G AS T
OVER 120 YEARS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
Proudly Provides • Service • Sales • Installation & Repairs • Geothermal • Generators • Free Estimates • Financing Available
517 SR 19 | Akron, IN 46910
Try Them For
24/7 Service
FREE At Home!
For Service Call: GAST HEATING & COOLING
574-893-4718
Gastheatingcooling@rtcol.com
We may be able to help.
MyAffordableHearing.com
Call today . . . spots are limited!
574-223-EARS (3277) • 418 E. 9th St., Rochester
Fulton County
Shopping Guide News Wednesday, July 2, 2025
www.shoppingguidenews.com
617 Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975
Phone 574-223-5417
CAMP — Camp leader Madilynn Cole waves as campers follow her into the city pool. ROUND UP — Campers play games with camp leaders during round-up activities.
Your Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Specialist.
City Parks Program offers kids active summer, emotional growth
574-491-4882
Text and Photos By LIBBY HUBBARD STAFF WRITER
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2 EDDM
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
ECRWSS
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
PRESORTED The Papers Inc. STANDARD NONPROFIT ORG P.O.U.S. Box 188PAID POSTAGE MILFORD, IN Milford, Indiana 46542 PERMIT NO. 2
ECRWSS
SIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
PAID
Milford, IN Permit No. 2
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
AKRON, IN
PLAY — Howard Day climbs a firefighter’s pole at City Park.
AT YOUR SERVICE
24/7
Rochester’s Summer Parks Program is back for its second year with a renewed focus on outdoor play, emotional wellness and accessible community experiences for children. The low-cost, city-run day camp serves kids ages 6 to 12 and aims to keep them active, creative and connected with nature during the summer months. Originally launched in 1970 under Mayor Phil Thompson and teacher Terry Screeton, the program was relaunched in 2024 after a several-year pause due to liability concerns.
“We’re trying to give kids a space that’s safe, fun and meaningful,” said Program Director Lindsay Barts. “It’s more than just games, it’s learning to self-regulate and be part of a community.” Barts and Assistant Director Abi Cronin — both certified yoga instructors with trauma-informed training — have expanded the weekly curriculum to reflect national best practices in youth development. Campers rotate through all five city parks and take field trips to the pool, bowling alley and community gardens. Activities include art, games, service projects and mindfulness practices like the “deregula-
tion station,” where children learn emotional regulation tools. To support working families and address food insecurity, the city provides free transportation to breakfast and lunch at Rochester High School. Cell phones are prohibited for both campers and teen staff, with communication managed by walkie-talkie to encourage present, engaged interaction. “We’ve tried to build something that combines fun with emotional growth, community pride and connection to nature,” Barts said. “Now we just need more kids to sign up.” The program runs weekday Continued on page 3
KITE & ULERICK &
574-223-6307 Family Owned & Operated
Residential & Commercial ~ Licensed & Insured ~
Est. 1985
NO
INFLATED FE WEEKEND ES FOR SERVICE CALLS!