The sun shone down on Ossie Davis Park at Library Green, balloons fluttered in the cool autumn breeze and kids and their families had a great time. The Kick-off Party on September 30 was the first of a series of Saturday events to be held on Library Green or in the Public Library under the sponsorship of the BID, the Library, the New Rochelle Schools and the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Excited kids lined up to have their faces painted, make "passports," meet storybook characters and sample refreshments, while other kids sat on the lawn and moved to the delightful antics of musician Kurt Gallagher and "The Whatchamacallits." Enthusiastic volunteers contributed to the success of the event.

Mary Jo Jacobs, co-president (with Linda Fosina) of PTA Council, who is part of the planning team, is extremely gratified by the success of the party and the dynamic energy that has developed in New Rochelle. Jacobs said PTA Council is honored to be a part of it. "It’s such a wonderful and positive thing that families are drawn to Downtown so they can appreciate what’s happening in our city."