Our October Update

This month we made a TON of progress. Literally.

That's because our recent cleanup efforts along Front Street took us to well over 2,000 pounds of litter removed from downtown Rochester this season!

We're proud of this result for sure, but we're even more proud to see others taking up the charge to help keep our streets and parks clean. In fact, we've provided litter "grabbers" to several folks who now make their own rounds!

The impact is noticeable, so to keep the momentum going we're offering to provide a grabber to any downtown resident or worker who'd like one... just shoot us a line!

Over 2,000 lbs of litter removed and counting

October's mild weather also presented the opportunity to restore several more benches downtown. First we sanded, stained and sealed a couple of beauties outside the Appellate Division Courthouse at East & Chestnut. Later we applied a polyurethane finish to five other benches we'd stained earlier this summer, ensuring they are protected from the elements.

Mario Howell next to his handiwork

🌻 While we may have waited a touch too late in a few cases, we were eventually able to swap out the annuals in almost all of our planters with mums. Every growing season is different and this year it almost felt like we got two seasons in one!

In fact, as we write this on October 31st, there are several different annuals still blooming in the new Midge Thomas Community Garden. Amazing 😲

We planted over 50 mums downtown this month

A special "Thank You" to everyone who attended our inaugural "ROC in the Ruins" festival on Oct. 4th. Over 250 folks joined us for a day of music, art, food and fun, as we celebrated the city in the stunningly serene St. Joseph's Park.

It is part of our mission to help activate our downtown spaces, So the opportunity to partner with The Local Sound Collaborative and RocGrowth on this event was truly special.

The weather was incredible and the entertainment was even better. We can't wait to do it again! Check out the photo album by clicking the image below:

"ROC in the Ruins" was a big success

And finally, we have another exciting announcement...

It has always been one of our goals to commission a downtown mural.

This Monday (Nov. 3rd) that dream will become a reality when local artist Shawnee Hill transforms the side of Abilene Bar & Lounge on Liberty Pole Way into a beautiful work of art 🎨

We're thrilled to once again collaborate with RocGrowth on this project and invite you to stop by and see Shawnee in action (apparently rain or shine!).

Come see this wall transformed Monday!

Well that's it for now...

Remember, every day is an opportunity to make our city just a little bit better.

- Mike and Tina Gilbert

P.S. Please consider supporting our efforts with a tax-deductible gift. Every dollar is invested directly into placemaking projects that help make downtown ROC!

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.

Our September Update | Our August Update | Our July Update | Our June Update