Downtown Community Forum

PBS "A Time to Love and A Time to Hate" 5/15/11

2011-04-20T09:00:00.002-04:00

Join us on Sunday, May 15th from 2 until 4 in the Dugan Center for a program viewing and faciliated discussion of "A Time to Love and A Time to Hate." This is the 4th and final program in the Campaign for Love and Forgiveness, offered locally through WXXI. The Dugan Center is located within St. Mary's Church, 15 St. Mary's Place, in Downtown Rochester. Admission is free. Refreshments and give-aways will be provided. Park free in the Excellus Garage on Woodbury, right behind the church.

2010-11-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

The Mayor Robert J. Duffy One City Series continues............
Rochester Neighborhoods, Thinking Forward
Each session will feature a group of panelists taking a look ahead
at two of Rochester’s evolving neighborhoods.
Charlotte
December 7, 2010, 7:00 pm
Downtown
January 25, 2011, 7:00 pm
Community Partners: Leadership Rochester, City of Rochester, Rochester City Council
Location: The Dugan Center at St. Mary’s Church
15 St. Mary’s Place, Rochester, New York
585-232-7140
www.dcfrochester.org

Coping with Holiday Stress 12/6 7PM

2010-11-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

Take Joy: Strategies for Reducing Stress and Finding Balance During the Holidays—and Beyond
The busy holiday season can be especially difficult for children and families who are living apart, separated or divorced. As the holidays approach, children have worries about parents' conflicts, finances, whether or not there will even be a holiday for them, and if they will have to miss out on cherished traditions. Adults too are often affected by the increased demands and heightened emotions surrounding the season. Dr. JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, an internationally recognized authority on children and families, will describe the worries and a mixture of emotions that children experience that can leave them feeling out of sorts, stressed and more difficult to manage.
Dr. Carroll’s talk will address ways that parents can help to reduce children’s stress – and their own – during the holidays and throughout the new year. Her approaches are based on the latest research and more than 25 years of working with thousands of children and families. Her take- home message: It is never too late to reclaim our lives and have joyful holidays and healthier relationships with those who matter most.

Date Change

2010-10-17T14:54:00.002-04:00

PLEASE NOTE:
The next DCF One City Program will take place on 12/7, with a focus on Charlotte. The program previously scheduled for 11/11 has been postponed to January 2011!

One City Series continues!

2010-10-06T10:13:00.002-04:00

Our focus for Fall 2010 extends into two more Rochester neighborhoods - Downtown and Charlotte - where much is happening in terms of economic development.
On November 11th we'll have a look at Downtown. How are the new developments progressing? And, how are recent additions to the downtown landscape working out? We'll have a panel of "experts" and welcome questions from the floor.
On December 7th we'll shift our focus to Charlotte and the harbor district. Where does the plan stand? Opinions about development on the waterfront, anyone? Again, panel + Q and A is the format.
Programs are held at the Dugan Center (St. Marys), 15 St. Mary's Place. Call 232-7140 for further information. Admission and parking are free. Thanks to BCBS for use of their garage.
7PM - 8:30PM
Refreshments will be served :)
Sponsored by Rochester City Council and Leadership Rochester.

2010-01-24T13:09:00.000-05:00

Spring 2010
The Mayor Robert J. Duffy "One City Series"
Rochester, Then and Now: Community panelists
discuss background, current events and a look ahead to
the future of three dynamic neighborhoods.
February 4, 2010—7:00 pm
Neighborhood 14621
February 11, 2010—7:00 pm
The 19th Ward
February 25, 2010—7:00 pm
The South Wedge
Sponsored by: The City of Rochester. Co-sponsored by Leadership Rochester
Location: The Dugan Center at St. Mary’s Church
15 St. Mary’s Place, Rochester, New York
585-232-7140
There is no charge for these programs.

Vinatge! a great success

2009-11-23T07:14:00.002-05:00

November 7th 2009 -- a great night for DCF! We celebrated our 25th anniversary with a wonderful array of wines, including a tasting courtesy of Eagle Crest, and an amazing display of hors d'oeuvres and sweets table. A group of more than 80 congratulated Sr. Joan Sobala, our founding director and first-ever "Worker in the Vineyard" awardee. Congratulatory notes came from all around, including Rep. Louise Slaughter and Mayor Duffy who proclaimed 11/7/09 "Sr. Joan Sobala Day" in the City of Rochester!! Nearly $3000.00 was raised for the benefit of DCF. Thanks to our supporters and sponsors!

Vintage Downtown Community Forum 11/7

2009-10-22T08:43:00.003-04:00

There's still time to purchase a ticket to DCF's 25th anniversary celebration: Vintage Downtown Community Forum. Nov 7 at 5PM in the Dugan Center. We'll enjoy wines and hors d'ouevres, music, silent auction and recognize the contributions of our founding director, Sr. Joan Sobala, with the inaugural Worker In The Vineyard Award. Call 232-7140 for tickets.

Identity Theft Forum 10/19

2009-10-22T08:37:00.002-04:00

On October 19th Secret Service Agent Joel Blackerby informed and educated DCF attendees on the intricacies of Identity Theft. Wow! Who knew about the million ways our identities are at risk and what we can do to try to stay ahead of the bad guys. Did you know that your hotel key cards, cruise ship id badges, etc all contain your credit card information? Good advice - don't leave your hotel key card on the dresser when you check out. Instead, just take it with you. Also, our affinity clubs (skymiles, etc.) also contain our info and could easily find their way into the wrong hands. Shred your bank and credit card statements. And insurance. And and and. Use only ATM's that are located at banks. No convenience stores, etc., as they are more likely to have bogus scanners and/or people nearby picking up signals via wireless. Never transact on wireless, including calling your bank to check your balance from your cell phone. That's not to say we shouldn't bank on line. Just not on wireless. The list goes one. A very good forum indeed! Thanks to Consumer Credit Counseling Service and GRAFLI for bringing it to us.

DCF Concludes a successful 2008-2009 season!

2009-05-27T08:13:00.002-04:00

Last evening's DCF night at Geva Theatre's high impact performance of "Fences" with post-performance conversation with Mayor Wm. Johnson concluded our very successful 2008 - 2009 season. Thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters throughout the year: City of Rochester, Bryant + Stratton College, Finger Lakes Community College, WXXI and others. Plans for next season are already underway. Send us your suggestions for community-centric programming, as well as for sponsorships. In these economic times, financial support for our programs is much needed and most appreciated! Stay tuned for new season updates..............

BALCONY Health Care Forum event details

2009-04-01T15:25:00.001-04:00

ROCHESTER AREA HEALTH CARE FORUM
BALCONY-Rochester cordially invites you to attend our 2009 health care forum featuring
a panel discussion with Assembly Insurance Committee Chair Joseph Morelle:
Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 8:00-11:30 AM
Place: Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
1100 South Goodman Street, Rochester
BALCONY is committed to finding common ground between business and labor. In Rochester and
across the state, we engage in events, community action and grassroots lobbying campaigns to
bring about a health care system whereby everyone has access to quality affordable care.
For more information about the forum, or to RSVP, email Tom Gillett at tgillett@nysutmail.org.
This event is brought to you in coordination with our Rochester area organizing partners:
American Cancer Society * Downtown Community Forum * Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency
IBEW local 86 * New York State United Teachers * Rochester Area Labor Federation

Ethel Long-Scott on Poverty event details

2009-04-01T15:23:00.000-04:00

Fighting Poverty in the Age of Obama:
A COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
with ETHEL LONG-SCOTT
Ethel Long-Scott, Executive Director of The
Women’s Economic Agenda Project based out of
Oakland California, is known nationally and
internationally for devoting her life to the education
and leadership of people at the losing end of society,
especially women of color.
Rochester Social Welfare Action Alliance Presents
Wednesday April 22, 2009
@ 7:00pm, St. Mary’s Church
15 St. Mary’s Place Rochester, NY
Refreshments provided
Seating is limited to 150 REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Free!
Register by phone or e-mail: SWAAevents@swaarochester.org or (585) 395-5158
Please contact us for more information
Co-Sponsored by: The Downtown Community Forum,
The Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW Program of
Nazareth College and the College at Brockport, The House
of Mercy, the Rochester Chapter of National Organization
for Women, Rochester Poor Peoples Coalition, Women’s
Center at the College at Brockport and the Social Work
Department at the College at Brockport
SWAARochester’s fall 2008 conference was the
beginning of this dialogue and call for action.

2009-04-01T15:19:00.001-04:00

Downtown Community Forum Bulletin Notice, Easter Weekend

Blessed Easter and Happy Spring to all!

Downtown Community Forum continues its Spring 2009 series with these coming events…

April 22: DCF co-sponsors Rochester Social Welfare Action Alliance presents Ethel Long-Scott, Executive Director of the Women’s Economic Project on “Fighting Poverty In The Age of Obama”, 7PM in the Dugan Center. RSVP to (585)395-5562.

April 29: WXXI’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness continues with the PBS Documentary “Anyone and Everyone”, with post-program discussion led by Steve Jarose of the National Coalition Building Institute. This program deals with societal challenges associated with LGBT issues. 6:45PM in the Dugan Center.

May 5: DCF on the Road at Geva for a special performance with discussion of Evie’s Waltz. The play addresses the topic of teenage violence. Contact Geva’s Box Office for special “Downtown Community Forum” tickets. (585)232-GEVA

May 1: DCF co-sponsors BALCONY (Business and Labor Coalition of NY) program “Rochester Area Health Care Forum” featuring NYS Assemblyman Joseph Morrelle. 8 – 11:30AM at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. RSVP to tgillette@nysutmail.org

May 6: “Increase Your Employability” with The Workplace Institute, a collaboration between MCC, GCC and FLCC that focuses on retraining opportunities job-seekers in areas that match job opportunities in our region. Panelists from all three colleges will explain how to access the Institute’s services. This program will arm job-seekers with an important path to marketable job skills! 7PM in the Dugan Center.

May 26: DCF on the Road at Geva for a special performance with discussion of “Fences”, August Wilson’s most popular play that explores the conflicts across generations over the vision of black manhood and the terrible cost of a dream deferred. Contact Gevan’s Box Office for special “Downtown Community Forum” tickets. (585)232-GEVA.

DCF Fianancial Literacy Event Excellent!

2009-04-01T15:15:00.002-04:00

Thanks for a great event 3/31 at DCF to Hon. John C. Ninfo and the Greater Rochester Financial Literacy Initiative (GRAFLI) group! Lots of important information for those of us who are serious - or are getting serious - about finances. What a great public service from a talented group of financial professionals. Look for more in the newspaper and on tv from this bunch. They are a team on a mission!!

2009-03-11T12:49:00.002-04:00

Tonight at the Dugan Center
Community Gardening and Urban Agriculture
a Mayor Robert J. Duffy One City Series program
Sponsored by Finger Lakes Community College

7PM
15 St. Mary's Place 14607
Free Admission!

Panelists from Cornell Cooperative Ext, The City of Rochester, South Wedge Farmers Market, Rochester Roots and Peace Works Organic Farm will tell us how to garden and grow our own foods, buy fresh at local markets and co-op with farmers who will share their bounty at harvest time. Don't have a back yard? How about container and roof top gardening? Take home a seed packet to get started!

THINK SPRING

2009-02-23T00:45:00.000-05:00

Greater Rochester Community of Churches
Interfaith Health Care Coalition
Celebrating 90 Years of Ecumenical Work

Presents

The Faces of the Under and Uninsured

Could your face or your neighbor’s be here?

Conversations with our Community Health Outreach Centers:

Sr. Christine Wagner SSJ, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center
Jodi Cammilleri, Mercy Outreach Center
Maureen Marlow RN, Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center

When: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 P.M.
Where: St. Mary’s Church, Dugan Center
15 St. Mary’s Place, Rochester

Co-Sponsored with

A free will offering will be accepted for the ministries of:
Greater Rochester Community of Churches
Visit us on the web at www.grcc.org, or email: grcc1@frontiernet.net 585-254-2570

Community Gardening and Urban Agriculture Forum 3/11

2009-01-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

Think Spring!! DCF will present a panel of experts who will tell us about gardening in so many environments -- from backyard plots to container gardens to community gardens and co-op farming! Everyone in attendance will take home a seed packet,courtesy of Rochester Roots. Free and open to the public 3/11 7PM. Free parking at BCBS garage next door. Sponsored by FLCC Go Green!
For information call 232-7140

Spring 2009 One City Series

2008-12-09T19:32:00.001-05:00

Lecture Series
The Mayor Robert J. Duffy
College Survival Skills
January 6, 6 pm—8 pm
College student panelists provide strategies for a successful college experience.
Free and open to high school students and parents.
Welcome by Charles Reaves, Commissioner of City of Rochester Recreation and Youth Services
Moderator: Bishop Kearney High School President Donna Dedee, with student moderators
Sponsored by Bryant & Stratton College
Community Partners: City of Rochester, Youth Voice One Vision,
Monroe-Clinton Planning Group, City Councilmember-At-Large Dana K. Miller
Community Gardening and Urban Agriculture
March 11, 7 pm—8:30 pm
Community gardening experts offer an informative sharing session for participants interested in the
urban farming movement from community gardens to co-op farming. Free and open to the public.
Community Partners: City of Rochester, Cornell Cooperative Extension,
South Wedge Farmers Market, Rochester Roots, City Councilmember-At-Large Dana K. Miller
Summer of Opportunity Employer Engagement Forum
March 25, 11:30 am—1:00 pm* or 4:00 pm—5:30 pm*
*Reservations Required: 585-232-7140 x16
Summer of Opportunity is a win-win for employers and youth... employers gain top notch summer workers and
youth gain solid work experience. Program details, highlighted by success stories, will provide new/prospective
employers with information about how to get involved with this very succesful program. Free and open to
prospective employers. Register to attend either the lunch hour or late afternoon session.
Sponsored by Bryant & Stratton College
Community Partners: City of Rochester, City Councilmember-At-Large Dana K. Miller
Location: The Dugan Center at St. Mary’s Church
15 St. Mary’s Place, Rochester, New York
585-232-7140
www.dcfrochester.org

Thanks to BJ Mann

2008-12-09T19:27:00.002-05:00

On 12/8 BJ Mann presented a great Surviving The Holidays program - "The Holidays: Can't Live With Them; Can't Live Without Them." She gave us some wonderful tips and tricks for managing holiday stress and everyday stress, as well. Thanks to BJ! Anyone wanting one-on-one advice can connect with BJ via her mediation practice at 585.234.8740.

2008-12-03T20:59:00.002-05:00

On December 8 at 7PM BJ Mann presents DCF's annual Coping With the Holidays program. "The Holidays: Can't Live With Them; Can't Live Without Them" is an interactive session that provides tips and strategies for handling holiday stressors. Free and open to the public.
The Dugan Center at St. Mary's
15 St. Mary's Place
Rochester 14607
585.232.7140

Water for Sudan Sept. 18 2008

2008-08-30T09:39:00.002-04:00

Salva Dut will present the story of Water for Sudan on Sept. 18 2008, 7:00 PM at the Dugan Center. A former "Lost Boy" of Sudan, Dut returns to his homeland annually, bringing needed resources to villages. Water for Sudan is a nonprofit organization, founded and led by Salva Dut, that provided villages with wells. Water supply is vital to economic and social development. Dut's efforts have had amazing impact on the villagers, supporting education, food supply and enterprise. This program is free of charge and open to the public.
Call 585-232-7140 for further information.

One City Series Education Forum

2008-08-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

On the evening of August 13th, DCF was host to a top notch panel of education advocates, as the third and final session in the One City Series. This was a particularly exciting forum, with the largest attendance among all three sessions. Supt. Brizard provided interesting and candid insight into the current state of RCSD and his vision for strategy and programs ahead. He was flanked by Dan Burns of M&T Bank who serves as our city's Literacy Commission chairperson and by G. Jean Howard, City of Rochester's Chief of Staff and point person for literacy issues. Each panelist brought rich perspective to the discussion. An array of questions was posed to the panelists, ranging from classroom resource and school safety issues, to after school programming, to educational standards, etc. Dr. Al Simone provided expert facilitation/moderation services, ensuring that the opportunity for Q&A was optimal.

We anticipate offering a future One City Series, targeted tentatively for Spring '09, that will focus on further topics of interest to our region's residents. Downtown Community Forum thanks its sponsors and community partners: The City of Rochester, City Councilperson Dana K. Miller, The Community Foundation, Leadership Rochester, The Rochester Red Wings, individual contributors and St. Mary's.

Public Safety Forum generates controversy and ideas

2008-08-01T09:49:00.003-04:00

On July 30th, DCF hosted Chief David Moore and D.A. Michael Green at a forum entitled Public Safety: Zero Tolerance and Beyond. Larry Feasel facilitated and provided context for many of the discussions, reaching back into his vast experience in law enforcement. In his opening remarks, Mayor Duffy encouraged those in attendance to present challenging questions and to offer ideas and suggestions for further consideration. During the two hour program, the Chief and the D.A. began by explaining their respective roles in the criminal justice/public safety environment. Many questioners described their personal observations and experiences, offering perspective and advice, along with anecdotal information for follow-up with the Chief and D.A. Green. I was struck by the tone of the evening, which was serious, intentional and respectful - no small feat for such a hot button topic. Our audience of 90 attendees included young and old, diverse races and ethnicities and an assortment of city residents and suburbanites. One group of young people who attended together represented a City of Rochester parks summer program where youth go about the business of searching out and rewarding people who are doing good things around the community. As a reward for good works, they give away tickets to local events and attractions, which are donated for this purpose. What a great way to put positive energy into practice. All in, my "unofficial" count was at least 17 people in attendance who appeared to be under 21 years of age - a great sight for DCF! Several high schoolers put questions to our panelists - so very articulate and, needless to say, plugged into their worlds in a way that adults do not get to experience first hand. Hats off to all who showed up, voiced their opinions and offered what they could to build community in and around Rochester. We also thank the several public officials who attended and heard these messages first-hand. Thanks also to community partners who came, including Josanne Reaves of Leadership Rochester and Ed Doherty of The Community Foundation. Have I mentioned that the Rochester Red Wings provided game tickets as thank you gifts for our panelists? Let's hope that all of us who love baseball get a chance to take in a game this summer.

Economic Development Forum Draws A Crowd

2008-07-17T06:59:00.002-04:00

Last evening's session, Economic Development - What Lies Ahead, drew a crowd of 100 citizens who came to DCF to hear from Commissioner Carballada, Mr. Wiest, Mr. Fiedler and Ms. Zimmer-Meyer. The evening was lively and interactive, to say the least, and could have gone on for another two hours or more! As always, our presenters all have public contact information and encourage follow-up from folks who have further input on the topic. This forum will go down in the books as one of DCF's best and brightest. Stay tuned for our next high impact session on July 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM - Public Safety: Zero Tolerance and Beyond.

Ramping up for the One City Series, Session #1

2008-07-15T08:50:00.003-04:00

Very exciting..........we're ramping up and ready to launch the One City Series - session #1 Economic Development - What lies ahead. Our panelists have been in touch and are poised to field questions in the Dugan Center on Wednesday night. So, bring your issues, arrive early and find out first-hand what's ahead for our city. Several of our participants will be bringing along printed materials for forum attendees to take home and read over. All welcome follow-up from our group. Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday night.............

DCF One City Series in the news

2008-07-10T18:26:00.003-04:00

The One City Series will be featured in a segment of "Rochester In Focus" on Sunday morning, 7/13/08. The program airs at 7:00 AM.

This week's edition of WXXI's City Wise focuses on DCF's series, with guests Monica Mattioli and City Councilperson At-Large Dana Miller. City Wise airs on Sundays at 4:00 on WXXI and on City12 Thursdays at 8:00 PM, Fridays at 9:30 AM and Saturdays at 11:30 AM.

Great news for DCF!!

One City Series coming soon

2008-07-09T20:37:00.003-04:00

Location: Dugan Center at St. Mary's
15 St. Mary's Place Rochester 14607
For further information call 232-7140
Reservations not required
Arrive early for best seating

7/16 Economic Development - What Lies Ahead 7:00 PM
Get the latest updates on economic development in downtown Rochester from E.D. Commissioner Carballada, Chris Wiest of the R.B.A. and ESL CEO David Fiedler. Heidi Zimmer-Meyer faciliatates. Panel discussion followed by open forum q&a.