by Michael Philipson | Thursday, June 12, 2014 | Development, Environment, Greentopia
ROC Transit Day is Thursday, June 19
If you’ve ever thought about trying public transportation, ROC Transit Day is for you. Take the leap with thousands of other Rochesterians as we go carfree in support of a greener, healthier community. Organized by Reconnect Rochester, the campaign challenges Rochesterians to leave their cars at home and use public transit for the entire day. But in addition to riding the bus, ROC Transit Day promises a bevy of fun activities.
For one thing, you’ll be able to use your RTS fare card to redeem exclusive deals at participating shops and restaurants around town. Volunteers will also be giving away free prizes on random bus routes all day. Rochester’s lovable soccer mascot, Rex the Rhino will lead families on bus tours to Sahlen’s Stadium. And new this year, a citywide treasure hunt will send teams on a wild series of bus rides in an effort to claim a hefty cash prize. There’s just one catch… no cars allowed. To claim this jackpot you’ll need to use the bus system, walk or bike.
The day will come to a close with a HUGE swing dance event on the steps of the Rundel Memorial Library building between 4:306:30pm. Bring your friends & family and witness 40+ energetic Groove Juice Swing dancers as they twist, twirl, flip, and triplestep to the classic sounds of Smugtown Stompers on the sidewalks around the Rundel Memorial Building. The Friends & Foundation of Rochester Public Library will host a used book sale and games for the kids, and Le Petit Poutine and Stingray Sushi food trucks will be there too! For complete event details and to find out how your organization can get free ROC Transit Day fare cards, visit www.ROCtransitday.com.
by Michael Philipson | Friday, April 18, 2014 | GardenAerial, Greentopia, Lisa Baron
As the newly appointed Chair of the Board of the Friends of the GardenAerial, I am looking forward to being part of the transformation of the High Falls District. Early settlers were attracted to High Falls because of its power. The power was harnessed to launch Rochester into the industrial age and today we can use its power to launch an urban renaissance.
Our greatest challenge is building the relationships and collaborations that are essential to the success of the GardenAerial project. Creating a public green space that will encompass the perimeter of the Genesee River Gorge and potentially create access to the river is no easy task. It is a group effort.
In the late 19th century, business leaders, philanthropists, humanitarians and public officials began to champion the need for extensive public space. They hired Fredrick Law Olmsted to create a park system and his first recommendation to the Park Commission was to focus on acquiring and developing generous public parks along the Genesee River, the city’s greatest natural resource.
We believe that the GardenAerial project is a logical extension to Olmstead’s vision for a green corridor along the Genesee River. As a community we can do this. We have the talent and resources to get the job done.
and be part of a movement toward a sustainable resilient Rochester.
by Michael Philipson | Saturday, April 5, 2014 | Green Visions, Greentopia, Michael Philipson
We have now planted our initial seedling group of over 9,000 plants and they are happily growing away at the Garden Factory, our greenhouse partner for the Green Visions project. We will add several thousand more seeds which will be planted directly in the ground during the spring planting.
In addition, we have met with the Harley School and Enrico Fermi School (School #17) and are beginning to identify collaborative opportunities for students at each of these institutions. There are exciting things ahead for Green Visions so stay tuned, follow us on Facebook and sign up to receive our newsletter.
One of these days, Spring will actually arrive. We are all chomping at the bit to get out into our gardens, dig in the earth and get our hands dirty!
by Michael Philipson | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | Development, FlourGarden, GardenAerial, Greentopia
We are so proud to announce that FlourGarden has broken ground! Today, almost 100 people braved the cold first day of Spring to attend the ceremony at 81 Browns Race. We even welcomed a class from the Enrico Fermi School #17. Thank you Dr. Spezio and third graders and their wonderful teacher for introducing a new generation to High Falls!
The very first phase of the larger GardenAerial project is now underway. It took a lot of man (and woman) hours to finally get to this point. Really, it did take a village – dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers; donors and sponsors who believe in the vision of GardenAerial; support from State and Local government entities; and a dedicated Board of Directors who lead the way.
There were many challenges along the way, to be sure, but slowly, surely, the ideas and the efforts expended by a dedicated group of people and organizations are beginning to take hold. We are moving towards a re-invented city and we are proud to be among the people making that change.
