National Play Outside Day

BY MARY MAGER

National Play Outside Day is the rst Saturday each month. e next one is Saturday, August 5th. What is National Play Outside Day? On the rst Saturday, everybody in the nation plays outside, packing away cellphones and electronic devices. Put social media on pause and go outside and play, leaving monotony, work, and stress behind you.

Mother Nature is waiting for you and is eager to open her treasure chest of beauty, adventure, and exploration. is is the perfect opportunity to branch out to nearby trails, attractions, and recreational fun. ere is no limit to the resources near you. Get ready to stimulate your imagination!

Movingfromasedentarytoanactivelifestyleprovidesmanyhealth bene ts. As we move from the modern world of overstimulation, noise, pollution, and indoor air (which has been proven to retain a higher concentration of viruses as compared with outdoor air), our mental clarity resets and our immune function boosts tremendously. Camping in an open space, away from urban distractions, is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. And…let’s not forget about sunlight, which helps your body produce Vitamin D and positively a ects your circadian rhythm, acting as a protective agent in reducing depression symptoms. With increased outdoor exercise, fresh oxygen pumps to our brains and limbs.

To clear the brain fog, I like to check out Fairport’s Lollypop Farm Trail, a less than mile loop trail with pretty wild owers, nearby Lollypop Farm, part of the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, where they provide compassionate care for all animals. Check out their exciting programs for animal lovers of all ages, such as Pet First Aid and CPR, a very helpful lesson in providing rst aid measures to pets until you can get to the vet. Or check out the Egypt Park Playground, frequently visited by parents with young children. Down the road in Macedon you can also access the RS&E Trolley Trail for a more energetic experience. e total length is 8.8 miles. Many bird watchers and hikers love this place, and it is very popular with cross country skiers. Additional resources include Victor Hiking Trails, Inc. and Crescent Trail Hiking.

When the temperature soars, head to Durand Eastman Beach on Lake Ontario for a dip. Located on Lakeshore Boulevard, there are also picnic areas and trails. If you’re ready to be immersed in woodlands, wetlands, and stream crossings, the scenic Erie Canal Trail is a must. Whether on bike or on foot, this picturesque pathway will not disappoint! Eateries along the canal o er tasty options and a chance to unwind.

Perhapsdiscoveranew-to-youpark.OneofMonroeCountyParks’ best kept secrets, Oatka Creek park in Wheatland is touted as one of the more “strollable” in the Monroe County Park system on its beautiful 3.3 mile loop trail, perfect for observing wild owers and birds and insects that surround you. Stop in to the park for a quiet nature retreat.

Check out Brockport’s incredible Alpine Adventure Zone Natural Playground on the eastern side of Northampton Park. Or perhaps bike, walk, or run through the “Lightning Tree” aka “ e Tree of Life” at Genesee Valley Park in Rochester. From the Genesee Valley Park, you can also launch a kayak to explore the Erie Canal or Genesee River. Check out the 14-acre Centennial Park in Batavia, with its weekly summer concerts and famous sledding spots in winter.

We are truly blessed with natural refuges in the Rochester area. Whatever you decide to do this Play Outside Day, make outdoor time a priority, a good habit to nurture. Some people prefer the solitude of outdoor time to re ect on life and restore balance. Others look at outdoor time as a more social experience to encourage positive interactions. Whichever your preference, experience nature at its nest. Most important is to establish healthy habits to improve the quality of life.

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Thank you to two Good Samaritans

A huge thank you to two separate men who each helped an elderly gentlemen climb down from the bleachers on the two nights of the Tractor Pull at the Hemlock Fair. Each of them noticed he was having trouble and offered to help him. Special Blessings to them both.

3rd of July Fireworks

Many thanks to Dave Pietrowski and family for providing Vitale Park and the north end of the lake with an outstanding fireworks display again this 3rd of July! He contributes a portion of the donations to the Warrior Salute Program.

Kia and Hyundai Thefts

With thefts of Kias and Hyundais on the rise, what can be done to stop this? Here’s my idea; If banks can place exploding dye packets in bags of money, why can’t a similar device be placed in vehicles? Safe for the owners but explode when attempts are made to steal a vehicle. Thus the criminals can be located. Simple idea.

Only Mean People Don’t Love Dogs!

In response to the senior citizens who “really doesn’t know why people insist on bringing their dogs” to music in the park. It is because they are beloved members of the family. Just as you might bring a grandchild, others love their dogs and want to share good times with them and enrich their furry family members’ lives by including them in activities. If the presence of anyone else, human or canine, bothers you, there’s always the option of staying home. Please don’t begrudge others enjoying themselves. Live and let live… and don’t whine. Nobody likes a whiner.

Notice of Anticipated Vacancies

SUBSTITUTES:

• Teachers

• Teacher Aides & Teaching Assistants

• Nurses (RN)

• Special Education, Alternative Education and Career & Technical Teachers

Quali cations:

• High school graduate or equivalent

• Experience working with children or young adults required

Location:

• All GV BOCES locations, including Mt. Morris, Batavia, and Dansville

Rate of Pay:

• Certi ed teacher substitutes: $136.00/day

• Uncerti ed teacher substitutes: $120.00/day

• Teaching Assistant substitutes: $104.00/day

• Teacher Aide substitutes: $100.00/day

• RN substitutes: $136.00/day

Visit our website at www.gvboces.org

Reply as soon as possible with reference to Vacancy 24-13, letter of interest, resume, and proof of certi cation/license (if applicable) to hr@gvboces.org or mail to:

Human Resources

Genesee Valley BOCES

80 Munson Street LeRoy, NY 14482

York Central School

Job Opportunity

Secretarial (Clerk Typist) Positions

Full-Time 12-month Positions; including bene ts package (Civil Service)

Job Duties: Clerical and other duties as assigned All interviews begin upon receipt of application

Application and information available: www.yorkcsd.org

Send cover letter, resume, and application to: York Central School

Att: Heidi Newcomb, District O ce P.O. Box 102 2578 Genesee Street Retsof, NY 14539

HOW WOMEN CAN KEEP THEIR CAREERS GOING FORWARD

Emphasize networking. The Association for Talent Development reports that 57 percent of job openings are filled through networking contacts. Networking is more accessible than ever thanks to social media sites like LinkedIn, and women can utilize such resources to build connections with mentors and colleagues that can share everything from career advice to access to new job openings.