Martin Luther King Jr Day in 2013 in Rochester

Martin Luther King, Jr Day 2013 in Rochester, New York.

Schools are closed, banks are closed, the Post Office is closed, but I'm working!  Are you?  Do our children take some time today to read about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr and why he has a day on the calendar?

Here in Rochester, there are many events scheduled to help us remember and participate in this special day!

Mayor Thomas S. Richards announced today that the City will offer a variety of activities and events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I am honored to celebrate the life of Dr. King with a host of programs directed towards our city's youth," said Mayor Richards.  "I can think of no better way to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. than to ensure his lessons are passed on to future generations."

Here is a list of the events planned in Rochester:

The City’s Bureau of Recreation will offer the following events for youth and families on January 18, 19 and 21:

• MLK/Civil Rights Documentary Viewing and Discussion: Dr. Freddie Thomas Learning Center, 625 Scio St., Jan. 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Essay Contest: David F. Gantt Community Center’s Market view Lodge, 136 First St., Jan. 18, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• Youth field trip to Rochester Museum and Science Center's “Race - Are We So Different?” Exhibit: Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus St., Jan. 19, noon to 4 p.m. Space is limited. Please call 428-6769 for a reservation.
• Remembering MLK Through Speeches and Youth Activities: Humboldt Recreation Center, 1045 Atlantic Ave. Jan 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
• MLK/Civil Rights documentary viewing and discussion: Thomas P. Ryan Community Center, 530 Webster Ave., Jan. 21, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will also have time to plan local service projects.
• MLK 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, for ages 10 to 14: Adams Street Community Center, 85 Adams St. Jan. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
• MLK Word Search and Trivia Contest: South Avenue Community Center, 999 South Ave. Jan. 21, 2 to 3 p.m.
• Essay Contest for Youth Ages 10 to 15: Carter Street Community Center, 500 Carter St. Jan. 21, 1 to 4 p.m. Theme will be "How you feel Dr. King has improved the lives of you and others." Refreshments will be given to participants and prizes will be awarded.
• MLK Jr. Day of Service: Avenue D Community Center, 200 Avenue D, Jan. 21, noon to 4 p.m. Participants will volunteer at two senior-citizen facilities and organize a neighborhood clean up and peace rally. Activities will be followed by a pizza party and bingo with the seniors.
• MLK 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, ages 10 to 14: Campbell Street Community Center, 524 Campbell St. Jan. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Skate to Commemorate: Manhattan Square Ice Rink, 353 Court St. Jan. 21, noon-1:50 p.m., 3: 40 p.m. Please arrive 20 minutes early to make sure you get your skates. Skate rentals are $3, and the $2 admission can be substituted with a donation of two non-perishable food items, new hygiene products and/or cleaning or household items.
• Trip to the Rochester Museum and Science Center for the “First Steps to Freedom” Exhibit:Flint Street Community Center, 271 Flint St. Jan. 21, 1 to 4 p.m. Exhibit talks about Dr. King’s Contributions. Participants can also play African American Bingo and Black History Trivia.

In addition, all non-school recreation and community centers will be open from 11 am to 6 pm on January 21. For more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/recreationcenters.

I hope your town or city has some events planned for today!