Latrobe will host Mister Rogers Family Days during the first week of June, offering everything from story time events and classical music to a character meet-n-great and a scavenger hunt.
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Mister Rogers Days, which runs from June 1 to 6, celebrates the life, legacy, and hometown of Fred Rogers, the host of the beloved TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
The week’s highlight is its Saturday festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6. It will include an acoustic performance by Keith Willochell, a children’s arts and crafts activity at Artemis Supports, a climbing wall and obstacle course, Daniel Tiger storybook walk, a scavenger hunt, an exotic reptile show, a free children’s books giveaway, and other activities.
Other highlights during the week include:
- Community open house at the Fred Rogers Institute (Monday, June 1)
- Take the Plunge: Dive Into Reading Story Time at Rogers-McFeely Pool (Tuesday, June 2)
- A Beautiful Night in the Neighborhood: Latrobe Shop Hop & Night Market (Wednesday, June 3)
- Sounds of the Neighborhood: A Classical Tribute Featuring the Pianos of Fred and Joanne Rogers (Wednesday, June 3)
- Children’s Craft “Bloom of Blessing & Wish Tree” (Thursday, June 4)
- Latrobe Art Center’s Annual Open Show (Thursday, June 4)
- WQED Cartoon Academy Performance and Illustration Workshop by Cartoonist Joe Wos (Friday, June 5)
For more information, visit the Mister Rogers Family Days website.
The Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College will host frED Camp, an event that attempts to put Rogers’ ideas into action, on Saturday, March 21.
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One of Rogers’ – who is best known as Mister Rogers – principals was that learning rooted in relationships, curiosity, and care helps children thrive. The frED Camp will explore what it will look like to bring Rogers’ beliefs into classrooms, libraries, early learning spaces, and homes.
The free professional development event is intended for educators of all kinds. Attendees will have exclusive access to the Fred Rogers Archives, which is home to more than 22,000 artifacts from Rogers’ personal and professional life.
In addition to a self-guided archive experience, all participants will take part in an opening workshop led by Emma Lee, director of the Fred Rogers Institute, and other workshops by local organizations.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the college in Latrobe. Those interested in attending can register online.
WQED, Fred Rogers Productions, and PNC Grow Up Great will host “Be My Neighbor Day” in Etna on Saturday, Sept. 20.
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The free event celebrates kindness and what it means to be a caring neighbor. It will include service projects, crafts, and photo opportunities with Daniel Tiger.
“Be My Neighbor Day” will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. along Butler Street between Freeport and Bridge streets. For more information, visit WQED’s website.
Inspired by Fred Rogers, former Gov. Tom Wolf declared the 143rd day of the year as “143 Day,” a number that Mr. Rogers used as his special code for “I Love You.”
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This year’s 143 Day, which takes place on May 23, is intended to inspire Pennsylvanians to spread kindness and good deeds for others. The state’s 143 Day website asks residents to use the hashtag #143DayinPA online any time they do something nice for themselves or others.
On his show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Rogers used “143” as a code for “I Love You” based on the numbers of letters in each word.
“With everything going on in the world, it’s no surprise that we are all feeling a little weary and overwhelmed,” the 143 Day site reads. “”This isn’t the time to add more “to do’s” to the list. This is the day to take a beat, realize that you are special, and affirm that you are enough.”
Some of the many suggestions on the website’s kindness generator include:
- Leaving some quarters at the laundromat
- Sending a letter to someone at a nursing home
- Sending someone a funny meme
- Ordering a gift for your significant other
- Donating school supplies to a teacher
For more information on 143 Day, visit its website.
WQED and Fred Rogers Productions will offer family-friendly activities in McKees Rocks on March 22 for Be My Neighbor Day.
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Participants will be able to take part in a variety of activities, including:
- Interactive theater with Gemini Children’s Theater
- Hands-on activities, including “kindness” rocks and line dancing lessons
- Historical and interactive exhibits showcasing the McKees Rocks neighborhood and legacy
- Special showcases highlighting the community’s spirit
- Meet-and-greet with Daniel Tiger at the McKees Rocks Borough Council
- Complimentary food and snacks provided by local businesses
- Curated book selection, library card registrations, and giveaways provided by the Sto-Rox Public Library
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Focus on Renewal’s Father Ryan Arts Center, located at 500 Chartiers Ave., and the McKees Rocks Borough Council, located on the second floor of 340 Bell Ave.
The annual event encourages families to connect with each other and their neighbors while promoting a welcoming environment for all.
Two free virtual book study sessions will be held for release of a new book on the subjects of Wonder and Fred Rogers in September and October.
Wonder and Fred Rogers
The events will involve a discussion of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. The authors will take part in both sessions.
The book covers the importance of wonder for children. It cites Rogers’ – of Pittsburgh-based TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” – ability to spark a sense of wonder in children. The book also covers how Rogers encouraged and nurtured children’s play and helped learners manage their feelings and try new things.
The sessions will be held on:
Registration is now open for the event. More information on the Wonder and Fred Rogers book can be found on Remake Learning’s website.
Two upcoming free virtual book study sessions will discuss a new book that examines the subjects of wonder and Fred Rogers.
Learn More
The events will focus on “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. The authors will take part in both sessions.
The book covers the importance of wonder for children. It cites Rogers’ – of Pittsburgh-based TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” – ability to spark a sense of wonder in children. The book also covers how Rogers encouraged and nurtured children’s play and helped learners to manage their feelings and try new things.
The sessions will be held on:
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
- Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Registration is now open for the event. More information on the book can be found on Remake Learning’s website.
Two upcoming free virtual book study sessions will discuss a new book that examines the subjects of wonder and Fred Rogers.
Learn More
The events will focus on “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. The authors will take part in both sessions.
The book covers the importance of wonder for children. It cites Rogers’ – of Pittsburgh-based TV show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” – ability to spark a sense of wonder in children. The book also covers how Rogers encouraged and nurtured children’s play and helped learners to manage their feelings and try new things.
The sessions will be held on:
- Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
- Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Registration is now open for the event. More information on the book can be found on Remake Learning’s website.
Fred Rogers’s hometown will offer a number of family-friendly activities from June 3 to 5 as part of Mister Roger Family Days.
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The town of Latrobe will host a variety of activities during the three-day event. On Monday, June 3, visitors can take part in:
- A community open house and exhibit tours at the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College and GLSHS with a neighborhood trolley shuttle
- Daniel Tiger Storybook Walk
- The kickoff of Latrobe Restaurant Week’s “A Delicious Week in the Neighborhood”
The events for Tuesday, June 4 include:
- Latrobe Farmer’s Market at Legion Keener Park
- 1:15 p.m. Story Time at Legion Keener Park with Adams Memorial Library and WQED Education
- Latrobe Area Historical Society will open for visitors at 1 p.m.
And on Wednesday, June 5, events include:
- “Beautiful Night in the Neighborhood” shop hop night
- Live entertainment by KGB: Kyle Greene Band in the Parklet
- “An Interview with Fred Rogers” program and presentation by the Latrobe Area Historical Society at the Latrobe Art Center at 6:30 p.m.
The full list of activities can be found on the Mister Rogers Family Days website.
More than 50 years after Fred Rogers first appeared on television and asked viewers to be his neighbor, the impact of his legacy continues to resonate. This summer, the Fred Rogers Institute will host its second annual Work of Fred Rogers Conference.
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The conference will be practice-focused and practice-informed. It will feature sessions from educators and other child-serving professionals who will share ideas, stories, and inspiration. Questions that will be explored during the conference include:
- How does Fred Rogers’ work inform practice in classrooms, communities, and child- and youth-focused spaces?
- What can adults draw from Fred Rogers’ work as we seek to be children’s helpers in our world today?
The conference will be of interest to educators and practitioners who work in the direct service of children and/or families, or who provide support to those who provide support to those who work directly with children or families.
Educators, clinicians, and practitioners in numerous child- and family-serving fields continue to turn to Rogers’ legacy to inform their practice. His wisdom continues to inspire families and children’s helpers.
The agendas for day one and day two are both available.
More Details
The conference will be held on June 21 and 22 at the Fred Rogers Center on the campus of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. The cost for both days is $275, while the cost for one day is $143.
Act 48 credits will be available to Pennsylvania educators who attend the conference. All attendees will receive certificates of attendance that can be applied to CEU credit in other states.
Registration is open through June 14.
