City of Rochester
News Release
(April 14, 2009) - The City of Rochester celebrates spring and school recess during the weeks of April 14 to 28 with special recreation activities at City recreation centers, as well as gardening and environmental activities within parks and neighborhoods. Highlights include:
FLOWER CITY LOOKING GOOD PROGRAM
The City's 18th annual Flower City Looking Good initiative continues with spring talks, workshops, market flower days, volunteer plantings. For a complete schedule of activities from April through October visit the city’s homepage Flower City Looking Good spotlight at: www.cityofrochester.gov.
• GARDEN POISONS: Wednesday, April 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. What dangers to pets are hidden in a garden? When the speaker‘s beloved dog was hospitalized for three days after sampling some of her garden delights, she decided to address this concern. Stacey Estrich will identify poisonous plants, discuss ways to prevent animals from feeding on gardens and will provide pet safety tips during this FREE talk. Director of Parks Stacey Estrich, Town of Perinton. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Auditorium, 249 Highland Ave.
• URBAN FARMING: Wednesday, April 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Participate in this FREE “how to” session about growing family traditions with neighbors and friends by harvesting fruits and vegetables out of your own garden or raised bed. Specific techniques, materials and knowledge will make your urban farm successful. Guest Speaker Executive Director Jan McDonald, Rochester Roots. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Auditorium, 249 Highland Ave.
• ROSE PRUNING TECHNIQUES’ WORKSHOP: Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Join city gardener Paul Mitchell and members of the Greater Rochester Rose Society for a FREE “Rose Pruning” workshop at the historic Maplewood Rose Garden, Lake and Driving Park avenues. Master Gardeners will demonstrate proper spring pruning techniques, answer questions and guide participants during a hands-on pruning session. No reservations are required. Bring your pruners, gloves and garden tools if you have them, otherwise they will be provided. If you stop by before the May 2 date, you will probably catch Paul “unhilling” the garden’s 4,000 rose bushes. Each bush is winterized with a one-foot mound of compose. Volunteers who may wish to give Paul a helping hand are asked to call: (585) 428-6444.
• ROCHESTER BLOSSOMS! Saturday, May 30 from 8 to 10 a.m. Meet at Parks Offices, 420 Dewey Ave. Thousands of flowers are planted by volunteers throughout city parks during this spring effort. Organize your neighborhood for a group effort or join as an individual. Register by May 8 at (585) 428-6770. Call 311(outside city limits, 585-428-5990).
• FLOWER CITY DAYS “AT THE MARKET:” Sundays, May 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend: Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25. Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union St. Be among over 150,000 folks ready for new spring digs--earth digs that is! This quintessential farmers’ market beckons thousands of green thumbs each year to a series of five FLOWER CITY DAYS. Over 250 horticultural vendors turn the market into a virtual Garden of Eden with annuals, perennials and vegetable plants direct from area growers. Largest selection in one location in New York State! Many other gardening items such as lawn figurines, lawn furniture, mulch, topsoil, tools, and trellis will be for sale. Vendor spaces are still available, call (585) 428-6907 or call 311(outside city limits, 585-428-5990). www.cityofrochester.gov
• GREEN THUMBS ENCOURAGED TO ENTER THE CITY GARDENING CONTEST :
As Rochester residents begin preparations for the spring planting season, they are reminded of the opportunity to enter their garden or that of an outstanding community garden in the 18th annual City of Rochester Flower City Looking Good Garden Contest. Gardens must be located within the Rochester city limits, with contest entries submitted no later than Friday, July 31. Entry forms are available at City library branches, City recreation centers and Recreation Administrative Offices, 400 Dewey Ave., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and also online at www.cityofrochester.gov (Flower City Looking Good homepage spotlight). Call 311 (outside city limits, 585-428-5990) or (585) 428-6770. Completed entries must be returned (along with four photos of the garden) to the City’s Bureau of Recreation at 400 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14613. Award winners will be chosen in the following categories:
Best use of container gardens
Best educational garden project
Best use of a water feature in a garden
Best wildlife/butterfly habitat
Best neighborhood enhancement garden
New for 2009! Best urban farm
New for 2009! Best winter garden (winter entries are due February 26, 2010)
FREE BUSINESS COURSE FOR CITY YOUTH: Monday through Friday, April 20 to 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A free Biz Kid$ camp will be held during April school recess week at the Lake Riley Lodge at Cobbs Hill Park (100 Norris Drive) for students 13-18 years old. 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, participants learn how to look and act professional, plan time, manage money, and promote a business and plan for the future. Participants receive such free equipment as 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 City Recreation at (585) 428-7371 for a registration packet.
CITY RECREATION CELEBRATES SPRING AND SCHOOL RECESS:
All City recreation and community centers will celebrate spring and school recess with a variety of special activities as well as schedule changes. Events are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Patrons may contact recreation centers directly for additional activities.
City Recreation Spring Hours:
• Monday through Friday, April 20 to 24--all centers open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (school recess)
• Monday, April 27--Regular after-school center hours resume.
2009 SPRING CITY RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS:
(All events are free unless otherwise noted)
For youth and family activities during April and May--egg hunts, coloring contests, face painting, games, craft projects and more--call your neighborhood center directly for details or the Bureau of Recreation Administrative Offices, (585) 428-6755. A few highlights include:
Thursday, April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Spring Fashion Show
Webster Avenue Community Center, 509 N. Goodman @ Adonai Building, (585) 428-7828
Friday, May 22 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Carter Street Community Center, 500 Carter St., (585) 428-7890
For ages 8-18; preregister by May 14.
KITES TO SOAR OVER THE BEACH: Sunday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hundreds of kites will soar aloft with Rochester’s 175th birthday message during the 2009 KITE FLIGHT celebration on May 3 at Ontario Beach Park, Lake and Beach Aves. In addition to celebrating the art of kite making, this year kite enthusiasts will also join the celebration to mark the 175th year since Rochester was chartered as a city. Participants are encouraged to decorate their kites to complement the 175th theme of “One City, One Future.” City recreation staff will assist with FREE kite-building workshops (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for youth 12 and under. Participants will be given free 175th anniversary stickers with which to decorate their kites. Other activities include: expert kite flying demonstrations (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); public kite flying (12 noon to 3 p.m.); and performances by jugglers and acrobats (1 to 3 p.m.). Refreshments available from the Charlotte Community Association as a fund-raiser for their scholarship fund. Sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee with support from Monroe County, the Charlotte Community Association and the City. For more information call 311 (outside Rochester call 585-428-5990).
GENESEE WATERWAYS CENTER (GWC) AND TURNING POINT PARK CANOE RENTALS
Canoe Rentals: Saturdays and Sundays, May 9 and 10; June 13 and 14; July 11 and 12; Aug. 8 and 9; Sept. 12 and 13 and Oct. 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For one weekend each month canoes may be rented at the Turning Point Park landing. Turn east on Boxart Street off Lake Avenue, right turn to parking lot, then walk down to Genesee River boardwalk. $15 per hour; $25 2/hours and $40 for the day. May through October: additional canoe tours are scheduled for Thursday evenings. For more information contact www.geneseewaterways.org or call (585) 328-3960.
The Genesee Waterways Center (GWC), 149 Elmwood Ave., headquartered in Genesee Valley Park, is the gateway to outdoor activities on or near the water in Western New York. GWC is a not-for-profit organization that promotes paddling, rowing and sculling and related outdoor activities--programs for everyone! The Center offers top-notch instructors and growing facilities, extensive rental equipment for canoeing and kayaking and more for visitors to make the most of their outdoor experience. These recreational facilities and year-round classes are available to all ages and ability levels, from youth to adults and novice to competitive!
LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE TO BE TAUGHT: Monday through Saturday, May 18 to May 23 from 5 to 10 p.m., Adams Street Community Center Pool, 85 Adams St. The city of Rochester is offering a Lifeguard Training Course, May 18 to May 23. Successful completion of the course results in certification from the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, Professional Rescuer CPR and First Aid. Registration open until May 18 as space allows. For details, contact John Kerr, Coordinator of Athletics and Aquatics, 428-7511. Call 311 (outside city limits, 585-428-5990). www.cityofrochester.gov.
LIFEGUARD RECERTIFICATION COURSE OFFERED: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 26, 27 and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m., Adams Street Community Center Pool, 85 Adams St. This course is for those who have been previously certified. Successful completion of the course results in recertification from the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, Professional Rescuer CPR and First Aid. Registration open until May 26 as space allows. For details, contact John Kerr, Coordinator of Athletics and Aquatics, 428-7511. Call 311 (outside city limits, 585-428-5990). www.cityofrochester.gov.
APPLICATIONS FOR LIFEGUARD AND AQUATIC POSITIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL JUNE 1
The City of Rochester is now accepting applications for Lifeguard, Captain and Lieutenant aquatic positions for the summer of 2009 through June 1 (or until all positions are filled). Salaries range from $8.99 to $11.65. Applicants must be 16 or over to apply, with college students and adults highly encouraged. For details, contact John Kerr, Coordinator of Athletics and Aquatics, 428-7511. Applications are available at Genesee Valley Sports Complex, all City recreation centers, City Hall, 30 Church St., Room 103A, Recreation Administration Offices, 400 Dewey Ave., as well as on line at www.cityofrochester.gov. Click on the employment link. Call 311 (outside city limits, 585-428-5990).
DURAND EASTMAN BEACH: Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
1250 Lakeshore Blvd. (Lot A). Open weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 23, 24 and 25) through Sunday, June 28. Seven-day operations begin Monday, June 29 and continue 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. through Sept. 7. Popular Durand Eastman Beach provides safe, lifeguard-supervised swimming along the beautiful Lake Ontario shores. Swimming is permitted only in the main beach area, Lot A. For information on beach closings, residents should contact the Monroe County Beach Hotline at (585) 753-5887. For general information on swimming lessons and beach operations and policy call 311 (outside city limits, 585-428-5990) or (585) 428-7888. www.cityofrochester.gov .
For a complete listing of City of Rochester recreation and community centers, call 311(outside Rochester call 585-428-5990), the Recreation Administrative Office, 400 Dewey Ave., 428-6755, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit www.cityofrochester.gov. Subscribe to this Recreation and Youth Services News Update by visiting the City’s Web site and subscribing to “News Releases.”
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News Media: For further information, call Grace Girsch, 428-6026.