Rochester City School Board Candidates Night

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

 

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”

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!!!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Recreation and Youth Services Calendar Update

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

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

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

Summertime, and the reading is easy! :)

Hi, LONA Literature Lovers!

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

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

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

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

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

http://www2.libraryweb.org/

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

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

Happy Reading!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The full schedule of upcoming shows is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN HOUSES KICK-OFF SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KIDS CAN LEARN TO SWIM AT FREE SUMMER SWIM ACADEMY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Levels offered in the program will include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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"