stadium 12 176 Greece Ridge Center Drive Rochester ,NY 14626 585-225-8837
07/01/2008-07/02/2008	Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
	RV (PG)
07/08/2008-07/09/2008	Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
	Evan Almighty (PG)
07/15/2008-07/16/2008	Polar Express (G)
	Happy Feet (PG)
07/22/2008-07/23/2008	Wallace And Gromit (G)
	Surf's Up (PG)
07/29/2008-07/30/2008	Arctic Tale (G)
	Nanny McPhee (PG)
08/05/2008-08/06/2008	Curious George (G)
	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG)
08/12/2008-08/13/2008	Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - Veggie Tales (G)
	Open Season (PG)
08/19/2008-08/20/2008	Clifford's Really Big Movie (G)
	Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)
08/26/2008-08/27/2008	Charlotte's Web (G)
	Bee Movie (PG)
Check Movies and Showtimes


Eastview 13 70 Eastview Mall Drive Victor ,NY 14564 585-425-0423
07/01/2008-07/02/2008	Everyone's Hero (G)
	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG)
07/08/2008-07/09/2008	Clifford's Really Big Movie (G)
	Nanny McPhee (PG)
07/15/2008-07/16/2008	Arctic Tale (G)
	RV (PG)
07/22/2008-07/23/2008	Curious George (G)
	Evan Almighty (PG)
07/29/2008-07/30/2008	Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
	Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
08/05/2008-08/06/2008	Charlotte's Web (G)
	Nancy Drew (PG)
08/12/2008-08/13/2008	Wallace And Gromit (G)
	Surf's Up (PG)
08/19/2008-08/20/2008	Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
	Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)
08/26/2008-08/27/2008	Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - Veggie Tales (G)
	Happy Feet (PG)
Check for regular Movies and Showtimes “Movies in the Bowl” is a FREE family-focused outdoor event at Monroe County’s Highland Park Bowl every Thursday night, starting at dark, from July 3 to August 14, 2008. The schedule of movies is as follows: July 3 – 1776 (1972) Rated G July10 – Shrek the Third (2007) Rated PG July 17 – Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) Rated PG July 24 – The Polar Express (2004) Rated G “Christmas in July Screening” July 31 – Bee Movie (2007) Rated PG August 7 – Horton Hears a Who! (2008) Rated G August 14 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Rated PG-13 -------------- “Movies at the Beach” is a FREE outdoor event at Monroe County’s Ontario Beach Park every Tuesday evening, starting at dark, from July 8 to August 12, 2008. The schedule of movies is as follows: July 8 – Jaws (1975) Rated PG July 15 – Batman Begins (2005) Rated PG-13 July 22 – Elf (2003) Rated PG “Christmas in July Screening” July 29 – The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) Rated PG August 5 – Nancy Drew (2007) Rated PG August 12 – The Simpson’s Movie (2007) Rated PG-13

SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES!

~ Peace (and Popcorn), from your wonderful LONA PR Gal, Pam :)

REGISTRATION FOR FREE SWIM LESSONS CONTINUES THROUGH JULY 3

2008-07-01T08:50:00.000-07:00


Date:	6/30/2008

Registration for the first session of the City’s FREE “Summer Swim Academy” continues through Thurs, July 3. The classes teach youth ages 6-18 and will be offered 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Mon.--Thurs., July 7--24 at ten locations throughout the city.

Participants must register in-person at any one of the following swimming locations for remaining openings:

Summer Swim Academy locations offering Levels* 1 through 5:
• 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
• Thomas Jefferson High School, 1 Edgerton Park (rear entrance #8) 428-6755
• Dr. Freddie Thomas High School, 250 Scio St., 428-7888
• Wilson Foundation Academy, (McCree Way Entrance), 200 Genesee St., 428-7888

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
• Durand Eastman Beach, 1250 Lakeshore Blvd., Lot A

*Levels offered in the program include:
• Recruits: Level I: (Water Exploration): No previous instruction
• 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 311 (outside the city of Rochester call 428-5990) or 428-7888 for further information. Automated information is available by calling 428-6767. Learn more about City’s recreation programs by visiting www.cityofrochester.gov.

EAST HIGH POOL OPENING DELAYED UNTIL JULY 7

2008-07-01T08:49:00.000-07:00


Date:	6/30/2008

The opening of East High School’s pool, 1801 East Main St., originally scheduled for today, has been delayed until Mon., July 7 due to a minor mechanical problem.

City Recreation pool staff will be available in the East High lobby during regular pool hours, M-TH, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., to provide information and register youth for swim lessons. Visitors will be directed to other City-staffed pools for the week.

These locations include:
• Benjamin Franklin High School, 950 Norton St.
• Dr. Freddie Thomas High School, 250 Scio St.
• Thomas Jefferson High School, 1 Edgerton Park
• Wilson Foundation Academy at Madison, 200 Genesee St. (McCree Way entrance)

For more information, call 311 (outside the city of Rochester call 428-5990).

MAYOR ANNOUNCES COOL SWEEP KICK-OFF & SEVEN-DAY OPERATIONS AT DURAND

2008-06-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced the 2008 kickoff of operation “Cool Sweep,” a customer service and public safety initiative designed to provide relief from the heat for those with limited access to swimming and bathing facilities. As part of “Cool Sweep,” seven day per week operations at Durand-Eastman Beach will begin Mon., June 30.

“We continue to receive tremendously positive feedback from the community about the availability of Durand Eastman Beach and the ‘Cool Sweep’ effort” said Mayor Duffy. “The beach has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors since it opened at the end of May. It is a vital asset for the entire region and we are thrilled to continue making it a safe, fun and enjoyable destination for residents, visitors and their families.”

The beach will operate seven-days-a-week, Mon., June 30 through Tues., Sept. 2. For information on beach closings, residents may contact the Monroe County Beach Hotline at 753-5887. General information on swimming lessons and beach operations and policies is available by calling 509-8543.

“I want to thank my team at City Hall for their hard work keeping our residents safe and cool all summer long,” said Mayor Duffy. “This innovative program has helped bring relief to our neighborhoods throughout the summer for the past two years. I’m proud to bring it back.”

When the temperature exceeds 85 degrees, the City’s "Cool Sweep" program will run Mon. - Sat., from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. through Sept. 2, at a minimum of six locations. The sites will be monitored by Recreation and Environmental Services staff and Fire Department personnel. The Rochester Police Department will also patrol the areas.

The locations are:
• Edgerton Community Center parking lot, 41 Backus St.
• Gardiner Recreation Center, 75 Grover St.
• Baden Park on Vienna St.
• North Street Community Center playground, 700 North St.
• #41 School parking lot, 279 Ridge Rd. W.
• #22 School parking lot, 27 Zimbrich St.
• #7 School, 31 Bryan St. (on a variable basis)

During times of extreme heat, the Rochester Fire Department may dispatch additional apparatus to various neighborhoods to spray water using diffusers, depending on staff availability.

The City also maintains indoor and outdoor pool facilities and spray parks and may extend their hours of operation depending on weather conditions at the following locations:

• Genesee Valley Park Pool, 131 Elmwood Ave., 428-7888
• Adams Street Community Center Pool, 85 Adams St., 428-7456
• Avenue D Community Center Pool, 200 Ave. D, 428-7934
• Flint St. Community Center Pool, 271 Flint St., 428-7001
• Carter St. Community Center Spray Park, 500 Carter St., 428-7890
• Humboldt Community Center Spray Park,, 1045 Atlantic Ave., 428-7294
• Fourth and Peck Playground Spray Park,, Corner of Fourth and Peck Sts.
• Manhattan Square Park Spray Park,, 25 Manhattan Square Drive, 428-7888

When temperatures exceed 90 degrees, four branches of the Rochester Public Library will be made available for extended hours to provide a comfortable, air conditioned environment for our senior citizens and persons with special needs.

The following library locations will stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturdays:
• Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., 428-8210
• Maplewood Branch, 1111 Dewey Ave., 428-8220
• Arnett Branch, 310 Arnett Blvd., 428-8214
• Winton Branch, 611 Winton Rd. North, 428-8204

CITY OPENS FREE SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN

2008-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Beginning Mon., June 30, the City will provide free breakfast and lunch to those age 18 years and under through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program. Approximately 60 sites will serve lunch and about 50 sites will serve breakfast, Mon. - Fri. through Aug. 29, except July 4. Sites include community agencies, schools, churches and Recreation Centers. Click here for a list of sites.

Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service To file a complaint of discrimination, write or call immediately to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).

For more details about the program, call 428-7872.

MAYOR DUFFY ANNOUNCES FREE 'BIZ KID$' BUSINESS CAMP FOR CITY YOUTH

2008-06-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced an opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs, ages 10-13 years old, to participate in the FREE “Biz Kid$” camp. Camp registration is now open for two sessions to be held 9 a.m.B4:30 p.m. Mon.BFri., during the weeks of July 14--18 and Aug. 4--8, at the Genesee Valley Field House, 1316 Genesee St., in Genesee Valley Park.

Sponsored and organized by the City’s Bureau of Recreation, the Biz Kid$ camp provides youth an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through fun, fast-paced games and activities. In developing a real business plan, they learn how to look and act professional, manage time and money, promote a business and prepare for the future.

Participants will also be rewarded with business cards, a canvas briefcase, calculator and receipt book to help them start and maintain their businesses and a chance to win cash prizes at the completion of camp.

Call the City Bureau of Recreation at 428-7371 to request a registration packet.

KIDS CAN LEARN TO SWIM AT CITY'S FREE SUMMER SWIM ACADEMY

2008-06-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Children ages 6-18 can learn to swim for free at the City's free "Summer Swim Academy," July 7--24 and July 28 - August 21. The 30-minute classes will take place 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Mon. --Thurs., 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 July 3 for Session I and until July 25 for Session II. Forms are available at all City recreation centers and libraries. In person registration for all sites will also be held at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex Pool, 131 Elmwood Ave, 4--8 pm, Mon., June 23. A drop-in enrollment session at the location where the student plans to take lessons will be held 9:30 a.m. --12 noon, June 30--July 3. 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
• Thomas Jefferson High School, 1 Edgerton Park (rear entrance #8) 428-6755
• Dr. Freddie Thomas High School, 250 Scio St., 428-7888
• Wilson Foundation Academy, (McCree Way Entrance), 200 Genesee St, 428-7888

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
• Durand Eastman Beach, 1250 Lakeshore Blvd., Lot A

* Registration at these sites will be taken from June 30--July 3 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. 1 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.

AUDITIONS SCHEDULED FOR MAIN GAME TALENT SHOWCASE

2008-06-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Subj:	AUDITIONS SCHEDULED FOR MAIN GAME TALENT SHOWCASE
Date:	5/14/2008 9:01:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

City residents ages 10-18 are invited to audition for the 2008 City Recreation Main Game Talent Showcase. Finalists will perform on stage at the Main Game event, July 26. Auditions for both individual performers and groups will be held 6:30--8:30 p.m., Thurs., June 19 and June 26, in the small auditorium of School of the Arts, 45 Prince St.

Performers may audition in categories including song, dance, rap, poetry and instrumental. Other categories may be accepted, but please call to discuss. For further information or to obtain an audition form, visit any City Recreation or Community Center, or call Humboldt Recreation, 428-7294, 3--6 p.m., Mon. --Thurs.; 2--9 p.m., Fri. Each member of a group must complete an audition form, which requires the signature of a parent or guardian for those ages 17 and under. Forms must be returned no later than Fri., June 13.

“Main Game” showcases the programs and talentsoffered at City Recreation and Community Centers during an outdoor recreation extravaganza on Main Street in Rochester. The event features not only an entertainment stage, but also display booths, interactive games and arts & crafts projects from every City Recreation facility, as well as boxing and martial arts demonstrations. Other activities include a soccer exhibition by Flower City Soccer, floor hockey demonstration and clinic by Genesee Valley Youth Hockey Team and the Seneca Park Zoo-Mobile. Projects including Kidtech, the City's computer program for youth, and BizKid$, the City’s youth entrepreneurial program, will also be represented.

COMMUNITY TREE TEAM ASKS KIDS & ADULTS TO HELP PLANT TREES

2008-06-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Subj:	COMMUNITY TREE TEAM ASKS KIDS & ADULTS TO HELP PLANT TREES
Date:	5/16/2008 9:01:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

The City's Community Tree Team, encouraging children and adults to help care for and plant trees within the city, will plant 13 trees from 9:30 a.m.--12 noon, Sat., June 7. City forestry and horticultural staff will coordinate these efforts at:
• North Street Community Center, 700 North St.
• 325 N. Union St., Marketview Heights community garden.
• Participants will meet in the Draper Street parking lot, near the North Street Center.

As a part of the Community Tree Team, youth and their families may also help with other tree care activities, such as mulching and learning about tree care. Scouts may earn nature badges.

Participants should bring a shovel, a large bucket and work gloves (if available) and wear pants and sturdy shoes. Some tools, wheelbarrows and pruners will be provided. Noregistration is required, and the event is dependent on weather. No rain date will be scheduled in the event of rain. For more information call 428 6770, M F, 9 a.m.--5 p.m.

CITY TO HOST LATINO EVENT FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES (City of Rochester News Release - 03/19/2008)

2008-03-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

CITY TO HOST LATINO EVENT FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES (City of Rochester News Release - 03/19/2008)

The City’s Pathways to Peace Office will host a Latino-themed event, “Abriendo Caminos…Un Dia con Pathways,” (Opening Pathways) for youth and their families 12 noon -- 5 p.m., Sat. March 29 at the North St. Community Center, 700 North St.

“It is critical that we are relentless in reaching out to youngsters and their families with our message of peace and showing them alternatives to the streets,” said Mayor Robert Duffy. “Our Latino population is growing and we invite families to come and get the information they need to help ensure their kids have healthy growth and development. We must let them know that there is hope for a lifetime of achievement.”

The event, co-sponsored by Threshold Center for Youth, the Puerto Rican Youth Development agency, and the Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League, will provide participants an opportunity to access positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and violence. There will also be a showcase of young, local talent.

Pathways to Peace is part of the City’s comprehensive effort to improve public safety by offering intervention and monitoring of youth. The primary goal is to reduce youth related violence in the city. Street level outreach workers go into targeted neighborhoods to assess the needs of youth, network with available resources and link at risk youth to appropriate services.

For more information, contact the Pathways to Peace office at 428-8804.

MAYOR DUFFY ANNOUNCES FREE 'BIZ KIDS' BUSINESS COURSE FOR CITY YOUTH (News Release 3/18/08)

2008-03-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

MAYOR DUFFY ANNOUNCES FREE 'BIZ KIDS' BUSINESS COURSE FOR CITY YOUTH (City of Rochester News Release - 03/18/2008)

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced a tremendous opportunity for young aspiring entrepreneurs, ages 13-18 years old, to participate in the FREE “Biz Kid$” camp. The camp will be held 9 a.m.--4:00 p.m. during school’s spring recess week, Mon., Apr. 14 - Fri., Apr. 18, at the Lake Riley Lodge at Cobbs Hill Park (100 Norris Drive). Registrations are accepted through Apr. 7 as space allows.

Sponsored and organized by the City’s Bureau of Recreation, the Biz Kid$ camp
provides youth with an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through fun, fast-paced games and activities. In developing a real business plan, they learn how to look and act professional, manage time and money, promote a business and prepare for the future.

Participants will also be rewarded with business cards, a canvas briefcase, calculator and receipt book to help them start and maintain their businesses and a chance to win cash prizes at the completion of camp.

Call the City Bureau of Recreation at 428-7371 to request a registration packet.

CITY OFFERS 'ARTSMART' YOUTH CAMP (City of Rochester News Release - 03/18/2008)

2008-03-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

CITY OFFERS 'ARTSMART' YOUTH CAMP (City of Rochester News Release - 03/18/2008)

The City's Bureau of Recreation is sponsoring "ArtSmart," a seven-week summer arts camp for youth ages 6-13. The camp will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon. through Fri., July 7-August 22 at the City's Lodge at Lake Riley, Cobbs Hill Park, 100 Norris Dr. (off Culver Rd.).

"ArtSmart" will provide a wide range of performing and visual arts activities, including theatre, painting, dance, storytelling, textile arts and more. Registration is now open through Jun. 6 and includes a fee of $60 per week with priority given to city residents. For further information or to obtain a registration form call 428-7371.

CITY RECREATION CELEBRATES SPRING & SCHOOL RECESS WEEK (City of Rochester News Release - 3/4/08)

2008-03-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

CITY RECREATION CELEBRATES SPRING AND SCHOOL RECESS WEEK (City of Rochester News Release - 03/04/2008)

City Recreation and Community Centers will celebrate spring and school recess with a variety of family activities. Events are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Patrons may contact Centers directly for additional information. For a listing of centers, contact the main recreation office, 400 Dewey Ave., 428-6755.

Rather than during after-school and evening hours, centers will be open 11 a.m.--6 p.m. on:

• Thurs., Mar. 20 (in conjunction with school superintendent's day)
• Mon.--Fri., April 14 through April 18 (during school spring recess)
• Sat., April 19 (for centers with Saturday programs)

Regular after-school center hours will resume on Mon., Apr. 21. All facilities will be closed Fri., March 21, Sat., March 22 and Easter Sun., March 23.

Sector 3 Egg Hunt (Ages 1-10)
Starts promptly at 10 a.m., Sat., Mar. 15, Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus Street
Youth may register at the following participating schools in the city’s Sector 3 northwest area: School #5, 17, 30, 34, 43, 57, Head Start (Austin St.) and Holy Family School (Jay St.).
For more information: 428-7521
$1 Fee; register by Mar. 11
Includes refreshments, entertainment, contest, Peter Rabbit visit and prizes.

Martial Arts Festival (All ages)
Starts promptly at 6 p.m., Wed., March 19
Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus Street
Sponsored by City of Rochester’s Edgerton Community Center and Adams Street Community Center
Enjoy demonstrations of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kendo, Jujitsu, Kung-Fu.
Call 428-7521 for free tickets by March 17.

Community Egg Hunt (Ages 6-12)
Starts promptly at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 20
Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint Street, 428-7001

Spring Egg Hunt (Ages 6-13)
Starts promptly at 4 p.m., Thurs., March 20
South Avenue Community Center, 900 South Avenue (Rear of School # 12)
428-6015 to register.

Candy Egg Hunt (Ages 11 and under)
Starts promptly at 2 p.m., Thurs., March 20
For more information: North Street Community Center, 700 North Street, 428-7149
Special prizes, candy treats and carnival games.

Hot Shots Competition (Ages 6-18)
Starts promptly at 5 p.m., Thurs., March 27
East High School, 1801 E. Main Street
Participants must register at their local recreation center by March 20.
For more information:: 428-7294

Boys & Girls Spring Floor Hockey Tournament (Ages 12-14)
11:30 a.m.--5:30 p.m., Tues., Apr.15--Fri., April 18
For more information: Carter Street Community Center, 500 Carter Street, 428-7890
Register by Apr. 7.

Water Games (Ages 8 -12)
1--3 p.m., Wed., Apr. 16,
Adams Street Community Pool, 85 Adams Street; 428-7456 to register.
Games include relay races, jousting, football toss, under water search and more.
Swim suits and towels required. Limit 40 participants

Hoops for Food/ 8th Annual Basketball Tournament (Ages 10-17)
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed., April 16
Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint Street
Call 428-7001 to register by April 14.

Play Station Madden Football Tournament (Ages 8--18)
12 noon--5 p.m., Fri., April 18
Avenue D Community Center, 200 Avenue D; 428-7934 to register.
Open to boys and girls; limit 30 players.

Spring Egg and Scavenger Hunt (Ages 6--14)
Event starts promptly at 1 p.m., Fri., Apr.18
Campbell Street Recreation Center, 524 Campbell Street, 428-7860
Search for eggs and prizes, coloring contest and refreshments

Spring Fashion Show (Open to all ages)
7B8:30 p.m., Thurs., Apr. 24
Adonai Community Fellowship, 509 N. Goodman Street, 428-7828
Sponsored by Webster Community Center

Rochester City School Board Candidates Night

2007-08-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Rochester City School Board Candidates Night
Sunday, September 9th, at 7:00 PM
First Unitarian Church,
220 S. Winton Rd, Rochester, 14610

The Social Justice Council of First Unitarian Church is sponsoring a candidate's night on Sunday, September 9th, at 7:00PM.

All candidates who qualify for the city school board ballot are invited.
Peter Iglinski of WXXI will moderate.

After their brief presentations, you can ask questions of the candidates about their views on the future of our city's schools. Be an informed voter!

Free and open to the public

Call for more information at 585-224-0319

Mattel Recall Information

2007-08-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Click here: Mattel Consumer Relations Answer Center - Recall Information

-or- copy and paste

http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp

CPSC Releases the “Top Five Hidden Home Hazards”

2007-08-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2007
Release #07-256

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-277

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7800

CPSC Releases the “Top Five Hidden Home Hazards”
Safety Agency Places Popular Magnetic Toys on the List of Deadly Dangers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Whether it is an apartment, duplex or single-family residence, the home is a place that is supposed to give families a feeling of safety and security. For many Americans families however, an injury or death of a loved one can turn this place of happiness into one of tragedy.

Each year, 33.1 million people are injured by consumer products in the home. Some hazards are from products the Agency has warned about for years; others come from new products and technologies. To keep Americans informed of dangers, the CPSC has identified the Top Five Hidden Home Hazards – associated with products that people may be using everyday, but are unaware of the dangers that they can cause. These home hazards are often unseen or unnoticed by consumers.

“The home is where people feel comfortable and secure, but constant awareness is the key to keeping families safe,” said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “CPSC is aiming to increase awareness of the hidden hazards around the home in order to help consumers protect against these dangers.”

With no or very little investment, incidents and injuries from these dangers are preventable. Simply by being aware of these Top Five Hidden Home Hazards, many lives can be spared and life-altering injuries avoided:

#1 Magnets Since 2005: 1 Death, 86 Injuries; 8 million magnetic toys recalled.	Today’s rare-earth magnets can be very small and powerful making them popular in toys, building sets, and jewelry. As the number of products with magnets has increased, so has the number of serious injuries to children. In several hundred incidents, magnets have fallen out of various toys and been swallowed by children. Small intact pieces of building sets that contain magnets have also been swallowed by children. If two or more magnets, or a magnet and another metal object are swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls and get trapped in place. The injury is hard to diagnose. Parents and physicians may think that the materials will pass through the child without consequence, but magnets can attract in the body and twist or pinch the intestines, causing holes, blockages, infection, and death, if not treated properly and promptly. Watch carefully for loose magnets and magnetic pieces and keep away from younger children (less than 6). If you have a recalled product with magnets, stop using it, call the company today, and ask for the remedy.
#2 Recalled Products Each year there about 400 recalls.	CPSC is very effective at getting dangerous products off store shelves, such as recalled toys, clothing, children’s jewelry, tools, appliances, electronics and electrical products. But once a product gets into the home, the consumer has to be on the lookout. Consumers need to be aware of the latest safety recalls to keep dangerous recalled products away from family members. Get dangerous products out of the home. Join CPSC’s “Drive To One Million” campaign and sign up for free e-mail notifications at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx - an e-mail from CPSC is not spam – it could save a life.
#3 Tip-overs Average of 22 deaths per year; 31 in 2006 and an estimated 3,000 injuries.	Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and crush young children. Deaths and injuries occur when children climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, andchests. TVs placed on top of furniture can tip over causing head trauma and other injuries. Items left on top of the TV, furniture, and countertops, such as toys, remote controls and treats might tempt kids to climb. Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor to the floor or attach to a wall. Free standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets.
#4 Windows & Coverings Average of 12 deaths annually from window cords; Average of 9 deaths and an estimated 3,700 injuries to children annually from window falls.	Children can strangle on window drapery and blind cords that can form a loop. Parents should use cordless blinds or keep cords and chains permanently out of the reach of children. Consumers should cut looped cords and install a safety tassel at the end of each pull cord or use a tie-down device, and install inner cord stays to prevent strangulation. Never place a child’s crib or playpen within reach of a window blind. The dangers of windows don’t end with window coverings and pull cords. Kids love to play around windows. Unfortunately, kids can be injured or die when they fall out of windows. Do not rely on window screens. Window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep kids in. Safeguard your windows: repair pull cords ending in loops and install window guards or stops today.
#5 Pool & Spa Drains 15 injuries, 2 fatalities from 2002-2004.	The suction from a pool drain can be so powerful that it can hold an adult under water, but most incidents involve children. The body can become sealed against the drain or hair can be pulled in and tangled. Missing or broken drain covers are a major reason many entrapment incidents occur. Pool and spa owners can consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which detects when a drain is blocked and automatically shuts off the pool pump or interrupts the water circulation to prevent an entrapment. Every time you use a pool or spa, inspect it for entrapment hazards. Check to make sure appropriate drain covers are in place and undamaged.

To learn more about these and other home hazards, and to sign up for recall information, visit our Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.

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FUN WEBSITES!!!

2007-08-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hi, All you fun-loving LONA people!

I found some cool kid-friendly websites that my daughter and I like to check out, and I thought you might like some of them too! Enjoy! ~ Pam :Þ

(You might need to copy and paste these web addresses to get to the sites.)

http://www.kids.us/

http://pbskids.org/

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/idealabs/smithsoniankids/flash_index.html

http://www.nabiscoworld.com/teddygrahams/

http://www.nickjr.com/playtime/index.jhtml

http://www.sproutonline.com/sprout/home/default.aspx

http://atv.disney.go.com/playhouse/index.html

http://whereswaldo.com/

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/

Check out Kidd Safety

2007-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Click here: Kidd Safety

-or- copy and paste the following:

http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kidsafety/index.html

Neat new website for teaching safety tips to kids!

Recalled: Nearly 1 million Fisher-Price toys

2007-08-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

Recalled: Nearly 1 million Fisher-Price toys

THURSDAY, August 2 (BabyCenter News) — Fisher-Price, owned by toy company Mattel, has announced a recall of nearly 1 million Sesame Street, Dora, Diego, and other children's toys in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Surface paints on the recalled products contain lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause serious health effects. The recall comes on the heels of an identical problem with 1.5 million Thomas the Tank Engine toys announced in June. Those, too, were decorated with paints found to contain lead.

The recalled Fisher-Price toys were manufactured between April 19, 2007, and July 6, 2007. All are marked with the name "Fisher-Price" and some are marked with a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF (on the toy itself or its packaging). The toys were sold alone or as part of sets, and include such well-known characters as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Dora, and Diego. The model names and product numbers are listed below.

The recalled toys were sold at retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40 apiece. They were made in China.

Recalled toys
M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack L3507 Sesame Street - Super Boom Box J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill 39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter 33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal 39038 Elmo Tub Sub 87946 Elmo Keyboard 90609 Elmo Collectible B7554 Count To Beat Elmo B7987 Elmo In The Giggle Box G5112 Sing With Elmo's Greatest Hits H2943 Grow With Me Elmo Sprinkler H5570 Elmo & Pals(Elmo, Zoe, Bigbird) 93068 Elmo Boom Box 93307 Press N Go Elmo 34658 Elmo Stacking Rings 93493 Elmo's Guitar B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo H5569Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie) J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box 93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster 90611 Cookie Collectible J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster 93492 Cookie Saxophone H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie 33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal 90267 Ernie Splashin' Fun Trike 90613 Ernie Collectible 90614 Big Bird Collectible 33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar The Grouch 90612 Zoe Collectible L0305 Dora Figure L5202 Birthday Dora H3344 Birthday Dora	H9124 Chef Dora H9125 Bedtime Dora B9620 Dora's Talking House M0732 Dora's Talking House G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van J9692 Dora's Talking Pony Place C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora H4187 Dora Figures In Tube H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures In Tube C6909 Diego Figure Pack J6765 Prince Diego J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4 J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget L5813 Diego Tub Trike J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal K3414 Diego - Talking Gadget Belt L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs 90745 Construction Playset 93107 Action Fire Engine 93615 Splash Tub Puzzle 93780 Music And Lights Phone B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll C6910 Swiper Figure Pack C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack G9717 Giggle Doodler H3343 Cousin Daisy H4628 Water Fun Tote H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures In Tube H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures In Tube J6762 Queen Mami J6763 Royal Boots And Tico K0617 Twins Nursery K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue L8905 Pablo & Pals M2051 Lets Go Rescue Center M2052 Fairytale Castle

Recalled toys

M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler
L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack
L3507 Sesame Street - Super Boom Box
J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt
J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans
J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill
39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter

33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal
39038 Elmo Tub Sub
87946 Elmo Keyboard
90609 Elmo Collectible
B7554 Count To Beat Elmo
B7987 Elmo In The Giggle Box
G5112 Sing With Elmo's Greatest Hits
H2943 Grow With Me Elmo Sprinkler
H5570 Elmo & Pals(Elmo, Zoe, Bigbird)
93068 Elmo Boom Box
93307 Press N Go Elmo
34658 Elmo Stacking Rings
93493 Elmo's Guitar
B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo
H5569Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie)
J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo
L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box

93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster
90611 Cookie Collectible
J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster
93492 Cookie Saxophone

H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie
33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal
90267 Ernie Splashin' Fun Trike
90613 Ernie Collectible

90614 Big Bird Collectible
33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal

H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar The Grouch

90612 Zoe Collectible

L0305 Dora Figure
L5202 Birthday Dora
H3344 Birthday Dora

H9124 Chef Dora
H9125 Bedtime Dora
B9620 Dora's Talking House
M0732 Dora's Talking House
G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van
J9692 Dora's Talking Pony Place
C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack
M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear
M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty
K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora
H4187 Dora Figures In Tube
H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures In Tube

C6909 Diego Figure Pack
J6765 Prince Diego
J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue
J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4
J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue
J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue
K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit
K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue
M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget
L5813 Diego Tub Trike
J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal
K3414 Diego - Talking Gadget Belt
L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs

90745 Construction Playset
93107 Action Fire Engine
93615 Splash Tub Puzzle
93780 Music And Lights Phone
B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll
C6910 Swiper Figure Pack
C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack
G9717 Giggle Doodler
H3343 Cousin Daisy
H4628 Water Fun Tote
H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures In Tube
J6762 Queen Mami
J6763 Royal Boots And Tico
K0617 Twins Nursery
K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue
L8905 Pablo & Pals
M2051 Lets Go Rescue Center
M2052 Fairytale Castle

What you can do

• Take the recalled toys away from your child immediately and contact Fisher-Price to return them and get vouchers for free replacement products. You can call Fisher-Price toll-free at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the company's website.

• See photos of some of the recalled toys on the CPSC's website.

• Discuss this recall with other parents on our news board.

• Make sure none of the children's products in your household are dangerous by checking our recall finder.

-- Jenny Des Jarlais, BabyCenter News

Copyright © 1997-2007 BabyCenter.

Payless ShoeSource Expands Recall of Children’s Clog Shoes Due to Choking Hazard

2007-08-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2007
Release #07-236

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 654-0697
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Payless ShoeSource Expands Recall of Children’s Clog Shoes Due to Choking HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Toddler Clog Shoes

Units: About 270,000 (about 690,000 clogs were recalled on May 2, 2007)

Manufacturer: Payless ShoeSource, Inc., of Topeka, Kan.

Hazard: Plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the following character-themed clog styles: Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Hello Kitty, Coasters® Lighted Car Compel, and Cambridge Mary-Jane. The shoes were sold in toddler sizes 5 through 10. The flexible shoes have air ventilation holes on the top and/or side, and plastic rivets attached to the strap. Shoe sizes are printed on the sole of the shoe. No other sizes, styles or models are included in the recall.

Sold at: Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide and Payless.com from January 2006 through June 2007 for between $15 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the shoes away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Payless at (800) 654-0697 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at www.payless.com

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DETECTIVE ACADEMY AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY (City of Rochester News Release - 07/02/2007)

2007-07-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Children ages 8-12 are invited to attend the Detective Academy: Learn How To Be a Detective program on Monday, July 9 at 2:30 pm in the Secret Room at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Avenue. Participants will learn ways to use memory to help gather facts, observe suspects, hunt for clues and help the librarians find important information they have lost. Registration is required.

Call the Children's Center at 428-8150 to register or for more information. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

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

2007-06-29T00:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

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

Summertime, and the reading is easy! :)

2007-06-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

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!!

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

2007-06-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-06-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-06-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

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)

2007-06-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

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.

OPEN HOUSES KICK-OFF SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS

2007-06-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

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.

"Call for Essays" - for kids ages 6 to 18

2007-04-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

What I Love About Rochester

That's what we want to know! So we've made it the focus of our "Call for Essays" to all children ages 6 – 18 in the greater Rochester area, giving them a unique opportunity to voice their opinion as part of our 25th anniversary "An Evening Out At Home" celebration on May 19.

Local youth are being asked to submit original essays of no more than 250 words. One essay will be selected and read on Time Warner Cable Channel 9 during "An Evening Out At Home" celebration. In addition, a select number of essays representing each age group will be chosen for publication on our Web site. Every youth who submits an essay will receive a certificate in recognition of their participation. Essays may be submitted online at www.racf.org, by e-mail (essays@racf.org), or by U. S. mail addressed to:

CALL FOR ESSAYS
Caroline Merenda, Program Officer
The Community Foundation
500 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14607-1912

Essays will not be returned. For more information on “An Evening Out At Home” visit our Web site www.racf.org

*** It would be SOOOOO COOOOOOL if a young Lyell-Otis neighbor won this contest! I hope all our great kids will enter!!!! :)

MAYOR DUFFY ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO ENTER IDEABOUNCE EVENT (City of Rochester News Release - 02/07/2007)

2007-02-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today encouraged youth in grades 7 -12 to enter Rochester's first IdeaBounce™, an event that supports and encourages young people to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice. The deadline to register an idea is Thu., Feb. 15.

The theme, "What's Your Big Idea? Take it On!," is designed to serve as an inspiration for young people to think creatively and turn their ideas into action - whether that means starting a new business, developing an innovation for an existing company or solving a problem that improves our community. The event, which will be held March 3 at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, is part of national Entrepreneurship Week USA (Feb. 24 to March 3).

The IdeaBounce™ concept, which was developed at Washington University in St. Louis, gives students two minutes to present their idea, invention, or innovation to a panel of judges. It is the first step to help students determine if they will take the idea to the next step—the business plan development stage. Twenty-five students will be selected from all entries to present their ideas in-person and receive prizes.

Students are encouraged to register online at www.ideabounce.com, or through the mail by writing: IdeaBounce™ c/o University of Rochester, Special Programs, RC Box 270358, Rochester, NY 14627. Applications are also available at all City of Rochester Recreation Centers, all 7th to 12th grade schools in the Rochester City School District, and at all public libraries in Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Yates, Wyoming and Seneca counties.

IdeaBounce™ is sponsored locally by the University of Rochester, Junior Achievement, the City, the Rochester City School District, the Credit Education Bureau, Biz Kid$, the Dazzle School of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

Recalls - Children's Products

2007-01-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Just copy and paste the link to read more information. ~ Pam

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/consumer-protection/recalls/childrens-products/index.htm

or Click here: ConsumerReports.org - Children's products

Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
Office of Information and Public Affairs

May 10, 2007
Alert #07-5XX (For Clearance)

Bookspan Recalls Clip-on Baby Books Due to Choking Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Baby Buddy Clip-on Books
Units: About 9,500
Distributor: Bookspan, of Garden City, N.Y.
Manufacturer: Golden Ocean International Enterprise Ltd., of Hong Kong
Hazard: The metal clip used to attach the book to a stroller or article of clothing can break, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Bookspan has received one report of a clip breaking when an 8-month-old baby pulled on the toy while attached to a play mat. No injuries were reported.
Description: This recall involves Baby Buddy clip-on clothes/stroller books. The 4-inch round book titled "Baby Faces" displays eight babies making faces that correspond with the emotion listed on the page. A wooden bead strap with 10 small beads and four wooden circles is attached to the book. Baby Buddy is one of six books sold in a set.
Sold through: Bookspan mail-order catalogues and www.bookspan.com (to book club members only) from September 2006 through March 2007 for between $17 and $27.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled books from children and either discard it or return it to Bookspan. Consumers will receive a full credit on their book club account. Bookspan has directly notified purchasers of the product recall by mail.
Customer Contact: For additional information, call Bookspan at (888) 793-6514 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.bookspan.com.
Media Contact: Paula Batson, at (212) 930-4531 or paula.batson@bmgch.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at http://cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
####

Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
Office of Information and Public Affairs

May 10, 2007
Alert #07-5XX (For Clearance)

Bookspan Recalls Discovery Bunny Books Due to Choking Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Discovery Bunny Books
Units: About 16,000
Distributor: Bookspan, of Garden City, N.Y.
Importer: SoftPlay Inc., of Chicago, Ill.
Manufacturer: Animal Magic Ltd., of Hong Kong
Hazard: The seam on the bunny's left hind leg can open exposing a plastic squeaker toy contained inside a cloth bag, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Bookspan has received one report of a 4-month-old infant who began to choke on the plastic squeaker. The parent noticed the infant beginning to choke and cleared the squeaker from his throat.
Description: This recall involves Discovery Bunny yellow cloth books. The mid-section of the yellow and white plush stuffed bunny opens to a six-page cloth book. The plush bunny has black & white checkered ears and feet. The "SoftPlay" logo is printed on a tag sewn into the bunny toy.
Sold through: Bookspan mail-order catalogues and www.bookspan.com (to book club members only) from February 2006 through March 2007 for about $8 and $16.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled bunny books from children and either discard it or return it to Bookspan. Consumers will receive a full credit on their book club account. Bookspan has directly notified purchasers of the product recall by mail.
Customer Contact: For additional information, call Bookspan at (888) 793-6514 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.bookspan.com.
Media Contact: Paula Batson, at (212) 930-4531 or paula.batson@bmgch.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
####

FUN "OLD-SCHOOL" GAMES TO PLAY! Enjoy! ~ Pam

2007-01-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

PACMAN

"http://www.media.ebaumsworld.com/pacman.swf"

TIC TAC TOE

"http://www.neave.com/games/tictactoe/tictactoe.swf"

BLACKJACK

"http://media.ebaumsworld.com/aceblackjack.swf"

SIMON

"http://www.neave.com/games/simon/simon.swf"

SNAKE

"http://www.neave.com/games/snake/snake.swf"

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS at city recreation

2006-12-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun events are being hosted by the City of Rochester! Enjoy!

LYELL AVENUE CHRISTMAS EVENT

2006-12-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

This is going to be fun! Make sure kids are accompanied by a parent or guardian!

Gifts That Will Make Your Kid Rich - from Money Magazine (online)

2006-12-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

Gifts that will make your kids rich

Ways to present fiscal lessons without looking like the Grinch.

By Karen Hube, Money Magazine

November 28 2006: 10:20 AM EST

(Money Magazine) -- Tired of battling hordes of shoppers for Tickle Me Elmo, the latest Xbox 360 game and other hot holiday items that feed your children's rampant consumerism?

Eager for a present that gives your kids a financial jump on life and is still, well, fun? See what gifts can help your children learn how to save and spend wisely, with payoffs that last well beyond the season.

Best book for teaching little kids the value of a buck

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Price: $6.99 at most bookstores

Who it's for: Four- to eight-year-olds

What it's about: In this charming story by Judith Viorst, Alexander gets a gift of $1 from his grandparents. He has lofty plans to save the money for a big-ticket itembut instead blows it all in the face of life's temptations and regrets it.

Why it works: By age four, kids are old enough to grasp the basic concepts of saving and spending, but they're not likely to sit still for a lecture on the topic.

"When children are engaged by a story and see a character's life turn this way and that, they'll learn by example," says Margaret McKeown, a senior scientist at the Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

Best board game for learning money-management skills

Payday

Price: $14.99 at most toy retailers

Who it's for: Preteens

What it's about: Created in 1975, this game sends each player down a 31-day path to earn and spend money - working, investing, shopping, paying bills, even gambling occasionally. The player with the most cash left at the end wins.

Why it works: Recent research has shown that, developmentally, kids are most receptive to learning financial concepts before they hit high school. But that doesn't mean they're interested. When they're having fun playing a board game, though, they won't even know they're getting a tutorial on budgeting, borrowing with interest, saving - and the perils of squandering their money.

Best gift from Grandma

Contribution to a 529 Plan

Price: Typically $25 to $250 for the initial investment

Who it's for: Kids up to 18

What it's about: Move over, savings bonds: 529 accounts have the edge for grandparents eager to help pay Junior's college tuition. Advantages include tax-deferred growth on earnings, tax-free withdrawals and, in many states, a deduction for contributions. Compare plan details at savingforcollege.com.

Why it works: While kids may not get excited about this gift now, just wait a few years. When they owe thousands less in student loans than their college buddies do, you're sure to get plenty of appreciation.

Best way to make your kid a millionaire

A Roth IRA

Price: As low as $100 to open

Who it's for: Any child who has earned income

What it's about: You can invest as much as your child makes, up to $4,000 a year. Tax-free compounding over time produces a powerful payoff: A $1,500 yearly contribution will be worth nearly a million bucks in 50 years, assuming an 8 percent average annual return.

Why it works: Few teens are likely to be excited about saving their hard-earned babysitting money for retirement. So offer to match what they make in an IRA. Want another way to ramp up their enthusiasm? Slip a little cash into the gift card too.

HAZARDOUS TOY WARNINGS

2006-12-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

Kid Connection Mini Activity Cube

U.S. PIRG danger group: Choking hazard
Manufacturer: Wal-Mart Stores
Problem: The shaped pegs, which can come loose, may pose a choking hazard to children, according to PIRG.

Lincoln Logs Frontier Firehouse, Frontier Sheriff's Office

U.S. PIRG danger group: Near small parts
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Problem: This toy, which is targeted at children ages 3 years and older, does not violate federal safety regulations, but the smallest log could block a child's airway given its size.

Magnetix (assorted)

U.S. PIRG danger group: Magnetic toys
Manufacturer: MEGA brands
Problem: Even though the manufacturer issued a replacement program for this product in March, PIRG says that older versions of the toy may exist on store shelves or in consumers' homes. When swallowed, magnetic toys can cause severe internal damage, warns PIRG.

Little Tikes Carry Along Musical Keyboard with Teaching Lights

U.S. PIRG danger group: Excessively loud toys
Manufacturer: Little Tikes Company/Kids Station Toys International
Problem: Held nearly a foot away from a child's ear, the volume of this toy can reach 90 decibels, according to PIRG, posing a threat of hearing loss.

Water Yo-Yo Ball

U.S. PIRG danger group: Strangulation
Manufacturer: Assorted
Problem: U.S. PIRG warns that the cord can wrap around a child's neck and poses a risk of strangulation when swung over the head.

Chikz Mak Up Play Set

U.S. PIRG danger group: Contains potentially toxic chemicals
Manufacturer: Greenbrier International
Problem: The nail polish in the set contains benzene, a known human carcinogen, warns PIRG.

Danger on the toy shelves Consumer group issues 'Troubles in Toyland' list, warning of choking hazards and toys with toxic chemicals.

By David Ellis, CNNMoney.com staff writer

November 21 2006: 12:04 PM EST

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- While shoppers will be eagerly snapping up toys for their children this holiday season, one consumer advocacy group is urging vigilance before parents spend asingle dollar.

Issuing its 21st annual "Trouble in Toyland" report Tuesday, the Washington-based U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) warned that there are many toys out there that pose significant safety hazards to children.

"While we can report substantial progress after more than two decades of advocacy on behalf of America's littlest consumers, U.S. PIRG's researchers still found trouble in toyland," U.S. PIRG Research Director Alison Cassady, the author of the report, said.

Nearly 73,000 children under the age of five visited the emergency room for toy related injuries in 2005, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and 20 children died from toy-related injuries last year.

PIRG, which visited both toy stores and retailers to find toys carrying safety risks, focused on four specific toy dangers - choking, strangulation, dangerously loud toys and those that contain toxic chemicals.

Choking on small parts, balls or balloons remains the biggest threat posed to children, according to PIRG, particularly from such toys as Wal-Mart's (Charts) Kid Connection Mini Activity Cube.

Hasbro's (Charts) Lincoln Logs Frontier Firehouse was another toy singled out by PIRG that could pose a choking hazard, while Little Tikes' Carry Along Musical Keyboard with Teaching Lights was considered a dangerously loud toy for children by PIRG.

PIRG also warned of a number of toys that contain magnets, which could cause internal harm if swallowed by a child.

"Swallowing a magnet is not like swallowing a penny," said Cassady. "Powerful magnets can wreak havoc inside the body."

The consumer watchdog also said it discovered a number of toys, including cosmetics and jewelry, that contain harmful chemicals, including high concentrations of lead that can cause lead poisoning.

The Toy Industry Association, which represents North American toymakers and distributors, issued a statement in response, claiming that reports produced by groups such as PIRG needlessly frighten parents.

"Toys are an easy target, and we are very concerned by reports that ignore or misinterpret the facts," said the industry group. "Very few of the toys named ever turn out to actually pose a safety concern when played with as designed."

"Consumers should know that toys sold in the United States are the most highly regulated and monitored in the world."

Calls to a number of manufacturers including Hasbro and Little Tikes, whose toys were cited in the report, were not immediately returned.

While most toys were produced by private firms or imported into the U.S. from foreign countries, a number of the toys cited by PIRG were produced by large U.S. companies, including Mattel (Charts).

Report: Hazardous toys to avoid this holiday season

FRIDAY, Nov. 29 (BabyCenter News) — Hazardous toys are still sold in stores across the country, says a toy safety report released last week by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG).

The group's 21st annual "Trouble in Toyland" report provides examples of toys currently on store shelves that pose potential safety hazards and offers safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), almost 73,000 children under the age of 5 were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2005, the most recent year for which numbers are available. Twenty of those children died.

"Even one toy-related death is too many, because these deaths are preventable," said U.S. PIRG Research Director Alison Cassady in a prepared statement.

The "Trouble in Toyland" report warns consumers about four categories of toy dangers: choking hazards, powerful magnets, lead, and strangulation hazards.

Choking hazards

In its research, U.S. PIRG found toys for sale with small parts for children under 3 and under 6 without the required choke hazard warning. This is despite the CPSC's 1979 ban of the sale of toys for children under 3 if they contain small parts, and 1994's Child Safety Protection Act, which required an explicit choke hazard warning on toys with small parts for children between 3 and 6.

Children continue to choke on toys that meet the letter of the law. In September, Playskool recalled the Team Talkin' Tool Bench after two children suffocated when the toy's oversized plastic nails became lodged in their throats. U.S. PIRG found several toys on store shelves that have parts shaped like corks or these toy nails that could pose similar suffocation hazards.

Magnetic toys

Toymakers have started using powerful magnets in building toys and magnetic jewelry. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract each other inside the body and cause a bowel obstruction or life-threatening tear in the intestines.

A little boy died last Thanksgiving and many others have had life-saving surgery after swallowing magnets from MEGA Brands' Magnetix toys. MEGA Brands has modified the design of Magnetix and placed a label on the toy's packaging warning parents about the dangers of magnets.

U.S. PIRG has called on CPSC to require a warning label on all magnetic toys that tells parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child swallows magnets.

Lead in jewelry

Children exposed to lead can suffer delayed mental and physical development or even death. In February, a 4-year-old died of lead poisoning after he swallowed a bracelet charm that contained 99 percent lead. U.S. PIRG researchers went to just a few stores and easily found four items of children's jewelry that contain high levels of lead, ranging from 1.8 percent lead to 34 percent lead by weight.

"We've known for decades that lead poses serious health risks to children, so it's unacceptable that consumers can still find lead-laden children's jewelry on store shelves," said Cassady.

Strangulation hazards

Cords and elastics attached to toys can hurt children by wrapping around their neck or other body part and causing strangulation or cutting off blood flow.

One toy in particular that's caused problems in recent years is the water yo-yo: a liquid-filled ball at the end of a stretchy cord. Last month, a 5-year-old Bellevue, Washington boy almost suffocated when the toy's cord wrapped tightly around his neck several times. CPSC has recorded about 400 injuries to the eyes, face and neck since the water yo-yo ball came on the market three years ago.

"CPSC should not wait until a child dies to protect children from the dangers posed by playing with this toy," said Cassady. Her group is asking the CPSC to ban the water yo-yo immediately.

Cassady reminded parents that the toy list in the U.S. PIRG report is only a sampling of the potential hazards on store shelves.

"Shoppers should examine all toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make a purchase this holiday season," she said.

-- Jenny Des Jarlais, BabyCenter News

What you can do

• Read U.S. PIRG's full report.

• Find out what toys are ideal for your child's age.

• Check our handy recall finder to see what toys have been recalled by the CPSC.

RECALL ALERT - Playskool's Team Talkin' Tool Bench

2006-10-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Playskool Voluntarily Recalls Toy Tool Benches after the Death of Two Toddlers

US and Canada, consumers should call (800) 509-9554 or use this form.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Playskool, of Pawtucket, R.I., is voluntarily recalling about 255,000 Team Talkin' Tool Bench toys following the deaths of two young children.

Playskool received reports that a 19-month-old boy from Martinsburg, W.V., and a 2-year-old boy from League City, Texas, suffocated when oversized, plastic toy nails sold with the tool bench toys became forcefully lodged in their throats. Though the toy nails are not considered a small-part, and the toys are intended for children age 3 and older, Playskool is voluntarily conducting a recall as a precaution to prevent additional incidents.

The Team Talkin' Tool BenchTM is a 20-inch tall plastic toy tool bench with an animated red toy saw, a yellow toy drill and a blue toy vice. The toy talks and makes various sound effects, including tool sounds. The product also includes a toy hammer, screwdriver, two 2¼-inch plastic screws, two 3-inch plastic nails and pieces to build a small toy plane. The red Playskool logo is on the front of the brown surface of the tool bench.

The toy was sold at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, KB Toys stores and various other stores nationwide from October 2005 through September 2006 for about $35.

Consumers should immediately take the two toy nails away from children and contact Playskool to get information on returning the nails for a $50 certificate for a Playskool (or its related companies') product. For additional information, call Playskool at (800)509-9554 anytime, or use this form.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or visit CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

US and Canada, consumers should call (800) 509-9554 or use this form.

LEAD Poisoning - Information and Prevention - links to the City Of Rochester's website

2006-09-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

http://cityofrochester.gov/PublicSafety/lead/lead.cfm

http://cityofrochester.gov/PublicSafety/lead/get_Informed.cfm

http://cityofrochester.gov/PublicSafety/lead/get_safe.cfm

The biggest car safety mistakes parents make -- and how to avoid them

2006-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

The biggest car safety mistakes parents make -- and how to avoid them

By Melanie Haiken

Not using a safety seat consistently
"We were only going to the grocery store ..." "He hates to ride in his car seat, so just this once I didn't make him ..." "He was having a meltdown, so I took him out of his seat for a minute to calm him down ... " Safety experts say they hear these words all too often from distraught parents after tragedy has struck. Remember, a one-time-only lapse can result in a lifetime of regret. Each year, nearly 250,000 children suffer serious injuries in car crashes, and more than 1,600 die. In fact, auto accidents are the leading cause of death in children over age 3. But car seats and booster seats could prevent many of these tragedies. Consistent and correct use of safety seats, for instance, reduces the risk of death in a serious collision by more than 70 percent. Stephanie Tombrello, executive director of the nonprofit passenger safety organization SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., urges all parents to get a safety seat that's convenient to use, and to make buckling your child into it such a habit that you don't even have to think about it.

Using an old or secondhand seat
That safety seat you scored at a garage sale or secondhand store for a fraction of its original cost may seem like a bargain, but it could cost your child his life. The same goes for an older-model seat given to you by a friend or a relative when her child outgrew it. Not only are used seats unlikely to come with the manufacturer's instructions (vital for correct installation), but they could be missing important parts, have been involved in an accident (even unseen damage can affect the seat's functioning), fall short of current safety standards, or have been recalled due to faulty design. To make sure your child's seat is safe, fill out the registration card when you buy a new car seat or booster seat, and mail it in so the manufacturer can notify you in case of a recall.

If you must use a secondhand seat, make sure it has the original instructions (if not, contact the manufacturer for a replacement copy), has all its parts (check the manual), has never been involved in an accident, is no more than two years old, and hasn't been recalled (click here to check a seat's recall status).

Facing your child forward too soon
Children have large heads and comparatively weak necks, so in a head-on collision (the most common type of crash) a child's head can jerk forward suddenly and violently, resulting in spinal injuries. For this reason, keep your child rear-facing position as long as possible. Just be sure that he rides in a rear-facing seat specially designed to hold children weighing up to 35 pounds or a convertible car seat that's made to hold children weighing up to 35 pounds in a rear-facing position or up to 40 pounds in a forward-facing position. (Note: The 12-months-and-20-pounds rule that many parents cite when turning their child forward in the car is actually the minimum size and age requirement.)

Moving your child out of his car seat or booster too soon
Though safety-seat laws vary from state to state, experts are unequivocal in their recommendations for safe riding:

• Your child should ride in a safety seat with a five-point harness until he weighs at least 40 pounds, or until his shoulders no longer fit under the harness straps. (You can use a convertible rear- and forward-facing car seat until your child hits 40 pounds or the harness system of a car- and booster-seat combo from as little as 20 pounds up to 40 pounds.)

• Your child should ride in a booster seat from the time he weighs 40 pounds (and is at least 3 years old) until he's 4 feet 9 inches tall and at least 8 years old.

Not installing your child's safety seat correctly
Your child's safety seat won't do the job it's intended to if it's not installed correctly. Among the most common mistakes: Not buckling the car seat in tightly enough, and not using the right type of seat belt to secure your child in his booster seat. So before you so much as back out of the driveway, check to see that the seat doesn't tip forward or slide from side to side more than an inch, and make sure that your child's booster is secured with a lap-and-shoulder belt.

Better yet, use the new anchoring system if you can. Since 1999, federal regulation has required most new forward-facing car seats to come with a top tether that snaps into a corresponding anchor in your car, making installation easier and more secure. But because most pre-1999 vehicles don't have the anchoring system, owners of those models may want to consider having their car retrofitted with the anchor system (check with your local auto dealership for information on cost and feasibility).

Since September 2002, all new car seats and vehicles must be compatible with the LATCH system, short for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (combining the previously existing top tethers with lower anchors, built into the rear of the car; some cars built between 1999 and 2002 also have the system). Toddler / booster combo seats are required to have both the upper and lower attachments; booster seats are not required to have LATCH.

Not using a locking clip or using it incorrectly
If your car is a pre-1996 model, chances are the lap-and-shoulder belts don't lock unless you come to a sudden stop. This means you need a locking clip — a small metal device that looks like an oversized paper clip — to hold the seat belt (and thus your child's car seat) tight in the event of a crash. After you buckle your child's seat tightly in place, see if you can move it more than an inch toward the front or sides of the car. If so, install the locking clip about a half-inch above the buckle (not on the other side of your child's car seat, holding the shoulder and lap belts together before they're threaded through the appropriate slot in the car seat — a common mistake parents make). If you've misplaced the locking clip that came with your car seat, contact the manufacturer to order a replacement or buy a new one at a store that carries car seats and other safety supplies.

Not securing the seat's harness correctly
You can do all the prep work in the world (shopping for just the right seat for your car and your child, placing it in the safest position in your car, and installing it correctly), but none of that will matter much if you don't buckle your child into the seat securely. To make sure the car seat harness straps are snug enough to hold your child firmly in the event of an accident:

• Buckle your child in, making sure the harness straps aren't twisted, and then use the mechanism on the front of the car seat to pull the harness tight. You should not be able to pinch any harness fabric between your fingers.

• Slide the plastic retainer clip that holds the two straps together up to armpit level before securing it. If the clip is too low, your child could be ejected from his seat in a crash.

Not buckling your child's car seat into the car
Believe it or not, many parents who are cited for car seat violations have a car seat in their car, and have their child buckled into the car seat — but have not buckled the car seat into the car. This may be the result of confusion between car seats with harnesses and booster seats (which have different anchoring systems), or the result of switching a seat from one car to another on a hectic morning. To avoid this common mistake, don't start your engine until you've double-checked that your child is not only safely secured in his car seat, but that the seat is buckled tightly into the car's seat belt system. If your child rides in a booster seat, make sure the car's seat belts are buckled around him before you take off.

Even better, use the new LATCH system to bypass your car's seat belts and attach the car seat or booster seat directly to your car. For more information, see "Not installing your child's safety seat correctly," above.

Holding your child on your lap
When your child is having a tantrum after hours on the road, it's tempting to lift him out of his car seat and hold him in your arms. The same goes when you're just making a quick dash from one locale to another with a gaggle of friends or relatives and it's easier for everyone to pile into the same vehicle than to take separate cars. This might seem safe enough (after all, you'd hold your child tight if anything happened, right?), but the truth is you can't control what your body might do in a crash. In fact, safety experts warn that even if you're belted in, your child could be ripped from your arms and thrown through the windshield by the force of a collision. And if you manage to get the seat belt around both of you, your weight could actually crush your child to death. So as much as he may scream, and as inconvenient as taking your own car is when the two of you could just hop into someone else's, never let your child ride in a moving car unless he's safely strapped into his car seat or booster. No exceptions.

Letting two kids share one seat belt
This is a big no-no; crash tests have shown that when two children ride buckled into one seat belt, their heads can knock together so hard that it's potentially fatal for both of them.

Letting your child ride in the front seat
Though he may whine and plead to ride in the front seat with you, the back seat is by far the safest place for your child, since that's where he's best protected in a head-on or side-impact collision. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly recommends that all children under age 13 ride in the back seat every time they get in the car. Other tips on safe riding positions:

• If possible, buckle your child into the middle of the back seat, where he's best protected from side-impact collisions. If your child rides in a booster seat and your car has only a lap belt in the center back (which is fine for car seats but should never be used on its own with a booster seat), position your child's booster on either the right or left side of your back seat and buckle him in with the car's lap-and-shoulder belt.

• If you have a passenger air bag in your car, that's all the more reason to keep your child in the back. Though air bags are designed to reduce injuries in adults, they're actually dangerous for children. In fact, in recent years more than a hundred kids have been killed by passenger air bags, which can cause serious head and neck injuries when they inflate, especially to children in rear-facing car seats. To find out whether your car has air bags, look for a warning label on the sun visor or the letters SRS or SIR embossed on the dashboard, or check your vehicle owner's manual.

• If your child must sit in the front seat because that's the only option (if the back seat is already full or if your car is a two-seater, for example), check to see if your car's air bag has an on-off switch, and if so, turn it off. If not, have an air-bag switch installed by a car dealership or one of the specialized companies that have sprung up to deal with this situation (the NHTSA maintains a list of companies that install air bag on-off switches). If you can't disable your passenger air bag, then have the child who's most securely restrained in a front-facing car seat with a full harness (in other words, the child who's least likely to wiggle out of his restraints; or, if your passengers have all moved out of the car seat phase, your biggest or tallest passenger) ride in the front seat, and move his seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.

The biggest car safety mistakes parents make -- and how to avoid them

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/64875.html?scid=pcbulletin:20060717:0:0:0

How much sleep does your child need? By the ParentCenter editorial staff

2006-07-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

You know your child needs less sleep now than he did when he was a baby, but how much less is still enough? Every child is different — some need more sleep and some less — but here are general guidelines for how many hours of sleep a child needs on average each day.

Age	Nighttime sleep	Daytime sleep	Average total sleep
2 years	10.5 to 12.5 hours	1 to 3 hours (1 nap)	11.5 to 15.5 hours
3 years	10.5 to 12.5 hours	1 to 3 hours (1 nap)	11 to 14 hours
4 years	10 to 12 hours	0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap)	10 to 13 hours
5 years	10 to 12 hours	0 to 2.5 hours (1 or no nap)	10 to 12.5 hours
6 years	10 to 11.5 hours	none	10 to 11.5 hours
7 years	9.5 to 11.5 hours	none	9.5 to 11.5 hours
8 years	9.5 to 11.5 hours	none	9.5 to 11.5 hours
* Note: The two sets of numbers don't always add up because children who take longer naps tend to sleep fewer hours at night, and vice versa.

Keep in mind that most kids need a lot of sleep — usually more than parents allow for. Often, says ParentCenter sleep expert Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night, if a child has poor sleep habits or refuses to nap or go to bed before 10 at night, his parents will assume that he just doesn't need much sleep. That's probably not the case — in fact, it's likely that such a child is actually sleep-deprived, hence his hyper, overtired behavior at bedtime. To see whether your child falls into this camp, ask yourself:

• Does my child frequently fall asleep while riding in the car?

• Do I have to wake him almost every morning?

• Does he seem cranky, irritable, or overtired during the day?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be getting less sleep than his body craves. To change this pattern, you'll need to help him develop good sleep habits, and set an appropriate bedtime and then stick to it. A preschooler or young grade-schooler who's outgrown napping needs a solid 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night, and that amount will gradually decrease as he gets older. Even so, by the time he's a teenager, your child will still need nine to ten hours of shut-eye a night.

PLAY IT SAFE / KIDS ON THE MOVE: WALKING AND BIKING SAFELY

2006-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

The following is from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. As a parent with a young child, I found this information useful. Prevention is the best medicine! ~ Pam :)

Click here: Transportation Safety Tips for Children - Tip 7

Click here: Transportation Safety Tips for Children - Tip 8

TIP #7: PLAY IT SAFE: WALKING AND BIKING SAFELY

Children hit by cars can be hurt or killed, even when cars are moving slowly. Toddlers (1 and 2 year olds) are most often hurt by a backing vehicle. If a child is playing in a driveway or parking area (A), a driver may not see her/him. Preschoolers (3 and 4 year olds) are most often hit when running across a street near home.

Falls from tricycles or other play vehicles can cause serious head and brain injury. These injuries to young children can be as serious as injuries to older children falling from bikes.

DANGERS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN ON THE MOVE:

darting out into traffic from the middle of the block;
playing in or near the street; and
riding a tricycle or bike in a parking lot, driveway, or street.

YOUNG CHILDREN ARE NOT SMALL ADULTS!

They cannot judge speed or distance of vehicles moving toward them.
They move quickly and can run into the street without warning.
They don't know safety rules and expect adults to watch out for them.
They are small and hard for drivers to see.

TAKE THESE STEPS TO SAFETY:

Hold your child’s hand so she/he doesn’trun into the street.

Parks and playgrounds are safe places to play away from traffic.

Supervise, supervise, supervise
Parents and caregivers must watch toddlers and preschoolers closely when they are near parked or moving vehicles. To supervise properly, you must be near your child at all times, not watching from a distance. Hold your child's hand when you walk together along the street (B).
Get them in the habit
When walking, talk to your child about street safety. Show him/her how to stop at the edge of the street and look for cars. Don't expect your young child to do this by herself/himself. Start children wearing helmets with their first tricycles or play vehicles. When children begin helmet use early, they are more likely to keep the habit in later years. Make a rule: No helmets, no bike.
Set a safe example
Young children learn by watching adults. Show them safe ways to cross streets and always wear a helmet when you ride a bike.
Find safe places to play
Keep children away from traffic (C). Fenced yards, parks, or playgrounds are good places for your child to ride and play.

Are there safe play places for children in your neighborhood? If not, talk with neighbors, police, and community planners about ways to improve the area.

HEAD OUT SAFELY!

Start helmet use early; even when riding a tricycle or play vehicle.

Only children over age 1 have the neck strength to wear helmets and ride on the back of bikes.

Wearing a bike helmet is the most important way for your child to stay safe on a play vehicle, tricycle, or bike. A helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent when worn correctly.
Toddler helmets are lightweight, because a toddler's neck is not strong enough for a regular helmet. Also, these helmets come down low around the back of the head for more coverage (D).
Insist that your child wear a helmet whenever he/she rides. If your child's preschool uses tricycles, work with the school to make helmets available. Urge the school to have a policy requiring helmet use.
Every new helmet must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Standard and display a label stating that it meets the standard. On older helmets, look for a CPSC, ASTM1 , ANSI2 , or Snell3 sticker inside the helmet.

THE RIGHT FIT IS IMPORTANT!

Make sure the helmet covers the upper part of the forehead and sits level on the head (two finger widths above the eyebrows). (E)
Use the foam pads inside to fit the helmet snugly so it doesn't slip around.
Adjust the chin strap tightly enough so the helmet pulls down when the child opens his mouth.
Adjust the two side straps so they meet in a 'V' right under each ear.

CARRYING YOUR CHILD SAFELY ON A BIKE (F):

NEVER carry a baby under age 1 on a bicycle. A baby does not have the neck strength to wear a helmet. The baby's back is not strong enough to sit straight with the motion of the bike.
When a child is old enough to ride on an adult's bike, only a skilled rider should carry him/her.
Ride only in safe areas like parks, bike paths, or quiet streets.
Make sure both adult and child are wearing properly fitting helmets.
Make sure the childcarrier has a high back, a lap and shoulder harness, and foot guards to keep feet away from the spokes.
Make sure the bike trailer has a high-back seat and a lap and shoulder harness.
Check that the carrier or trailer is fastened firmly to the bike.
Buckle the harness snugly around the child.

1American Society for Testing and Materials
2American National Standards Institute
3Snell Memorial Foundation

For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236) or www.nhtsa.dot.gov

Illustrations from Indiana University School of Medicine

TIP #8: KIDS ON THE MOVE: WALKING AND BIKING SAFELY

LEARNING TO BE TRAFFIC SMART

Children in kindergarten through third grades (5 to 10 years old) are learning to become independent. They enjoy walking, riding bikes, and playing outside. They don't have the judgment to cope with traffic by themselves yet, but they can begin to understand safety rules.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW:

Parents often think their children are able to handle traffic safely by themselves before they are actually ready.
Children don't have the skills to handle these risky situations until about age 10.
Boys are much more likely than girls to be injured or killed in traffic, on average boys take more risks.
Bicycles are vehicles. Children should not ride bikes in the road until they fully understand traffic rules and show they can follow them.
Children often act before thinking and may not do what parents or drivers expect.
Children assume that if they see the driver, the driver sees them.
Children can't judge speed and they think cars can stop instantly.
Children are shorter than adults and can't see over cars, bushes, and other objects.

WALKING RISKS

Many children are hit by cars
when running into the street.

Hold your child’s hand so she/he doesn’t run into the street.

Nearly one-third of the 5 to 9 year old children killed by motor vehicles are onfoot. They are hit by cars most often when playing near home. They tend to run into the street in the middle of the block, where drivers don't expect them (A).

BICYCLING RISKS

Children can be hurt riding on or off the road. Most children who are killed in bike crashes are 7 to 12 years old. The most serious injuries children get while biking are head and brain injuries. These injuries can cause death or lifelong disability.

TAKE THESE STEPS TO SAFETY:

Set limits for your child
As your children grow, set appropriate limits on where they can walk or bike safely. Don't expect them to be responsible or to start to behave safely until about age 10.
Teach safe walking habits
Begin to teach your child how to cross streets safely (click here). Give them plenty of chances to practice when you are with them (B).
Find safe places for bicycling and walking
Find places away from streets, driveways, and parking lots. Good choices are fenced yards, parks, trails/paths, or playgrounds.
Set an example yourself
Young children learnby watching their parents and other adults. Cross streets properly and always wear a helmet when you ride a bike (C). When you are driving, obey speed limits, wear your safety belt and watch for children. Allow your children the opportunity to practice safe walking and riding when you are with them.

TEACH THE "SAFE STREET CROSSING" METHOD. TEACH YOUR CHILD TO:

Cross with an adult or older friend. (Young children still need supervision around traffic up to about age 10).
Cross at an intersection where there are signals.

Show older children how to look bothways and around parked cars orobjects blocking his/her view.

A child should be able to have his/her feet flat on the ground when sitting on the bike seat.

Correct helmet fit is very important!

Use the crosswalk when crossing near a corner. Watch for turning vehicles.
Stop at the curb. Look left, right, left, and over your shoulder for traffic. Continue to look as you cross the street.
Stop to look around parked cars or other objects that block the view of traffic (D). Let oncoming traffic pass, then look again before crossing. as you cross.
Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.

HELP YOUR CHILD BIKE SAFELY:

A kid-size bike is right
A big bike "to grow into" is not easy to learn on or to ride safely. A child should be able to sit on the seat with knees straight and feet flat on the ground (E). Also make sure the child can straddle the bike with at least one or two inches between the top bar and the child's crotch.
Insist on bike helmet use
A brain injury cannot be cured! Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent when worn correctly. Make it clear to your child that she/he must wear a helmet on every ride. It also is important to wear a helmet when doing other sports, like in-line skating and skateboarding.

SELECTING AND FITTING A BIKE HELMET

Every new helmet must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Standard and display a label stating that it meets the standard. On older helmets, look for a CPSC , ASTM1, ANSI2, or Snell3 sticker inside the helmet.
Use foam pads inside to fit the helmet snugly so it doesn't move on the head.
Fit the helmet so the front is two finger widths above the eyebrows. Teach your child to wear their helmet the correct way (F).
Adjust the two side straps so they meet in a "V" right under each ear.
Adjust the chin strap snugly under the chin. Make it tight enough so the helmet pulls down when the child opens his mouth.
Check often to make sure straps stay snug and the helmet stays level on the head.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO WEAR HIS/HER HELMET

Let your child help choose the helmet.
Explain that a helmet is "just part of the gear," as it is with football, race car driving, or hockey.
Praise your child for wearing his/her helmet.
Talk to other parents, so that all neighborhood families encourage the same safety rules.
Be a role model and wear your bike helmet.

1American Society for Testing and Materials
2American National Standards Institute
3Snell Memorial Foundation

For more information, contact the DOT Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT
(1-888-327-4236) or www.nhtsa.dot.gov

Illustrations from Indiana University School of Medicine

RECALL ALERT - Children's Toy Jewelry / Party Favors

2006-03-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

NEWS from CPSCU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public AffairsWashington, DC 20207FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2006
Release #06-103 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 388-7228
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children’s Toy Jewelry Recalled Due to Aspiration HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: “Girl Favors” Children’s Toy Jewelry

Units: About 144,500 sets

Importer: MTC – Man’s Trading Company, of Brisbane, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled jewelry could break, releasing small beads that pose an aspiration hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The jewelry includes various colored plastic bead bracelets, rings and necklaces on elastic strings. They were sold under the brand name “Girl Favors” and had the following item numbers and writing on the packaging:

Item
Number ProductPF-1531 4 Smiley Bead BraceletsPF-1532 4 Clear Bead NecklacesPF-1533 6 Clear Bead Bracelets & RingsPF-1536 4 Power Bead BraceletsPF-1541 3 Heart NecklacesPF-1549 4 Ice Cube Bracelets

Sold at: Various dollar stores nationwide from July 2003 through December 2005 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these recalled items away from children immediately and discard them or return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact MTC-Man’s Trading Company at (800) 388-7228 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or fax to them at (415) 468-7300. Consumers also can contact the company via email at mtcmans@aol.com, or on their Web site at www.mtcmans.com

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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Click here: Children’s Toy Jewelry Recalled Due to Aspiration Hazard

RECALL ALERT - Toy Mobile Phones

2006-03-20T23:16:00.000-08:00

NEWS from CPSCU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public AffairsWashington, DC 20207FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2006
Release #06-099 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 445-8347
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Toy Mobile Phones Recalled for Choking HazardWASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: iPlay My First Mobile Phones

Units: About 50,500

Distributor: International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J.

Hazard: The toy phone’s yellow antenna can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. No injuries have been reported.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firm have received one report of the antenna breaking off. No injuries have been reported.

Description: My First Mobile phone is a red and blue flip style mobile phone with a yellow bear on the cover and a yellow hard plastic antenna. Inside the flip phone are five round orange numeric buttons, as well as a sun button. The phone sounds with various ring tones when the buttons are depressed. On the inside top cover on the phone is a mirror and a spinning star with a lady bug button. “Made in China” is printed on the back of the battery cover.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide from August 2002 through November 2005 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact the firm to receive information on returning the product to receive a free replacement item of similar value.

Consumer Contact: Contact International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intplay.com/recall.htm

Media Contact: Sue Tiece (973) 316-2500 ext. 232 or sue.tice@intplay.com

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Click here: Toy Mobile Phones Recalled for Choking Hazard

RECALL ALERT - Liquid-filled Teethers

2006-03-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

The First Years is dedicated to providing parents with safe, high-quality products. In line with this mission, we have issued a voluntary recall of six liquid-filled teethers sold between July 2005 and January 2006 due to possible bacterial contamination. The liquid inside the teethers may contain pseudomonas aeruginosa and pseudomonas putida which can cause serious illness in children if the teether is punctured and the liquid from the teether is ingested.

Consumers should stop using the teethers immediately.

Consumers should place the recalled teether in its current condition in a sealed plastic bag and send to:

In the United States: Parent Service Center, RC2/The First Years, 100 Technology Center Drive, Stoughton, Massachusetts, 02072.

In Canada: KRG Logistics Inc.,170 Traders Blvd., East Mississauga, ONT L4Z 1W7.

Consumers should include their mailing address in the envelope to receive a replacement teether and free gift. For additional information, consumers can contact The First Years Parent Service Center at 1-866-725-4407, or by email at parentservicecenter@thefirstyears.com.

The teethers being recalled are shown below:

Disney® Days of Hunny Soft Cool Ring Teether
Style #Y1447

Disney® Soft Cool Ring Teether
Style #Y1470/Y1490

The First Years® Floating Friends Teether
Style #Y1474

Sesame Beginnings® Chill & Chew
Teether
Style #Y3095

The First Years® Cool Animal Teether
Fish, Zebra, & Dinosaur Designs
Style #Y1473

Click here: The First Years -- Customer Service

Family Talk Workshops hosted by Cameron Community Ministries

2006-03-14T22:34:00.000-08:00

Need help talking to your kids about drugs, sex, relationships, HIV, and other difficult topics?

Family Talk Workshops Present by:

Metro Council for Teen Potential & Cameron Community Ministries

Saturday, March 18th from Noon - 2pm
at the Cameron Community Ministries
48 Cameron Street
Light Refreshments Served

This is the first in a series of five workshops.

Attend one or attend them all!

Other dates are 4/1, 4/15, & 4/29!

For more info or to RSVP contact Rob Blair, Youth Programs Director at Cameron Community Ministries at 254-2697.

A Rochester Based Urban Outreach Ministry.

Cameron's website: http://www.abcrgr.org/cameron.htm

Lunchbox Recall - seen on WORC-TV Channel 8 - Nov. 28, 2005

2005-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Lunchbox recall

11/29/2005 6:00 PM
(Steve Levine, WROC-TV)

8 ON YOUR SIDE last summer randomly bought 8 soft lunchboxes and had the vinyl material tested for lead at a Rochester environmental lab.

A majority of the lunch bags contained traces of lead.

Two products, Spiderman bought at Target and Superman purchased at Wal-Mart had exceedingly high levels of the toxin which can cause brain damage and learning disabilities in children.

After our stories aired, Wal-Mart removed the products nationwide, Target took the items away across the state, and the attorney general's office began its own investigation.

"You guys provided real public service, and I thank you," said Attorney General Eliot Spitzer last month.

Now New York City distributor "Fast Forward L.L.C" has signed an agreement with the state to voluntarily recall 22 different styles of children's lunchbox products.

"I think that's exciting, I hope the message will get out", said Consumer Advocate Judy Braiman.

The company has also agreed to pay $7,000 in fines and penalties. Fast Forward will also establish procedures to prevent it from selling or distributing products that violate hazardous materials laws.

8 ON YOUR SIDE left messages with the company several times but they did not return our phone calls.

The products are not being recalled for health reasons.

Testing done by the Attorney General's office showed lead exposure released from the lunchboxes was below state health levels that put kids at risk.

But the state says the products did violate state environmental laws.

"Consumers have a right to know if a product they purchased contains a higher level of lead," said Assistant N.Y Attorney General Ben Bruce, they have a right not to choose that product."

"I don't care how they recalled it, as long as they did it", said Braiman.

8 ON YOUR SIDE has learned Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, JC Penney and Toys R Us, are among local retailers that'll take the products back in exchange for store credit.

The stores will give cash back if a customer provides a receipt.

All recalled products contain a "Fast Forward" label inside the interior.

There are no health standards for lead in vinyl products. But two lawmakers tell us, told 8 they plan to tighten restrictions related to lead in children's items.

"There should be a law on all children's products...protecting our young people, right now we don't have anything," says Braiman.

RECALL INFORMATION:

Lunchboxes can be returned at local Wal-Mart, Target, JC Penney, Sears, Toys R Us. In the New York City area: Value City, Rainbow Marmaxx, and RB Distributor.

Store credit will be given if customers do not have receipt.

Products can be returned through New York City Distributor "Fast Forward L.L.C", you must receive a refund request form through the Attorney General's office.

For More information call the state attorney general office at 1-800-771-7755

Customers have until February 28 2006 to request a refund

For pictures of the recalled products click below:

Related Link:
http://wroctv.com/pdf/lunchbox.pdf