Be Aware...

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October is a month where many different organizations and causes utilize as their 'awareness' month. Among them are breast cancer, down syndrome, dyslexia, mental health, and bullying prevention; just to name a few. Obviously this list is not exhaustive, but it's meant to highlight that at any given point in time there are people in our lives that are dealing with something where we can lend a hand of support. We shouldn't need awareness months, or days, or weeks to take time out to check on someone who is working through something or lend support. October is perhaps the month that has the most awareness associated with it, so I felt the need to bring this more to the forefront. You've all heard the phrase, "Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer in their lives," by now. The reality is, we all know someone close to us that is dealing with all of these things. The challenge is that many of the things that people deal with are not as noticeable or obvious as cancer may be. These individuals that are working through challenges, whether they be cancer, mental health, or any other host of challenges; tend to also be the strongest people that you may know in your life. Their outlook tends to be positive, optimistic, and most importantly they have the innate ability to not take things for granted. While the traditional purpose of an awareness month is to bring a general understanding of challenges that people face to the mainstream population and to raise money to fund research to combat these challenges; perhaps it would make more sense to bring the awareness forward for the mainstream to learn from those that may be working through challenges while remaining in the shadows. There is a lot to be learned with regard to how to approach life in a positive way, supporting others, and simply helping each other through the awareness of others. As it relates to schools, every student that walks through our doors is bringing something with them that we are unaware of that could prevent them from providing their best effort at any given moment. Having a general awareness that everyone has a story to tell and being understanding and aware of that concept, we can ensure that all students and adults are supported. So please take time this month and every day to be aware of these specific October challenges and support those inside and outside of your circle that are working through challenges. Beyond that however, it's time that we have an awareness of what we can learn from others to help support our entire community whether it be October or March. It's time to be aware. 

Harvest Festival - First Annual

Life Church on Black River Blvd (across from Franklin Field) will be hosting their 1st Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the Rome community and surrounding areas.  Free admission, horse rides, chili contest, pie contest, crafts for the young ones, vendors, food trucks, candy and much more.  A great event for the entire family! If you're looking for something fun to enjoy during the Halloween weekend, check out this great opportunity!!

RFA Travel Club

The RFA Travel Club is sending out a last call for anyone interested in participating in their trip to China this school year. The meeting for the China Trip will be held on October 17th (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. in room 1310 at RFA. If you or your family want to learn more or enroll for the trip, this is the meeting to attend. Please share the following link on social media to help them get the word out! 

Halloween on the Green

Looking for a great way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends? Be sure to check out 'Halloween on the Green' on Friday, October 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is being held right at City Hall. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy on outdoor movie on the green, trick or treat street, costume contests for children and adults, cider and donuts, face painting, and more. Stop by the green for some Halloween fun!!

Celebration of Education - Last Call 

The 13th Annual Celebration of Education, which is sponsored by First Source Federal Credit Union, will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at Hart's Hill Inn in Whitesboro, N.Y. Each year, the Celebration of Education recognizes outstanding educators and programs throughout the Mohawk Valley that are positively impacting our students, schools and the community. The program includes k-12 schools, area colleges, and organizations that are working in these institutions. If you feel that there is an adult in your child's school(s) or program that works with your children in schools that is worthy of nomination for this awards event, please contact your child's school so that we can submit the nomination paperwork.

Rotary Host Family

The Rome Rotary Club is looking for host families for the winter and spring of this school year. Our 2018-2019 student is from Paraguay. He is being hosted by a family for the fall, however a host for the remainder of the year is needed. If you are interested in hosting for winter or spring, please contact Sam Pendergrast at 315-617-3567 or slpender55@gmail.com You can get more information about Rotary Youth Exchange atwww.7150YouthExchange.org

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