Rochester Daily Photo

As the excitement and fun of rochesterfest winds down and summer continues in Rochester, residents and visitors again are on the lookout for ways to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota summer. Towards the end of July, enjoyment comes to them, however, when the Olmsted County Fair arrives in town.

The Rochester Fair Grounds have been the site for the Olmsted County Fair for a number of years, and the residents have come to love it. The lights from the Ferris wheel and other rides can be see in the distance from many parts of the city. The presence of the rides and lights add a bit of excitement as people drive by and catch a glimpse of the activities.

Traditionally, the fair runs the last week of July/first week of August, and lasts for a week. There are a number of events that fairgoers have come to expect each year from the county celebration, but also enough new attractions to add a bit of variety. A new feature this year of the fair that many fairgoers will approve of is a smoking ban. The Fair goes smoke-free this year, following in the footsteps of Minnesota’s statewide smoking ban.

Some of the attractions that can be seen at the Olmsted Fair include:

- Carnival rides: Both kids and adults can find enjoyable and fun in the carnival section of the fair. A number of rides and games await people of all ages. There are many chances to win prizes, and many rides to quench your thirst for excitement.

- Midway: Along the midway, one can find a wide variety of attractions. Besides the endless line of food vendors, there are a number of buildings housing animals, arts and crafts, food, and collectibles. Covering everything can take some time, but it is worth it to see the creativity and hard work people put into their hobbies.

- Animals: A favorite of many young fairgoers is the animal section of the fair. Cows, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, and many other animals are brought to the fair for display and judging. Shows and judging occurs throughout the week.

- Daily Entertainment: Throughout the daytime hours of each one, one can find a wide variety of entertainment. Some examples include live bands, magic shows, vaudeville acts, and comedy shows.

- Grandstand: Each night of the week at the fair there is a different event at the main grandstand. In 2008, the shows included an antique tractor pull, a modern tractor pull, a rodeo, bull riding, two demolition derby, and professional wrestling. The events are well attended, and offer a bit of excitement to the end of a nice summer day.

Residents and visitors alike have come to love the excitement and enjoyment that the Olmsted County Fair brings to Rochester. Without a doubt, the Fair will continue to be a major summer attraction. It could be the food or the farm animals. It could be the chance for people to show their hobbies and talents to the community. It could be any number of things, but in the end, the buzz of excitement is most likely caused by the chance for people of all ages to be a kid again.

George Wellington

As the fun and excitement of Rochester winds down and summer goes on in rochester MN, visitors and residents are on the observation for ways to delight the stunning Minnesota summer.
The Rochester Fair Grounds was the location for the Olmsted County Fair during several years, and the locals have become to adore it. The lights from the Ferris wheel and some other rides may be observed in the distance from numerous parts of Rochester. The existence of the lights and rides add a little of excitement when people drive by and notice the activities.

Usually, the fair is held the last week of July or the first week of August, and it lasts for the whole week. There are many events, which fairgoers expect annually from the county festivity, but enough new attractions to join a little of diversity. A new attribute this year that numerous fairgoers will endorse is a smoking prohibition. The Fair goes non-smoke this year, keeping the course of Minnesota’s smoking prohibition.

The Rochester Fair Grounds have been the site for the Olmsted County Fair for a number of years, and the residents have come to love it. The lights from the Ferris wheel and other rides can be see in the distance from many parts of the city. The presence of the rides and lights add a bit of excitement as people drive by and catch a glimpse of the activities.

Visitors and residents alike adore the enjoyment and excitement the Olmsted County Fair takes to Rochester. Undoubtedly, the Fair will go on to be a main summer attraction. It might be the opportunity for people to demonstrate their talents and hobbies to the community.

Eddie Charpentier

Education is one of the most valuable gifts that has been given to society. It is more than just a passing on, or teaching, of what we know to others. Education also passes on the culture of a society. Patterns of behavior, ideas, and values that distinguish unique groups from one another are also passed on. Education is designed to make use of the knowledge, ideas, and values that are passed on to make wise decisions through one’s life. New thoughts and ideas can then arise by combining the existing information in a new way, continuing the cycle of education.

Education of children is extremely important to the continued health of a society. Knowing this, many governments have set up a schooling system in which a standardized series of instruction can be presented to students. Teaching is the primary form of instructing students, using lectures, work sessions, and reading material. Specific skills and knowledge are passed on to students at certain ages, allowing students to understand and gain deeper meaning from the knowledge they are receiving.

There are multiple levels within the public education system. Primary education deals with fundamental topics, such as reading and writing, with mathematics, science, and history mixed in. Once a solid foundation has been obtained, Secondary education begins and the student learns more specialized skills. The years in between Primary and Secondary education may involve a separate school called a Middle school. This is still considered Primary education, but students are separated more from younger students in order to prepare them for the move to Secondary education. In the United States, Primary and Secondary education are required of all citizens in order to be a functioning member of society.

rochester, Minnesota is home to a vast number of schools contained in the public education system that are dedicated to providing a solid foundation to students. Primary, Secondary, and Middle schools are spread throughout the city, offering the chance of an education to virtually anyone.

Primary schools make up the majority of the buildings in the school system. These schools include:

- Bamber Valley Elementary (K-5) – One of the larger elementary schools, with a dedicated staff and motivated students. The result is parental and community support that challenges the school to have high expectations and levels of achievement.

- Bishop Elementary (K-5) – Housing 500 students in Early Childhood Special Education from K-5, Bishop is proud of its dedication to students and the resulting standardized test scores.

- Churchill Elementary and Hoover Elementary (K-5) – A paired set of buildings that serves one student population. Education is focused on maximizing academic and social-emotional growth for all students.

- Elton Hills Elementary (K-5) – Focused on educating for tomorrow’s challenges, staff emphasize academic excellence in reading, writing, and math skills. Students are grouped in multi-aged classrooms based on their needs.

- Folwell Elementary (K-5) – Gifted and Talented and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs are strong here, strengthening the academic atmosphere. Active and supportive PTSA and an emphasis on Volunteers in Education are also strong points.

- Franklin Elementary/Montessori at Franklin (K-5) – Offers a K-5 Neighborhood program, and a K-5, District-wide, Public Montessori Choice program. The Franklin school offers quality education with a number of specialized academic support groups. The Montessori option includes three multi-age groups/levels of classes to develop students’ skills. Inter-relatedness is one of the main focuses of the curriculum.

- Gage/Gage East Elementary (K-5) – Individuality of each child is respected in the diverse population that makes up Gage Elementary. Strong reading, writing, and math programs are emphasized, and input from parents and volunteers is strongly encouraged.

- Jefferson Elementary (K-5) – The staff focuses on instilling the love of learning in students, helping them to become more prepared for the future as lifelong learners. The Read At Home program is offered as a home/school connection that increases student reading.

- Lincoln Choice (K-8) – The only K-8 school in the public school system, Lincoln supports the success of each student by giving and expecting respect for others and responsibility for themselves. Teaching methods focus on individual learning styles, and multi-age classrooms help accomplish this task.

- Longfellow Elementary (K-5) – While keeping the same academic standards, the calendar is made up of 45 days of concentrated instruction and learning, followed by a 15-day break period.

- Pinewood Elementary (K-5) – A traditional approach to curriculum with self-contained classrooms is used here, offering character development, classroom stability, and a positive atmosphere.

- Riverside Central Elementary (K-5) – Riverside’s mission is to have staff, students, families, and community word collaboratively to create a community that values education of all children, promoting the attitude of lifelong learning.

- Sunset Terrace Elementary (K-5) – Offers a wide variety of educational and leadership opportunities while still encouraging the growth of the whole child. A number of academic support programs are available to help those in need.

- Washington Elementary (K-5) – A school with a reputation for educational excellence, Washington, offers a challenging, Core Knowledge® curriculum. Fifty percent of the content involves Core Knowledge content, while the other 50 percent is mastery of reading, writing, math, and other skills.

The Middle schools found in Rochester all offer a strong focus on academics while giving students a chance to explore their own individual interests. A safe and welcoming environment is present at all schools, respecting students as individuals and quality and challenging education. The four Middle schools include:

- Friedell Middle School (6-8)
- John Adams Middle School (6-8)
- Kellogg Middle School (6-8)
- Willow Creek Middle School (6-8)

Secondary schools also offer challenging and quality education to the youth of Rochester. There are three public high schools throughout the city:

- Century High School (9-12) – The staff have created a culture that has high expectations, communication, trust, and caring at its core. The school works hard to effectively prepare students for life after graduation.

- John Marshall High School (9-12) – John Marshall values diversity and has been serving the community for more than forty years. Many proud traditions and accomplishments exist, including a curriculum that meets the needs of students looking at post-secondary schools as well as those planning to go straight to the work force.

- Mayo High School (9-12) – Also in existence for over forty years, Mayo is designed to meet the needs and challenges of every student. Advanced Placement courses are offered in math, science, and English, as well as a number of honors courses in most departments.

Education is a tool and gift that every person in society should have access to. The presence of a public education system provides a chance to receive that gift. Those that have received it have an obligation to pass on the gift to others, continuing the growth and health of a community and a culture. Education starts from the moment we are born, and with proper teaching and training, can continue with excitement and wonder until this life is over. Become a lifelong learner, while instilling the drive and motivation into others to do the same. Education is a gift that should not be wasted.

George Wellington
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/schools-and-education-in-rochester-mn-714572.html

Rochester is a great place to have a home. If you are looking to buy a home or apartment, Rochester has several qualities that are important for a living situation. The city is in Olmsted County, Minnesota and has an estimated population of 97,191, making it Minnesota’s third-largest city. It is best known as the home of the Mayo Clinic. It is good to know different things about the city you are interested in buying apartments for. One of the great things about this city is that Rochester was founded by George Head in 1854. Originally from Rochester, New York, Head had settled in Waukesha, Wisconsin before moving west to Minnesota. He named his new settlement after his New York hometown. In 1857 Rochester was named the Olmsted County seat. rochester was a stagecoach stop for travelers who journeyed between Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Dubuque, Iowa. When the railroad came to town in the 1860s, it brought new residents and business opportunities.

Although the weather is generally good, there have been natural disasters in the past. On August 21, 1883, a tornado demolished much of Rochester, leaving thirty-seven dead and several thousand wounded. There was no medical facility at the time, so Dr. William W. Mayo and his two sons worked together to care for the wounded. During that time, several donations were collected and the sisters of St. Francis, assisted by Dr. Mayo, opened a new facility named St. Mary’s Hospital in 1889. The Mayo practice grew immensely and today is one of the largest and most well respected medical facilities in the world. This is another good reason to have a residence in the area.

Another asset to the city is that Rochester has all different forms of transportation, thus making it a great place for friends and family to get around. Rochester offers a skyway system, subterranean walkways, bus, taxi, car rental, and airport shuttles. In addition, Rochester has climate controlled skyway and underground walkways known as subways. Downtown businesses, hotels, shops and dining are all accessible without having to step outdoors in the winter. A variety of shops and businesses are also located along the underground subways and skyways, which add to its convenience.

Another good way to get around the city is by cab. There are two taxi companies in Rochester: Yellow Cab and RTS Airport Express Rochester. Rochester International Airport is located eight miles south of downtown Rochester and is accessible via Highway 63 or Interstate 90. Taxis and airport shuttles provide service between the airport and the city’s business centers. The airport features two runways and service terminals operated by American Airlines and Northwest Airlines. There is also a large FedEx terminal, small DHL station and general aviation terminal are also on-site. The airport services flights from all over the world connected through American Eagle and Northwest Airlines. The Rochester Airport Company operates the airport, and is currently under an operating agreement with the City of Rochester. While RAC is a private company, the Mayo Clinic of Rochester oversees it, and has heavy influence at the airport. As in most American cities, the primary mode of transportation in Rochester and the surrounding area is the automobile. The city is served by three U.S. highways, and the southern edge of Rochester is skirted by Interstate 90 and Minnesota State Highway 30. Either way you decide to get around the city, there are several attractions and ways of reaching them, thus making Rochester a wonderful place to go.

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Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/have-you-ever-though-to-move-to-rochester-106779.html

Historical and social landmarks are important to any town. Rochester Minnesota is no different, with a history beginning as a small frontier town, to now being home to a world renowned medical care facility. Historical and social events are what give a town its foundation and identity. Various locations around town celebrate this history and culture.

Whether one is a resident or visitor, there are countless landmarks worth visiting in Rochester. From learning about the city’s history to simply enjoying its outdoor scenery, the town offers a number of different locations to learn and become educated about this town. A few of the most popular landmarks are as follows:

- Mayo Clinic – The Mayo Clinic is a world renowned medical and research center. A visit will offer a chance to see impressive architecture, unique artwork, as well as displays of the Clinic’s history and development through the years. The Mayo Clinic is the main employer in Rochester, and has played a major role in the shaping of the city. It is a stop that should not be missed. Free tours are offered daily.

- St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Mary’s is the starting point of the Mayo Clinic vision. This historic hospital was designed and supported by the Sisters of Saint Francis and became a leading and quality care facility under Dr. William W. Mayo. Without this starting point, the internationally known Mayo Clinic would not exist. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

- Mayowood Mansion – Former home to Dr. Charles H. Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, this impressive mansion still holds original furnishings and a trove of history for visitors. Guided walking tours are available, or simply come to see the residence of one of the most important men in Rochester’s history.

- Plummer House – Once home to Henry S. Plummer, this five story house is now one of the most popular historical attractions in rochester. Plummer was one of the Mayo Clinic staff over one hundred years ago in 1901. His former estate features a forty nine room house, a water tower, and eleven acres of landscaped grounds with numerous flower gardens.

- Assisi Heights – An Italian Romanesque structure home to the Sisters of Saint Francis and the Assisi Community Center. In addition to the beautiful grounds set upon a hilltop in Rochester, the main building features an ornate lobby with a slate floor, hand-blown stained glass windows, and a Romanesque ceiling. One hour tours are available.

- Quarry Hill Nature Center – Located on three hundred acres of park land, Quarry Hill offers hiking trails, educational programs, a 1,700 gallon fish tank, live animals, bird watching, and many other activities for both young and old visitors.

- Soldier’s Field Park and Veterans Memorial – A popular spot for picnics, parties, and play, Soldier’s field park offers a beautiful place to relax close do downtown. The park is also home to the Soldier’s Field Veterans Memorial, built to honor the Veterans from Southeast Minnesota who have died serving their country and the freedoms we enjoy.

- Olmsted County History Center and Museum – For a look at Rochester and Olmsted County history, this is the place to check out. Dedicated to preserving the rich history of the region, the facility features exhibits showing significant events in the city and county’s past. There is a hands-on cabin exhibit to allow kids to experience life in Rochester in the mid-19th century. Other exhibits include information about the Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital, and IBM. The facility also contains a large number of historical documents, such as photographs, newspapers, journals, and diaries.

- Rochester Art Center – The art center in Rochester has been around for a number of years in various locations. In 2004, a new facility was built downtown to help preserve and display artistic contributions from both the Midwest and throughout the country. Throughout the year, a variety of special exhibits, lectures, films, and workshops are featured, some emphasizing local work.

- Recreation Center – The recreation center in Rochester can offer a fun, activity filled day or evening, offering two regulation ice rinks, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a gymnasium, and an exercise room. With indoor facilities, staying fit and active in the winter has never been easier.

George Wellington
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/landmarks-of-rochester-minnesota-705988.html

My boyfriend goes to SUNY Buffalo and I go to RIT (rochester inst. technology)… I was wondering if there was any cheaper and faster way than taking a cab or amtrak or both in order to visit him…

What do you suggest?

Trailways buses operate between Rochester and Buffalo 8-10 times per day. It takes about an hour and a half and costs $20.50 each way. See: http://www.trailwaysny.com/html/english/fares.asp

Amtrak operates between the cities only 3 times per day. The fare is $18 each way, plus you can save 20% using the New York State promo code listed at: http://www.railserve.com/amtrak_coupons.html