Letter to Editor published in Blue Stone Press, September 1, 2017.

Thanks to Blue Stone Press, which – in the August 4 and 18 issues – published photos capturing moments from our program, the readers had a glimpse at the richness of Rochester’s summer program this year.

I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again… It’s hard to find the appropriate superlatives for our summer program; the town’s Recreation/Youth Department creates a well-structured, balanced, diverse, full of fun affordable program that keeps improving each and every year!

Being a counselor for all 21 field trips (3 weekly for the duration of the program) I better understood the planning effort this summer program required and the challenges – mainly caused by the unpredictable weather – we had to face.

Going to water parks, beaches, pools and fun centers, walking in Albany and across the Rosendale Trestle, visiting museums, the Planetarium and the Ellenville Library, picking blueberries and corn, rides and petting animals at a local farm and at the Ulster County Fair, bowling, hiking, skyrides, ice and roller skating – everything included offered so much enjoyment.

We’ve been fortunate to have again the exceptional MaryAnne Gates, our long-time summer program expert, at the helm of our 2017 program; I find it almost impossible to describe in words what I believe she deserves as appreciation for coordinating this program…

I feel that the exciting weeks of the summer program can make a difference in children’s lives; in return, the kids enrich our lives. It’s such a rare, challenging but mutually rewarding experience; we hope we can continue to do this for years to come!

Manuela Michailescu