Our November Update

Well, our big news this month was the completion of our first mural project in downtown Rochester.

In partnership with RocGrowth, we were able to commission the very talented Shawnee Hill to transform the side of Abilene's on Liberty Pole Way.

Through rain, sleet, and snow, Shawnee completed "Midge"—a loving tribute to 99-year-old community-builder Midge Thomas, who lives right next door (literally!).

The mural is a lasting tribute to a woman who has inspired our work and done so much to effect positive change.

"Midge" by Shawnee Hill

And speaking of positive change...

We're pleased to share a new partnership with Grace of God Recovery House.

We've provided gloves, litter pickers and buckets, and in return the residents of the house have committed to making regular rounds to help keep their St. Joseph's Park Neighborhood clean and beautiful!

We're thankful for their servant spirit and their enthusiasm for a better downtown.

Residents & staff at Grace of God Recovery House

🌻 We're also excited to announce that we have received approval from the City to go ahead with a plan to expand the Midge Thomas Community Garden in 2026.

You see, it wasn't long after dedicating the new garden in August that we realized the entrance to St. Joseph's Park would look even MORE spectacular if there was a garden on both sides of the walking path leading into the park.

So that's our plan for next summer... to build a second raised garden opposite the first, creating a dramatic entranceway that continues the park's revitalization.

(Funds permitting, of course 😉)

Here's what the expansion would look like:

We're doubling down on Midge's Garden

Now, an invitation; or rather two invitations:

• On Monday, Dec 1st I'll be appearing on Connections with Evan Dawson to discuss "Downtown Walkability". This is a subject near and dear to me, and I'm honored to be included in the discussion. Tune in to WXXI-FM 105.9 or WXXI-AM 1370 around 1:00pm, or watch live at youtube.com/WXXINews.

• On Monday, Dec 2nd, join us at The Little for Rochester Street Films. The fine folks at Reconnect Rochester will be screening the PBS documentary Walkable USA, and we'll be there tabling so stop by and say hello!

Come see us at our table this Tuesday night

One last thing...

December 2nd is also Giving Tuesday, and for the first time we are participating in the United Way's "ROC the Day". We'd be truly honored if you'd consider contributing towards our mission to clean, beautify and activate downtown Rochester.

Your tax-deductible gift at roctheday.org/downtownrocs will be invested directly into projects and partnerships that foster a healthier, happier downtown for all!

Of course, the page isn't "live" until Tuesday, the 2nd, so please do us the favor of waiting until then ;-)

- Mike and Tina Gilbert

Midge Thomas with muralist Shawnee Hill

Please consider becoming a Downtown ROCstar by supporting our efforts with a tax-deductible gift. Every dollar is invested directly into placemaking projects that enhance our center city.

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