National Night Out

National Night Out is a collaborative effort between the Rochester Police
Dept. and the Olmsted County Sheriff's Dept. Tuesday, Aug. 3. Neighbors are encouraged to get together for a fun (think potluck, picnic, ice cream social) evening and to leave their porch lights on (and lock their doors) in an effort to encourage neighborhood unity and discourage criminals.

Party ideas, registration form, invitations, plus the award winning Rochester NNO cookbook can be found online. www.coptalklive.com/nno; www.nationalnightout.org.


On National Night Out day, RNeighbors will once again be doing Chalk the Block throughout Rochester giving the kids an opportunity to feel like they’re helping with the festivities too. Flyers (attached) will be delivered prior in pre-determined neighborhoods. More info can be found at www.rneighbors.org/?p=4049.

SNAP Bus @ Elton Hills Park

The S.N.A.P. Bus, sponsored by Child Care Resource and Referral, offers free, fun summer activities. On the bus there are books available for the children to read with their parent(s) or with one of the SOS volunteers. The bus also carries paint and easels for those that would like to paint. There's lots of different craft supplies (glitter, popsicle stick, tissue paper, sequins, foam shapes) for those that like to glue stuff to paper to create their pictures. For the sports fan, there are balls on the bus, which can be used for a game of kick ball. The SOS volunteers are there to help get the game going and to guide them during their game.

A caregiver must accompany children under 5 years of age. If the weather looks questionable, or if you'd like more information, call Natalie at 287-2009 Ext:259.

The S.N.A.P. activity days, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for this summer are:

June 22, Elton Hills Park
June 29, Quarry Hill Park
July 6, Goose Egg Park
July 13, Soldiers Field Park
July 20, Homestead Park
July 27, Silver Lake Park
Aug. 3, Elton Hills Park
Aug. 10, Soldiers Field Park

Christ United Methodist Church's National Night Out Block Party

Christ United Methodist Church (400 5th Avenue SW, 289-4019) is hosting their Annual Neighborhood Block Party on Tuesday, August 3rd from 6p-9p. The event is FREE and open to everyone.

The church community will provide complimentary food and beverages along with community fellowship. In the event of rain or threatening weather the event will be held indoors. All ages can enjoy classic rock performed by the band "Lost Faculties". Additional activities include a bounce house, bike safety course and a magician to name a few!


As a faith-based, community-focused National Night Out event, there will be information booths with representatives from the Historic Southwest Neighborhood Association, Rochester Area Family Y, U of M Rochester, Boy Scouts, various church groups and more!

Parent/Child Class @ Prairie Walls Climbing Gym

Learning to rock climb with your children is a great family activity. In climbing, the challenges and rewards are essentially the same for children and adults, creating a unique family experience. In this two-hour introductory climbing class parents and children 12 and older will learn the basic safety skills required for climbing at Prairie Walls. Including how to put on a climbing harness, tie the rope into the harness, safety checks, top rope belaying, basic vertical movement and bouldering. You learn by doing and we will have you on the wall in no time. Children 11 and under will climb while the parents belay them. Upon successful completion of this class parents and children 12 and older will have the skills required to climb at Prairie Walls on your own. Saturdays 2:00 to 4:00. Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00. $35.00 for each adult or child 12 and older. $18.00 per child 11 years and younger. The price includes all required rental equipment. Each participant receives a coupon for a free day pass, valid within two weeks of completing the class. With the instructors approval you may stay and climb after class. Reservations requested. www.prairiewalls.com/?page_id=195