Saturday was a big day for us. We began putting the mural panels up. There will be, when it's finished, three panels but Shawn was having trouble envisioning the third panel. He knows what he wants, just couldn't get it formulated. But I spoke with him today (Tuesday) and he's got it figured out. And to think we have four days to spare.
The panels look great and the comments have all been positive. Shika called it, "Mad hot" which I believe means she likes it. Two parents said they love it. It's cool to drive by and see people going up to the panels and pointing out stuff. It's been a lot of work but worth it.
After the panels were installed on Saturday, lunch was provided by Monroe Avenue Subway owner Andrew Hannan, which delighted everyone. Then, on Monday evening, after the kids put some finishing touches on the second panel, we retired to Corky's Craving Parlor where owner Mike Marrone gave everyone (about a dozen of us) free ice cream. He had promised ice cream when the mural was finished and came through in big way.
Now we're gearing up for Saturday. We're expecting a big crowd and are getting decorations, cookies, cake and soft drinks. Predictions are for near-perfect weather and I'm counting on the weatherman to be right this time.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
A special gift to start the school year...
500 students at Rochester City School #22 are more prepared for school this week thanks to the generous support of our local labor unions. Last Friday, every student in the whole school received new backpacks full of school supplies.
I was among the staff members from United Way who went to the school to make the special delivery to the unsuspecting students. (Check out all the pictures!). Last year we had delivered backpacks to 200 kindergartners and first graders at Rochester City School #6 and #30. Again, this year’s backpack event wouldn’t have been made possible without generous donations from the Rochester Building Trades, Tops, and Wegmans.
It was so cool being a part of something so big. Just think about it: we gave 500 students the tools they need for a successful school year. For many of these kids, it was like Christmas came early – they were so excited! The event was even captured on camera, and ran on Channel 13 as the Bright Spot (click here to watch).
This really is one of my favorite events – it’s amazing how something that seems so simple can make such a difference.
I was among the staff members from United Way who went to the school to make the special delivery to the unsuspecting students. (Check out all the pictures!). Last year we had delivered backpacks to 200 kindergartners and first graders at Rochester City School #6 and #30. Again, this year’s backpack event wouldn’t have been made possible without generous donations from the Rochester Building Trades, Tops, and Wegmans.
It was so cool being a part of something so big. Just think about it: we gave 500 students the tools they need for a successful school year. For many of these kids, it was like Christmas came early – they were so excited! The event was even captured on camera, and ran on Channel 13 as the Bright Spot (click here to watch).
This really is one of my favorite events – it’s amazing how something that seems so simple can make such a difference.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Back to College
Last Thursday I got to go back to college. You may remember that I am not that far out of college, but it was still awesome to go back. My sidekick and I made an appearance at Roberts Weslyean College’s Volunteer Fair – to represent Campus Connection. (Check out the picture of our table... we gave away Frisbees and candy to students who stopped by – pretty cool!).
Ok, I should back up and tell you what Campus Connection is. We officially kicked it off Wednesday at East High School – where about 50 students and staff from nine area colleges teamed up to help clean up the Peace Garden and paint the boys locker room. (You can click here to see all the media coverage we received and to see more pictures).
Campus Connection is a new program that we’ve teamed up with Time Warner to make possible. Essentially, it’s a website that local college students visit to find volunteer projects. The coolest part of this program is that if students have a project that costs money to complete, they can apply for a grant to cover all costs (thanks to Time Warner!). We’re hoping that helps encourage more students to get involved in the community that they go to school in – and maybe it will encourage them to stay here after they graduate.
Tomorrow we’re heading to RIT’s volunteer fair – where we’ll hand out more candy, and more Frisbees, and continue to spread the word about Campus Connection. If you know a college student who should get connected, forward them the link to the site! Meanwhile, I think I could get used to this lifestyle all over again…. so look for me at a college near you soon!
Ok, I should back up and tell you what Campus Connection is. We officially kicked it off Wednesday at East High School – where about 50 students and staff from nine area colleges teamed up to help clean up the Peace Garden and paint the boys locker room. (You can click here to see all the media coverage we received and to see more pictures).
Campus Connection is a new program that we’ve teamed up with Time Warner to make possible. Essentially, it’s a website that local college students visit to find volunteer projects. The coolest part of this program is that if students have a project that costs money to complete, they can apply for a grant to cover all costs (thanks to Time Warner!). We’re hoping that helps encourage more students to get involved in the community that they go to school in – and maybe it will encourage them to stay here after they graduate.
Tomorrow we’re heading to RIT’s volunteer fair – where we’ll hand out more candy, and more Frisbees, and continue to spread the word about Campus Connection. If you know a college student who should get connected, forward them the link to the site! Meanwhile, I think I could get used to this lifestyle all over again…. so look for me at a college near you soon!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Mural posts are in
It took a lot more work than we anticipated but we finally did get the posts in on Sunday. The NET Office coordinated with the Department of Special Services to dig the six holes we needed, which was great. Unfortunately, one day after those holes were dug we finally got the water line in (for the garden) and that eliminated three of the holes. That meant we had to re-dig them. Each hole had to be about four feet deep and there were some serious rocks in the soil. The kids were really enthusiastic but I'm not sure how much help they were in the end. Mostly they climbed on the dirt piles, sending cascades of dirt back into the holes. But, eventually, we got the poles in and the cement poured. The next step is this Saturday, when we attach the panels. We're really looking forward to that. And, of course, the official unveiling.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Charles Settlement House
In the middle of a neighborhood overwhelmed by gangs, the Charles Settlement House is a popular, safe place that neighborhood kids can go to escape the rough streets outside.
At the Charles Settlement House – located at 445 Jay Street, I found that the most important thing to these children is just a little recognition. In the offices hang beautiful murals that the children have created. It really brightens up the whole atmosphere. I posted a picture of one of the murals to the left.
The staff at Charles Settlement told me that many of the kids really grow up within the walls of the center. They usually start in the Ready Set Grow program, move onto the After School Program, and then onto Teen Club which is a right of passage for most of these kids. Not only does Charles Settlement help these kids with school work and getting them involved in activities like the Photography club or Step Team it also helps make their families stronger. That’s because most of the parents are pretty involved with the activities that their kids are taking a part in. The center actually requires the parents to either attend an art show or a game that their child is involved in.
Right before school started this year, there were eight lucky kids from the After School Program, Teen Club, and students from Jefferson who went on a trip to Lake George. It was an all expense trip that rewarded them for doing such a great job during the last school year. The students visited the Capital, received some valuable history lessons, and then got to let loose at Great Escape, an amusement park, the next day.
This year celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Charles Settlement House in our community. They have touched the lives of thousands of people who live here, and I know they will continue to work our neighborhoods a better place.
At the Charles Settlement House – located at 445 Jay Street, I found that the most important thing to these children is just a little recognition. In the offices hang beautiful murals that the children have created. It really brightens up the whole atmosphere. I posted a picture of one of the murals to the left.
The staff at Charles Settlement told me that many of the kids really grow up within the walls of the center. They usually start in the Ready Set Grow program, move onto the After School Program, and then onto Teen Club which is a right of passage for most of these kids. Not only does Charles Settlement help these kids with school work and getting them involved in activities like the Photography club or Step Team it also helps make their families stronger. That’s because most of the parents are pretty involved with the activities that their kids are taking a part in. The center actually requires the parents to either attend an art show or a game that their child is involved in.
Right before school started this year, there were eight lucky kids from the After School Program, Teen Club, and students from Jefferson who went on a trip to Lake George. It was an all expense trip that rewarded them for doing such a great job during the last school year. The students visited the Capital, received some valuable history lessons, and then got to let loose at Great Escape, an amusement park, the next day.
This year celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Charles Settlement House in our community. They have touched the lives of thousands of people who live here, and I know they will continue to work our neighborhoods a better place.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mural post holes dug
OK, so "Mural post holes dug" isn't the most compelling title but it's concise and tells what's been going on. The city's Department of Special Services dug the six holes on Monday, Sept. 10th. Each hole is four feet deep and about a foot wide. This was a crucial step for us and I'm really glad it's done. If they hadn't done it, we'd be out there for hours digging. As it is, we do have to do some digging in two of the holes and that's enough to keep us busy. Shawn and I--and we hope--several of the older teens will be out there on Sunday finishing the holes and cementing the poles in place. If all goes well, we'll actually attach the mural panels the following week in preparation for the unveiling. Speaking of the unveiling, we've gotten conformation from State Senator Joseph Robach that he'll be there. The Mayor can't make it (he was at last year's garden dedication) but is sending two commissioners. We're hoping for a good crowd and some good weather.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
She has a choice
In the Center for Youth, staff are often exposed to the many forms violence can take in a young person’s life. Whether violence comes in the forms of bruises, cuts, burns or even emotional scarring; we aim to help those young people who may be helpless and even hopeless reach some level of stability, reassurance and support. It is not easy from any perspective to handle trauma, abandonment, abuse or neglect on a daily basis. However, as prevention providers we understand that this difficult task is necessary in order to help those young people who are disenfranchised, disengaged and disregarded by so many.
Not too long ago a young girl came in need of emergency housing due to many of the most common issues we see in our adolescents today. Abuse, neglect, family dysfunction and rage surrounded this young girl day in and day out. She told me stories about her childhood that would bring tears to anyone’s eyes; yet she sat there as though she didn’t realize the significance of these events. In the midst of her stories, she told me that she was recently jumped by a group of girls near downtown as she was walking home. At this point I asked her: Why did they hurt you? Did you know them? What did you do? With a grin on her face she said she had no choice but to fight back. “I wasn’t gonna let those girls beat me down without a fight. Can’t go home looking like no punk” she answered.
Her answers exemplify how violence encompasses and consumes many aspects of our young adolescents. Aspects such as self-image, peer relations and decision-making were all involved in her decision to fight back. Much like this young girl, many adolescents may perceive they do not have choice in the prevention of violence. In addition, the manner in which adolescents think their peers may perceive them if they choose to walk away also acts as a heavy influence in whether young people choose to prevent or engage in violent acts. Our role as prevention providers must be holistic in our approach to violence prevention. For this young girl, no single intervention will prevent her from fighting repeatedly. However, consistent support found in counselors, case managers, healthcare providers, family or friends may assist this young girl in realizing she does have a choice. She has a choice in preventing violence. She has a choice in walking away without feeling like a punk. She has a choice…
Not too long ago a young girl came in need of emergency housing due to many of the most common issues we see in our adolescents today. Abuse, neglect, family dysfunction and rage surrounded this young girl day in and day out. She told me stories about her childhood that would bring tears to anyone’s eyes; yet she sat there as though she didn’t realize the significance of these events. In the midst of her stories, she told me that she was recently jumped by a group of girls near downtown as she was walking home. At this point I asked her: Why did they hurt you? Did you know them? What did you do? With a grin on her face she said she had no choice but to fight back. “I wasn’t gonna let those girls beat me down without a fight. Can’t go home looking like no punk” she answered.
Her answers exemplify how violence encompasses and consumes many aspects of our young adolescents. Aspects such as self-image, peer relations and decision-making were all involved in her decision to fight back. Much like this young girl, many adolescents may perceive they do not have choice in the prevention of violence. In addition, the manner in which adolescents think their peers may perceive them if they choose to walk away also acts as a heavy influence in whether young people choose to prevent or engage in violent acts. Our role as prevention providers must be holistic in our approach to violence prevention. For this young girl, no single intervention will prevent her from fighting repeatedly. However, consistent support found in counselors, case managers, healthcare providers, family or friends may assist this young girl in realizing she does have a choice. She has a choice in preventing violence. She has a choice in walking away without feeling like a punk. She has a choice…
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
We're getting closer
Closer to getting the mural installed, that is.
The kids involved with the project have all completed their "petals", metal cut-outs which will be attached to the panels. There were a variety of images, from Andrew's father's favorite football jersey to rainbows to smiling faces. The kids are anxious to see them on the panels and to see the panels in place.
Last week, Shawn and I marked where the posts that will hold the panels are to be placed. We were fortunate that not too many plants have to be moved and Shalese, one of the neighborhood muralists, took care of moving the ones that had to go. The next step is to dig the holes which, we hope, will be taken care of the the City. We really hope that because the holes have to be four feet deep. It's quite a job. Once the posts are in place, cement will be poured and we'll let them set for a few days before mounting the panels. We plan on cleaning and weeding the garden on September 22nd, another chance for neighbors to work together.
Joseph
The kids involved with the project have all completed their "petals", metal cut-outs which will be attached to the panels. There were a variety of images, from Andrew's father's favorite football jersey to rainbows to smiling faces. The kids are anxious to see them on the panels and to see the panels in place.
Last week, Shawn and I marked where the posts that will hold the panels are to be placed. We were fortunate that not too many plants have to be moved and Shalese, one of the neighborhood muralists, took care of moving the ones that had to go. The next step is to dig the holes which, we hope, will be taken care of the the City. We really hope that because the holes have to be four feet deep. It's quite a job. Once the posts are in place, cement will be poured and we'll let them set for a few days before mounting the panels. We plan on cleaning and weeding the garden on September 22nd, another chance for neighbors to work together.
Joseph
Our New Billboard
Have you ever watched a billboard go up? Well I can now officially say that I have. I was there last week in the rain to watch our new billboard go up on 490 West behind World Gym. If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here.
We kicked off our new campaign last week. This year’s campaign is a year round effort that is addressing the issues that our community is currently facing. The first issue that we are addressing is violence. Since kids are heading back to school, it’s a perfect time to address the issue of violence.
The billboard states: “Doesn’t carry a gun.” It may be shocking but we are hoping that it will grab your attention and really make you think. You can also check out the website that ties in with this campaign www.youpreventviolence.com.
There is no single reason, and no one solution to the issues we face. We just have to act as one to effect the change and make a difference. Act as one and make violence an issue of the past in our community.
We kicked off our new campaign last week. This year’s campaign is a year round effort that is addressing the issues that our community is currently facing. The first issue that we are addressing is violence. Since kids are heading back to school, it’s a perfect time to address the issue of violence.
The billboard states: “Doesn’t carry a gun.” It may be shocking but we are hoping that it will grab your attention and really make you think. You can also check out the website that ties in with this campaign www.youpreventviolence.com.
There is no single reason, and no one solution to the issues we face. We just have to act as one to effect the change and make a difference. Act as one and make violence an issue of the past in our community.
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